Erute County North

Now that is the statement I want you to capture; that she was 64 years that time, but she had never owned anything in her life. You imagine that. What sort of society is this, and she has got children? Then how will the family be? The other time I showed you a video in which Apio featured. Let us watch that video in which Apio of Lira District features again. (A video presentation was made.)

Madam Speaker, I beg to lay on the Table a report by the Auditor- General on the special audit into the alleged misappropriation of funds for the construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Memorial Stadium project in Lira District (Reference CID/ PAC/21) of July 2025. I beg to lay.

Vota Dclodgtlo fm*,{gGIEo0(Il 876 Kyegegwa District 31.470.913 877 Kyenjojo District 41.947.987 878 Kyotera District 40,338.213 879 Ianwo District 22.L74.Ot2 880 Lira District 27.502.131 881 Luuka District 30,991,532 882 Luurcrc District 78.LO3.724 883 Lwengo District 32.483.519 884 Lyantonde District 21,935,852 885 Madi-Okollo District 2t.f3/.L.5g2 886 l{anafua District 32.457.37r 887 Maracha District 29,492,485 888 Masaka District 14.615.925 889 Masindi DisEict 27.738.604 890 Manrge District 4),514,128 891 Mbafe District 42966,325 892 Mbarara District 27.253.74L 893 Mitooma District 36,257,O32 894 Idi@Pistrict 35.248.748 895 Moroto District 15.165.026 896 Moyo District 24,948,054 897 Meigi Distrist 33.986.704 898 Mubende Distrbt 30.641.693 899 Mukono District 55.925,165 900 Nabilahrk District LL.358,444 901 Nakapiripirit District .rl L3.874.296 902 Nakaseke District ,7/ 43.L87.786 903 Nakasonsola District d{// 31,982,802 904 Namafiinso District w, 27,875.777 905 r*i"irraoo Pi"oi", -l7EF r\ 1 \P ? - s 4FE)-. s

Votc Dcrc$tlor *rdtUCxmul 851 IGnurUu District 4,183,383 852 IGpchomn District L,981,743 853 I(apelebyorU District 2,630.719 854 I(arcnga District 1,399,598 855 IGsanda District 3,428,678 856 I(asese District 13,603,845 857 IGtaklrri District 3,370,949 858 IGnrnga District 5,669,819 859 IGzo District 3,L52,276 860 Kibaale District 6,579,O11 861 Kibosa Distriq! 3.960.200 862 Kibuku District 2.969.425 863 Kikuube District 4.561.406 8& Kinrhura District 3.903.054 865 IGryandongo Distrist 3.830.644 866 Kisoro District 3,722.933 %7 Kitagurenda District 2.382.403 868 Kiteun District 3.380.974 869 Ifuboko District 2.087.W3 870 Kole District 2.663.870 87L Itutido District 2.707.O70 872 Kumi District 4.245.534 873 Kwania District 2,78r.O82 874 Kween District 2.518.346 875 Kyankqranzi District 3,276.736 876 Kyegegrf,a District 4.992.9L6 877 Krrenjojo District 6.437.830 878 Krrotera District 4.648.360 879 Lamurc District 3.525.410 880 Lira District 2.946.27s 881 Luuka District 2.679.967 882 Luwero District tL,lLo,747 883 Lwengo District 2.755,524 884 2,61L.925 885 Madi-Okollo 1,47L,340 886 Manaftna District I a(|AnZ t-l )frt I \ 2,O76,1L3 887 Maractra District ( f ttW ,( \ *ttr 3,193,327 888 Masaka District t,/ '.K 1,566,265 ( \$ 5TlPage --a

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. I would like to commend the committee for the report. I am in pain because Lira District had major schools before the city was created, but at the moment, I have only one A-Level school in Lira District: Amac Complex Secondary School. Amac Complex has neither a laboratory nor a library. We have a new curriculum that needs a lot of research.

17187 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2025 How do we expect the students sitting in the Amac Complex to join the university? Even under the quota system, the Lira District and the city have been combined to benefit from it. I have been very keen on this. Every year, I address these students before they go to the university, but it pains me because the children of the rich in the city are the ones who benefit from the quota system. My poor people in Lira District do not benefit because they are not performing to the expected standard to be admitted for the quota system. Minister, what are you doing about that? Secondly, Mr Speaker, Lira District has a school called Bar Oganda Primary School. It was supported by Plan International. The classrooms have been constructed and fenced. We have written to the Ministry of Education and Sports several times to code the school, but they have failed. Minister, I will be in your office tomorrow. Please, help me and code this one school so that our parents get relieved. Lastly, we have schools that need to be rehabilitated. Agweng Secondary School is in a bad state, and primary schools like Abongorwot and Ororor Primary Schools - the President landed there, but their infrastructure is in a bad state and is almost collapsing. They always ask me, Hon. Linda, you were the one interpreting for the President, our school is collapsing, but I have no answer.

16745 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2025 require action from the Executive. This motion seeks to make those resolutions part of the record of this House and accord them a referral status to the Executive for action. I will now invite Hon. Linda Auma, the Lira District woman representative, to move the motion regarding women.

16787 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2025 50. Vote 871: Kotido District – Shs 503,436,072; 51. Vote 872: Kumi District – Shs 202,740,000; 52. Vote 879: Lamwo District – Shs 47,114,000; 53. Vote 880: Lira District – Shs 23,760,000; 54. Vote 881: Luuka District – Shs 56,760,000; 55. Vote 884: Lyantonde District – Shs 6,720,000; 56. Vote 885: Madi-Okollo District – Shs 44,695,393; 57. Vote 886: Manafwa District – Shs 251,040,000; 58. Vote 887: Maracha District – Shs 103,800,000; 59. Vote 892: Mbarara District – Shs 18,195,000; 60. Vote 896: Moyo District – Shs 11,070,000; 61. Vote 900: Nabilatuk District – Shs 36,240,000; 62. Vote 902: Nakaseke District – Shs 27,735,600; 63. Vote 904: Namayingo District – Shs 6,580,000; 64. Vote 906: Namutumba District – Shs 472,752,800; 65. Vote 907: Napak District – Shs 186,300,000; 66. Vote 910: Ntoroko District – Shs 23,400,000; 67. Vote 911: Ntungamo District – Shs 17,160,000; 68. Vote 912: Nwoya District – Shs 259,740,012; 69. Vote 914: Omoro District – Shs 92,920,000; 70. Vote 917: Pader District – Shs 356,782,000; 71. Vote 919: Pallisa District – Shs 114,335,970; 72. Vote 923: Rukiga District – Shs 51,000,000; 73. Vote 924: Rukungiri District – Shs 6,298,000; 74. Vote 925: Rwampara District – Shs 26,694,209; 75. Vote 928: Sironko District – Shs 60,000,000; 76. Vote 929: Soroti District – Shs 56,881,000; 77. Vote 932: Tororo District – Shs 3,035,429,737; 78. Vote 935: Zombo District – Shs 153,577,688; and Sub-total for local government – Shs 15,985,336,921.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, last year we raised an issue on Aler-Kwari Rock. Aler is in between Lira District and Kole District. The project affected persons rented their land to the Government and the Government Chief Valuer approved the evaluation report. However, to our surprise, Lira District, in November 2023, titled the land. As we talk, the project affected persons have been told to evacuate the land by next month; April and yet it is customary-owned land. No action has been taken. Despite the community serving a caveat to the district land board and the Lira land zone, they went ahead and titled the land. My prayer is, the land title that Lira District local government is claiming to be freehold land must be cancelled. Two, people are suffering. They do not have where to cultivate and are requesting to be given maize and bean seeds to plant because life is really hard. (Member timed out.)

