KAPCHORWA, May 26, 2025 –– Kapchorwa District Council has approved a Shs 29 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year [FY], with a strong focus on health, education, administration, and service delivery. The budget received unanimous approval from councillors following extensive deliberations at the district council hall.
Key budget allocations
The budget, presented by Stephen Linga, Secretary for Finance and Planning, outlines critical investments across various sectors, with health receiving the largest share.
Health takes lion’s share
The health sector has been allocated a substantial Shs 10.14 billion, representing over 35 percent of the total budget. Caroline Muduwa, District Councillor and Secretary for Health, stated that these funds are earmarked to strengthen the healthcare system, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Muduwa revealed that the money would be used to upgrade health facilities, recruit medical personnel, and improve access to essential medicines.
“The health of our people is a priority,” she emphasised. “We plan to use this money to construct and renovate health centres, ensure consistent drug supply, and support community health outreach programmes.” Muduwa noted that Kapchorwa has historically struggled with limited healthcare infrastructure and staff shortages.
Education
The education sector received Shs 7.41 billion, making it the second-largest allocation. These funds are designated for classroom construction, teacher recruitment, school inspections, and the procurement of learning materials.
Susan Chemutai, the Secretary for Education, explained that the funds would be directed towards improving learning conditions in government-aided schools, especially those in rural and underserved parts of the district.
“Many schools in Kapchorwa struggle with inadequate infrastructure and staffing,” she said. “This budget is a critical step towards narrowing the education gap and boosting performance.”
Administration
An allocation of Shs 4.4 billion has been made for administrative functions to support various government programmes and related services. These funds will cover salaries, pensions, and gratuities for retired civil servants, coordination of government programmes, and support for sub-county administrative units.
Stephen Musobo, the Kapchorwa District Speaker, stressed the importance of robust administrative foundations for effective programme implementation. “Without functional administration, service delivery collapses,” he stated. “This budget ensures that our technical and political arms remain well-facilitated to serve.”
Agriculture and rural economy
The production and marketing sector, vital for agriculture – the backbone of the local economy – has been allocated Shs 2.14 billion. These funds will facilitate agricultural extension services, the distribution of quality seeds and livestock, and training programmes to modernise farming practices.
Evelyn Chebet Kubarika, the Kapchorwa District LCV Chairperson, expects this funding to enhance food security and improve household incomes. “We are an agricultural district, and our farmers need support to increase yields and adapt to climate change. This funding is timely,” she remarked. Improving agricultural productivity is seen as crucial for poverty reduction in a district where most of the population relies on subsistence farming.
Roads, water, and environment
The roads and technical services sector received Shs 1.32 billion for the maintenance and rehabilitation of rural access roads. Although modest, this allocation is expected to facilitate market access and improve mobility across Kapchorwa’s hilly terrain.
The water department has been allocated Shs 854.1 million to drill boreholes, protect springs, and extend safe water systems to underserved communities.
Additionally, natural resources will receive Shs 857.8 million to support afforestation, wetland conservation, and soil management – crucial in a region prone to landslides and environmental degradation.
Community empowerment
The community-based services sector has been allocated Shs 714 million, targeting interventions in youth empowerment, women’s economic participation, child protection, and support for persons with disabilities. Harriet Chemutai, the District Community Officer, confirmed that these funds would support skills development and social inclusion programmes.
“We aim to amplify the voices of the marginalised,” she noted. “These resources will go directly into community groups, SACCOs, and vulnerable households.”
Governance and oversight
To ensure democratic governance and effective oversight, statutory bodies have been allocated Shs 653.7 million. This includes the district council, district land board, and public service commission, all of which play key roles in policy direction and staff recruitment.
The finance department will receive Shs 353.7 million to support revenue collection, financial planning, and reporting. Meanwhile, the planning department has been allocated Shs 229.7 million to ensure data-driven decision-making and the evaluation of development programmes.
The trade and industry sector has received a smaller yet strategic amount of Shs 87 million, intended to support micro-enterprise development and skills training for business owners.
Strengthening accountability
The internal audit department has been allocated Shs 85 million for compliance checks, routine audits, and risk assessment. Charles Komakech Oluba, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kapchorwa, stressed the importance of accountability in public service.
“We must account for everything; the audit unit will ensure all departments stay compliant with public financial regulations,” he affirmed.
Sector heads have been tasked with developing quarterly work plans and adhering to procurement laws to ensure timely service delivery.
Speaker Musobo concluded the session with a call for unity and vigilance. “Passing a budget is only the beginning; we must now monitor and ensure that the funds allocated translate into real service for our people.”
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