Buwekula South County

Thank you. Honourable representing Mubende District, then Lt. Gen. Kavuma. I will take those in that order.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to join my colleagues in appreciating the President’s State-of-the-Nation Address. I want to, of course, try to utilise my three minutes, Mr Speaker. What interested me in the State-of-the-Nation Address by the President was the way he packaged it. He did break his address into three phases. Phase number one: he talked about his work as a young man, not in Government but as a student in 1968, when he used his pragmatic leadership skills without resources to try to help the communities he came from. He gave us, those of you who attended, you remember my family was given as an example. Therefore, I stand here as a beneficiary of that phase because our people were cattle-keepers, but they did not have the skills to tame nature to benefit them. Instead, they followed nature. They were cattle-keepers. When it rains in a place, they settled to water their cows. When the water dried up, they did not know how to tap the water and harvest it, hence making them move from one place to another looking for water. My background: my parents moved from Kazo District, now to Buwekula in Mubende District, to Buremezi in Ngoma. That was where I was born 64 years ago, in Gomba District, Sembabule District, back to Ankole Region. That was where he met them in 1968. The second phase of his speech or address was his work after 1986, where he took over a Government that had actually collapsed. Uganda was a failed state where - the other day I was in Somalia; I bring greetings from Somalia. I do not live here; I work in Somalia, but while I was in Somalia, you passed a budget in this House of about Shs 84 trillion, if I can remember well, out of which -

Yes, most obliged, Mr Speaker. There is this scourge in the cattle corridor that all of us have seemed to jump. Yes, there is a dry season and it is true that we need water bowsers, but there is a scourge of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). I am aware you are a farmer, and this must be affecting you as well. It is true that in the last years, Government has been paying for the vaccines. Today in Mubende District, the last cycle -(Member timed out.)

Is the motion seconded? It is seconded by Hon. Anifa, Hon. Abigaba, Hon. Ssentayi and Hon. Fadhil; Hon. Isiagi, Hon. Angura, the honourable member representing Mubende District , and Hon. Amos Lugoloobi. Hon. Logose of Butaleja District, Hon. Pex, Hon. Jay Shyam and the whole House; except for a few of my neighbours here – (Laughter) – Hon. Nambooze, Hon. Ssenyonyi, Hon. David Kalwanga and the honourable member from Kassanda. Can you speak to your motion?

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for that guidance, but I want to plead with them to ensure that whenever they pledge to reconnect, they actually do. In Mubende District, there is a point where we lost a very long line of connection and this has taken more than a year and a half - the Government is

17727 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 7 AUGUST 2025 in Ntungamo District, had been fully upgraded to health centres III by the time the committee did the oversight. Works to upgrade 41 health centres II were ongoing, with the majority of the projects making less than 50 per cent progress. The details are attached in Annex II. Upgrade of the remaining 81 health centres II had not started. The committee established that out of the 62 health centres III earmarked for new construction under the UgIFT II programme, only three: Kasangati Health Centre III, Kakindo Health Centre III in Kakumiro District, and Kikooma Health Centre III in Kyankwanzi District had been completed. Construction of 28 health centres III was still ongoing, while works for 31 health centres III had not yet started. See details in Annex III. The committee further established that the progress on implementation of various construction projects of new health centres III and upgrade of health centres II to III was largely characterised by defective works, prolonged delays in completion by contractors, including the UPDF Brigade, due to lack of supervision by local government leadership. All project- related decisions, including contract award and the procurement of equipment, were managed by the Central Government. Non-compliance with the standard project design The committee discovered that essential documentation regarding contracts and BOQs was absent, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development delayed releasing funds, all of which affected the effective execution of the projects. There were double payments to some of the contractors by the Ministry of Health arising from a change of policy to award contracts, particularly to the UPDF Engineering Brigade. A case in point is Shs 400 million for the completion of the Ober Health Centre IV in Lira City maternity ward and theatre that was channelled directly to the Ministry of Defence by the Ministry of Health, well aware of another running contract with BP Enterprises and Construction Company Limited. See the letter attached in Annex IV. Other specific examples of such construction and upgrade projects include Kachuru Health Centre III in Butebo District, Rushare Health Centre III and Ruhare Health Centre III in Mbarara District, Kichwamba Health Centre II in Mbarara City, Kyabakuza Health Centre II in Masaka City, and Kabbo Health Centre II and Gayaza Health Centre II Mubende District. The committee observed that whereas Parliament approved Shs 552.6 billion to address infrastructure gaps in local government countrywide, a significant number of subcounties and town councils across the country still do not have health centres III. No work had been done on 81 out of 124 health centres II earmarked for upgrade to health centre III. Similarly, 31 out of 62 planned new construction of health centres III in subcounties without any Government health centres III had not even started. The committee observed that the upgraded health centres II and the newly constructed health centres III were not fully functional, largely due to inadequate staffing. There was adverse mismanagement of contracts by the Ministry of Health that involved re- awarding of already running contracts to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade in total violation of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act. There was a likelihood of fraud in the management and implementation of various Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program (UgIFT) projects across the country. The Government had not yet fulfilled its pledge of establishing health centres III in every sub- country across the country.

17652 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT 1. Arresting and reprimanding the perpetrators and evoking disciplinary procedures. Below is a list of persons so far reprimanded. In Mubende District, we have: Tulibamu, a temporary registration assistant. The action taken against him was that he was arrested. He is out on bond and terminated – (Interjection)- can I proceed and finish, then I can answer your questions?

Thank you, honourable members, for that observation. I was at the action taken, starting with Mubende District. Some staff of NIRA have been arrested: a) Tulibamu, a temporary registration assistant, arrested, out on bond, and his services terminated; b) Ssempeebwa, another temporary registration assistant. He was arrested, is out on bond and terminated; c) Nalweyiso, a temporary registration assistant. She was arrested, is out on bond and terminated; d) Nuwaine, a temporary registration assistant. He was arrested, is out on bond, and terminated. In Mityana District, Lutayisire, a temporary registration assistant was arrested, is out on bond, and terminated. In Wakiso District, Epalat, a temporary registration assistant was suspended and later terminated. In Mukono District, Wamala, a temporary registration assistant was suspended and then terminated. At the Headquarters here at Kololo, Kasasira, a temporary registration assistant was arrested, escaped from detention, and terminated. In Busia District, Ojambo, an information technology officer was arrested and taken to court. He is out on bond and on interdiction –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I also want to join honourable members to appreciate the honourable minister for the report. However, in his report, he said that they are dealing with the NIRA staff in as far as handling extortion is concerned. In Mubende District, there is a chain of people extorting money from people who come for registration. RESPONSE BY A MINISTER TO AN URGENT QUESTION