Thank you. Representing 77 per cent of the budget released. To that effect, Shs 446 billion remained unutilised and hence was returned to the Consolidated Fund as a result of the failure to absorb the resources. Madam Speaker, the absorption of funds by the local government was affected by a number of factors, including late release of funds, delays in procurement, delayed accessing of civil servants onto the payroll, change in design of construction works, among the cases cited. Notably, the local governments with the least absorptive capacities or those that returned huge sum of funds were Kitgum Municipal Council at 43 per cent, returning Shs 15 billion; Oyam District Local Government performed at 57 per cent thus returning Shs 25 billion; Pakwach District Local Government performed at 58 per cent returning Shs 14.5 billion; Agago District Local Government absorbed 60 per cent of the funds, returning Shs 17.6 billion; Lira District Local Government absorbed 54 per cent of the funds released to it returning Shs 17.6 billion and Arua City absorbed 74 per cent released to it, returning Shs 17.6 billion. Madam Speaker, on the other hand, the local governments that absorbed to near target were Gulu District Local Government (DLG) posting 100 per cent utilisation of all funds released to it, Arua DLG 94 per cent, Mityana DLG absorbed 96 per cent of the funds released to it and Mityana Municipal Council performed at 89 per cent, Moyo DLG at 87 per cent, and Yumbe DLG at 87 per cent. Those are among the best performing local governments. Madam Speaker, as I stated earlier, these are just samples we picked. The main reports are in this book. The Members will pick interest and look at their district one by one; how they performed in the Financial Year 2022/2023. Committee observation The committee observed that: i. Local governments were unable to carry out the planned activities because they did not get all the funds from the approved budget; ii. The unspent balance was attributed to a number of factors including failure to recruit, delayed deployment of teachers [Mr Olanya] STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT

15093 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2024 by the Ministry of Education and Sports, failure to procure contractors under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme and the delayed completion of projects under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) programme, among others; iii. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, in some instances, released funds to the entities over and above what was requested for by the entities. Some entities did not have information about such releases by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development which found them ill prepared for the money hence some being swept back to the Consolidated Fund; iv. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, in some cases, released funds late to entities. Several entities informed the committee that funds were received at the end of the last quarter of the financial year, which made absorption of the same almost impossible. Committee recommendation The committee recommends that: i. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should explain why funds were not released to the local governments as budgeted and in a timely manner as well as those released over and above requests made by the entities. ii. Accounting officers under the supervision of local governments who failed to utilise funds released to them without justifiable reasons should be held personally liable. iii. Relevant entities should streamline their budget performance and ensure timely recruitment and placement, procurement timelines and follow-up on timely releases in order to improve funds absorption. iv. Accounting officers should follow up with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on the budget shortfalls affecting service delivery. 2. Local Revenue Performance The 56 local government entities had an approved local revenue budget of Shs 121.39 billion, out of which Shs 86.4 billion was allocated and released back to the local government, hence, a revenue collection of 71 per cent of the approved budget. A sum of Shs 34.98 billion remains uncollected at the end of the financial year. The warrant releases are based on what the local governments collect and is deposited with the Consolidated Fund as per the requirements of Section 29(2) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. The under-collection undermines service delivery as councils greatly rely on local revenue for support, supervision and facilitation of the council’s settings. Thus, improvement in its administration is required to improve service delivery. A number of local governments under review posted good performance, led by Butambala District Local Government at 278 per cent, Koboko Municipal Council at 232 per cent, Yumbe District Local Government at 131 per cent, and Koboko District Local Government at 128 per cent, while the lowest performance was registered by Lira District Local Government that realised only 11 per cent of its approved local revenue budget, Apac Municipal Council at only 23 per cent, Adjumani District Local Government at 35 per cent, and Pakwach District Local Government at 48 per cent, as per the budget performance annex 1. The accounting officers, with a good revenue performance, informed the committee that they had been enrolled on the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS), which has enhanced revenue collection. Madam Speaker, additionally, accounting officers informed the committee that they had developed revenue enhancement plans, and

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join my colleagues to appreciate the two committees. I would like to say something about the report of the Committee on Education and Sports. In Lira District, I do not have an A-level school. There is only one in Erute South, that is Amach Complex School. This is the third time I have been talking about this school; it has no library; it has no laboratory. We are in for a new curriculum that needs research, but our students cannot - I request the Ministry of Education and Sports that when they are allocating funds for the rehabilitation of all schools, they should balance. I saw that in Lango, it was only Lira City with four schools, leaving the rest of the schools in the neighbouring districts. I request that in this coming financial year, please, consider the only A-level school we have in Lira District. Secondly, there is a problem with hybrid contracts by ministries. These are contractors that will never listen to the engineer at the district or the education officer and they do whatever they want because they are not accountable to the district. That is why you are seeing these reports of cracked classrooms yet the Government is putting in a lot of money that can help the country for a long time. (Applause) They are shortening this. I think the Government should mean what they call decentralisation, other than claiming decentralisation, yet every key project is already centralised. Thank you.

Much obliged, Mr Speaker. As guided, pursuant to rules 159(c) and 189(e) of the Rules of Procedure, the Sectoral Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry, between the 13 th and 15 August 2024, conducted a field activity to appraise the state of the following tourism sites and to consider related matters: The first is Kabalega and Mwanga Monumental Site in Dokolo District. The others are Barlonyo Massacre Site in Lira District; Mary Mother of the Church Shrine in Iceme, Oyam District; Aboke Massacre Site in Oyam District; Sir Samuel Baker`s Fort, Patiko, Gulu District; and Amuru Hot Springs in Amuru District. The committee also acknowledges and prioritises, for subsequent oversights, the heritage sites in Gulu-Gulu Hills in Amuro; Napak Fossil Site in Napak; Emin Pasha Fort Site in Wadelai in Pakwach; Karamoja Museum in Moroto; Dufile Heritage Site in Moyo; Tien Olum footprints site in Ibuja-Kokoro in Lango; Palabek in Lamwo; Lototoro in Lamwo; Agoro Hills in Acholi; Abiyam Memorial Site in Lango; Nziri Tomb in West Nile; Winam Old Palace in West Nile; and Arua Museum in West Nile. Those are 19 sites in total. The terms of references, I already indicated. To save time, I will go straight to the methodology. But okay, I will also not go through it, but it is important to mention that the committee conducted a desk review on a comparative analysis of investment sites in three East African community countries. One, the committee noted that for the management and administration of museums and monuments in Uganda, we are guided by the Museums and Monuments Act of 2023. Mr Speaker, Uganda also has a tourism policy of 2015, which prioritises four areas, national parks, cultural heritage sites, Lake Victoria, mountains, and community-based tourism. The focus of this report is on cultural heritage sites. We also compared the tourist visits to museums and monuments in East Africa. We noted that in

