Nebbi Municipality Focuses on Commercial Agriculture as Budget Drops to Shs2.7 Billion

Nebbi Municipality has officially commenced planning for the 2027/28 financial year, setting its sights on commercial agriculture, industrialisation, and enhanced revenue mobilisation. This strategic direction comes even as the municipality faces a projected budget reduction from Shs3.1 billion to Shs2.7 billion, largely driven by adjustments in gratuity allocations and minor cuts across other funding sources.

The development priorities were outlined during a budget conference held at the Nebbi Catholic Parish Hall. Bringing together political leaders, technocrats, and community representatives, the meeting aligned with the national theme focused on full economic monetisation, market access, and digital transformation in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040.

Nebbi Town Clerk Samson Natsambwa urged residents and stakeholders to place economic monetisation at the heart of all planning initiatives. He stressed that households must actively engage in income-generating activities and focus on producing marketable goods to achieve sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, Nebbi Municipality Mayor Jackline Opar emphasized the importance of the conference as a vital platform for grassroots voices. Acknowledging the constraints posed by limited financial resources and narrow revenue streams, Opar reaffirmed the council’s commitment to delivering practical development solutions for local residents under her administration’s first full budget cycle.

Despite the forward-looking economic agenda, local stakeholders voiced pressing concerns regarding basic service delivery. Residents highlighted deteriorating road networks, limited household electricity access, and acute healthcare gaps, pointing out that none of the municipality’s three divisions currently host a functional Health Centre III.

Sanitation at the local night market drew particularly sharp criticism from community members like Paul Odongcen, who threatened legal action over the persistent absence of public toilets and reliable clean water. He warned that the current conditions force vendors to use nearby corridors as makeshift facilities, creating severe public health risks that require immediate intervention.

Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak urged the public to carefully examine proposed work plans and red-flag any inadequacies before final approval. As the municipality navigates its reduced financial ceiling, leaders emphasized that improved local revenue collection and strict accountability will remain critical to sustaining essential public services.

Read more about the budget conference on Nile Post.