WESTNILE URBAN COUNCILS STRUGGLE WITH REVENUE MOBILIZATION AND COLLECTION

Town clerk of Arua Central Division addressing speakers during westnile urban speakers AGM in Arua city. Photo by Albert Onzoma

By Albert Onzoma

Arua City

Discussions of Revenue mobilization challenges dominated the Westnile urban council speaker’s association annual general meeting.

During the meeting held in Arua city, speakers from Westnile region outlined some challenges that are hindering effective revenue mobilization in their areas leading to limited funds.

Rashid Kawawa the Chairman of west Nile urban council speakers association says that poor revenue collection has hindered the smooth flow of association activities.

“Revenue collection is hindering the activities of urban councils and Sub County’s and most of them have not yet subscribed because they are supposed to pay subscription fees and some money for breakfast and lunch and others, since most of them luck funds, resources and support, most of them are not here which is hindering the work of speakers”.   
  
Zubeda Bahati the deputy speaker of Nebbi municipality says she was not aware of her role in revenue mobilization. “I was not an active councilor in revenue mobilization, I even forgot that my major funding was revenue next time I am sure we shall improve”.

Malik Drakuma the Town clerk of Arua central division shares some of the key strategies other councils can copy from Arua central division to improve their revenue collection. “If any accounting officer would want to succeed in revenue mobilization collection,  should always ensure that the speakers, mayors, local councils 3’s and every other elected leader including local council 1 chairman’s to be brought on board that’s what we are doing as Arua central division”.

Judith Fuacan the clerk to council Paidha town council states that their revenue mobilization is going to improve. “Based on the discussions we made during this meeting, we shall do amendments where necessary in revenue mobilization to improve local revenue in our council”.

Under the Local Government Act, Council speakers are mandated to play a crucial role in revenue mobilization within local governments with key responsibilities of leadership and oversight, community engagement monitoring and evaluation and among others.
 
 

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