Gulu City Approves Shs40.7 Billion Budget for 2026/27 Financial Year

Gulu City Council has set aside over Shs40.76 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to drive development and fulfill its duties. This marks an increase of about Shs4.1 billion from the previous year’s Shs39.162 billion approval.

Education tops the list with Shs16.852 billion, while administration gets Shs10.7 billion, or nearly 22 percent of the total. Other key sectors include health (Shs3.1 billion), production and marketing (Shs2.7 billion), roads and engineering (Shs2.3 billion), natural resources (Shs1.4 billion), and finance (Shs1.1 billion).

Smaller allocations go to statutory bodies (Shs908 million), community-based services (Shs594 million), planning and projects (Shs432 million), trade and industry (Shs229 million), and internal audit (Shs191 million).

The budget focuses on enhancing service delivery, including better roads, clean water, healthcare, and environmental protection, aligning with the theme of full monetization of Uganda’s economy through commercial agriculture, industrialization, services expansion, digital transformation, and market access.

Central government will cover 75 percent, with local revenue and donations making up the rest. Local revenue has fallen sharply, from Shs2.2 billion in 2024/25 to Shs886 million so far in 2025/26, due to leakages and agents pocketing taxes without receipts.

Outgoing officials like Speaker Joyce Alima and Mayor Alfred Okwonga highlighted revenue challenges and urged better collection efforts. The new council, following recent elections that ousted nearly half the executive including the mayor, will implement the plan.

Finance Secretary Caroline Rose Adong emphasized alignment with National Development Plan IV and broad consultations at all levels. The city also aims to promote the Parish Development Model for wealth creation and services.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)