Gulu City is basking in the glow of a significant boost in local revenue collection, marking a transition from 1.2 billion shillings in the fiscal year 2020-21 to an impressive shs3.2 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23.
This surge is attributed to the successful implementation of the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) by the Ministry of Finance, enabling efficient digital revenue collection.
Mayor Alfred Okwonga acknowledged the positive impact of the digitization process, stating, “The increase is a direct result of the digitization process of local revenue collection facilitated by the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS).”
However, this financial success is overshadowed by accusations of fiscal misuse between Mayor Alfred Okwonga and the division mayors of Bardege-Layibi and Pece-Laroo.
Patrick Lumumba, Mayor of Bardege-Layibi Division, and Geoffrey Otim, Mayor of Pece-Laroo Division, have raised concerns about Mayor Okwonga’s alleged lavish lifestyle, communication shortcomings, and delays in releasing locally collected funds, leading to an unhealthy working relationship within Gulu City.
Mayor Okwonga refuteed the allegations, emphasizing the lack of accountability from the division mayors. He notes,
“The division mayors do not provide proper accountability for the money disbursed to them.”
Gulu City, with divisions of Bardege-Layibi and Pece-Laroo, designed to be the engines of service delivery, faces challenges due to the absence of an independent bank account for property rate tax.
Additionally, the divisions have not undergone audits for the last three years, sparking concerns among residents about the city’s future.
Okeny Stephen, Secretary of the National Chamber of Commerce in Gulu, and Anyango Vanessa, a Youth Councilor, expressed worries about the lack of transparency and accountability, while tax lawyer Kiiza Oscar warns of the potential impact of corruption on Gulu City’s growth and development.
As the city grapples with these challenges, Mayor Alfred Okwonga remains optimistic, stating,
“Together, and with proper accountability, Gulu will become a model city in Uganda.”
The city’s continued increase in revenue collection showcases its potential for growth, but resolving internal disputes is crucial for sustaining this positive trajectory.
