Heavy Reliance on Ochero Market Straining Kaberamaido’s Finances, CAO Warns

Leaders in Kaberamaido District have raised concerns over poor local revenue collection, warning that overreliance on a single market is hampering service delivery and council operations.

Chief Administrative Officer Masokoi Swaliki said the district currently depends heavily on revenue from Ochero Market in Ochero Town Council. Speaking during a district council meeting, he noted that the town council operates independently and does not remit any funds to the district local government.

“Kaberamaido District is struggling with local revenue collection because we mainly depend on Ochero Market, yet the town council is autonomous and does not send money to the district,” Masokoi said.

He urged newly elected leaders across the district to establish additional markets in different sub-counties to broaden the revenue base.

“We need leaders at the sub-county level to open new markets so that the district can improve local revenue collection and service delivery,” he added.

Masokoi also said the district expects to generate extra revenue by registering fishermen and fish mongers in the next financial year.

“We are looking at revenue from the registration of fishermen and fish mongers, which we believe will increase local revenue during the coming financial year,” he explained.

The revenue concerns came up during a council session where councilors complained about low facilitation allowances.

Hon. Epiu Grace said the current allowance of Shs 200,000 is inadequate.

“The current allowance is too little considering transport costs and the responsibilities we handle as councilors. I propose increasing it from Shs 200,000 to Shs 400,000,” Epiu said.

While some councilors supported the proposal, arguing that leaders need adequate facilitation to monitor government programs, others said the district should first strengthen revenue collection before raising expenditures.