Busia Municipality

We are voting for the approval of the Vice-President, just in case you just came in. There are those who have just come; Hon. Cissy Namujju and the group, Hon. Musasizi, Hon. Engola and the Member representing Busia Municipality. Show the hand. It is not anything that we want; there is a winner or a loser. It is just a requirement for a simple majority for those who are present, which I know has already been superseded. (Voting by show of hands continued.)

That is Busia Municipality, then Gomba. The camera man, please give space to Members. Okay. Fifth row. Those standing, do not vote. You will vote differently. The team of Hon. Cissy Namujju. I hope you counted the two votes: Hon. Ochai and the colleague. Their suits are almost the same; you would think it is one person. Those standing here. Hon. Amelia Kyambadde is somewhere there. I can see Hon. Ssentayi, Hon. Freedom, Hon. Paula Turyahikayo, and Hon. Kiyonga – have you seen them? Hon. Cissy Namujju, Hon. Emaju, the Senior Counsel. Somehow, I can see just the hands and know. Okay. Have you counted the other side, Hon. Bagiire and group? Hon. James Kaberuka, and Hon. Ofwono Opondo – he says he is the MP for the elderly, but not for the old. We come to the other row, where Hon. Patrick Obura is, Maj. Gen. Ssemwanga, Hon. Kateshumbwa and the group. Hon. Akello, there. Okay. The middle one, from Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the whole row up to Hon. Asinansi Nyakato, the former candidate for Deputy Speaker. She is from Bunyoro. She has voted “Yes”. Just for the record, Madam Prime Minister, she is supporting you. We can go to Hon. Mapenduzi, Hon. Machika, Hon. Achola, Hon. Alex, Hon. Harriet Ntabazi, Col Knight Ikiriza, Hon. Nathan Byanyima. There is somebody else there I cannot see. Have you counted them? We can do the first row here. Hon. Ssenyonyi is perpetual – the Speaker is only taking note. Alliance for National Transformation has one MP and is voting positively. Second row, we are done. Third row. Those standing, do not. Dr Batuwa, do not raise your hand. Mbale, Hon. Fiona Nakku. There is a hand on the other side. Clerk, are you seeing? Where are you beginning from? Are you done? Fourth row. Hon. Mutonyi, Hon. Ngabirano, MP representing Buhweju, Hon. Martin Drito, welcome back. The last row. Yes, Hon. Okot, Hon. Otim, Hon. Sarah, I cannot see the rest. Hon. Molly Kamukama, and then the Woman MP for Mbarara City, that is Hon. Charity Kibaaju. Okay. Those standing there: Hon. Aogon, Hon. Emmanuel, Hon. Opio, Hon. Charles Ngabirano, and Hon. Kinobere. Have you counted those ones? Hon. Betty Aol – there are two standing. Hon. Akol has not voted. Okay. The Uganda People’s Congress – already counted. MPs in the Gallery, we acknowledge you with a lot of difficulty. The corridor here. Hon. Lokii, Hon. Sam Engola. Apparently, he could not get a fitting seat. (Laughter) Have you counted this one? Okay. Hon. Cissy Namujju’s team is back there. Clerk, this problem must end. We should find a solution. Everyone is elected to sit comfortably in the House. The voters are looking for their MPs, and they cannot see them.

