By Eumu Emmanuel
Kaberamaido District Council has approved a budget of Shs.28.6 billion for the financial year 2024/2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s Shs.23 billion. The approval process, however, was marred by chaos and allegations of misappropriation by technical officers, who were accused of not funding district councilors during monitoring activities.
Led by Ochero Sub County’s Mr. David Ababa, a section of councilors opposed the budget ratification, accusing technical officers of conflicts of interest. They alleged that the technical staff approved funds without including district councilors in the budget for the implementation and monitoring of government programs.
The budget was presented by District Chairperson Mr. Victor Rex Ekesu, in the absence of the Minister of Finance Planning and Administration, Mr. Malvin Luben Eputu. Key allocations include Shs.428.6 million for Administration, Shs.142.6 million for Finance Planning and Administration, Shs.27.2 million for Planning, Shs.264.3 million for Works, Road, and Engineering, and Shs.89.4 million for Works Water. Other significant allocations include Shs.212.6 million for Natural Resources, Shs.115.8 million for Community Based Services, Shs.60.4 million for Education Administration, Shs.310.6 million for Health Administration, and Shs.213.9 million for Statutory Boards.
The budget adjustments include Shs.45.3 million from EU DDEG and Shs.117.8 million in Ex Gratia, increasing the total budget from Shs.28.47 billion to Shs.28.64 billion. Despite the controversy, the approved budget aims to enhance various sectors within Kaberamaido District.
