The government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, has assured local governments of availing funds to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects.

In the Minister of Finance’s message (Matia Kasaija), which was delivered by Moses Kabanda, the Commissioner at the Ministry of Finance, he said that the government has provided funds to the local governments to promptly facilitate the completion of ongoing projects.

“For the fiscal year 2024/25, I have authorized a supplementary budget of Ushs 129 billion. This includes Ushs 116 billion for the Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer (UGIFT) and Ushs 13 billion for Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programs,” part of the minister’s message read.

This was during the launch of the three-week countrywide Local Government Budget Consultations on the 2025/2026 national budget, which began on Monday, September 16, 2024, in Lira city with the aim of creating an inclusive national budget.

Read Also: Ministry Of Finance to Launch the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028

Kabanda, in his remarks, called on local government leaders from the districts of Gulu, Amolatar, Kalaki, Kwania, Kaberamaido, Kiryandongo, and Gulu city to align their budgets with government priorities to support a ten-fold economic growth in line with the strategic direction of NDP4.

“You should ensure that your budget framework papers for FY 2025/26 are prepared in line with the grant guidelines and the guidance issued in the 1st Budget Call Circular,” Kabanda said.

Read Also: Local Government should Report Firms that Jeopardize Contracts – MoWE

He also urged them to finalize their respective development plans by March 31, 2025, to guide the budgetary releases in FY 2025/26.

According to the ministry, the primary objectives of the consultative workshops include providing feedback on issues raised during last year’s budget consultations, discussions about the budget strategy for FY 2025/26, and discussions about the strategic direction of the NDP4, the 10-fold growth strategy, and how this will translate into local economic growth.

The meetings will run until October 4, 2024, and will be held in Lira, Gulu, Jinja, Mbale, Masaka, Hoima, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Kabale, and Arua.