102. Maganda Julius Wandera Samia Bugwe County South Busia NRM 103. Malende Shamim Woman Representative Kampala NUP 104. Mayanja Moses Busiro County North Wakiso NRM 105. Mbalibulha Christopher K. Taban Bughendera County Bundibugyo Independent 106. Monday Julius Rude (Dr) Bukonzo County East Kasese NRM 107. Lule Eria Erick Kiboga West County Kiboga NRM 108. Meeme Sylvia (Col) UPDF Representative N/A N/A 109. Lwansasula Sarah Woman Representative Jinja City NUP 110. Modoi Isaac Lutseshe County Bududa NRM 111. Mpaata Salleh Bunya County South Mayuge NRM 112. Mubangizi Dedan Buwekula South County Mubende NRM 113. Luyimbazi Nalukoola Elias Kawempe Division North Kampala NUP 114. Masaba Muhamood Mutenyo Bungokho Central County Mbale NRM 115. Mbabazi Jacqueline Older persons Representative Western NRM 116. Migadde Robert Ndugwa Buvuma Islands County Buvuma NRM 117. Mudukoi Fred Oduchu Butebo County Butebo NRM 118. Namatovu Mastula Kamuli Municipality Kamuli NRM 119. Mugenyi Joseph Burahya County Kabarole NRM 120. Mudiobole Abedi Nasser Iganga Municipality Iganga NUP 121. Mugira James (Lt Gen.) UPDF Representative N/A N/A 122. Mugisa Margaret Muhanga Fort Portal North Division Fort Portal City NRM 123. Malinga Isaac Maikut Soi County Kween NRM 124. Masiko Henry Moses (Maj. Gen.) UPDF Representative N/A N/A 125. Mushabe Rujoki Ruth Woman Representative Kiruhura NRM 126. Mpindi Bumali PWD N/A Independent 127. Maseruka Robert Mukono County South Mukono NUP 128. Musinguzi Patrick Kashari North County Mbarara NRM 129. Muhenda Ronald Fort Portal Central Division Fort Portal City Independent 130. Muhooza Desire Woman Representative Kiboga NRM 131. Mujungu Jennifer K. Woman Representative Ntoroko NRM 132. Mujuni Asensio Maari Isingiro County South Isingiro NRM 133. Mukisa Robina Hope Woman Representative Namayingo NRM 134. Mukhaye Miriam Woman Representative Mbale NRM 135. Mulemya Ismail Sowed Busia Municipality Busia NRM 136. Mukiibi Eriasa Sserunjogi Butambala County Butambala Independent 137. Mulindwa David Isimbwa Busongora County South Kasese NRM 138. Mirembe Lydia Daphine Woman Representative Butambala Independent 139. Mugabe Robert Kitagwenda County Kitagwenda NRM 140. Mugabi Muzaale Martin Kisule Buzaaya County Kamuli NRM 141. Musa Noah Koboko North County Koboko NRM 142. Musanje Moses Njeru Municipality Buikwe NUP 143. Musasizi Henry Ariganyira Rubanda County East Rubanda NRM 144. Musila John Bubulo East County Namisindwa NRM 145. Musisi George Kira Municipality Wakiso NUP 146. Mutasingwa Diana Nankunda Woman Representative Buikwe NRM 147. Mutego Ronard Hangujja Bunyole East County Butaleja Independent 148. Nakku Fiona Female Workers Representative N/A Independent 149. Mutekanga Zadock Buhweju County Buhweju NRM 150. Mutonyi Rose Masaaba Woman Representative Manafwa Independent 151. Muyonjo Hussein Jinja North Division Jinja City NUP 152. Mwesigwa Mathias Rubabo County Rukungiri NRM

Madam Speaker, I appreciate your communication. It is sad that we are losing our young people, who are supposed to be this country’s senior citizens. On your submission concerning the roads, we have a very serious problem in this country, beginning with my town of Busia Municipality. As I talk now, the construction of roads in Busia Municipality has become a hazard, as it does not take a week without a serious accident. We have a road coming from Tororo, via Buteba, to Busia Municipality, which has taken almost three years to construct. Moreover, it is an urban road. It is a road which is the gateway between Kenya and Uganda. In fact, if you go to the other side of Kenya and you return to this side of Uganda, you will see very different countries –

Honourable member, when a Member raises a point of order, you sit. Madam Speaker, Hon. Geoffrey Macho, Member of Parliament for Busia Municipality, has said something interesting. He has said that my boss always speaks hopelessly. Madam Speaker, as the Leader of the Opposition and in this House, you are my boss. You are the Speaker of Parliament; I work under you. We all work under you as our Speaker and, casually, as our boss. Is Hon. Macho in order to say that the Speaker speaks hopelessly?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have noted my honourable colleague, for almost 14 days, raising one matter whenever the House is sitting. He has been talking about the same matter; Christmas, Easter, Eid and repeating – all Christian and Islamic faith days. Moreover, as I talk now, the people of Busia Municipality have problems of lack of enough electricity. (Laughter) Mr Speaker, is our honourable colleague in order to waste the time of our people, repeating the same matter every day, instead of us talking about issues affecting our constituencies? (Laughter) I do not know whether he wants to be a deacon or a bishop.