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I had requested permission to lay on the Table a copy of the minutes of the committee and a copy of the report. I beg to lay, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, this report is rather bulky, and in the interest of time, I request that you permit me to take the House through an executive summary that I have prepared. As I said, this report looks at the functionality of the district service commission and city service commission and also on personnel management in selected local governments across northern, eastern, and western regions. Mr Speaker, we already know the mandates of our committee, and in line with these mandates, the committee conducted an oversight visit to selected cities and districts of northern Uganda such as Arua, Maracha, Terego, Yumbe, Zombo, and Moyo in West Nile; Gulu District, Gulu City, Nwoya, Kitgum, and Pader in Acholi; Moroto Municipality, Moroto District, Amudat, Nabilatuk, Karenga, Kaabong, Kotido Municipality, and Kotido District in Karamoja; Lira City, Lira District, Amolatar District Local Government, Kole, and Otuke in Lango, to assess the functionality of the District and City Service Commission and to analyse the personnel management issues within local governments. Mr Speaker, the committee has made a comprehensive report with a detailed version of its findings, observations and recommendations, giving examples and scenarios from local government to bring out the issues affecting the functionality of these commissions and the staff. Without prejudice to the comprehensive report, this Executive Summary highlights the key issues as follows: Committee findings, observations, and recommendations. On the functionality of District Service Commission, Mr Speaker, 1. We looked at gaps in the commissions. The committee found out that 98.6 per cent of the District and City Service Commissions were functional by end of the Financial Year 2022/2023, and most commissions were fully constituted. However, there are some districts that are non-functional with insufficient number of commissions. For example, Amudat District had only one District Service Commission member, which severely affected the recruitment processes, leading to delays and increasing the risk of corruption. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Local Government, together with the Public Service Commission, should ensure that all commissions are fully constituted for efficient service delivery in local governments. 2. Delays in Public Service Commission approval processes The report highlights delays by the Public Service Commission in approving Service Commission nominees, often without providing reasons for rejection. This lack of transparency and delayed approvals impede the recruitment process and affect service delivery. In Moyo, delays in submitting approved names to the Service Commission were noted, attributed to negligence. The committee also noted poor grievance handling by the Public Service Commission, which has been slow in responding to appeals, leading to prolonged disputes and inefficiencies. The committee therefore recommends the following;

No, I do understand. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to join my colleagues in appreciating the Committee on Health for the elaborate report on the status of our health facilities in Northern Uganda. I would like to be specific to my district of Lira. Lira District, since this political term started has never officially received any infrastructural development fund for health in Lira District. Mr Speaker, we have written several letters requesting the district leadership, but nothing was given to us. It was unfortunate that in the last financial year, a fund worth Shs 4 billion came abruptly to the district account and a letter was written immediately to transfer it to another district. That is when the LC V Chairperson, the CAO and I battled it out and managed to get one health facility that is under construction. However, pushing for that caused us more problems. Right now, we have a health facility called Onywako Health Centre II at the border of the Government Chief Whip’s constituency and my constituency. It is too crowded for the capacity of the health facility to handle the patients. We have tried to lobby under UgIFT which was under the ministry to no avail. Mr Speaker, in Erute North at Aromo Health Centre IV, the maternity ward is in a very bad state. The ceiling board collapsed on a mother during delivery. I even pleaded for renovation but nothing was granted. Luckily enough, we had to try to use some Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) to try to renovate. This Sunday, I will go to a health facility called Abala. Women are going with a small torch for delivery but we have tried our best. My humble prayers are: 1. The Ministry of Health should try to balance their services. 2. The Ministry of Health should liaise with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to provide electricity in these health facilities because now the burden is on us. I have to take solar panels with its installation to a health facility to protect my women. 3. Mr Speaker, the President came to Lango and we requested him because of our population and he agreed to upgrade five health centres IVs to a district hospital where Ogur Health Centre IV was among. A follow-up letter by the district leadership together with us have resulted to nothing. So, my humble request is that these health facilities should be put as an amendment in the report so that it is adopted as a whole. I beg to submit.

Thank you so much, Your Excellency. I am Auma Linda Agnes, the Woman Member of Parliament for Lira District.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Auma Linda Agnes, Woman Member of Parliament for Lira District, and the Publicity Secretary for the Lango Parliamentary Group. In Parliament, I am the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. Welcome to Northern Uganda. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Christine Akello, Member of Parliament for Erute North Constituency, Lira District. I belong to the mighty party, NRM; steady progress. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Christine Akello, a Member of Parliament from Erute North Constituency. Allow me to thank the committee for the report they have presented. I just want to add on about the few bridges. We have bridges that have taken seven years. These are the national roads. There is a bridge called Adyangoluto; it connects Kole up to Gulu. It has to be worked on. And we have Aler-Akor-Alebtong, which goes up to Teso. Then we have Aler-Akangi- Alebtong that connects up to Teso. We have Apuce-Ayile that connects Oyam up to Gulu. This one was being constructed by the Agriculture Cluster Development (ACDP) Project and it collapsed before they could even commission the project. Madam Speaker, we have lost so many lives. Just last month, three people died as they tried to cross from Oyam to Lira District. Therefore, I am requesting the Ministry of Works and Transport to take this seriously. I am also in support of the UPDF being given the mandate to construct the bridges. Lastly, the road that comes from Rwekunye, Apac up to Kitgum has issues, especially in Aler, my constituency, where they are quarrying rock. The people are complaining and they need to sign a new agreement concerning the compensation and the future of the people’s land. This is because there is conflict of interest between the district and the community. I request the chairperson of the roads committee to investigate that.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with our Rules of Procedure, Rule 189(c), as a committee, we visited Pakwach, Kole and Oyam districts in northern Uganda to assess water for agricultural production facilities. All these projects were under the NDPIII and under Water for Production Interventions. It was a facility that was on demand and the key big schemes that we visited were the Itek Okile Rice Scheme in Lira District, Tochi Rice Scheme in Oyam and Wadelai in Pakwach. These were the mega projects. The committee had other small scale irrigation projects that were also visited through the district leadership of the various districts under Uganda Green Investment Facility (UGIF). This was a project that was supposed to be co-funded by individual farmers to scale up water for production and enhance agriculture commercialization and on time production. I know this report was uploaded and I believe my colleagues are well versed with agriculture. I would like to move straight to our observations and recommendations. Madam Speaker, Wadelai irrigation scheme is located in Pakwach District in the subcounties of Ragem and Wadelai with River Ora as its water source. This irrigation scheme was constructed under FIEFOC-2, which is implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The original contract sum was Shs 54,784,397,918 but it was revised to Shs 61 billion after a change of scope in the design of the project. This project was funded by the World Bank under Nordic Development fund and Government of Uganda (GOU). The contractor was M/S Coil and Nasr General Contracting Company Joint Venture. The consultant was BEC Engineers Ltd, in association with HP Devoc International Civil Engineering Ltd. During the full visit, the committee was only able to interact with the district officials because the attempts to reach the site were frustrated by the bad roads as a result of flooding in Kagolo. Madam Speaker, according to the officials, physical progress of the work is at 93 percent; (a) The completion of upstream and downstream embankment protection works. (b) Construction of the spillway tail race protection works. (c) Repair of the right-side head regulator. (d) Completion of bottom outlet/environmental flow structure. (e) Completion of Secondary canal 4, associated tertiary canal and control structures. (f) Completion of Secondary Canal 5, associated tertiary canal and control. (g) Assess and scheme roads. (h) Scheme buildings and facilities (i) Farm clearing. There were a lot of findings that I do not intend to go through because I know Members have observed this but I would like to note that Wadelai Project had a lot of encumbrances, especially on land acquisition and compensation

