VANESSA A
The Rukungiri District Council has approved a budget of over UGX 69 billion for the Financial Year 2026/2027 during its final sitting, marking the close of its five-year term of office.
The approved budget totals UGX 69,108,876,000 and allocates funds across key departments as follows: Finance received UGX 410,898,000; Administration UGX 12,720,578,000; Statutory UGX 938,703,000; Production UGX 4,411,117,000; Health UGX 9,931,993,000; Education UGX 36,103,942,000; Roads and Engineering UGX 1,871,049,000; Water UGX 1,076,679,000; Natural Resources UGX 682,205,000; Community UGX 322,156,000; Planning UGX 411,363,000; Internal Audit UGX 87,403,000; and Trade, Industry and Local Government UGX 140,789,000.
While addressing the council, the outgoing LC5 Chairperson, Geoffrey Kyomukama, expressed gratitude to councilors for their dedicated service since 20 May 2021. He thanked God for the strength to lead, and appreciated the Office of the RDC, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), technical staff, and development partners for their continued support and responsible use of resources.
Kyomukama noted significant progress in service delivery across sectors such as health, education, and production. He highlighted key achievements including the construction of seed schools, renovation and improvement of school infrastructure, and road works across the district, despite challenges such as limited road equipment, including having only one tractor. He also commended the government for sustained funding that has supported development initiatives in the district.
The District Speaker, James Turyamuboona, applauded councilors for their commitment to serving the people throughout the term. However, he raised concern over the rising HIV prevalence in the district, which stands at 9 percent compared to the national average of 6 percent. He relayed a message from The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), urging leaders to intensify community sensitization, particularly in churches, schools, and among the youth, who are increasingly at risk.
Also present was the Mayor of Rukungiri Municipality, His Worship Charles Makuru, one of the longest-serving mayors in the country. He said he attended the session to honor the strong working relationship between the municipality and the district. Makuru expressed satisfaction at retiring honorably, leaving behind a legacy of service, and commended the district for passing the budget. He emphasized the need for continued cooperation between the municipality and the district to further drive development.
The council sitting not only marked the approval of a significant budget but also served as a farewell to outgoing leaders, highlighting achievements and setting a tone for continued teamwork and improved service delivery in the district.