Mr Speaker, I thank the chairperson and the committee for the good job. I expected to hear from the chairperson about the Standard Gauge Railway connectivity from Malaba to Majanji via Busia Municipality. They have been very silent on that matter. Moreover, it is one of the key burn - ing issues that will make President Museveni get more votes in Busia Municipality. At the same time, there is a lot of anxiety among the people of Busia. They want to hear from the Government on the 18 kilometre road from Lumino-Buhehe connecting Mulwanda for the new customs border post. In Kenya, they have already put up a very good tarmac road from Funyula up to Mulwanda. As I talk, the Minis - ter of East African Affairs has promised people that any time, the customs entry point is going to be open. At the same time, Busia Municipality, where I lead, is the gateway to Uganda but we have very few roads that are tarmacked. I am happy that the Minister of State for Works and Transport (Works), Hon. Ecweru, has one leg in Busia and when he was there, he promised my people that we shall be given more kilometres of tarmac roads but I have not heard anything about this. Moreover, with the large number of trailers that cross via Busia Municipality to Kenya, I do not know what answers we shall give our people. I, therefore, seek his attention on this matter because the committee is silent about it. Lastly, the Government should be sympathetic to the people who use the Jinja-Kampala Highway - (Member timed out.)

Mr Speaker, I want to thank God for your wonderful communication today, which includes the birthday of President Yoweri Museveni. Mr Speaker, together with the people of Busia, we joined the rest of the country and I want to appreciate all the statements that were made on that day. Although my friend, Hon. Kirumira, is not agreeing, it is worth it to celebrate the life of a president, moreover an honest president. We have President arap Moi who died without us knowing his age, but here is a president who declared that he is 80 years. ( Laughter ) Mr Speaker, in Busia culture, we have a proverb saying that, “If you steal from the basket of an old man, it is a curse.” When Hon. Kirumira was complaining, I remembered the words of our President when he said that at the age of 75 years, these people of National Unity Platform (NUP) stole his one million votes. (Laughter) I do not know what the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) is thinking because if you steal from an old man of 75 years, you cannot wish him a good birthday. (Laughter) As a country, we must agree that President Museveni is a gift to this country because of the stability and the peace he has brought in this country, and the development majorly. With what I have witnessed in Busia Municipality, I believe he is still strong enough. We have seen younger people, although they have grown up in the cities and ghettos, doing more mistakes than the elder. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, I got a written question from Hon. Wandera Auma, Woman Representative, Busia. She stated that Busia Municipality has one secondary school (Busia Secondary School in Western Division). She said that in 2018, the President, while at Madibira Primary School, at a function, offered to help the people of Eastern Division to start a secondary school under the Government policy of having a secondary school in every subcounty or division. She stated that in 2019, the community of the Eastern Division, Busia Municipality, mobilised for the school and started it. Currently, according to her, the school has over 800 students. Her prayers are; 1. When is the Government grant-aiding the school? 2. When is the construction commencing? 3. When will the recruitment of staff, who have been volunteering since 2019, begin? Honourable Speaker, my response is as follows. The community school mentioned provided a land title with an area of 1.4 acres. However, on ground, it is 1.7 acres, which is still insufficient. The minimum area for the construction of a seed school is five acres in an urban area such as Busia Municipality. However, there is a primary school neighbouring the site, which has enough land. If it is acceptable to the community and local leadership, the ideal solution would be to process one land title for both the primary and secondary schools. Then, the buildings for the secondary school would fit within the 1.7 acres, while the staff houses and playground would be located on the land near the primary school.

25 Hon. Byarugaba Alex Bakunda Isingiro South Vffi 26 Hon. Kibaaju Naome Sheema North 27 Hon. Ogwal Moses Goli 2B Hon. Achayo Juliet Lodou 29 Hon. Wokorach Simon Peter ,Atgr,,t r* 30 Hon. Lubega Bashir Ssempa 31 Hon. Taaka Agnes B*giri D^sf.'^a'-+ .@ast 32 Hon. Awas Sylvia Viclry Nakapiripiriti 33 Hon. Kibalya Henry Maurice Bugabula 34 Hon.Katwesirye Koyelryenga Oliver Buhweju ,dd{ I 35 Hon. Kajwengre T\ninomugisha Wilson Nyabuslnozi w*) 36 Hon. Chemaswet Abdi Fadhil Kisos .J"i ffi 1 I s7 Hon. Kabataazi Francis Katongole 38 Hon. Kirumira Hassan Katikamu South 39 Hon. Nyeko Derrick 40 Hon. Tebandeke Charles 4I Hon. Dr. Thaddeus Kamara Nicholas Kabale Municipality 42 Hon. Oguzu Lee Denis 43 Hon. Isodo Stella Apolot It ,r7 44 Hon. Okot Peter Tochi County ffi 45 Hon. Lukwago Mpalanyi John Paul L,ry*'+a -e-**t*. -/ .-- 46 Hon. Akena James Jimmy Lira City > 47 Hon. Atugonza ALlan 4B Hon. Macho Geofrey Busia Municipality 49 Hon. Nsereko Muhammad Kampala Central