14077 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024 in Paten where majority of the area was for that community. They failed to agree with the ministry, especially on the compensation aspect, where titled land was being compensated at Shs 3,000,000 and untitled land was being compensated at Shs 2,000,000. This brought a lot of back-and-forth conflicts that made this project not to move as it was expected. Madam Speaker, there were observations that the committee came up with. They were that: i) There was no community ownership of the land. ii) The outstanding work on the scheme was partially stopped due to the flooding and conflicts. iii) There was also failure to restore borrow pits by the contractor which poses a big threat to the life of the humans. iv) Even the money that was needed for bush clearing was not handled. v) Madam Speaker, there was also poor coordination between the district and the Ministry of Water and Environment. That is why the community was in conflict – because the district would have been the link. vi) The community was also not sensitised much on the importance of this project. Recommendations i) The Ministry of Water and Environment should ensure that the dispute is resolved within three months to pave way for completion of the project. Madam Speaker, the conflict in this project reached up to the World Bank. Through some NGO, they formed a Gulu conflict resolution team, which failed and the matter is now in court. ii) There should also be an investigation instituted on the level of completion of this work. Madam Speaker, this project is not yet working, although they are saying that it is at 93 p er cent. It is not yet completed because of the unresolved conflicts, yet the Government had put a lot of money, which is a loan that has a time frame. iii) Madam Speaker, as I stated earlier, there was a Gulu roundtable, mediation efforts were made and this ended up in court. We also recommend that the ministry, through courts – because this matter is now in court – should expedite the process of resolving this conflict. iv) The Ministry of Water and Environment, the Chief Government Valuer and other stakeholders should also expedite the negotiation mechanism to settle and compensate PAPs, not only in Wadelai – because this challenge is very common in most of the projects. v) The community should be sensitised and this should be from the inception of the project so that they own the project in order to avoid conflicts that arise in the middle of the project. Madam Speaker, also, on the same issue, the committee observed that the districts were not facilitated. Most of these hybrid projects that are being contracted by the ministry are very difficult to handle at the district level because there is no provision for facilitation, monitoring and supervision, which makes the districts tend to leave the contract. They fail to own it and this is one of the reasons that is failing the majority of these hybrid projects, despite the significant Government investment and loan funding. The issue of ministries not facilitating districts in the monitoring of these projects is causing a lot of failure. This is an emphasis. Itek–Okile Rice Scheme Madam Speaker, this is a project in Lira District, located in Itek Subcounty. This project was implemented by both Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and Ministry of Water and Environment, but mainly sponsored by the ministry for water. It had 6,000 acres of land but only 1,500 acres were irrigated. It had 13 dams, but only seven dams were constructed. The six dams that had remained were existing dams that just needed to be desilted, but, currently, are non-functional.

14079 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024 Madam Speaker, despite all these, the farms were not levelled. There are other blocks in the scheme that even the irrigation cannot reach because it is not levelled. We were happy with the farmers because they used it for horticulture, especially areas where irrigation could not reach. As I am winding up, the cooperative groups are very organised. They have looked for funding from other sources. They have their plans to be the best rice scheme in the country and that is a very positive thing. It means they are owning their project. On the small-scale irrigation, especially the one in Kole - Leye Valley Dam; this dam was constructed to help in aquaculture and the Government did everything and put this project in place which started in 2006 and ended in 2008. The Ministry of Water and Environment implemented this and it was by then in Apac before Kole. Right now, the observation under this valley dam is not functional yet the Government has put everything in place. The dam is also silted and covered up by weeds, meaning that if we assess the value for money, it is not being utilised as per the investment of the Government. Recommendation The Ministry of Water and Environment should rehabilitate this dam so that it is restored to its original purpose. 2.4 UgIFT Micro-Scale Irrigation Scheme We visited Lira District, some farmers in Oyam and Kole and Pakwach. The general complaint is on the issue of co-funding and the same issue on hybrid. Most of these contracts were given by the ministry but you find one contractor having a lot of contracts that sometimes, they fail to install this equipment to the farmers in time. Madam Speaker, the farmers are very interested and most of the local governments are taking back these funds, especially during the financial year because the farmers in Northern Uganda are poor. This is because a farmer was supposed to co-fund 25 per cent of the project yet the majority could not afford. Even those who have endeavoured to afford, there is a lot of delay in the installation by the contractors and the district has limited effort.

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. On my own behalf, the people of Lira District and also on behalf of my committee, we would like to thank God for sparing your life. Continue doing the great work and that is how God will pay you. Mr Speaker, I would like to lay on the Table the report of the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries on Food and Animal Feeds Security Intervention in the country. I beg to lay the minutes. Mr Speaker, the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries undertook an oversight visit to agencies implementing the government and cabinet-approved food and animal feeds security intervention, following the recent famine in Karamoja and other parts of the country by then. The implementing agencies were UPDF, Uganda Prisons, National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), National Animal Genetic Resources Centre (NAGRC), veterans, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), all supervised and coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). The background to this intervention was that the National Food Security Outlook indicates that food insecurity in the respective regions as follows; Karamoja was 41 per cent, Teso 21.4 per cent, Acholi, Lango and West Nile 19.4 per cent, Buganda 17.7 per cent, Rwenzori 6.3 per cent, Busoga, Bukedi, Bugisu, Sebei 5.4 per cent and Bunyoro, Ankole and Kigezi 4.2 per cent, according to the MAAIF and UBOS 2022 report. The ministry established that the factors contributing to these statistics included unpredictable weather patterns, drought, pests and disease outbreaks. The effect, the COVID-19 pandemic was one of them combined with the limited supply and