I put the question that the total sum of Shs 1,332,386,480,312 be provided for as a supplementary for development expenditure for central government for the Financial Year 2024/2025. (Question put and agreed to.) LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE 1. Vote 722 - Moroto Municipal Council: Shs 160 million; 2. Vote 820 - Bulambuli District: Shs 202,244,620; 3. Vote 827- Butambala District: Shs 36,356,530; 4. Vote 838 - Jinja District: Shs 213 million; 5. Vote 845 - Kalaki District: Shs 74,776,279; 6. Vote 858 - Kayunga District: Shs 235,200,000; 7. Vote 865 - Kiryandongo District: Shs 120 million; 8. Vote 866 - Kisoro District: Shs 567,851,100; 9. Vote 867 - Kitagwenda District: Shs 412 million; 10. Vote 875 - Kyankwanzi District: Shs 80 million; 11. Vote 882 – Luwero District: Shs 540,756,000; 12. Vote 898 – Mubende District: Shs 378,616,912; 13. Vote 906 - Namutumba District: Shs 40 million; 14. Vote 924 – Rukungiri District: Shs 198,591,279; 15. Vote 926 – Sembabule District: Shs 350 million; 16. Vote 928 – Sheema District: Shs 50,442,000; 17. Vote 932 – Tororo District: 651,605,442; and 18. Vote 933 - Wakiso District: Shs 165,137,504. Subtotal for Local Government: Shs 4,476,577,666.

Thank you. Honourable members in the public gallery this afternoon are students and teachers of Kabbo Seed Secondary School in Mubende District, represented in Parliament by Hon. David Kabanda and Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe. They have come to observe proceedings of this House. Please join me in welcoming them. Afande, you can stand up. Thank you. There they are. This afternoon, we also have in the public gallery students and teachers of Britanico High School in Nakawuka, Wakiso District. They are represented by Hon. Charles Matovu and Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima. They have come to observe the proceedings of this House. Please join me once again in welcoming them, honourable colleagues. Furthermore, we have students and teachers of Immaculate Heart Girls School, Nyakibale in Rukungiri District. They are represented by Hon. Midius Nantukunda and Hon. Elisa Rutahigwa. They have come to observe proceedings of this House. Please once again join me in welcoming them. Thank you.

Mr Speaker, Happy New Year to you and to Members. I rise to make a statement on behalf of the Minister for Presidency regarding the forthcoming 39 th NRM/A Victory Day Anniversary Celebrations, which will take place on Sunday, 26 January 2025. The Cabinet, on 3 September 1987, directed that the 26 th of January be gazetted as a public holiday. It is upon this background, Mr Speaker, that the Nation, on 26 January 2025, will celebrate the 39 th National Resistance Movement/Army (NRM/A) Victory Day Anniversary. The anniversary celebration is an opportunity to remind our young generation of the sacrifices made by Ugandans to cause change that ushered in the peace and socio- economic transformation that is prevailing in Uganda today. Mr Speaker, over the last 39 years, Uganda has witnessed socio-economic indicators never seen before, guided by the correct philosophy, ideology and strategy of the NRM Government, which enabled the economy and society of Uganda to go through five phases since 1986. These are: i. The minimum economic recovery phase of restoring aspects of the small, colonial enclave money economy of the 3Cs (Cotton, Coffee and Copper) and the 3Ts (Tea, Tobacco and Tourism); ii. Expanding that enclave with more production of coffee, tea and others; iii. The diversification of the enclave economy by commercialising the production of bananas, cassava, milk, fruits, palm oil, cocoa, fish, beef, etc.; iv. Adding value to some of these raw materials such as cotton, fruits, milk, tea, timber, sugar, etc.; and v. The last phase, where we are now, Mr Speaker, is the knowledge economy, through the production of vaccines, the auto-mobile industry, etc. These measures have enabled the economy to grow from $l.5 billion in 1986, to now $55 billion by foreign exchange method and $180.29 billion by public-private partnership method, which we intend to grow to $550 billion through the 10-fold growth strategy over the next 10 years. Presently, at $1,182 per capita, Uganda has entered the lower middle-income status. Mr Speaker, all those phases have been supported by improved infrastructure, such as motorable roads and border-to-border connectivity. For example, currently, someone can comfortably travel from Kisoro to Koboko. We are now flying the Cranes in the skies – mention the electricity supplied. In short, the development of our economy is unstoppable. Mr Speaker, with the rollout of many poverty alleviation initiatives in the country, namely; the four-acre model for smallholder farmers, Emyooga, Parish Development Model, and the Youth Livelihood Programme, among others, many of our people in the rural setting will definitely join the monetary economy and, thus, the outcomes of growth are shared by all. The theme for the 39 th NRM/A Victory Day anniversary celebration is: “ 39 Years of NRM/A: Salutation to those who re-sanctified our homeland. ” Mr Speaker, the above theme reminds all of us about the brave men and women who stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves at a time of political turmoil in this country . (Applause) We are talking about 39 years of re-sanctifying our country, which is, indeed, worth celebrating. Mr Speaker, this year’s celebrations will be held on Sunday, 26 January 2025, at Mubende National Teachers’ College, Mubende District. Mr Speaker, the chief guest during this anniversary celebration will be His Excellency, Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Republic of Uganda, who will be joined by all of you . (Applause)

