Eastern Division Approves UGX 430M Budget for 2026/27 as Leaders Call for Accountability.

Rukungiri: The Eastern Division of Rukungiri Municipality has approved a budget estimate of UGX 430,055,299 for the 2026/2027 financial year, marking an increase from UGX 369,844,196 in the 2025/2026 financial year.

The budget, presented by the Secretary for Finance, Sylivia Kyarisima, who also serves as the councillor for Rwendoto Ward, was approved on April 24, during the final council meeting of the 2021–2026 term. The session was held at Merphie Hotel in Eastern Division and chaired by the Division Speaker, James Twinamasiko.

In the previous financial year, the division operated on a budget of UGX 369,844,196, with UGX 287,823,871 generated from local revenue and UGX 82,020,325 received from central government transfers, representing 77.8 percent and 22.2 percent respectively.

For the 2026/2027 financial year, the division expects to raise UGX 321,497,235 from local revenue and UGX 108,558,064 from central government transfers. The proposed budget will prioritize a range of development and administrative activities aimed at improving service delivery and community welfare.

Key focus areas include the completion of fencing at Rukungiri Town Council Primary School, construction of a pit latrine at Kashozo Primary School, and maintenance of existing projects alongside completion of ongoing works. The division also plans to promote hygiene and sanitation through town cleaning, garbage collection, and disposal, as well as rehabilitate water springs across all wards.

Other priorities include strengthening monitoring and supervision of government projects, settling outstanding obligations, procuring Primary Leaving Examination papers for all primary schools, and enhancing office functionality through the purchase of furniture, computers, and other equipment. The division also intends to carry out community sensitization on taxation, the Parish Development Model, environmental conservation, and cross-cutting issues such as HIV, gender, and support for vulnerable groups.

Speaking during the meeting, the outgoing Rukungiri Municipality Mayor, Charles Makuru, cautioned division leaders against paying contractors before verifying completion of work, warning that such practices could lead to substandard or ghost projects. He commended both political and technical leaders in Eastern Division for their cooperation and unity, which he said contributed to the area’s development during the current term.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Town Clerk of Rukungiri Municipality Justus Ampeire urged councillors to remain committed to monitoring and supervising government projects to ensure proper implementation and value for money.

The function concluded with the awarding of gifts and certificates to division executives, technical staff, and the best worker of the year in Eastern Division for the 2025/2026 financial year.