KAMPALA, UGANDA | Leaders in the Teso sub-region are expressing strong concerns over recent budget cuts to the Ministry of Teso Affairs, which have reduced its funding from Sh4.3 billion to Sh3 billion. State Minister for Teso Affairs, Kenneth Obote Ongalo, reported these cuts, highlighting their potential impact on essential services in the region.
The primary goal of the Ministry of Teso Affairs is to initiate and implement special programs and projects aimed at improving conditions in the Teso region. Recent efforts have focused on enhancing health service delivery through the provision of ambulances and improving health infrastructure. Additionally, the ministry has been active in environmental restoration initiatives aimed at combating climate change.
Stephen Ochola, the Serere LCV Chairman, criticized the continued budget reductions, calling them an affront to the people of Teso. “I won’t be surprised if the budget is cut again,” he said. Ochola recalled his previous role as shadow minister for Teso Affairs, where he advocated for a budget of Sh10 billion, which was increased from an initial allocation of only Sh500 million after presenting a compelling case.
Ochola emphasized that the Ministry of Teso Affairs was established as part of affirmative action and should be adequately funded to address the region's persistent challenges. “Teso is still recovering from the impacts of LRA insurgencies and Karamojong incursions. The poverty levels remain high, yet there is little evidence of a direct effort to improve this situation,” he noted.
He urged the government to prioritize education and agricultural production to facilitate recovery in the sub-region, stressing the need for resources to empower local communities. “Whether through the ministry or other channels, the focus must be on uplifting our people in Teso,” he added.
According to Ongalo, the Ministry of Teso Affairs serves 14 districts but is overwhelmed by intervention requests amid dwindling resources. “Teso has historically been underserved in terms of development and economic support. This budget cut is a setback to our efforts to tackle poverty, infrastructure deficits, and educational shortcomings,” he remarked.
The budget concerns are not isolated to the Ministry of Teso Affairs. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has also raised alarms regarding its budget for the 2024/2025 financial year, requesting Parliament to maintain funding at Sh1.9 trillion to ensure effective service delivery, as it has faced cuts from an originally proposed budget of Sh1.4 trillion.