15666 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT Mr Speaker, a lot of preparatory activities are ongoing, but allow me to extend appreciation to the honourable members of Parliament and local leaders from Mubende District and the greater Mubende for participating in the preparatory meetings, and I am certain that the function will be a success. Mr Speaker, a lot of preparatory activities have been taking place, including eye care medical camp which is running from today to the 24 th . Publicity programmes have been done. A synopsis regarding the anniversary celebrations has been prepared by the Uganda Media Centre in liaison with the Office of the President and it has been shared with all Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), to enhance publicity by our various media partners. As a way of informing Members and the general public about the celebrations, a press conference by the minister in charge of the presidency was held this morning at Uganda Media Centre. Mr Speaker, all the above was achieved because of the will and divine mercy of God, and, indeed, we have prepared and planned prayers and the programme is here, as follows: i) On Friday, 24 January 2025, we shall hold prayers in all mosques; ii) On Saturday, 25 January 2025, we shall hold prayers in all Seventh-Day Adventist churches; and iii) On Sunday, 26 January 2025, we shall hold prayers in all the other churches. Mr Speaker, as always, His Excellency, the President on D-Day, will award medals to 61 distinguished individuals in honour of the extraordinary roles they have performed in Uganda. I, therefore, take this opportunity to invite you and Members of Parliament - please, find cards in your pigeonholes to attend this celebration, which is worth attending. Mr Speaker, on the issue of securing the place, the place is 100 per cent secured by the Uganda Police Force, assisted by sister agencies. I beg to submit. (Applause)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the minister for his statement. First, the Leader of the Opposition has said that he is disgruntled, but as a member of the National Resistance Movement and our colleagues this side, we are content with the National Resistance Movement Government. (Applause) Mr Speaker, allow me to thank His Excellency, the President, the Minister for the Presidency and Cabinet for allowing us to host these celebrations in Mubende. Thank you so much. You all remember that the liberation war started from my constituency that is Kabamba, where we have Kabamba I and Kabamba II. Mubende District, having made such a huge contribution, had never hosted any celebrations. We thank His Excellency, the President, for accepting to host these celebrations in our district. We are so grateful. (Applause) Mr Speaker, Mubende District has been and will continue supporting the NRM Government because of the many achievements that we have received from this Government. We are very grateful for the contribution that the Government has given to the people of Mubende.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance concerning the people of Mubende. Being the Woman Member of Parliament for the whole district, I am going to speak about a matter that befell three constituencies. We have a number of wards; one is Gayaza in Mubende Municipality. Others are Kagoma, Kirangwa and Kajumiro Ward in Nabingoola Subcounty, which were badly hit by hailstorms. Many animals were destroyed. Our people have received money from the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme and invested this money in agriculture, mostly. Crops and gardens have been swept away. Their homes have been affected badly and the people I am speaking about are now homeless. They have nothing to eat. Mr Speaker, through you to my sister, Hon. Aber and the Government, my prayer is that the Government comes in, through the Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, to help these people with food and non-food items. Mr Speaker, on several occasions, I have stood here on the same issue from Mubende District but in most cases - I remember it was only once that we received partial relief regarding what was stipulated to be done. Let the people be provided with non-food items like tarpaulins, iron sheets and other food items. The people should also – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Hope Grania Nakazibwe, Woman Member of Parliament, Mubende District, and the Deputy Chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My name is Museveni William. I represent Buwekula South Constituency in the Mubende District Central Region. I belong to NRM by leaning. Thank you.

1 Kayunga Regional Referral RRH Ka5runga Hos ital t6 Lira Regional Referral Hospital RRH Lira City 17 Masaka Hospital Regional Referral RRH Masaka City 18 Mbale Hospital Regional Referral RRH Mbale City 19 Mbarara Hospital Regional Referral RRH Mbarara ciw 20 Moroto Hospital Regional Referral RRH Moroto District 2t Mubende Hospital Regional Referral RRH Mubende District 22 Soroti Hospital Regional Referral RRH Soroti City 23 Entebbe Paediatric Specialized Hospital Surgery Specializ ed Hospital Wakiso District 24 Entebbe Hospital Regional Referral RRH Wakiso District 25 Yumbe Hospital Regional Referral RRH Yumbe District 22

We got written questions from a number of Members and I want to start with Hon. William Museveni, Member of Parliament for Buwekula South County, Mubende District. “Mityana-Mubende Highway construction, by Energo Construction Company was supposed to be completed this year, that is 2024, but they have not reached even halfway. Why is it that the work is too slow? Since the contractual time has elapsed, what is the way forward for this road?” Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues, his prayer is, Rt Hon. Prime Minister, “can you please update the House on the status of this road?” Here is my response: The Mityana-Mubende 86-kilometre road is a national road in the central subregion. The road connects the capital city of Kampala to the western region towns of Fort Portal, Kasese, Kagadi, among others. The road is an important international route, used to access Uganda’s borders with the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and crucial for agriculture, trade, and security. The Government of Uganda, through the Uganda National Roads Authority, signed a contract on 4 January 2021 for the reconstruction of the Mityana-Mubende road which is 86 kilometres, as I have already told you, including upgrading the 14 kilometres of towns in Mityana Town or Municipality. The construction works will improve rebuilding the road, which had deteriorated, and was affecting the traffic flow along the major route, including repairing the drainage facilities, installing new road signs and road markings. The project is fully funded by the Government of Uganda. The project was originally intended to be completed by 15 April this year. However, the progress of works has been affected by limited resources in the last financial years. This lack of resources forced the contractor to slow down the implementation of the project. The contractor had implemented 40 per cent of the works when the financial challenges were encountered. Currently, the contractor has completed work worth Shs 32 billion and the project is expected to be completed by the end of this financial year. Government is working

13526 RECONSIDERATION OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL, 2024 Then to improve, Buluganya Health Centre IV, Shs 1.5 billion; Bulago Senior Secondary, Shs 300 million; St Peter Claver Muyembe, Shs 700 million. Bushenyi District: for construction of a playground at Bumbaire subcounty to be utilised for various school activities, for talent identification and growth of child, Shs 450 million. Lwengo District: Shs 1.16 billion for health centre III maternity ward completion at Busibo and Kaboyo Primary School, Shs 200 million, Katuulo, Rwembogo Health Centre III, Kyazanga Town Council Market. Mitooma District: Mitooma District Shs 6.2 billion for the completion of an ongoing project by the UPDF at Rwoburunga Seed School Shs 600 million, Bitereko Skills Development Centre Shs 1.6 billion, Kigyende Health Centre III Shs 1.5 billion, Bitereko Health Centre IV Shs 600 million, Kigyende Seed School Shs 600 million and Rutookye Health Centre IV Shs 1.6 billion. Mubende District: Rehabilitation of a school, Kasambya DAS Primary School, Shs 500 million. Nabilatuk District: St Kizito Secondary School roofing and fencing Shs 480 million, construction of a classroom block at Lokapel Junction Primary School Shs 400 million, maternity ward at Sakale Health Centre II Shs 300 million. Colleagues, that is where we allocated those funds, which were picked from there. I beg to move.

