Ntungamo District Secures Shs7.96 Billion Boost for Roads and Salaries

Ntungamo District is set to enhance its service delivery following the approval of an additional Shs7.96 billion, augmenting its initial budget of Shs76 billion. This supplementary funding, based on revised figures from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, will be allocated to critical areas including road maintenance and salary improvements.

Approximately Shs1 billion of the new funds will be dedicated to maintaining the district’s extensive road network, which spans 2,063 kilometers. Historically, Ntungamo has only been able to maintain around 160 kilometers annually due to insufficient funds. This increased allocation is expected to significantly expand the mileage of roads that can be maintained each financial year, addressing the long-standing issue of inaccessible or poorly maintained routes.

The boost will also facilitate salary enhancements for senior civil servants, teachers, and other district staff. District Chief Administrative Officer Fidelis Kizza noted that this is an unusual but welcome increase in Indicative Planning Figures (IPFs), as the district often faces budget cuts.

Additionally, the funding aims to tackle “orphan roads” – those developed under government projects but left without clear maintenance responsibility. While welcoming the supplementary funds, District Chairman Samuel Mucunguzi emphasized that a much larger budget is still required, stating a goal of a Shs150 billion district budget to fully meet service delivery needs.

The district council also saw new leadership elected for its Finance and Works Committees. The source for this information is the Daily Monitor.