By Alfred Opio
PALLISA — Pallisa District Council has officially approved a Shs61.1 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, with district leaders hailing the process as a result of strong teamwork and cooperation between the political and technical wings of the local government.
Speaking shortly after the budget approval, District Speaker Joshua Omugite praised district leaders, technical staff, and stakeholders for working together to ensure the successful completion of the budgeting process.
“I am very delighted that the budget we laid before council and scheduled for approval today has successfully passed,” Omugite said. “This has been achieved because of teamwork, especially between the technical personnel and district leadership.”
The Speaker also commended stakeholders for actively participating in the budgeting process, noting that the approved budget will guide service delivery priorities in the district during the next financial year.
“This budget will give us direction on what we are supposed to do in the coming financial year as we continue striving to improve service delivery to the people,” he added.
Initially, Pallisa District had tabled a proposed budget of Shs52.6 billion. However, after scrutiny by council committees and the receipt of new Indicative Planning Figures (IPFs) from the central government, the budget was revised upwards.
The district council eventually approved a final budget totaling Shs61,181,146,504.
According to the approved allocations, the wage component takes the largest share of the budget and will cater for salaries of civil servants, including teachers, health workers, and other government employees.
Non-wage recurrent expenditure was allocated Shs19.8 billion to support daily government operations and public service delivery, while Shs5.3 billion was earmarked for development projects across the district.
Omugite explained that all amendments arising from the updated IPFs had been incorporated into the final approved budget.
He appealed to residents of Pallisa District to support implementation of the budget once the new financial year begins in July 2026.
“I thank the people of Pallisa and request them to embrace implementation of this budget for the benefit of the district,” he said.
The Speaker also appreciated the outgoing district leadership for preparing the financial framework that will be implemented by the incoming administration after the 2026 general elections.
“I thank the outgoing government for preparing this budget for the incoming leadership that will soon assume office. I expect them to embrace it as they begin their leadership journey for 2026–2031,” Omugite noted.
Despite the successful approval, some district councillors reportedly raised concerns during the council session over limited local revenue collection and equitable distribution of resources among sub-counties.
Others questioned whether all planned activities would be fully implemented amid rising operational costs and increasing demands from communities.
However, several councillors welcomed the increased budget, saying it would help improve service delivery in critical sectors such as health, education, roads, agriculture, and community development.
The approved budget now awaits implementation beginning in July, with district leaders expressing optimism that it will address key challenges and improve the livelihoods of residents across Pallisa District.