)4;{? #- ,} fl:' ,t \i 1 -- il- - .:i:- 4l'l "i \Ir- l,l A t \t, ./, ML 15 I l \\ i"r t, \- Amount (OOO'| I Vote Descrlptlon Kotido District 13,536,892 87t 32,287,740 872 Kumi District 22,448,O49 873 Kwania District Kween District 23,483,046 874 27,t44,881 875 Kyankwanzi District 30,023,121 876 Kyegegwa District 877 Kyenioio District 41,375,555 874 Kyotera District 38,098,598 20,772,32r 879 La.mwo District 25,977,O29 880 Lira District 88r Luuka District 30,193,940 882 Luwero District 76,754,416 31,951,654 883 Lwengo District Lyantonde District 2r,65t,622 884 \885 Madi-Oko1lo District 18,292,316 30,930,306 \beo Manafwa District 887 -\J Maracha District 27,86r,236 888 Masaka District t4,479,506 24,850,064 889 Masindi District Mayuge District 47,435,948 890 891 Mbale District 42,274,528 a92 Mbarara District 26,666,L35 31,888, 1 13 893 Mitooma District 33,OO2,47L 894 Mityana District 895 Moroto District t4,769,O25 -_896 Moyo District 24,665,O9O Mpigi District 32,393,3s3 897 898 Mubende District 28,702,368 54,266,t93 899 Mukono District 900 Nabilatuk District 10,830,654 12,968,813 901 Nakapiripirit District * ff*- I --L . .._.1r,

--T1tr- l+- ;,? "t ''i.. ?Y\,L \i. t -fi' --t*;=*" M I t({,,- I i: ij lL I v t1 f t l"=' ti.j Y Amount (OOO'| Vote Descriptlon 7,328,OO8 Manafwa District 886 3,44t,331 Maracha District 887 3,471,050 888 Masaka District 4,882,502 Masindi District 889 6,068,543 890 Mayuge District 6,429,337 Mbale District 891 3,641,820 492 Mbarara District 9,052,297 Mitooma District 893 6,6a2,495 894 Mityana District 1,658,849 895 Moroto District 1,922,2O4 896 Moyo District 3,477,355 897 Mpigi District 6,69L,743 898 Mubende District 3,766,672 899 Mukono District 4,343,422 Nabilatuk District 900 3,OL6,472 901 Nakapiripirit District 5,835,018 902 Nakaseke District 2,548,6t5 903 Nakasongola District 4,536,596 904 Namayingo District 4,9t8,709 Namisindwa District 905 3,981, 161 906 Namutumba District 3,807,O77 907 Napak District 4,970,272 Nebbi District 908 2,906,306 909 Ngora District t,75A,026 Ntoroko District 910 7,940,925 911 Ntungamo District 5,490,899 Nwoya District 9t2 L,649,499 913 Obongi District 2,603,313 9t4 Omoro District 2,577,067 915 Otuke District 6,868,886 9t6 Oyam District 3,127,34r 917 Pader District 2,692,356 918 Pakwach District 4,682,708 9t9 Pallisa District 3,493,436 920 Rakai District 5,950,433 92t Rubanda District 3,4tt,704 922 Rubirizi District ,-i I ,r 4 27 F$*\

Honourable colleagues, I welcome you to today’s special sitting. It is a very sad day for us but also a day, indeed, on which we celebrate one of our greatest icons as a country. Today’s sitting is entirely dedicated to paying tribute to the late Hon. Joyce Mpanga; a former Minister for Women Affairs and former Minister of State for Primary Education. She also served as a Member of Parliament representing Mubende District having been the first woman to join the Legislative Council (LEGCO) in 1960. She was also a serving member of the Lukiiko of Buganda Kingdom. She has been one of the few living Ugandans who have witnessed Uganda’s history from colonialism to the present day. She was also a Fulbright Foreign Student Programme Alumni of Indiana University. Her participation as the first Ugandan woman inspired many young women to go to school at a time when society was mainly promoting boy-child education.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Motion for a Resolution of Parliament to Pay Tribute to the late Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga, for her Dedicated Service to the Republic of Uganda is moved under Rule 56 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. It reads: “WHEREAS the Parliament of Uganda received with deep sorrow the sad news of the demise of Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga, which occurred on Saturday, 18 November 2023; AWARE THAT Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga was a celebrated educationist, women rights activist and veteran politician who served in various key positions in the political and public service of Uganda, including; (a) The first female representative to the Legislative Council in 1960; (b) The first African Deputy Headmistress of Gayaza High School in 1962; (c) The first female lecturer at the Faculty of Education of Makerere University; (d) The first Minister of Women Affairs in 1988; (e) The first Minister of State for Primary Education from 1989 to 1992; (f) The Member of Parliament representing Mubende District from 1996 to 2001; and (g) Member of the Buganda Lukiiko from 2009 to 2023; RECOGNISING THAT Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga was a longstanding advocate for gender equality through promoting and advocating for women and girls’ rights, and therefore, shaped the narrative of women’s participation in politics, social and economic development; APPRECIATING THAT Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga was a distinguished leader who exhibited excellence, resilience, integrity and diligence in the leadership positions she held and consequently impacted upon many Ugandans to deliberately contribute to the social and economic transformation of Uganda; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that: 1. Parliament collectively conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends and the people of Uganda for the loss of a distinguished citizen of this Country; and 2. Parliament takes cognisance of the dedicated service and profound contribution that Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga rendered to the people of Uganda.” I beg to move.

Mr Speaker, on 18 November 2023, the country received the sad news of the passing on of Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga who was a renowned Educationist, Women Rights Activist, Community Worker and Veteran Politician among the few outstanding women who served in the Legislative Council (LEGCO). Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga was born on 22 January 1933 in Kassanda District, which was by then part of the Greater Mubende District. She attended Ndejje High School, which was later demoted to Nalinya Lwantale Primary School. She then later transferred to Gayaza High School in 1946 where she also served as a Head Girl. In 1958, she graduated from Makerere College University, the present day Makerere University where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree having studied History, Geography and English. She later went to the University of London for a Bachelor of Arts and Indiana University Bloomington for her Masters of Science in 1962. The late Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga became the third girl in East Africa to attain a University degree and the first Ugandan woman to win a US Fulbright Scholarship. This inspired many young females to strive for admission at Makerere University and later thought of affirmative action at public universities. She began her professional career in the education sector as a teacher at Makerere College School and later also served as a Deputy Headmistress of Gayaza High School in 1962. After the National Resistance Movement took over Government in 1986, Hon. Joyce Rovincer Mpanga became Uganda’s first Minister of Women in Development in 1988 and then State Minister for Primary Education until 1991. In 1996, Hon. Joyce Mpanga contested for Member of Parliament and won to represent the people of Mubende District. She served her people with dedication during her term from 1996 to 2001. She was a dedicated leader, an advocate of women equality who diligently served her country. Her enduring dedication to public service was further evident in her role as a member of the Buganda Kingdom Lukiiko , where she continued to advocate for the interests of her community. In 2019, she authored a book titled “It’s a Pity She’s Not a Boy” in which she came out strongly to inspire rural girls, emphasising that their aspirations hold immense value, irrespective of their humble beginnings. This showed unwavering commitment to empowering young women and girls to better citizens. She also served as an executive board member of the National Council of Women, as a founding member of Uganda Women’s Efforts to Save Orphans (UWESO) and as a chairperson of the NGO Board. The late Joyce Mpanga was a wife to Andrew Fredrick Mpanga, who by the time of their marriage in 1965, was the Attorney-General of Buganda under Kabaka Mutesa II. She was the mother to lawyer and author, David Fredrick Kisitu Mpanga, Peter Mpanga, a former Private Secretary to the Kabaka , George Mpanga, a poet podcast living in the United Kingdom, and Lydia Anne Zawedde Nabitalo Mpanga Sebuyira, an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington. Other children include; Naava Eva Naluyimba, Stephen Wasswa Mpanga, Grace Joyce Nakato Mutesasira, Edward Wasswa Ssenoga Mpanga and Michael Kato Mpanga. We extend our sincere sympathies and deep condolences to the family, relatives and the country at large. May her soul rest in eternal peace. I beg to submit.

