Chegere sub-county risks losing gov’t funding after failing to Pass 2026/2027 budget

27 April 2026, 3:09 pm

HILLARY OPIO OMARA | Apac | April 27, 2026

Chegere Sub-county in Apac district is likely to operate without an approved budget for the 2026/2027 financial year after its council failed to convene and pass it in time.

The stalemate has been linked to a leadership dispute between Sub-county Speaker Nickson Ongom and LC3 Chairperson Innocent Abongo.

Nine councillors say they were not properly briefed on how the sub-county plans to implement the budget.

Speaking to Q FM, Youth Councillor Robert Odongo, who represents Chegere Parish, warned that continued delays could derail critical development projects. “Further delays in approving this budget will stall many projects that should be starting now in Chegere,” Odongo said. He added that the sub-county should have passed and submitted its budget to Apac District long ago.

Billy Amali, who represents persons with disabilities and also chairs the Production and Education Committee, accused Speaker Ongom and Chairperson Abongo of failing to convene council sessions. “Other sub-counties submitted their budgets long ago, but Chegere has not done anything,” Amali noted.

Another Councillor Bitto Okino expressed concern that Chegere could miss out on central government funding for key sectors like education, roads, and Parish Development Model (PDM) money.

Meanwhile Sam Opira who also represents Chegere Sub-county and serves as District Secretary for Production and Education, issued a stern warning. “If Chegere Sub-county does not submit its budget promptly, it will not be among the sub-counties in Apac to receive allocations from the central government,” Opira said.

In response, Chegere Sub-county Finance Secretary Semmy Apio, who also represents Persons with Disabilities, blamed lack of funds for the impasse. She said the sub-county has no money to facilitate council meetings or allowances for councillors.LC3 Chairperson Innocent Abongo confirmed the challenge, stating they can only convene a council session once funds for councillors’ sitting allowances are secured. “We cannot call councillors without paying their allowances,” Abongo said.

Attempts by Q FM to reach Speaker Nickson Ongom for comment were unsuccessful as his known phone contacts were unavailable.