By Sabir Musa

Arua City

Councilors in Arua City on Wednesday approved a supplementary budget of 313,657,000 shillings financed by Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development Additional Funding (USMID-AF) project.

This budget aimed at institutional strengthening will be used in eight areas including physical planning, urban system development, career development, systems for enhancing own revenue source and participation in Central Government trainings.

Leader of Government Business in the council, Millicent Inzikuru described the supplementary budget as a provision that will help to close financial gaps in implementing some of its plans. “The items (planned for this fund) will benefit our staff in the council, our people who elected us and us as a city, we do not want to fail in performance” she explained after the motion moved to present this supplementary budget generated debate in the council sitting.

This resulted from breach of procedure as it the item was presented without appearing on the order paper which was approved by members. But this was later resolved after the concern was noted and Speaker okayed the presentation.

Arua City Female Youth Councilor, Doreen Onyiru called upon technical team to implement the planned activities as required. “If this plan is not properly implemented, that is when we can raise concern” she recommended after approving plans listed to be financed by the fund.

However, the City Speaker, Teddy Yako informed council on advantages of receiving this fund from USMID which she says needs to be used as it helps to address financial gaps. “We approved Arua City master plan and recruited very many staff, they are lacking very many equipment including computers. This money is given to us as gift” the Speaker stated, asking council members to approve the supplementary budget which she says will help in procurement of such equipment.

Some of the activities planned for implementation include renovation of Arua youth stop Centre, procurement of office equipment and trainings among others.

COVER PHOTO: Arua City Council members praying during the 14th council sitting By Sabir Musa