11005 THE E LEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF U GANDA T U E SDAY , 21 N OVEMBER 2023 Joyce, as we used to call her, has also empowered many women to earn a livelihood through arts and crafts. She represented Mubende District in Parliament as the Woman Member of Parliament. Those were the contributions she made when she was in the Central Government. For the Buganda government, she was the first minister in charge of primary education in Buganda Kingdom. She was elected as a member of the Buganda Lukiiko until she breathed her last. She was an advisor to the Kabaka and the kingdom at large. She was close to the late Sir Edward Muteesa while in exile and since then, she has served the kingdom diligently, consequently being very instrumental in the restoration of the kingdom. She did a lot of work when the kingdom was being reinstalled in 1993. She played a very big role during that time. She was a member of the committee that prepared for the restoration of the kingdom. She was a representative of Namirembe Diocese at the provincial council and the late Owekitiibwa Mpanga has served in several capacities selflessly and with dignity, while maintaining decorum at all times. When I speak about her, I cannot finish everything she has done because she has done a lot of work. She could do everything. To the family, I pay condolences to you because she loved her children very much. She had only two children. When we asked why she had only two children, she told us that she wanted to have very few so that she could look after them well, educate them well and give them everything that they wanted so that they could live comfortably. Therefore, she loved her children very much. It is a pity that she has left you. Joyce contributed a lot. She was a bush war lady and we were together right from 1983 when she joined the bush war. She had been in the struggle right from the 1970s and that is when she started the struggle in politics. Hon. Mpanga has been meeting many groups of people at her place; advising, counselling and mentoring them. She would never get tired of hosting visitors. Her home was always full of visitors because she wanted to entertain everybody. We used to have meetings at her place and she would not get tired. Every time one went there, she would welcome them and do everything in her power to make this country – she would entertain politics from time to time. She was very worried about the things that are ongoing in the country. She would take time to ask what we can do to save the situation. She was a political leader who would not get tired. She was old but her brain was super. She remembered everything and would do everything. She was a real mother to everybody. I do not know what we can do - I think it is up to us to emulate what Joyce has been doing. We need to check whether we are on the right track. We should ask, can what we are doing save this country? Do we love our country? This is what she had been trying to achieve from time to time. Joyce loved her kingdom and her king very much. She was an advisor to the king and she would do anything to make sure that our king is comfortable. We cannot forget you, Joyce, for all you have done. We shall always remember you for your good heart. She had a very big heart for everybody. She could not hate anybody. No matter what you did or said, Joyce would welcome you at her house. She was a wonderful mother and we shall always remember you for what you have done for this country. May your soul rest in peace. (Applause)

10802 STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS 88. Kassanda District Local Government; 89. Lyantonde District Local Government; 90. Kalangala District Local Government; 91. Bukomansimbi District Local Government; 92. Ssembabule District Local Government; 93. Mubende District Local Government; 94. Mubende Municipal Council; 95. Rakai District Local Government; 96. Lwengo District Local Government; and 97. Kyotera District Local Government.” I beg to move, Mr Speaker.

8757 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 18 MAY 2023 161) Vote 876: Kyegegwa District – Shs 23,846,624,000 162) Vote 877: Kyenjojo District – Shs 35,581,507,000 163) Vote 878: Kyotera District – Shs 35,036,531,000 164) Vote 879: Lamwo District – Shs 18,485,759,000 165) Vote 880: Lira District – Shs 27,100,374,000 166) Vote 881: Luuka District – Shs 25,440,932,000 167) Vote 882: Luweero District – Shs 63,300,117,000 168) Vote 883: Lwengo District – Shs 27,153,735,000 169) Vote 884: Lyantonde District – Shs 18,276,836,000 170) Vote 885: Madi-Okollo District – Shs 17,665,819,000 171) Vote 886: Manafwa District – Shs 25,992,671,000 172) Vote 887: Maracha District – Shs 25,235,124,000 173) Vote 888: Masaka District – Shs 13,315,598,000 174) Vote 889: Masindi District – Shs 23,520,737,000 175) Vote 890: Mayuge District – Shs 42,544,940,000 176) Vote 891: Mbale District – Shs 36,346,216,000 177) Vote 892: Mbarara District – Shs 23,774,583,000 178) Vote 893: Mitooma District – Shs 27,230,403,000 179) Vote 894: Mityana District – Shs 31,132,617,000 180) Vote 895: Moroto District – Shs 13,533,113,000 181) Vote 896: Moyo District – Shs 20,493,308,000 182) Vote 897: Mpigi District – Shs 30,334,080,000 183) Vote 898: Mubende District – Shs 25,717,019,000 184) Vote 899: Mukono District – Shs 49,808,239,000 185) Vote 900: Nabilatuk District – Shs 8,965,015,000 186) Vote 857: Katakwi District - Shs 25,335,675,000 187) Vote 858: Kayunga District - Shs 37,361,049,000 188) Vote 859: Kazo District – Shs 18,099,602,000 189) Vote 860: Kibaale District - Shs 17,514,216,000 190) Vote 861: Kiboga District – Shs 25,621,222,000 191) Vote 862: Kibuku District – Shs 21,510,868,000 192) Vote 863: Kikuube District – Shs 22,027,669,000 193) Vote 864: Kiruhura District – Shs 18,214,354,000 194) Vote 865: Kiryandongo District - Shs 28,181,672,000

