Local leaders in Kiryandongo district are demanding answers after Bweyale town council, one of Uganda's most populous urban centres, fell short of its revenue targets by a staggering sh400 million. The concern was raised by the district's chief administrative officer (CAO), Anselm Kyaligonza, who says the town's tax collections are not matching its rapid growth in population and business activity.
A Growing Town With Lagging Collections
Bweyale has long been regarded as one of the busiest and most densely populated town councils in Uganda, buoyed by thriving trade and a steady influx of residents. Yet according to Kyaligonza, the council's revenue performance remains far below what its size and economic energy would suggest.
For the 2025/2026 financial year, the district projected that Bweyale would contribute sh1 billion to local revenue. Instead, current figures show the council is on course to realise only about sh600 million, leaving a gaping shortfall of sh400 million.
The Kigumba Comparison
To illustrate the scale of the problem, Kyaligonza drew a comparison with Kigumba town council, a smaller urban centre that nonetheless collects roughly sh400 million each year. He argued that given Bweyale's larger population and higher level of commercial activity, its returns should comfortably exceed those of Kigumba.
The CAO's remarks suggest that the issue is not a lack of economic activity but rather weaknesses in how revenue is assessed, collected and accounted for.
A Call for Stronger Revenue Mobilisation
Kyaligonza has urged Bweyale's political leaders and technical staff to step up their efforts in revenue mobilisation. He called for improved sensitisation of taxpayers so that residents and business owners understand their obligations and the benefits of compliance.
He also stressed the importance of making full use of the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS), a digital platform designed to streamline revenue assessment, collection and accountability. Proper use of the system, he said, would help close leakages and ensure that funds collected are properly tracked.
- Bweyale was projected to raise sh1 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year.
- Current collections stand at about sh600 million, a shortfall of sh400 million.
- Kigumba town council, though smaller, collects around sh400 million annually.
- Leaders are urged to embrace IRAS and improve taxpayer sensitisation.
The revenue shortfall raises broader questions about local government financing in Uganda, where growing urban centres often struggle to translate economic activity into public resources. For Bweyale, the pressure is now on its leaders to demonstrate that the town can pay its way.