13515 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2024 and these are funds required to commence establishment of mineral regulations, revenue collection infrastructure and implementation of the minerals law. These include weighbridges and Government regulated markets for precious stones et cetera. Under the same vote - Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, there was a reduction of Shs 15 billion from rural electrification and connectivity projects. These funds are required to kick-start works on the seven major construction roads, which include the following: 1. Under Batch 1; the Eastern Service Territory, including West Budama South, Tororo South and Tororo Municipality in Tororo District, Pallisa County, and Gogonyo in Pallisa District; 2. Under Batch 2; still in the Eastern Service Territory, it covers areas of Busiki in Namutumba, Bukooli South in Bugiri, Kamuli District, Kachumbala in Bukedea District, Mbale Northern Division, Bungokho in Mbale and Serere District; 3. Lot 3; Northwest Service Territory for Buyanja East in Kibaale District, Bugangaizi South in Kakumiro District, Buhaguzi in Hoima, Hoima City, Kikuube and Buyaga East in Kagadi District; 4. Under lot 4 of West Nile, Central North and North Service Territory for Ora area in Zombo, Gulu; Aringa South in Yumbe, Dokolo District and Lira East in Lira District. 5. West, South and South Western Service Territory for Sheema, Ruhinda in Mitooma, Isingiro, Rubanda, Ibanda, and Kisoro Districts; 6. Western, Central, and Rwenzori Service Territory for Busongora North in Kasese, Fort Portal Central in Kabarole, Kyankwanzi and Bunyangabo Districts; 7. Central Service Territory for Bbale in Kayunga, Mukono South in Mukono, Butambala, Bukoto East in Masaka and Kiboga Districts. Madam Chairperson, in addition, these funds are required to commence works of enhancing the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) framework priority interventions for small factories and cottage industries across the country. (Interjections ) The SMEs framework intervention is aimed at reducing the turnaround time for electricity connection to SMEs.

)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,

k 'I ii. #ri- - T ,? tu,*ur- r:l(- .: 26 =4 l.t ( \ l.---e-' )r Amount (OOO') Vote Descrlptlon 9,294,589 849 Kamuli District 5,106,892 850 Kamwenge District 6,153,676 Kanungu District 851 1,79o,475 452 Kapchorwa District 4,186,932 853 Kapelebyong District 2,540,91O 854 Karenga District 10,750,O50 855 Kasanda District 7,5t8,684 Kasese District 856 5,716,721 857 Katakwi District 7,805,t37 858 Kayunga District 7,725,674 Kazo District 859 7,254,6tO 860 Kibaale District 5,224,94t Kiboga District 861 4,t16,9Ll 862 Kibuku District 3,758,385 863 Kikuube District 3,866,206 864 Kiruhura District 4,506,327 865 Kiryandongo District 5,272,352 866 Kisoro District 2,t65,239 867 Kitagwenda District 3,085,928 Kitgum District 868 2,315,301 Koboko District ) eos 3,574,80L 470 Kole District 2,4t6,269 Kotido District 871 6,068,O43 872 Kumi District 2,956,24r 873 Kwania District 2,501,053 Kween District 874 5,O22,485 875 Kyankwanzi District 6,76L,447 Kyegegwa District a76 5,675,220 877 Kyenjojo District 3,579,392 Kyotera District 878 3,036,906 879 Lamwo District 3,674,946 Lira District TBBo 3,27t,477 881 Luuka District 6,O7a,216 Luwero District 842 6,840,262 883 Lwengo District 1,743,388 Lyantonde District 884 2,5t3,735 885 Madi-Okollo District i iF!": N\','" k

12717 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 12 APRIL 2024 (vii) Constructing and equipping E-assessment and digital centre and enhancing ICT infrastructure The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits an additional Shs 8 billion in the next financial year for the phased construction of E-assessment digital centre. An additional Shs 8.6 billion be committed for ICT systems, re-engineering, integration and security enhancement, revamping and upgrading of the core hardware security and business continuity and disaster recovery activities, which need to be undertaken. Other entities a) Vote 166: National Council of Sports i) Payment of commitment fees This is for AFCON. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits additional funding of US$ 30 million, which is Shs 114 billion for commitment fees for Uganda hosting the AFCON East African PAMOJA Bid, 2027. ii) Construction of Hoima Stadium for AFCON 2027 The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits Shs 380 billion to the National Council of Sports for construction of Hoima Stadium. iii) Construction of Lira Akii-Bua and Buhinga Stadia The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits an additional Shs 100 billion to the National Council of Sports to facilitate the construction of Buhinga in Kabarole District and Akii-Bua in Lira District. iv) Construction of 11 training grounds for AFCON 2027 The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits Shs 110 billion to National Council of Sports for construction of 11 training grounds for AFCON 2027. (v) Redevelopment of Lugogo Sports Complex The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development provides an additional Shs 790 billion to the National Council of Sports for redevelopment of Lugogo Sports Complex in a phased manner. (vi) National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development provides additional Shs 3.0 billion to National Council of Sports as subvention to the National Anti-Doping Organisation. (vii) Relocation of Lugogo Cricket Oval and Tennis Courts The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance commits an additional Shs 0.36 billion to the National Council for relocation and hire of office space for the National Council of Sports during the National Council of Sports redevelopment of Lugogo Sports Complex; including Lugogo Cricket Oval and Tennis Courts. (viii) Non-Wage Recurrent

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to clarify on some of the few issues that have been raised. First, in the case of Lango. I state that the cases we found in Omoro District were coming from Oyam because Omoro District borders Oyam District and the rehabilitation centre that is at Adek is actually at the border between Omoro and Oyam. Secondly, the cases from Lira were actually being reported also under those in Pader because it borders Lira District. What we found was that most of the cases in Oyam and Lira were moving towards Omoro and also Pader because that is where the services were available unlike in Lira and therefore it needs intervention in all those areas. Thirdly, these rehabilitation centres are health centres, social centres and also educational centres where they acquire vocational skills and they are integrated back into the community. We found out that some of the cases were integrated back into the community but there were some which were very severe and in the end, they went back home but still they could not be managed. That is the reason we proposed that a monthly support is given to those families because they have to stay close to them and they cannot go to their gardens, shops and businesses because if they do that, then there is a higher risk on them. Lastly, in regard to the new cases, in what we presented, we said that what they observed was that wherever there was a high population of the black flies, there was a high prevalence of nodding disease syndrome, mainly along the River Aswa. However, that hypothesis had a challenge. There are parts of the world in Latin America and Asia with a high black fly population but no nodding disease syndrome. Therefore, there could be possibilities that new cases may have emerged because the black fly hypothesis was not conclusive. Therefore, the proposal to support research will help to address this. In science, they say, “absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence.” Thank you.

