Gideon Tumwijukye | Tayari News
RUKIGA- Rukiga District Council has approved budget estimates totaling 32.519 billion shillings for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The approval was made during a district council sitting held today at the Rukiga District Council Hall. The budget estimates were tabled by the Rukiga District Vice Chairperson, who also serves as Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Jackline Nkamushaba. The motion was seconded by Godfrey Mukuru, a councilor representing Muhanga Town Council.
While presenting the budget, Nkamushaba revealed that the district expects to collect 38.6 million shillings from local revenue sources. She explained that the district will largely depend on central government funding, with discretionary government transfers projected at 3.66 billion shillings.
“We still face challenges in local revenue collection, but we are optimistic that improved mobilization and accountability will help the district realize its development priorities,” Nkamushaba said.
She further noted that conditional government transfers will form the biggest source of revenue for the district, amounting to 27.76 billion shillings. Other government transfers are expected to contribute 260 million shillings, while external financing from development partners is projected at 448 million shillings.
According to the approved estimates, the education sector received the largest share of the district budget. Education will take 16.35 billion shillings, representing 50.3 percent of the total budget. District leaders say the allocation is intended to improve service delivery in schools, support teachers, and enhance learning conditions across the district.
“Our focus is to ensure that schools receive the support they need so that learners can study in a better environment and teachers can effectively perform their duties,” Nkamushaba added.
The administration department received the second-largest allocation of 5.53 billion shillings, representing 17 percent of the total budget. Funds under this sector are expected to facilitate the running of district administrative activities and coordination of government programs.
Other sectors including health, roads, production, and community-based services also received allocations aimed at improving livelihoods and extending services closer to the people.
Meanwhile, the internal audit department received the least funding, with an allocation of 89.7 million shillings, representing just 0.3 percent of the total district budget.