8758 BUDGETARY PROPOSALS & ESTIMATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 195) Vote 866: Kisoro District - Shs 41,251,167,000 196) Vote 867: Kitagwenda District – Shs 19,274,549,000 197) Vote 868: Kitgum District - Shs 28,277,064,000 198) Vote 869: Koboko District - Shs 19,175,066,000 199) Vote 870: Kole District – Shs 24,145,853,000 200) Vote 871: Kotido District – Shs 11,301,208,000 201) Vote 872: Kumi District - Shs 25,388,394,000 202) Vote 873: Kwania District – Shs 22,753,848,000 203) Vote 874: Kween District – Shs 19,391,073,000 204) Vote 875: Kyankwanzi District – Shs 24,244,929,000 205) Vote 876: Kyegegwa District – Shs 23,846,624,000 206) Vote 877: Kyenjojo District – Shs 35,581,507,000 207) Vote 878: Kyotera District – Shs 35,036,531,000 208) Vote 879: Lamwo District – Shs 18,485,759,000 209) Vote 880: Lira District – Shs 27,100,374,000 210) Vote 881: Luuka District – Shs 25,440,932,000 211) Vote 882: Luweero District – Shs 63,300,117,000 212) Vote 883: Lwengo District – Shs 27,153,735,000 213) Vote 884: Lyantonde District – Shs 18,276,836,000 214) Vote 885: Madi-Okollo District – Shs 17,665,819,000 215) Vote 886: Manafwa District – Shs 25,992,671,000 216) Vote 887: Maracha District – Shs 25,235,124,000 217) Vote 888: Masaka District – Shs 13,315,598,000 218) Vote 889: Masindi District – Shs 23,520,737,000 219) Vote 890: Mayuge District – Shs 42,544,940,000 220) Vote 891: Mbale District – Shs 36,346,216,000 221) Vote 892: Mbarara District – Shs 23,774,583,000 222) Vote 893: Mitooma District – Shs 27,230,403,000 223) Vote 894: Mityana District – Shs 31,132,617,000 224) Vote 895: Moroto District – Shs 13,533,113,000 225) Vote 896: Moyo District – Shs 20,493,308,000 226) Vote 897: Mpigi District – Shs 30,334,080,000 227) Vote 898: Mubende District – Shs 25,717,019,000 228) Vote 899: Mukono District – Shs 49,808,239,000

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Rt Hon. Prime Minister, for responding to the issue that happened, though some people say it was shallow; those that experienced what exactly happened. I also would like to thank you for standing with our colleagues, especially by getting them out of the police cells on that day; we saw you standing as a woman, by securing their freedom. Madam Speaker, I would like to very much condemn the way our honourable colleagues were arrested on Thursday. It was uncalled for. And I hope that by you giving us this opportunity to have this debate, this will not happen again. Madam Speaker, this is not only happening in opposition constituencies or constituencies that have opposition Members of Parliament. We have a number of stakeholders that take part in organising Women’s Day - that is considering the fact that while Government organises Women’s Day, there are similar celebrations that are always organised at the districts. Someone mentioned that when they sent Shs 3 million from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, only Shs 1 million came. For Mubende District, by the time we held the Women’s Day celebrations, all Shs 3 million had not come. And that was almost two months after we had received the letters indicating that we had received that money.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance regarding land wrangles in Mubende District. In Buwekula South Constituency, about 75 per cent of the people are on the verge of eviction. We have mailo land, which was allocated to the owners as early as the 1930s.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and Rt Hon. Prime Minister. Currently, we do not have any Ebola cases in any hospital. All patients have been treated and released from hospitals and we have had 56 deaths since the Ebola outbreak. The problem, which I have also explained to the Woman Member of Parliament for Mubende District, is that we have got to wait

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I really appreciate the committee for the report as well. What I want to bring to light is the fact that the issues of rural electrification have become very critical and not only unique to the West Nile Region, but in my area in Kassanda District. We have villages like Mirembe, Kyakatebi, Kasana – they are right along the road where the electricity lines pass, but they have never been connected and they also simply stare at the power lines all the time. We have a number of villages, including my own village in Kasana; the biggest percentage of that district has no electricity at all. We have been talking about this electrification for a very long time, but the ministers always forget that Kassanda is a district. They tend to think that we are a village, still in Mubende District. I really hope that they can prioritise Kassanda District.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance regarding the extension of the Ebola lockdown in Mubende and Kassanda districts. Since October, Mubende and Kassanda have been under lockdown and as you know, we were even stopped from accessing our constituencies. The lockdown has been extended thrice. With the lockdown, public transport in Mubende District is not accessible. People are not working yet they are supposed to eat. Children are back at home, but parents have nothing to feed them. Mr Speaker, I pray that Government relaxes some guidelines, like on transport. Secondly, I pray that public means, where taxis can carry maybe half capacity as it was with COVID-19, be allowed, and private cars of transport can operate with only three people. People are dying because they cannot access hospital services. We also need food relief delivered to these people. People are not working yet they are supposed to eat. The other time we were given 1,000 and 500 tonnes of maize flour and beans respectively, but they instead caused mayhem in Mubende and Kassanda districts because they were not enough. People fought for them. This time around, Mr Speaker, we request for at least 2,000 tonnes to be given to these people. I also would like to request for, Mr Speaker -

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for your right and timely ruling. I actually said that we were collecting data and our technical teams were in Kassanda yesterday to pick information that we needed and that is why we are bringing this today. Secondly, this lies in my docket of Primary Health Care, and so, we have made no mistake. On the 20 th of September 2022, the Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of the Ebola Sudan Virus in Mubende District. The outbreak then spread and now, it is in four districts of Kassanda, Kagadi, Bunyangabu and Kyegegwa within a period of two weeks. Subsequently, due to movements of contacts and symptomatic individuals for health services, the outbreak spread to Wakiso District and Kampala City, bringing the total number of affected authorities to seven. All the affected local authorities had been categorised as very high risk or high risk based on the assessment done by the Ministry of Health. Madam Speaker, allow me to give the status of the outbreak. It is 43 days today since the declaration of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak and the total number of confirmed cases stand at 130 of whom 43 have succumbed to the disease and 45 have been treated and have improved, and 40 are still undergoing treatment. The table, which we have already uploaded will give you the statistics from Bunyangabu to Kagadi and Kampala, and also give the subcounties that were affected and the number of people who are in those districts. Kassanda and Mubende will remain the epicentre. And now, we have a new district of Wakiso, specifically in Busiro and Nansana, as you can see in the table. Among the confirmed cases, there have also been health workers. To-date, 15 health workers have been infected, of whom six have succumbed to the deadly infection. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Out of the 15, six were from private facilities and nine were from the public health sector. This includes the team of medical students who got infected in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. We have noted that most of the cases tend to visit several private clinics for care before finally going to the public facility. This exposes the health workers to infection. We have been engaging and appealing to all health workers (public and private) to use appropriate protective gear when in facilities attending to patients. Every Tuesday morning, we do programmes to inform our people. Madam Speaker, we have been mobilising resources to respond to this outbreak. To guide response to the outbreak, a three-months’ response plan costing Shs 75 billion was developed, presented to Cabinet and submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for funding. To-date, we have not received any response. Several partners have mobilised resources but they are yet to be formally communicated to the Ministry of Health, how each have been mobilising. The partners, however, have been supporting several interventions on the ground, including surveillance, contact tracing, risk communication, case management, transport and safe burials. We are organising an accountability forum and we expect all partners to declare the resources mobilised towards the epidemic. However, to urgently support the affected districts to carry out response activities, the Ministry of Health through internal re-organisation of resources, disbursed Shs 2.12 billion to the districts as you will see in the table below. Mubende Shs 500 million, Kyegegwa Shs 305 million, Kassanda Shs 305 million, Kagadi Shs 305 million, Bunyangabu Shs 305 million and Mubende Regional Referral Hospital Shs 400 million. [The Speaker] MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