Madam Speaker, this is my justification. On Thursday, 18 January 2024, the country woke up to the sad and unfortunate news of the passing on of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, the District Woman Representative for Dokolo. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, the iconic leader, succumbed to cancer-related illness in India where she had gone for cancer treatment. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal was born on 12 June 1946 in Agwata in the then Lira District, but in present day Dokolo District, Lango sub-region in Northern Uganda to the late Bonifacio Opio and Rosemary Apio. She rose to prominence as a career woman, politician and businessperson. The late Hon. Cecilia Ogwal took her primary and secondary education from local schools before joining Gayaza High School for an Advanced Certificate of Education, completing it in 1967. In 1969, she obtained a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the East African University in Nairobi. In 1995, she obtained a Certificate in Christian- Based Leadership from Haggai Institute, Singapore. In 2007, she obtained a certificate in Public- Private Partnership from Australia. Madam Speaker, Hon. Cecilia Ogwal has had an illustrious career that spans over 50 years in both the public and private sectors, which shaped her identity as an Iron Lady. i. From 1972 to 1977, she was the Director, Uganda Breweries and Uganda Pepsi Cola. ii. From 1972 to 1974, she was the General Manager Operations, Uganda Advisory Board. iii. From 1981 to 1986, she was Chairperson, Uganda Development Bank as well as acting Secretary-General, Uganda People’s Congress. iv. From 1993 to 1996, she was the Chairperson, Presidential Policy, Uganda People’s Congress. v. From 1994 to 1995, she was the Constituent Assembly Delegate for Lira Municipality. vi. From 1996 to 2006, she was the Member of Parliament, Lira Municipality. vii. From 2006 to date, she has been the Woman Member of Parliament, Dokolo District. viii. From 2011 to 2016, she was the Chief Opposition Whip. ix. From 2016 to 2018, she served as Commissioner of Parliament. Madam Speaker, Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, in her extraordinary life, has been a wife and mother. She has been married to Lameck Ogwal, mothering seven biological and many adopted children. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal will be remembered for her tireless dedication to public service. She was an eloquent legislator who legislated objectively and with passion. She has been a nationalist who always fronted the country first above any political affiliations. She has left a footprint as a true patriot in advocating for women’s rights and the girl-child. (Applause)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of urgent national importance in the education sector in Lira District. There is only one Government A’ level secondary school in the entire district which has been trying to perform well. However, it has a laboratory with no equipment. This means that despite the school’s struggle to perform well, we are not producing scientists. We also have books, but they are kept in the stores. My prayers regarding this are: 1. To request the Government, in the subsequent financial years, to consider

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank the committee for a good exposition of the situation in the new cities and districts. I want to appeal to this House and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and the Ministry of Local Government, especially in the case of Lira City and Lira District - among the cities and districts that were created, Lira got embroiled in a very serious conflict that has affected service delivery and performance. There are a lot of accusations. So many people have been sent to prison, many others are interdicted. All this has been because after the new city was created, the Government was not able to provide enough funding for Lira District to relocate to the new site. They remained within their premises, which was in the old district though within the city, and people started admiring and not wanting to leave the assets, the buildings, and the land that was within the city, and they ended up in wars. Right now, the district needs about Shs 10 billion to construct the new district headquarters. I would appeal, even for –

Thank you so much. Honourable members, in the public gallery this afternoon we have pupils and teachers from Buluge Nursey and Primary School Erute South, Lira District. They are represented by our own, Hon. Odur Jonathan. Hon. Odur, first stand up for the kids to see you; and Hon. Auma Linda. You have very good Members of Parliament. Go and tell your parents that you saw Hon. Odur here. He is a very good Member of Parliament. Again, in the public gallery this afternoon we have pupils and children from Rima Nursery and Primary School, Lira East Division. They are represented by Hon. Akena James Michael Jimmy and Hon. Aceng Jane Ruth Ocero. You also have very good leaders in these people. Honourable minister, we want to plead with you that what the minister gave you to read is exactly what Hon. Ogwang read the other day. That is why I was able to follow it up because it had Hon. Ogwang’s signature. They only removed Hon. Ogwang’s names and put yours –(Laughter) Let these ministries not make us look ugly. What we are saying is that we are going to the third term; let us have, in the absence of regulations, a circular to schools that this is the minimum and maximum amount that should be paid in terms of school fees.

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

(iil A 'f,'und-based' financing approach of UDC shoutd be adopted; urhere by a feaslbility report informs the funding of a project, instead of 'projectised, Iinancing where funde are sent to UDC already tagged to an investment prdect to be funded in the absence of feasibilit5r studies. This will allow flexlbility during implementation of investment projects. (iiil rhe industrial development fund established undcr sectlon 2g of the Uganda Development Corporation Act, 2016 should be operationalised for purlroses of ensuring a fund-based Iinancing approach of UDC. (ivl The IIDC board should set strict targcts for investments to gcnerate revenue and enable the projects to yteld dividends for the benefit of all Ugan&ns in fulfitneat of the objects of the corporatioa. 2. The committee further observed that capitalisation to UDC is mostly by supplementary budget which distorts budget implementation which undermines the important ace of the institution as investment Arm of Government. 3. The Committee was informed that UDC rntends to carry out an equity financing investment to establish a packaging production plant in Lira district to reduce on importation of packaging materials in the country. The expected benefits rnclude; Reduced import brll through import substitution of packaging matenal, Provision of employment to the local community arrd Source of ta-r revenue to local and central government This however has remained in the unfunded priorities. Recomnendation: The Comaittee therefore recommeads that Uganda development Corporation should be adequately funded during the budgeting proccss to avoid eupplementar5r budgeta. 0 50

BUHINGA IN KABAROLE DISTRICT AND AKII-BUA IN LIRA DISTRICT

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am here to present a report of the Committee on Education and Sports on the failure by the Government of the Republic of Uganda to se- cure the grant provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to construct two regional stadia, that is, Buhinga in Ka- barole District and Akii-Bua in Lira District. Mr Speaker, I beg to lay on the Table the re- port and minutes of the various meetings we conducted. Mr Speaker, during the House’s proceedings of 15 September 2021, the Fort Portal Central Division MP, Hon. Alex Ruhunda, raised an urgent question on delays by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to adhere to the House’s instruction to present progress reports on the construction of Buhin- ga Stadium in Kabarole District and Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira District, through a grant from the Government of the People’s Re- public of China. Relatedly, the same matter was raised by the Fort Portal City Woman Member of Parlia- ment, Hon. Linda Irene, during the House’s proceedings held on 30 September 2021.

Thank you, Mr Speak- er. I would like to commend the committee for their report. On the very day they went to Lira, as the area Member of Parliament, I was with them. Regarding all that has happened, especial- ly Government’s planning of the finances to support these stadia, something comes to my mind: do we really love this country? Are we really patriotic, especially some of us who are in leadership? First of all, construction of these stadia failed because of failure of the technical people that were supposed to expedite the designs and en- sure that they were given to the funders in time. This was a failure on our side. Secondly, the Government went ahead to plan with their little resources and start construc- tion, especially of Akii-Bua Stadium. The only money that reached Lira District was Shs 665 million and it was meant for bush clearing. The simple structure that we have in Akii-Bua Sta- dium is being worked on by the local people. Mr Speaker, this pains us very much. We are lucky that Hon. Magogo was in Lira during the FUFA Drums. Our –(Member timed out.)

