Education tops priorities as Amolatar approves 30.6 billion budget for 2025/2026 fiscal year

27 May 2025, 8:44 am

By Sarah Ejang

On May 26, 2025, the Amolatar district council approved a comprehensive budget of 30,622,106,000 for the fiscal year 2025/2026, signaling a robust commitment to enhancing local education and infrastructure. Of this budget, the largest portion of 12,572,468,000 has been allocated to the education sector, underscoring its critical importance in fostering community development and preparing future generations.

During the budget address delivered by Hon. Onyang Sam Peter, Secretary of Finance Planning and Administration, it was highlighted that the district anticipates receiving significant financial support from the central government, amounting to 28,253,310,000, alongside an additional 610,000,000 from local revenue. This funding structure aims to bolster educational facilities and resources across various schools within the district.

Specific projects funded by this substantial allocation include:

• Otangocinge Primary School: Construction of seven classroom blocks and two units of VIP latrines at a cost of 514,616,924.
• Olyaka Primary School: Renovation of four classroom blocks at an expense of 70,118,095.
• Awelo Primary School: Similar renovations for four classroom blocks at another cost of 70,118,095.
• Aguludia Primary School: Construction of one classroom at 60,000,000.
• Awikori and Akol Primary Schools: Construction of five stances lined VIP latrines totaling 78,000,000.

Following the education sector, the health department will receive a budget of 6,536,017,000. This allocation is earmarked for essential medical equipment and the ongoing construction project at Abeja HC111, which will enhance healthcare delivery in the region. Specific initiatives include the purchase of medical equipment for Nalubwoyo HC111 at 32,000,000 and the phase two construction costs for Abeja HC111 at 100,117,603.

Other sectors are also receiving considerable support:

• The administration department is allocated 5,213,660,000 for the phase five construction of the administration block at 400,000,000.
• The production and marketing sector has been assigned 2,088,579,000 to promote sustainable micro-scale irrigation initiatives under UGIFT throughout the sub-counties.
• Enhancements to district roads are facilitated through a 1,903,500,000 allocation for the works and technical services department, primarily funded via the road maintenance grant and the Uganda Road Fund.
• The financial department receives 308,068,000, while council and statutory bodies are granted 737,392,000.

A noteworthy discussion during the budget approval session led to an increase in the sitting allowance for councilors, rising from 318,000 to 400,000 per person.

Hon. Kizito Okwir, the councilor representing Aputi, expressed his gratitude to fellow councilors for endorsing the budget, specifically pointing out that Aputi would benefit significantly from the new allocation of 76 million dedicated to improving the road linking Ot Opene, Camotai, Menyi, to Ayimo.

Overall, the approved budget reflects Amolatar district’s proactive approach towards enhancing education, health services, infrastructure, and economic development, promising tangible benefits for the community as it moves forward into the new fiscal year.