12424 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Government should instead focus on addressing the challenges associated with spending local revenues at source by, for example, enforcing its policy reform to address capacity gaps, incompetence and corruption in local government. The committee also takes note of the fact that Parliament has time and again expressed the need to review the seemingly contradictory legal frameworks, but Ministry of Finance has not taken concrete steps to reverse the status quo. Committee recommendations 1. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should withdraw the directive to local governments to remit local revenues collected by the local governments to the Consolidated Fund in line with Section 29(1) and (3) of the Public Finance Management Act. And local governments be allowed to collect, manage and spend the local revenues from a general fund account maintained at the district level in accordance with Section 80 to 82 of the Local Governments Act and other relevant laws. 2. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Ministry of Local Government expedites the process of addressing the shortcomings associated with the collection and management of local revenues at source by local governments before and at the end of the calendar year 2024. This is to aid the local governments in handling their local revenues. Under Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvements Programme (MATIP) 3 Committee observations i. All the markets built under Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvements Programme MATIP 1 and 2 are complete and functional. ii. There has been significant economic improvement and household income in the areas where the MATIP markets have been constructed. iii. There are design challenges and gaps in the completed MATIP markets that are posing serious challenges to the vendors in those markets. iv. Functionality and utilisation in some markets remain poor, for example, in Busia Municipality, where the market is functioning at about 30 per cent. v. Some cities are highly populated, hence overcrowding in the constructed markets. vi. The MATIP markets are concentrated majorly in cities and municipalities, leaving out town councils that are highly populated and require such facilities. Recommendations 1. Funds be availed for the additional eight markets under MATIP 3. 2. In addition to the eight markets, Ministry of Local Government should include Kaliro Town Council, Kamuli Municipality, Adjumani Town Council and an additional market for Gulu City. 3. Ministry of Local Government should carry out a detailed technical assessment of the constructed markets with a view of correcting the defects and design errors therein. 4. Ministry of Local Government should use the existing markets and the challenges observed in their operationalisation to inform the design for the plan of MATIP 3 markets. 5. Ministry of Local Government should pay attention during the design phase and all the consultants accountable for any design flaws. Remuneration of leaders Madam Speaker, the committee observed that local service delivery and overall development across the country is greatly dependent on motivated and well-facilitated political leaders who carry out monitoring, oversight, legislation and executive functions in local governments. [Mr Mapenduzi] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORTS

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. The following have been designated to the Committee on National Economy: 1. Hon. Allan Atugonza - Buliisa County; 2. Hon. Geofrey Macho - Busia Municipality; 3. Hon. Nancy Acora - Lamwo; 4. Hon. Muhammad Nsereko - Kampala Central Division; 5. Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu - Soroti West Division; 6. Hon. David Livingstone Zijjan - Butembe County; 7. Hon. Emmanuel Omoding - Serere County; and 8. Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi - Rukiga County.

11070 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Thursday, 23 November 2023 It beats my understanding that leaders, instead of using the power given to them by their people, use the power given by somebody called a “principal” because he is heading a political party. There is collective responsibility, fine, but I see this – Madam Speaker, for some of our brothers and sisters to miss sittings for the sixth day – as denying their voters rights and effective representation. Therefore, I agree with you that this being the sixth sitting, it sounds a noise bell to our colleagues and it will be a big lesson to other leaders who are to come, that when you are elected as a person, you must respect the authority that the people have given to you. It makes me to have a second mind of believing in the individual merit as a person. This is because where it has reached, people have stopped listening to the people who voted for them and they are listening to individuals, which now brings the question: Who is whose boss? I believe the people of Busia Municipality are my bosses because they brought me to the august House to talk for them, although I pay allegiance to my party. Where it has reached, we should let our colleagues know that politics of activism cannot work in the African setting and it will not make us enjoy multiparty democracy which we ushered through our Constitution. Therefore, Madam Speaker, you are spot on. Thank you. IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament THIRD SESSION - 16TH SITTING - SECOND MEETING Parliament met at 1.59 p.m. in Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Madam Speaker, once again, the people of Busia Municipality are so proud of you for attaining the title of “ Nalongo” . On your communication, politics in Africa has changed from multiparty democracy to activism – and this is a very big problem that we are witnessing in Uganda and other African countries.

