District leaders call for increased funding for local service delivery

5 November 2026, 4:02 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

District leaders and technical officers in Pader have called for increased funding for local service delivery, saying current allocations are insufficient to meet growing demands in health, education, roads and community development.

Pader District’s 2026/27 budget conference was held at Kworo Guest House in Pader Town Council.

District Chairperson Alfred Akena urged planners to ensure that budget priorities respond to the needs of residents and improve access to essential services.

Chief Administrative Officer Peter Gidongo Wasagami presented a proposed budget of UGX 45.865 billion for the coming financial year. The district is also seeking to strengthen local revenue mobilisation and align spending with national development priorities.

District Health Officer Dr Benson Oyo called for more resources to recruit health workers and improve health infrastructure. He said the district’s staffing level stands at about 28 per cent and identified shortages of midwives, beds, staff accommodation and maternity services among the major challenges.

Oyo said Pajule Health Centre IV requires a maternity block and general ward, while several other facilities need renovations and basic infrastructure.

District Education Officer Francis Olwoch said schools continue to face shortages of classrooms, teachers’ accommodation and sanitation facilities. He said the district must prioritise the most urgent needs because available resources cannot address every request at once.

District Engineer Benedict Lubang said road works also require additional funding. He said the estimated cost of works on the Badelatanya–Dore and Pade–Lokole roads exceeds the available allocation, forcing the district to prioritise one project.

District Community Development Officer Festo Okidi called for stronger support for community development activities, including child protection, youth programmes and grassroots mobilisation. He said inadequate operational funding limits the ability of community development officers to carry out their work.

The conference also heard calls for improved water access, support for agricultural production and better market infrastructure.

The proposed budget will guide the district’s planning and allocation of resources for the 2026/27 financial year.