Lira City East Council Unveils Shadow Budget for 2025/2026

Lira City, Uganda – In a significant move aimed at financial planning and transparency, the Lira City East Council has officially passed a shadow budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026, amounting to an impressive 3,749,482,027 Ugandan shillings. This figure marks a notable increase from the previous year's budget of 3,526,917,250 shillings.

During a session held on Tues 25th March 2025 at the Lira City East Council Hall, Secretary for Finance and Works, Charles Opio Olol, presented the shadow budget. His address detailed the allocations across various sectors, reflecting the council's priorities for the upcoming financial year. The budget breakdown is as follows:

Administration: 461,751,405 UGX

Finance: 257,686,578 UGX

Planning: 71,275,423 UGX

Council Operations: 379,940,985 UGX

Productions: 88,756,305 UGX

Health: 251,578,743 UGX

Trade and Industry: 31,421,764 UGX

Education: 130,778,174 UGX

Works: 260,797,532 UGX

Natural Resources: 31,631,598 UGX

Gender and Community-Based Services: 97,397,613 UGX

Physical Planning and Housing Unit: 61,465,907 UGX

The total shadow budget for 2025-2026 stands at a remarkable 3.74 billion shillings, a clear indication of the council's ambition to enhance public services and infrastructure in Lira City East.

Mayor George Okello Ayo emphasized the importance of thorough scrutiny of the shadow budget by councilors and committee members. He urged them to familiarize themselves with the proposed figures, stating, "As we approach the council meeting in May 2025, it is crucial that every member understands the budget in detail. This will empower us to make informed decisions regarding additions or reductions."

The session was also addressed by Deputy Speaker Moses Hassan Okeng, who reiterated the need for transparency and accountability in the budgetary process. "This shadow budget is a crucial step in our governance. It is our responsibility to ensure that it serves the best interests of our people in the community," Okeng remarked.

As the Lira City East Council prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, the focus remains on enhancing community services and fostering sustainable development. The shadow budget serves as a foundational document that will guide the council's financial decisions and priorities in the years to come.