Thank you, honourable minister. Honourable colleagues, in the VIP gallery this afternoon, we have a delegation from the Pan-African Parliament. They include: 1. Mr Kenneth Akibate, the Sergeant-at- Arms 2. Mr Ndamuka Marimo, Director of the Bureau 3. Mr Rodin Mayengo, Senior Procurement Officer 4. Mr Jeffrey Onyango, Media and Communications Officer, and 5. Mr Jacob Odaba, the IT Administrator. They have come to observe the proceedings of this House. Please, join me in welcoming them. (Applause) Next item –Honourable colleagues, you had become charged, so, I wanted to jump quickly. I think we have received critical information and, luckily enough, the chairperson of the committee said that more information will be in the ministerial policy statement. When processing it, we shall discuss more about this. You can take note, especially of allocation of funds to the sector to address issues of the stadiums. Honourable colleagues, I now put the question that the report of the Committee on Education and Sports on the failure by the Government of the Republic of Uganda to secure the grant provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to construct two regional stadia - Buhinga in Kabarole District and Akii- Bua in Lira District - be adopted. (Question put and agreed to.) Report adopted. STATEMENT BY THE RT HON. PRIME MINISTER ON GOVERNMENT BUSINESS FOR THE SUCCEEDING WEEK, 18 TH TO 20 APRIL 2023, PURSUANT TO RULE 28 OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE

Thank you very much. First of all, I would like to thank you, honourable members, for the support you give us as the Ministry of Education and Sports. I am here to specifically answer three issues: the issue of Buhinga Stadium, the issue of Akii-Bua Stadium, and the issue of Namboole Stadium. I would like to begin with the issue of Buhinga Stadium. On 30 September 2020, the Ministry of Education and Sports signed a consultant contract with Infrastructure Cost & Management Consultants Limited for detailed feasibility studies, concept design and environmental/ social impact assessment for Buhinga Stadium as one of the projects selected for funding by the People’s Republic of China, following receipt of a letter dated 14 August 2019. Mr Speaker, site handover was undertaken on 6 October 2020, presided over by the then Minister of State for Education and Sports, accompanied by the technical personnel from the ministry together with Kabarole District Local Government political and technical leadership, who provided land for the proposed project. Mr Speaker, the proposed site of 45 acres is located in Kyembogo village, Gwengaju Subcounty, Kabarole District. The consultant commenced the work on 7 October 2020, and completed it on 19 April 2021. The consultant’s scope of assignment entailed: a) Preparation of the inspection report; b) Undertaking geotechnical soil investigations; c) Cadastral/ topographical surveys; d) Visibility/concept designs; and e) Environmental/social impact assessment report. Mr Speaker, the proposed scope/amenities included the following: a) A 26,000-seater stadium; b) An athletic track; c) An artificial turf field; d) An outdoor field; e) Two courts for netball; f) Two courts for volleyball; g) Two courts for handball; h) Two courts for basketball; i) Three courts for tennis; j) A swimming pool; k) A fitness centre/gym; l) External works; and m) A hotel of 100 guests. The consultant’s estimate cost of constructing Buhinga Stadium then was at $64 million. Mr Speaker, from the feasibility studies, Buhinga was found viable to contain a hotel given the tourism potential in the proposed project area for sustainability purposes through revenue collection. The detailed reports of visibility study, concept design and environmental/social impact assessment for Buhinga Stadium were then submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, on 25 May 2021, waiting funding. As far as the Ministry of Education and Sports is concerned, that is what I can say about the first project. The second project is the status on the proposed Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City. On 30 September 2020, the Ministry of Education and Sports signed a consultancy contract with Habitat Consultants for a detailed design, visibility study, concept design and environmental/social impact assessment for Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, as one of the projects selected for funding by the People’s Republic of China, following receipt of a letter from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, dated 14 August 2019. Site handover was undertaken on 2 October 2019, presided over by my then colleague, Hon. Hamson Obua, accompanied by the technical people from the Ministry of Education and Sports, together with the Lira District Local Government political and technical leadership, who provided land for the proposed project. SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT

7919 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 6 APRIL 2023 tools to deter environmental degradation under the “polluter pays” principle. Question No.3, Hon. Samuel Opio, Member of Parliament, Kole North says that more than 16 villages in Erute and Kole North have been negatively affected by the stone quarry work activities at Aler Rock at the Lira-Kole border. More than 30 buildings developed cracks because of the blasts from the quarry. The community water points were contaminated and the project-affected persons have not been compensated, and NEMA has failed to carry out environmental audit and investigations. His prayer is that the Ministry of Water and Environment should visit the affected areas and take the necessary action and update the House. Mr Speaker and colleagues, on 18 January 2023, environmental inspectors from the National Environment Management Authority, Lira District Local Government, Members of Parliament from Lira and the representative for the Member of Parliament, Kole North, undertook a field inspection of the said stone quarry crusher-plant site and operations. Non-compliance was observed at the facility. This was in breach of the National Environment Act (No.5), 2019 and the Certificate Conditions of Approval (No. NEMA/EIA/15449) issued to the developer for operating a stone quarry, and the crusher in Acanakwo Village, Aler Parish, Agur Subcounty in Lira District. NEMA consequently issued a Stop Notice to the developer, requiring them to stop all the operations with immediate effect until all the non-compliances were fully addressed and a clearance given by the ministry and the Authority to resume operations. Question No.4, Hon. Christine Sendawula Bukenya, the Woman MP, Kyankwanzi. She said that on 21 January 2023, there was an invasion by the staff of National Forest Authority (NFA) in Kyamutete, Kyankwanzi District, that left Bosco Kasonko dead and plantations destroyed. Her prayer is that I update the country on the presidential directive to evict people from national forest reserves. My response is that the incident raised by Hon. Sendawula Christine happened in Taala Central Forest Reserve in the village of Kyamutete in Kyankwazi District. The boundaries of the forest reserve were recently reopened and marked with concrete pillars with the involvement of the district authorities and leadership and the neighbouring community. During the process of boundary opening, it was noticed that some members of the community had encroached on the forest land, and therefore, were doing cultivation of crops. Mr Speaker, efforts were made to sensitise these encroachers not to open more land or plant crops on the onset of the rainy season. The community were given a grace period of six months to harvest their crops and vacate the forest reserve. Some of them complied and voluntarily vacated the forest reserve while those who refused to vacate the forest reserve are the ones causing trouble to forest managers. In order to facilitate quick restoration of the forest, the NFA licensed the private sector tree farmers to plant trees in the parts of Taala Central Forest Reserve. The tree farmers embarked on land preparation for this season’s planting and continued with the nurturing of the trees planted last season. Unfortunately, the private tree farmers have met resistance in some areas where encroachers stop them from planting trees. Where they have planted, the encroachers have uprooted all the planted trees. This has led to scuffles between the community members and the workers employed by the tree farmers to tend to their plantations. Four cases of assault and malicious damage of properties have been reported to Ntwete Police Post by the private tree farmers and some suspects were arrested. The police continue to investigate these cases.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. One of my questions is on the issue of education in Etek and Amach subcounties in Erute South, and this is in regard to the Government programme of having a seed secondary school in every subcounty. These two subcounties are struggling with the construction of their schools. I would like to know the plans the Ministry of Education and Sports has for the two subcounties. The second question is to the Minister of Local Government. Amach is one of the oldest subcounties in Lira District. When they created a town council, Amach Sub-county disappeared, but in the Government’s administrative plan, its code and money is sent to the district. I notice that it is only lacking political support to make it operational. When do you plan to have elections in Amach Subcounty?