Thank you, Nnalongo , Anita Among, (Laughter)- the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda. I appreciate your statement and welcome you back to Parliament. I say congratulations on behalf of the people of Busia Municipality and Busia District for having brought us twins. In your submission, you have talked a lot about cohesion. I thank the Deputy Speaker in absentia; it was business as usual. That gives a picture to us who were in the 10 th Parliament of demonstrating a lot of unity. I want to agree with you that Parliament is the august House where all issues, complaints and battles are solved. It does not benefit our brothers and sisters in the Opposition to go and complain on the streets about the human and civil rights of Ugandans when they are out of the House. They complain on the streets and outside Parliament, but always in the restaurant, corridors of Parliament and committee meetings, which brings a question mark whether they are the voice of the people who voted for them. I, therefore, call upon them to come back. I also call upon the Government that we should stop dilly-dallying. Why do we take that long to give a statement on issues that the Opposition is asking for? The more we delay, the more we give a gap to the Opposition to show that the NRM regime is not performing; moreover, we have been there for some time. Therefore, Madam Speaker, you are spot on. I pray that the Government comes with the right statement, not a workshop one - so that the Opposition comes back to the House and begins checking us who are in Government on that day you have given. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I have heard the detailed submission from the government through the Minister of Local Government and also from the LOP. As I speak now, there is a big crisis for us; people on the border, because there are many matters that are not moving because we have no legal LC I chairpersons on the borders. Madam Speaker, as I speak now, the people of Busia Municipality brought me here to make laws and I think that is our mandate as the august House of this country. I, therefore, would like to agree and call upon my colleagues that the extension of 180 days should be supported so that the LCs go on and work and so that the country is not held at a standstill. The fact of the matter is that people’s rights are being abused because they need LC I letters to get out of jail. This is a fact and we are the only persons who can cure that. This is the time. I therefore support the extension, as quickly as possible, so that we can have the rights of the people given to them because it is their right. Thank you.

In accordance with Rule 187(1) and (2)(d), to the Committee on Education and Sports, the Rt Hon. Speaker designates the following Members: 1. Hon. Macho Geofrey of Busia Municipality; 2. Hon. Makhoha Margaret, Woman Representative, Namayingo District; 3. Hon. Nakayenze Connie Galiwango, Woman Representative, Mbale City; 4. Hon. Suubi Kinyamatama Juliet, Woman Representative, Rakai District; 5. Hon. Akugizibwe Aled Ronald of Buruli County; 6. Hon. Onen Charles of Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City; and 7. Hon. Aogon Silas of Kumi Municipality.

It is a procedural matter under rule 42. Mr Speaker, I thank you for guiding the House well. My mood is not good at all be- cause yesterday was a sad day for the people of Busia Municipality. The enforcement officers of Uganda Revenue Authority invaded a taxi park and started torturing citizens and journal- ists. Mr Speaker, I am asking whether we are pro- ceeding well when the journalists of this coun- try - first of all, the other day, we saw pepper being sprayed at journalists. Yesterday, it was at the journalist in Busia. David Owori, a jour- nalist with NTV, is missing up to now. Cameras were taken away from all the seven journalists. As I talk, even Kenyans who do cross-border trade are afraid to cross into Uganda because the rate at which the enforcement officers were shooting at Ugandans was terrible. The Ken- yans thought that there was war in our country. Therefore, I do not know whether we are pro- ceeding well by not talking about such a very important matter that concerns my people. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, in your opening statement, you asked how our Easter was. It was very bad for secondary school teachers in Busia Municipality. The fact of the matter is a one Onyango came to my home at 7 a.m.; he had nothing to eat. If we have a component of teachers’ salaries, let us handle this matter now and finish it because -

