Zombo District Council Tables 34.6 Billion UGX Draft Budget for 2025/26 Fiscal Year

Zombo District Council has unveiled a draft budget of 34.6 billion UGX for the 2025/26 fiscal year, emphasizing sustainable development, economic resilience, and inclusive growth. The proposed financial plan aligns with Uganda's broader vision of economic transformation, focusing on commercial agriculture, industrialization, digital transformation, and market access.Presenting the budget at the District Council Hall, Mustafa Ongom, the Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to achieve the district's development objectives. "This budget is a blueprint for economic empowerment and structural transformation, requiring collective effort to unlock its full potential," Ongom stated.The budget allocation is strategically divided across key sectors to ensure maximum impact on the district's economic output:

• Education: 15 billion UGX (43%) to enhance human capital development, crucial for long-term economic productivity and innovation.
• Health: 7.2 billion UGX (21%) aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes, boosting labor force participation, and reducing productivity losses due to illness.
• Administration: 5 billion UGX (14.5%) to strengthen governance and institutional efficiency, creating a favorable environment for economic activities.
• Production and Marketing: 2.6 billion UGX (8%) to support agricultural productivity and market linkages, vital for driving rural incomes and agro-based growth.

These allocations are in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which prioritizes sectors that promote economic diversification, job creation, and poverty reduction.The budget's focus on education and health is expected to foster long-term social and economic benefits by improving workforce skills and resilience. Investments in production and marketing are set to stimulate value addition and trade, further boosting the district's GDP contribution.

Economic Benefits and Growth Strategies

The 2025/26 budget is designed to bring tangible economic benefits to the district:

• Increased Employment: Investments in education, health, and production will create direct and indirect job opportunities, reducing unemployment and underemployment.
• Boost to the Local Economy: Enhanced agricultural productivity and market access will raise household incomes and stimulate local business growth.
• Improved Infrastructure and Services: Funding for administration and digital transformation will streamline service delivery, attract investment, and lower transaction costs for businesses.
• Long-Term Growth: By supporting agro-industrialization and innovation, the budget sets the stage for sustained economic expansion, in line with Uganda's goal to grow the economy tenfold by 2040.

Secretary Ongom called for timely budget discussions to ensure swift implementation of these growth-oriented initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to unlock the full potential of the proposed budget.

Leadership Perspectives

Local leaders emphasized the importance of effective governance in achieving the district's economic objectives. LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu stressed the need for rigorous oversight and monitoring to optimize resource use. "Effective governance is the backbone of economic progress," he stated.Zombo's Resident District Commissioner, Festus Ayikobua, also called for enhanced coordination and supervision of public sector initiatives, while Deputy Council Speaker Jacinta Acen highlighted the need for transparent communication to align budget execution with community needs and economic priorities.

Comparison with Previous Fiscal Year

In comparison to the previous fiscal year, which had a revised budget of 38.7 billion UGX after supplementary allocations, the 2025/26 draft budget reflects a recalibration to prioritize high-impact sectors while maintaining fiscal sustainability.District Councillor for Athuma Sub-County, Francis Bolingo, expressed optimism about the draft budget, particularly the allocations for education and health. "These investments are pivotal for community welfare and economic stability," he noted.

Looking Ahead

The government is set to implement accelerator actions starting in the 2025/26 fiscal year to boost economic growth. These actions include agro-industrialization, tourism development, mineral-based industries, and advancements in science, technology, innovation, ICT, and the creative arts. Zombo’s budget is positioned to leverage these national priorities, contributing to both local and regional economic growth.This budget, a critical tool for achieving sustainable economic progress, lays the foundation for a more prosperous Zombo, poised to play a significant role in Uganda's broader economic transformation.Story by Mike Rwothomio