In a tightly watched session on Thursday at Rukungiri Municipal Council Hall, councilors approved a UGX 14,469,440,000 draft budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, directing funds toward road infrastructure, the Parish Development Model (PDM) implementation, and upgrades to health facilities and schools.
The decision comes amid a push for greater transparency and value-for-money in a year that district leaders say faced revenue constraints.
Besigye Fred, Secretary for Finance, Planning and Development (SFPD), told attendees that the priorities focus on practical improvements to everyday services. He emphasized that last year’s underspending, attributed in part to delays in tax receipts, underscored the need for tighter cashflow management and accountability.
Cue in…….Fred on budget
The total figure allocates substantial resources for road rehabilitation and construction, with several feeder roads identified for ongoing work, including the Rukungiri Inn Road (via Radio Rukungiri), Rwanyakashesha Road, Kyatoko, Kabwire-Kafunda, Ndimbirwe-Kiyaga, Rugarama-Rwabuteneka, Marumba-Nyakibare, and Kanyinya-Omubahesi. Culverts are also on the agenda along Nyamizi-Kyatoko, Katwekamwe-Kicence, Kakonkoma, and Kakonkoma-Makobore corridors.
Mayor Charles Makuru, delivering the council’s warning, urged department and sector heads to tighten monitoring before approving any disbursements. He cited recent monetisation (progress payments) of ongoing construction and renovations as a trigger for heightened scrutiny, saying some projects appeared to have been paid for but not delivered to standard. The mayor’s remarks reflect a broader push for accountability, with the administration signaling zero tolerance for substandard work and mismanagement of public funds.
Cue in…….Makuru urging
Emmy Turyabagyenyi, Chairperson of the Works and Natural Resources Committee, and Makka Sulait Turyamureeba, Chair of the Finance, Planning and Administration Committee, presented a report urging continued monitoring of education infrastructure and government support for Rukungiri Town Council Primary School. They also endorsed fencing and utilities upgrades at Rwakabengo Health Center III, and called for the council to maintain strict adherence to approved plans across all projects.
The council applauded the Education Department for achieving second nationally in primary leaving examinations and discussed plans for an official appreciation event to recognize educators and stakeholders to motivate them for the first position this year.
The Principal Medical Officer Rukungiri municipality Dr Davis Ahabwe expressed gratitude to the Rukungiri Municipal Council for health-sector improvements while advocating additional focus on Moturey’s facilities at Rwakabengo Health Center III in this financial year.
Cue in……..Dr Davis talking
As the 2026/27 budget takes effect, officials pledged continued emphasis on quality, transparency, and targeted development to uplift Rukungiri’s roads, schools, and health services.
According to money allocations, Finance planning and audit department took 274,754,550, Admnistration 3,817,856,550, Statutory Bodies 226,035,600, Production and Marketing 588,225,750, Health, Community Based Services, Education and Sports 8,100,941,300, Roads Engineering 1,304,100,000, Natural Resources 108,778,950, Natural Resources 108,778,950, Private Sector Development [ Trade, Indusry and Local Development] 38,087,300, Tourism Development [Trade, Industry and Local Development] 10,660,000.
In comparison to budget allocations to departments/ sectors, education sector took lions share with 5,552,255,150 making 38.4% of 100% approved draft budget mounting 14,469,440,000