Mr Speaker, I am about to conclude. As the country grapples with the impact of climate change, continuous afforestation programmes and smart agriculture practices are the preferred options to mitigate these impacts. I, therefore, call upon honourable colleagues to support the Ministry of Water and Environment and the National Forestry Authority’s efforts to restore these forests. Hon. Andrew Ojok Oulanyah, Member of Parliament for Omoro, raised a concern that Moroto Road (Gulu-Opit-Rackoko-Patongo- Abim-Moroto), which is the backbone of Omoro District and many other districts in Acholi, Lango and Karamoja sub-regions is currently non-motorable. His prayer was: what are the Government’s plan to; (i) Maintain Moroto Road? (ii) Upgrade Moroto Road to acceptable standards as envisaged in the NRM Manifesto? My response is that the Gulu-Opit-Rackoko- Patongo-Abim-Moroto Road is a national road, under the management of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), and the road is currently under maintenance. Although the road was not listed in National Development Plan III, it is a priority road as stated by His Excellency the President in his pledges. As such, the road has been identified for development. Design for the upgrading of this road is scheduled to commence in Financial Year 2023/2024. I wish to inform the honourable members that the Gulu-Opit-Rackoko- Patongo-Abim-Moroto Road is a priority road and it is the plan of the Government to upgrade it to acceptable standards. Hon. Geoffrey Macho, MP Busia Municipality, was concerned about regular load shedding, which had adversely affected service delivery in Busia Municipality. [Ms Nabbanja] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

7921 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 6 APRIL 2023 His prayer was: what are the necessary measures that the Government is undertaking to ensure consistent power supply in Busia Municipal Council? Mr Speaker, in July last year, Umeme Limited commenced refurbishment works on the Busia 33KV feeder, which feeds both Busia Municipality and Samia Bugwe Central, to improve the performance of the feeder. The scope of works included poles replacement, conductor upgrades, installation of line switches and isolation devices as well as re- installation and the fitting of transformers. As this was being done, outages were planned and communicated to happen three times in a week, from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. to have works completed over the shortest practical time. The works were completed in January this year and the power supply is now normal in Busia. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato, the Woman Representative, Hoima City, raised a concern about regular load shedding, which she said had adversely affected service delivery in Hoima City. Her prayer was: what are the necessary measures that the Government is undertaking to ensure consistent power supply in Hoima City? Mr Speaker, my response is that in Hoima City, a feeder fault analysis had been undertaken that showed two faults on the Hoima Town 11KV line that caused an electricity blackout, lasting a combined 1.5 hours. One was due to a broken jumper/wire and the other was a brief variation in electricity voltage caused by tree branches touching the wire. However, power supply has been restored and the people of Hoima are enjoying the power supply constantly. Hon. Teddy Nambooze, the Woman Representative, Mpigi, raised the issue of unpleasant working conditions and low pay – that is, poor welfare – of journalists in Uganda. Her prayer was: can the Government inform the House about the strategies in place to improve the working conditions and salary/wages of journalists in Uganda? Mr Speaker, I wish to acknowledge the concerns raised by the honourable member regarding the conditions under which our media personnel work. Indeed, the Government is equally concerned that most members of the fourth estate, who play a critical role in informing, educating and entertaining the public continue to work in unpleasant conditions. As Members are aware, the regulation of journalists in Uganda is partly through the Press and Journalist Act, Cap. 105 while issues of remuneration for all Ugandans are under the Employment Act, 2006. Under the current legal framework, neither the Government nor the regulators namely, the Uganda Media Council, and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) can legally force media owners to give journalists a specified amount of salary. Journalists, like other workers in the country, independently negotiate with their employers to ensure that they are paid reasonable salaries to support their well-being. Mr Speaker, the Press and Journalist Act, Cap. 105, under Part Six, empowers the Media Council to regulate media practice through the regulation of journalists and issuance of practising certificates among other interventions. Section 8 of the same Act further mandates the Uganda Media Council to exercise disciplinary control over the media: arbitrate disputes between the public and the media for public viewing. In that regard, the Council developed a media regulation strategy in 2016 to place all media practices and practitioners under effective control of the law. Through that strategy, the Government would know the quality and quantity of players in the sector, including issues of the welfare of journalists and how to address them.

7938 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE NO.1 FOR FY 2022/2023 a case in Tororo in the neighbourhood of my constituency - and I know Hon. Angura will bear me witness - where a gentleman called Richard Omwa was found selling adulterated cement. He was arrested by the police in Bendo B Zone - you know that fellow. Even in Mukono here, the same thing happened, and that was in July 2021. In Mukono, three people were arrested after the police burst a racket of fake cement manufacturers. So, fake cement is on the market. Speaker, as I conclude, serious issues regarding load shedding have been raised by two Members - the honourable member from Busia Municipality and the honourable member from Hoima City - and I would like to give you the statistics. As of December 2021, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) gave estimates that electricity capacity is 1,346 Megawatts and the demand is 800 Megawatts. Mr Speaker, we were with you in the same committee and so, you are very polished on these statistics - leaving a surplus of 546 Megawatts. With this surplus, why would Uganda be grappling with the challenge of load shedding, Madam Speaker? Sorry, Mr Speaker, I meant Madam Prime Minister; you know, you can never become a lady.

