Ntungamo District is racing against time to complete critical development projects, including the renovation of Itojo General Hospital, upgrades to several schools, and the construction of three major roads as the financial year draws to a close.
District officials say about 85 percent of planned work has been completed, although challenges such as failure by some collectors to remit revenue through the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) and faulty equipment have slowed progress.
With only months left, focus has shifted to finalising priority road projects, including Rwembirizi-Nyakyera, Kyamajumba-Nyakibigi-Nyakigongo, and Kiziba-Kayanga-Bwoho-Kirungu. These are expected to be completed before the end of the financial year.
In the health sector, the district is pushing to complete renovations at Itojo General Hospital and finalize construction of the maternity ward at Rubaare Health Centre IV.
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Officials say these efforts build on gains from a five-year development plan that has seen 26 Health Centre IIIs established out of a planned 30, improving access to healthcare services.
"Before we complete our term of office and also this financial year, we are looking at finishing up the renovation of Itojo hospital. It has been in phases and recently we commissioned the private ward and children ward. We are working hard so that we can finish this financial year," said Asuman Kigongo, the Ntungamo Deputy District Chairperson.
Local leaders remain cautiously optimistic about meeting targets.
"We shall accomplish what we thought we would have done. I can't guarantee that we shall execute 100 percent with our budget, but the little we have done we are proud of that," said Dennis Savimbi, councillor for Itojo Sub-county.
Despite the progress in sectors such as education, health, and works, the district council reports gaps in local revenue collection.
Officials say inefficiencies in the electronic revenue system have led to losses, with some collectors failing to remit funds.
The district is also facing delays in accessing a supplementary budget of about Shs8 billion, raising fears that the funds could be returned to the Treasury.
"We have observed that there are monies that are going back by all means. We passed a supplementary budget four months ago. Those monies are totalling about Shs8 billion. Since then up to today there is no reply from the Ministry of Finance," said Naboth Mpirirwe, a district councillor.
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Authorities further cite unpaid revenues from contractors and market operators, some affected by disruptions such as foot-and-mouth disease.
However, Chief Administrative Officer Fildeus Kizza said most activities were implemented on time after early contract awards.
"We have tried to start our activities on time. We awarded contracts early enough. The implementation has been done on time," he said.
With only one council sitting remaining, Ntungamo District is preparing to approve its 2026/2027 budget of more than Shs76.1 billion, slightly higher than the current allocation, as leaders push to finalise ongoing works and clear outstanding payments before leaving office.
