By Ronald Mugabi
Local government leaders in Tororo District have raised concerns over delays in the release of government funds, saying the lengthy procedures are affecting service delivery and the implementation of planned projects.
The concerns were raised during the district’s budget conference for the 2027/2028 financial year, held at the district headquarters.
Tororo District Chairperson John Okeya criticised the centralised funding system, saying delays in releasing money from the Consolidated Fund have made it difficult for local governments to implement their budgets on time.
Okeya said the district also faces challenges in resource allocation, arguing that Tororo continues to receive funding under the same arrangements as smaller districts despite its size and growing administrative demands.
“The biggest challenge we face as a district is that we are put in the same category as small districts, yet we are now on the brink of being divided into four administrative units. That undercuts the funds we should receive as a bigger administrative unit,” Okeya said.
He called for a review of the funding arrangements to ensure that allocations reflect the needs of individual districts.
Felix Etudi, the Principal Township Officer of Osukuru, also expressed concern over delays in releasing funds, saying they affect the implementation of planned activities.
“It is my request for government to allow the money to come in time for implementation of service delivery,” Etudi said.
The leaders argued that local governments need timely access to funds to meet their obligations, particularly in health, education and infrastructure development.
During the conference, district officials outlined their priorities for the 2027/2028 financial year, with emphasis on commercial agriculture, improved health and education services, and infrastructure development.
They called on the central government to address delays in funding to enable districts to implement their development plans within the financial year.