6957 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 24 JANUARY 2023 on the alleged unfair and discriminatory recruitment by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces. The Rt Hon. Speaker referred the matter to the Committee of Defence and Internal Affairs for consideration and report back to Parliament. The committee considered the issues and hereby reports. Background In 2004, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs undertook a comprehensive programme to transform the UPDF into a modern, professional and accountable force, subordinate to civilian authority. Part of this is recruiting Ugandans who meet the standards prescribed in the UPDF or the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Act, 2005, sections 51 and 52; details of who qualifies. Methodology The committee held meetings with the following: the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs and officials from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Hon. Sarah Opendi, the District Woman Representative for Tororo District, Hon. Evelyn Chemutai, and the District Woman Representative of Bukwo District. The committee also received submissions from Hon. Faith Nakut, District Woman Representative of Napak District. Queries raised by Parliament Tororo District Allegations raised by Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi, the District Woman Representative for Tororo District was that people from elsewhere were recruited from Tororo and people from Tororo did not benefit from their quota. It was also alleged that the local leaders were not allowed to verify the list of recruits; RDCs and LCs were not given a copy of the recruits for reference. Nebbi District It was alleged that out of the 57 slots allocated, only 11 were from the district. Lira District The allegations were that in Lira District, most applicants were dropped for reportedly being HIV positive. The committee interacted with Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi and Hon. Evelyn Chemutai and received written submissions from Hon. Faith Nakut. UPDF recruitment procedures The Minister of Defence and Internal Affairs and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces carried out a national recruitment exercise from 18 June to 4 July. The recruitment coverage was for all Ugandan nationals and was based on a quota system. LCI chairpersons provided documents to the applicants to prove that one has no criminal liability and the National ID proved one’s nationality and presumes all biometrics and other details are with NIRA. At the recruitment centres, the RDCs, RCCs or GISOs signed on the dispatch forms before departure of the candidates to training schools. However, not everybody who came met the criteria to be recruited, as there were various tests undertaken to eliminate some people because of limited slots. The committee was informed that the UPDF followed the process of recruitment. The criteria for being an eligible applicant were: a) Be a citizen of Uganda; you would prove this with the national ID. b) Adult male or female (18 to 30 years of age). c) Uganda Certificate of Education or its equivalent certificate or qualifications or any of the above.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. The majority of our young people look at this recruitment as an opportunity for them to be employed, but most importantly as an opportunity to serve their country. I want it to be on record that as opposed to some submissions before, in this country, we still have young people who are extremely patriotic and so, they do not only look at this as an opportunity to get jobs. I also, of course, take the opportunity to salute many of our young people who turn up in big numbers for these recruitments to defend the territorial integrity of Uganda. Mr Speaker, this is an indication that this House needs to continue discussing the matter of youth unemployment because it’s a crisis of the contemporary youth of our time. Three quick points: First, I totally and vehemently support the proposal of us not losing any allocations to any of the sectors because for example, Lira District in itself lost 196 slots in the last recruitment. Secondly, some of our young people have reported the element of vindication when they report any complaints. We request that a complaint desk, perhaps manned by senior officers, be set up. Third, the tremendous interest of our youth in turning up for this recruitment shows you how much our young people want to serve. It should push the Government to introduce a National Youth Service Scheme as a way of addressing the matter of mindset and ideological need to promote national development. We have seen this happen in other countries and I believe that this compulsory programme can work. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, the 7 th of December this year, we received the sad news of the death of Justice Opio Aweri, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda. Justice Rubby Opio Aweri was born on 31 May 1953 in Kacung Village, Agwata Subcounty in the then Dokolo County, Lira District. He attended Kacung Primary School and Agwata Primary School from 1960 to 1969. In 1973, he sat for the East African Certificate of Education at Lango College in Lira District. In 1977, Justice Rubby Opio Aweri sat for the East African Advanced Certificate of Education at Dr Obote College Boroboro, in Lira District. On 8 October 1981, Justice Rubby Opio Aweri was awarded a Bachelor of Laws at Makerere University. On 31 January 1983, he was awarded a post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre. He later acquired a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law from Makerere University. Justice Rubby Opio Aweri had an illustrious professional legal career: 1. From 1982 to 1983, he was a legal assis- tant in Engwau & Co. Advocates. 2. In 1983, he was appointed Acting Magis- trate Grade I. 3. On 7 October 1999, he was confirmed in service as a Grade I Magistrate. 4. On 13 August 1991, he was confirmed as Senior Principal Magistrate Grade I. 5. On 31 August 1993, he was confirmed as Chief Magistrate. 6. On 27 October 1999, Justice Rubby Opio Aweri was appointed Judge of the High Court. 7. On 4 July 2013, he was appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal. 8. On 13 October 2015, Justice Rubby Opio Aweri was appointed Justice of the Su- preme Court of Uganda.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to seek some clarification from the honourable minister. For Lira City, what we were allocated last financial year was slightly under a billion shillings, which was less than what we were getting under Lira Municipality. The area is very big. I am glad you mentioned the issue of the road works equipment. I request that you cross-check and find the functionality of some of the equipment you are referring to. I can assure you that the equipment in Lira City is not good for the work, which is supposed to be done. Secondly, in the first quarter of this financial year, we received Shs 28 million. In the second quarter, we got Shs 230 million. In Lira City, we have three bridges, which have been washed away and the estimate for a single one of the smallest one would consume much more than we already have as a city. This will mean that we do not touch on any other issue but we will not even be able to fix one of the washed away bridges. Honourable minister, I think we need to cooperate more closely on this particular issue. Where funding has reduced from a municipality to a city - the area has expanded and the equipment, which was under Lira District has gone with the district and our city is under the municipal equipment, we are under severe constraint. None of us will be able to complete any of the tasks before us. The road situation will get worse and worse within the city, where we have a mixture of murram and tarmac roads. Thank you.