6031 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2022 All the above districts accessed the funds and are carrying out interventions and paying their health workers except Kassanda, where the leadership and the entire health system is a little weak. But efforts are being made to strengthen the response in Kassanda District by recruiting health workers on contract to support the district, deploy response teams and all that is required. We also want to construct an Ebola Treatment Unit in Kassanda. We, however, request more support from you honourable Members and especially Members from Kassanda District. Ebola treatment facilities Madam Speaker, the Government and partners have set up three Ebola Treatment Facilities in Mubende District. A forty-two-bed capacity treatment facility at the regional referral hospital. Another 42-bed capacity Ebola Treatment Facility, at the district’s works grounds. The third treatment facility is at the original outbreak epicentre in Madudu: an eight-bed capacity facility that is cushioning the main facility at the retention centre for suspected cases under surveillance and investigation. In Kampala Metropolitan Area, we have two permanent treatment facilities in Mulago National Referral Hospital and Entebbe Municipality. Mulago Ebola Treatment Facility is a 120-bed facility that is co-located but separate from Mulago National Referral Hospital. This facility is currently housing the 22 quarantined contacts from Kampala and Wakiso. They will be evaluated this week to create room for the admission of both suspected and confirmed cases. Madam Speaker, the second Ebola Treatment Facility is in Entebbe National Isolation Centre. It is a 67-bed capacity facility with eight ICU beds. This is where all the current Kampala Metropolitan confirmed cases are being managed. The Ministry of Health with support from partners is setting up an additional treatment facility in Mulago Sports Field. These 64- bed capacity will be built in two phases over a period of four weeks. With the completion of this facility, the ministry will have 351 beds available for the treatment of confirmed cases. Furthermore, open spaces have been identified to set up more tents should the need arise. Treatment for Sudan Ebola Virus Madam Speaker, there is no known treatment for this Sudan Ebola Virus Disease. Currently, there are a number of promising treatment options that the ministry is using under trial, including monoclonal antibodies and repurposed drugs like remdesivir donated by the US Government. However, the doses available are still very few. So far, 13 patients have received these trial drugs with relatively good outcomes. Four patients admitted in critical condition succumbed to death. This is to emphasise the importance of early reporting and hence treatment. Another request has been submitted to the USA Government for more of the trial drugs. The ministry will evaluate the efficacy of three candidate Ebola Sudan vaccines on contacts in the coming weeks. The candidate vaccines are Oxford, from the United Kingdom, Sabin from the USA and Merck also from the USA. The main objective is to evaluate their efficacy to protect primary contacts of Ebola patients within 29 days of contact. We plan to vaccinate contacts of 150 confirmed cases, those make 3,000 people initially. Trial preparation has been done and concluded and we estimate that we may begin the trial in the next two weeks. Madam Speaker, despite the presence of these promising treatment modalities, the mainstay of control for Ebola Sudan Virus Disease is early detection of the infection, individuals and their contacts, and immediately isolating these contacts. If we can do that, we will reduce the numbers.

6032 The moment you feel any symptoms, please, go for treatment. We are banking on you, honourable members, because when you speak, your people listen. Early treatment, as we have seen in the 45 recovered individuals, is associated with a good outcome. For most of the individuals that have died, time was lost while running from one clinic to another, including going to shrines to consult witch doctors. The population understanding the signs and symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease and avoiding exposure to it; especially, contact with the sick persons’ body fluids vomit, stool, faeces, blood, saliva, sweat, urine - all these can infect you if you are in close contact with a patient. This exposure may be through direct handling, deliberate or incidental, or even accidental of linen, surfaces, cleaning, sharing of lavatories, beddings, or through handshaking, hugging, or caring for a confirmed case. Madam Speaker, I would like to inform this House and the entire population that the symptoms of Ebola in the early phases are similar and consistent with most common febrile illnesses like malaria, where the clinical cause of the disease begins with high-grade fever, headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, in the upper abdomen especially, fatigue, general body weakness, intractable vomiting and diarrhea, plus bleeding manifestations, may not be an early presentation. So, if you feel some fever, please, do not stay at home because you can be helped. This emphasises the aspect of seeking care early if you had contact with anybody who has Ebola. The outbreak epicentre remains Mubende and Kassanda specifically. In the Mubende District, the most affected subcounties are Madudu, Kiruma and East Division of Mubende Municipality. While in Kassanda, the subcounties of Kikandwa and Kalwana are the most affected. At the beginning of the outbreak, the epidemic spread to the three districts of Bunyangabu, Kagadi, Kyegegwa. Two districts have completed the 21 days of contacts follow up and even individuals have been retired from the contact list. They are back home and do not have the Ebola virus. Since there has been no second retransmission, we believe transmission may have been interrupted. However, intensified surveillance continues in these districts for another 21 days to complete the 42 days cycle before they can be cleared. A new case appeared in Kyegegwa late last week, and so, we have restarted the countdown afresh. To stop further exportation of cases into other parts of the country, His Excellency, the President of Uganda directed the restricting of movements into and out of the districts of Mubende and Kassanda. However, internal movement is allowed and transit vehicles are free to cross through to other districts; if one is going to Kakumiro, Kabarole, Fort Portal, they can cross through but not stop anywhere in Mubende. The President’s directive of restricted movement was based on optimising control effects in the same geographical area and minimising the spread to other areas. The penetration of Ebola in heavily populated areas creates a situation of rapid spread and is associated with sustained and protracted person-to-person transmission. Urban Ebola transmission is complex and Government will do it takes to ensure control of transmission in the urban settings, especially the Kampala Metropolitan Area, which includes Wakiso. To illustrate the extent of the spread in urban transmission, a single case can quickly set up several transmission lines. In short, in a very short time, as shown in this graphics, just one person in this congested city can spread Ebola to very many other people. [Ms Muhanga] MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

