Rukungiri Residents, Leaders Call for Increased Funding in Key Sectors Ahead of National Budget Reading

Rukungiri: As the Government of Uganda prepares to officially present the UGX 84.39 trillion national budget for the 2026/2027 financial year on June 11, a section of residents and local leaders in Rukungiri District have called for increased funding towards agriculture, health, education, roads, and electricity.

Speaking to our reporter in an interview on June 9, the LCIII Chairperson of Nyakishenyi Sub-county, Wednesday Twinomujuni, emphasized the importance of investing more resources in road infrastructure. He noted that good roads enable farmers and traders to transport their goods easily, boost agricultural productivity, and improve access to health facilities during emergencies.

CUE IN…WEDNESDAY TWINOMUJUNI RR//

The former aspiring Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, Richard Akanyijuka, expressed concern that the budget may not adequately benefit ordinary Ugandans if the government continues spending heavily on vehicles for Members of Parliament.

Akanyijuka noted that MPs in the 2021–2026 parliamentary term were provided vehicles worth approximately UGX 200 million each, while the government is reportedly planning to purchase new vehicles worth UGX 315 million each for MPs serving in the 2026–2031 term.

He urged the government to prioritize commercial agriculture, improve salaries for arts teachers, invest more in infrastructure development, and expand market access for local producers in order to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods.

CUE IN…RICHARD AKANYIJUKA RR//ENG//