By Brian Atuhura
Masindi District council has tabled a proposed budget of UGX 34.42 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year, marking a notable reduction from the current budget of shs 36.03 billion.

The draft budget, which is yet to be approved, reflects a decline in the district's resource envelope.This reduction has largely been attributed to poor performance in the national assessment conducted by the Office of the Prime Minister.

Presenting the estimates during a council meeting held on 17th March,the Secretary for Finance, Pamela Nyakato outlined the key allocations which included: District Unconditional Grant (Wage)has been allocated shs 2.6 billion,while Program Conditional Grant (Wage)takes the largest share of UGX 17.5 billion.District Unconditional Grant (Non-Wage)stands at UGX 782.1 million and Urban Unconditional Grant is allocated UGX 109.9 million.

Other allocations include:UGX 6.4 billion for Program Conditional Grant (Non-Wage),UGX 1.6 billion from locally raised revenue and UGX 88 million for locally raised revenue development.Government transfers are projected at UGX 1.2 billion,while Program Conditional Grant Development has been allocated UGX 2.3 billion.

The District Discretionary Equalization Grant is set at UGX 611 million, with Urban Discretionary Equalization Grant at UGX 131.5 million.Transitional Conditional Grant Development will receive UGX 14.8 million,while UGX 805.9 million is expected from external financing.

Nyakato highlighted key priorities for the coming financial year, including boosting household incomes through the Parish Development Model and investing in infrastructure such as roads, health facilities, schools, administrative offices and water services.

She also emphasized increasing agricultural production and productivity through improved technologies and extension services.
Other priorities include enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in government operations, tackling corruption and resource wastage, improving public service delivery and strengthening community participation in government programs.

Additionally,the district plans to promote sustainable use of natural resources and ensure value for money and accountability through participatory planning and implementation of government programs.