6037 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2022 daily basis. I know who is hospitalised, who has been affected and who has held which meeting. I am glad and happy and I thank her. Despite the fact that the disease is very deadly – everyone fears it – she comes with her team to the ground. Having said that, I need some clarification; I have noted that in the statistics they give, they indicate Kikandwa and Kalwana as different subcounties in all the ministry’s statistics. I want to take this time to say that there is no subcounty in Kassanda called Kikandwa. Kikandwa is a parish in Kalwana Subcounty. Honourable minister, I also noted that in your statistics, you indicate that we have a subcounty called Gombe in Kassanda District. We do not have a subcounty called Gombe. Please, take note of that. I have been following up how you have been reporting. We have only one subcounty, Kalwana, that is affected by the Ebola virus. In that subcounty, there is only one parish called Kikandwa that is affected currently. I needed to clear that. The next thing that I need the minister to clarify is the issue of the leaders, as it is stated in the statement. I think it was unfair to say that the leaders in Kassanda are weak. Despite the fact that - I am not on ground - the leadership there is willing to participate and make a contribution; they have been excluded in the process of managing Ebola. Therefore, it is not right to say that the leaders in Kassanda are weak. Probably, if the ministry said that they have a weak health team, I can agree. However, it is not true that the leaders in Kassanda are weak. That noted, I also need clarification on the money. When you look at how the money that first came was distributed, you will notice that despite the fact that the two districts are on lockdown – Mubende and Kassanda - they gave out money equally even to those districts, which are not under lockdown. How can Kassanda get the same amount of money as Kagadi, which is not under lockdown? I need the justification for that. The other issue is that Mubende District has 10 subcounties, while Kassanda has 15. When you look at the money indicated to have been given out, Mubende got Shs 500 million and Kassanda Shs 300 – even in food. I have seen the Prime Minister around. She can also clarify why Mubende, with fewer subcounties, is given much more, even in terms of food, than Kassanda. Having said that –

Madam Speaker, the issue of Ebola is a pertinent issue. And we all want to support our people to get out of this without many people dying. Mubende District has 19 subcounties and a municipal council. Kassanda District has 15 subcounties with two town councils. The targeted population to be helped is guided by the President. They are the boda boda cyclists, those people who were selling by the roadside and the market vendors. First of all, the problem came from Mubende. So, we were guided by the technical assessment team that went on site, and gave us how to distribute the food. We followed a technical assessment team that guided our actions. That is all I can tell him. Thank you very much.

Honourable members, the election of Uganda’s representatives to the Fifth Assembly of EALA will be held on Thursday, 29 September 2022. Guidance for the elections has been issued by the Speaker and will be circulated in due course. Can someone close those windows? Please, I am still communicating. Why the rush? I do not know; am I proceeding well, honourable colleague? (Laughter) Honourable members, this is an announcement by the Government Chief Whip: “During the interim Executive Council meeting of the Parliamentary Anglican Chaplaincy, held on 8 September 2022, it was resolved that a general meeting of the Chaplaincy be convened to, among others, endorse a substantive Executive Council and also deliberate on the matters concerning the chaplaincy.” You are hereby notified that the said meeting will take place on Thursday, 22 September 2022, in the Parliamentary Conference Hall starting at 9.30 a.m. For further information, you can contact Hon. Hamson Obua, interim chairperson. Honourable colleagues, I have read media reports, quoting the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, about the case of Ebola in Mubende District. And after reading these reports, I called on the Minister of Health to prepare a statement for this House so that the country and this House can be updated in a timely manner. Later on, after receiving reactions to my communication, I will be requesting the Minister of Health to present that statement. Any reactions? Hon. Silwany?

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. The Ministry of Health wishes to present to you a statement on the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Mubende District, Uganda. The Ministry of Health wishes to inform this august House of a confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Mubende District. On the 15 September 2022, one suspected case- patient of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) was identified and isolated in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.

The suspected case- patient was a 24-year-old male who lived in Ngabano Village in Madudu Subcounty in Mubende District. He was a referral from a private clinic of St John’s Medical Clinic in East Division, Mubende Municipality, where he had just been referred. The patient presented with high grade fever, convulsions, blood-stained vomitus and diarrhoea, loss of appetite and pain in swallowing. He also presented with chest pain, dry cough and bleeding in the eyes. While in the isolation unit at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, the patient developed yellowing of eyes, tea coloured urine and complained of abdominal pain on the 17 September 2022. The clinical team took a sample from the patient having suspected him to have VHF. The sample was received at the laboratory of Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on the 18 September 2022, and results, released on the 19 September 2022, confirmed Ebola (Sudan strain) infection. Mr Speaker, early in the morning of 19 September 2022, the confirmed index case passed on, and the body is still currently kept in the Mubende Regional Referral Hospital mortuary, separated from the other bodies awaiting safe and dignified burial. More information is still being gathered concerning the possible source of infection and contacts of this confirmed case. This is the second Ebola-Sudan strain in Uganda. The first case was reported in Luweero District in 2012. This was diagnosed and ended on the index case. There was no secondary transmission reported then. The incubation period for Ebola-Sudan period is 2-21 days. Like all other Ebola strains, this is a serious disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Ebola is a viral and acute disease that can turn fatal, if left untreated. Ebola is transmitted through the following: i) Close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope or porcupines found ill or dead in the rainforest. ii) Human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes). iii) Blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola. [The Deputy Speaker] MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

5667 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2022 in Madudu Subcounty and Kasolokamponye in Kiruuma Subcounty. These are the very subcounties being quoted to have had a case of Ebola in Mubende District. I expected the minister’s report to tell us that a standby group of ambulance operators and drivers had been sent there – if the cases are many – to ferry these people from Mubende to Mulago or other health centres. More so, I expected the minister to talk about the awareness. Our people need to be educated. They should pay radio stations. We have over five radio stations in Mubende District and the surrounding areas, through which information can be disseminated to make our people know of the dangers of the outbreak. Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health should also include leaders within – they conducted a meeting today, but we were not aware; we were not consulted, told or informed. I just got information that the meeting was taking place in the Resident District Commissioner’s office. Please, this country is not in one man – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance concerning the mushrooming plywood factories and the way they operate, more so in Mubende District and the Greater Mubende. Mubende District, alone, has about seven plywood factories. I have received several complaints from Kyenda Town Council, where we have a one Feiya International Company Limited, which is a plywood factory that employs quite a number of our young boys and girls – which is a credit. However, my concern is about the smoke that they generate day and night and the way they treat the young boys and girls they employ. When a boy or a girl gets an injury in that factory, they dismiss them and let them go. It is for them to find out how they can treat themselves. There is a one Nelson Baluku, who comes from Kasese or Bundibugyo. He was given a job but when he got injured, they chased him out of the factory. Now, he is trying to see how to recover. These factories do not have dining areas. They do not have enough bathrooms and toilets, yet bathing, more so for women, would be more meaningful when