Speak FM
Speak FM
26 March 2026, 12:18 pm

By Gift Okello
Pece Laroo City Division councilors in Gulu city have approved a balanced budget of 4.77 billion shillings for the 2026/2027 financial year, in line with the Local Government Act and the Public Finance Management Act.
Secretary for Finance, Planning, Administration, and Investment, Geoffery Otim presented the budget at Council Hall on Wednesday evening, confirming that projected revenues and expenditures are fully balanced.

Town Clerk Pepo Francis noted a slight dip from last year’s 4.8 billion shillings, citing revenue collection hurdles during the current political season.
He added that the division has collected 2.1 billion shillings—54% of its target—leaving a 1.7 billion shortfall. To bridge this gap, authorities and councilors have launched a community engagement strategy aiming for 97% revenue performance within three months.

The Finance and Treasury Unit dominates the budget with over 2.54 billion shillings. Other major allocations include Administration (485 million) and Statutory Bodies (423 million), while Agriculture and Production receives the smallest share at just 4.6 million shillings.
Despite the approval, some councilors doubt the division’s ability to meet its revenue targets. Councilor George Obalim warned that evicting roadside vendors—a key source of local revenue—could create a significant funding gap.
Sarah Akullu Women Councilor V Tegwana also expressed concern that the evictions could further weaken the revenue base.

The council, however, expressed confidence that with improved enforcement and community engagement, the division will meet its financial targets for the coming year.