7843 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 30 MARCH 2023 The district has designated 40 COVID-19 vaccination points and 37 Hepatitis B screening centres in all health centres in the district for six days. centres in the district for six days. The health management and response teams are handling COVID-19 as well as Hepatitis B and extending effective services to host communities and refugees. Madam Speaker, we enjoin our political leaders and other community leaders to take lead in the vaccination and screening exercise of COVID-19 and Hepatitis B so that the population embraces the exercise to save the host communities and refugees in Adjumani District. Hon. Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha, Woman Representative for Buliisa, said that many parts of the country are facing drought, which is affecting the production of food and cash crops. The farmers are entering the first season of the year and usually, it is very short with little rain. Government, over time, has been promising to support Ugandan farmers - both small and large scale - with irrigation schemes for the farmers to access water for production. However, this seems not to have taken off and many farmers are worried. Her prayers are that: I should assure this House and our farmers the extent of Government’s assurance to access water for production. When is the Government fulfilling the promise on the solar power irrigation systems? My response is that the Government has continued its efforts to invest and improve access to water for production. The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, is supervising the construction of six irrigation schemes in different parts of the country including Mubuku II, Doho II, Ngenge and Rwengaju, to mention, but a few. Construction of the irrigation schemes including Acomai in Sironko and Atari in Kween have started. The Government has supported farmers and farmer groups by installing solar-powered irrigation schemes in various sites in the districts of Ntungamo, Hoima, Mubende, Kamuli, Koboko, Kumi, Kabale, Mukono, Kiboga, Buvuma, Ssembabule, Kayunga, Yumbe, Kaberamaido, Kaliro, Buikwe, Masindi, Butambala, Bukomansimbi, Kapachorwa, Iganga, Kaabong, Rukungiri, Amolatar, Adjumani, Mbale, Pader, Rukiga, Nakaseke and Katakwi, among others. This is to promote adoption of improved and efficient water for agricultural technologies for the crops and livestock. The Government has constructed over 1,555 valley tanks with a total holding capacity of 10,840,000 cubic metres in order to address the challenge of water for animals, especially in the cattle corridor and drought prone districts. Honourable members, even Buliisa will eventually benefit. Hon. Geoffrey Macho, Member of Parliament for Busia Municipality asked that Busia Boarder Seed Secondary School is located in Mukungu B Village, Central Parish, Eastern Division in Busia Municipality. The school was started in 2019 and had an enrolment of 497 students by the close of year 2022. The school was started as a response to Government’s policy of having public secondary schools at subcounty level. It also came as a result of a Presidential pledge. Though Busia Municipality donated land of approximately 25 acres, the Government has not come up clearly to ensure that people benefit from the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Programme (USEP). His prayers are that: 1. The Ministry of Education and Sports comes out clearly on the USEP in relation to this school before term one of 20 – Madam Speaker, these questions came earlier, but since we have not had a chance – it says at the start of the term. 2. The ministry should implement the Presidential pledge.

