By Our Reporter 

Soroti, Uganda – Soroti City Council has approved a UGX 27 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, aimed at improving service delivery across key sectors, including education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

The budget was presented by Hellen Amongin, the Secretary for Finance, Planning, Administration, and Investment, who emphasized the city's commitment to prioritizing essential services. She revealed that education received the largest allocation of UGX 14 billion, underscoring the city's dedication to improving learning conditions.

Key Budget Allocations breakdown 

Education – UGX 14 Billion

Education received the highest allocation to support various infrastructural developments and learning materials. Key projects include:

Rehabilitation of a two-classroom block at Hilders Primary School.

Construction of a five-stance pit latrine at Onyakai Primary School.

Construction of a three-classroom block and a five-stance pit latrine at Soroti Demonstration Primary School.

Supply of desks for Otatai and Moruapesur Primary Schools.

Works Department – UGX 2 Billion

The Works Department received UGX 2 billion, focusing on critical infrastructure projects such as, Maintenance of street lighting, Road opening and maintenance, Completion of the city's drainage system.

Health Sector – UGX 2.9 Billion

To strengthen healthcare services, UGX 2.9 billion was allocated to:

Complete the construction of Moruapesur Health Centre III.

Purchase office furniture for the Health Department.

Revenue Sources and Financial Strategy

The city plans to generate funds from various sources, including:

UGX 3 billion from local revenue.

UGX 24 billion from central government funding.

UGX 14 million from external financing.

Amongin commended the technical officers for their timely preparation of resources, which facilitated the quick approval of the budget.

Council Leaders Express Confidence in Implementation

Speaker Juliet Agonyo expressed optimism about the budget's impact, highlighting a 75% project completion rate from 2023 to 2025 as a testament to the city's commitment to development.

“We have achieved significant progress in implementing our projects, and we are committed to completing the remaining tasks,” Agonyo stated.

Mayor Joshua Edogu praised the speaker for ensuring a smooth council session and urged technical officers to take an active role in mobilizing funds for project implementation.

“Transparency and accountability in the use of public funds are paramount. I call upon all technical officers to fully engage in council business to ensure the successful execution of projects,” Edogu emphasized.

The UGX 27 billion budget represents a UGX 2 billion increase from the previous year’s allocation of UGX 25 billion, reflecting the city’s growing ambitions for enhanced service delivery. With this increased funding, the council is optimistic that Soroti City will witness improved infrastructure, better healthcare services, and a more conducive learning environment for its residents.