KASESE — District officials have announced a 3.1 percent reduction in the proposed budget estimates for the 2027-2028 financial year, citing significant challenges in local revenue collection.
During the budget conference held at Kasese multipurpose Hall, the District economic Planner Paul Muganyizi confirmed that the budget projection has been adjusted downward from 131 billion shillings to 127 billion shillings. The planner attributed this shortfall primarily to the failure of parish chiefs to meet established revenue collection targets.
The issue, according to district leadership, extends beyond administrative failure. The conference heard reports that ongoing corruption scandals within the district have disrupted service delivery, creating a ripple effect that has discouraged local residents from fulfilling their tax obligations.
Kasagara Edward, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Kasese, addressed the assembly with a plan to stabilize the district’s finances. He announced that the administration will aggressively overhaul tax collection methods through the implementation of the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS).
Despite the fiscal tightening, the district leadership emphasized that core public services remain the central focus of the upcoming year. Muhindi Eliphaz, the LC V Chairperson for Kasese, outlined the priority sectors for the 2027-2028 fiscal cycle. He reaffirmed that health, education, and production will remain the primary beneficiaries of the available budget, ensuring that essential services continue to reach the community despite the reduced financial envelope.
District officials concluded the conference by urging citizens to cooperate with the new revenue collection measures, framing the modernization of the tax system as a necessary step toward restoring the delivery of quality public services.