7844 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT 3. The ministry should recommend the school to apply for a UNEB centre number since there is no other O’level school in the municipality. My response is that the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, secured funding from International Development Association - World Bank, amounting to $150 million to finance the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project. Of this, $90 million is a loan while $60 million is a grant from the refugee window. The project’s main objective is to enhance access to secondary education through construction and equipping of 116 new secondary schools; 84 in non-refugee hosting districts and 32 in refugee hosting districts and expansion of 61 existing secondary schools in refugee hosting districts. The project was declared effective 19 May 2022 and is expected to close on 31 December 2025. It is important, honourable members, to note that although the project was signed to the last five years in the World Bank system, the five years are counted from the date of the bank’s Board approval in 2020. This, therefore, implies that almost two years of implementation were lost due to delayed approval of the project by Parliament and the ministry. We have to utilise the project funds within the three years. Madam Speaker, the project consists of the following components: Component 1: Expansion of Lower Secondary Education; Component 2: Support education in refugee hosting communities; Component 3: Improving Teachers’ Support and Strategy Development Nationally; Component 4: Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation. Component 1 is composed of two subcomponents which include construction of new lower secondary school facilities. The subcomponent will finance construction of 116 new secondary schools in the subcounties and expansion of 61 existing secondary schools. All the new infrastructure will be furnished and equipped. The second subcomponent is ensuring safety and protection of children in the new and expanded existing schools. Regarding the status of construction of Busia Boarder Secondary School, the ministry has already identified the Eastern Division in Busia Municipality as one of the beneficiary subcounties or division. However, there are prior activities that have to be done before construction starts and these are: topography and cadastral survey, geotechnical survey and environmental and social impact assessments. These studies are critical when developing the standard bidding documents. Kyambogo University and the Ministry of Works and Transport are carrying out the topographical and geotechnical surveys, respectively, while the consultants were hired to do the environmental and social impact assessment. Madam Speaker, Busia Municipal Council submitted documents confirming that the school was granted two acres of land in Nangwe-Mugungu B, Central Parish in Eastern Division, not 25 acres as stated by Hon. Macho. Regarding the recommendation of Busia Border Seed Secondary School for a Uganda National Examinations Board –

7689 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 22 MARCH 2023 failed parliaments in Africa and East Africa – Yesterday, you led the Parliament of the Pearl of Africa to make history in the region. We are the first on the continent to pass a law to preserve our culture. Madam Speaker, you made history and you made us make history as well. Therefore, I agree with your communication that yesterday, you made us a people-centred Parliament; a Parliament that speaks the voices of the people without fear. Madam Speaker, the elders of Busia Municipality asked me to thank you. (Laughter) This is why I rose up in this august House to thank you, for what you did.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity. I rise on a matter of national importance that has been burning and I have talked about it in this Parliament more than 10 times. Busia Municipality is flooded with trailers. Tororo road has more than 300 trailers, Majanji road has more than 80 and Kampala-Jinja Road has more than 500 trailers and the whole Customs is jammed. Madam Speaker, as I say this, the traders on Customs road cannot work because the trailers have parked in front of their shops. Whenever you pass under those trailers, there are things I cannot mention because these drivers have turned the trailers into bedrooms. These trailers have caused sanitation problems in Busia to be very bad. Madam Speaker, before I pray, these trailers have packed in Busia to an extent that in the history of this world, we have had a traffic jam of bicycles in Busia because we use boda- bodas on the border. Madam Speaker, additionally, as these trailers have been parked in Busia, we get electricity only two days and for six days, we are in total darkness. We keep asking Umeme what the problem is, especially given that we have fuel tanks at the border. It is my prayer, Madam Speaker, that the ministry or the Government - it is good that I am talking when the minister of trade is looking at me. We are saying that the journeys you made to Busia have not worked. I request the Speaker and the Government to allow my people of Busia to work by getting us a dry port, where goods can be offloaded and trailers go where they belong; and to sort out the issue of over-packing trailers because in case a trailer catches fire, we do not have a fire brigade in Busia at all. We do not have enough jerry cans, buckets and saucepans to get water to pour on a burning trailer. Therefore, please, assist us to make sure that trailers do not park in town. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have been informed of the issues of the market and the value-addition facility in Busia. There are two different types of facilities: there is a market, which is under the local authority and a value-addition facility, which is a regional project. I am scheduled to visit Busia Municipality to sort out the issues there, and I will inform the local authorities and the Members of Parliament. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank you for this rare opportunity because some of us have been habitual backbenchers for six years. Coming here in front is a blessing. (Laughter) I rise on a matter of national importance - on behalf of my people - the bosses who voted me here; the people of Busia Municipality. The business we do in our constituencies, majorly by my people, apart from cross- border trade, we do a lot of enterprises like hairdressing, welding, artisanship and all this needs electricity. I am speaking with pain that Busia District - so far now eight months - takes a week without electricity. Sometimes, we are apportioned electricity so that we get power three days, sometimes four days. The same happens even to the place of the Prime Minister, who is seated here with us. Therefore, this is a problem to our business community - people who earn from welding are no longer working, ladies and gentlemen in salons are not working, moreover Government gave them money for Emyooga . I will give an example of western division. One parish was given Shs 7 million and when we divided this amongst the population, each person got Shs 5,000 although they brought it together and put up enterprises. Majority of [Ms Lumumba] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR