Gweri County

Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Forum for Democratic Change party, the caucus of the FDC and my own behalf as Soroti District Woman Representative, I honour the legacy of the retired General- five decades of an illustrious career serving Uganda, which were also marked by many challenges. My father recounts to me when he was in Luzira prison and how the big convoys would escort him back to Luzira prison. He lived a

18652 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 The gravity-piped water schemes are intended for Mbunga-Nyakazinga and Bughema in Kasese, and Mpunga in Kanungu. The climate-span smart wash clusters for Rwere in Kateretere, Bugarama-Karweru and Kagarama-Bushura-Kibuzigye in Rubanda, Kabale and Kisoro areas. Karamoja region schemes Under the institutional water schemes, Nadunget SS in Moroto, Amita Prisons in Abim. Public sanitation facilities There shall be two institutions in Karenga and one in Ngora. Additional water schemes in Kalapata, Lorengedwat, Tokora, Kathile listed under the broader solar and service expansion. The committee notes that the ministry’s water for production portfolio is particularly important in the drought-prone and livestock- dependent areas for expanding irrigation agriculture. Colleagues, we have selected water for production projects, which you will all see. I want to allow you to see them by yourselves. Under table 16, in Isingiro, Kanungu, and then those in Karamoja. Another area that will be covered is Agule in Kalaki, Soroti District, Bulusambu in Mbale, Biduku in Nakaseke, Kiryandongo, Masaka, Oyam, Gulu, Nwoya, among others. There will be solar-powered irrigation water systems also cited in the numerous areas across Central, Eastern, Northern, Karamoja, and Southwestern regions. Colleagues, the other aspects are those that I believe we will go through. I just would like to invite you to the aspect of the unfunded priority under Vote 019. Madam Speaker, the committee notes that under the project 2041- this is 7.6 colleagues: 100 per cent Service Coverage Acceleration project, (SCAP 100, Umbrellas Phase II), the Ministry of Water and Environment has identified critical financing gaps for targeted investments in water pipeline extensions, power extensions to pump stations, off-grid solar installations, and pump stations and drilling of production wells in small towns, rural growth centers, and the six umbrella and water and sanitation projects countrywide. Colleagues, in totality, the SCAP 100 project was in response to His Excellency, the President’s promise that every village in Uganda should have at least one clean water source. So, SCAP 100 was intended to ensure that water sources are placed in districts and in administrative units such as sub-counties, so as to distribute water using piped water systems. So SCAP 100 is crucial because it responds to the Government’s undertaking to the citizens. Here, the committee identified a funding gap of Shs 35.85 billion for Financial Year 26/27, which would support the undertaking of rehabilitation of water supply and sanitation skip schemes, as well as extend 5,000 kilometers of pipeline water to provide for 5,000 new water connections in the various communities of the country. The committee further notes an unfunded requirement under the water and sanitation development facilities that are responsible for the design, construction, and setting up of infrastructure for rural water supply. Colleagues, the unfunded priorities under Vote 019 are provided for under table 18. Madam Speaker, permit me to conclude with National Water and Sewerage Corporation. National Water and Sewerage Corporation remains central to urban water service delivery and to several other sectors, most visible investments in towns and municipalities. The committee notes that National Water and Sewerage Corporation medium-term financial and investment plan covers five projects currently supported by government

18546 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 Wednesday, 15 April 2026 1. This week, we will receive reports from the sectoral committees on the ministerial policy statements for Financial Year 2026/2027, and that is pursuant to Rule 156 of the Rules of Procedure. 2. Next week, from the 21 st to the 24 th of April, we will consider the Tax and Revenue Bills, pursuant to Rule 157 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and 3. We will, from the 28 th to the 30 th , do the appropriation, which will take us to the end, pursuant to Rule 158 and Rule 159 of the Rules of Procedure. As I said before, we decided to bring the appropriation earlier, this being a transition period. By May, members will be swearing in, and we will not have Parliament, yet we are supposed to pass the budget for the next Parliament. Honourable members, I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary-General of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), dated 16 March 2026, appointing Hon. Adeke Ann Ebaju, the Woman Member of Parliament for Soroti District, as a party whip. She replaces Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi. Congratulations, Hon. Adeke, and congratulations, Hon. Nsibambi, for joining the mighty party - he is not confused. Hon. Nsibambi is a very brilliant young man. I want to thank him for joining that side. Congratulations! Honourable members, I wish you fruitful deliberations. Yes, Hon. Ssekikubo, you are back! Welcome back. IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament FIFTH SESSION - 6 TH SITTING - THIRD MEETING Parliament met at 2.00 p.m. in Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Annet Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Honourable minister, actually, we do not have a referral hospital. It is supposed to be the Soroti District General Hospital. When Soroti became a city, the small hospital, which is in the middle of town with no land for expansion, did not have a vehicle to remove garbage. Even when you are at the gate, you feel the smell in that hospital. It is high time you built the referral hospital. Maybe you need to change the name to Soroti General Hospital for now, because even major operations cannot be done because they do not have a good theatre. It is a serious matter. Hon. Apolot and Hon. Onzima.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last week, while interacting with Soroti University and Soroti Referral Hospital, it was brought to our attention that despite Soroti District and the university offering 50 acres for a teaching hospital, there are proposals to move a teaching hospital 30-40 kilometres away from the university. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, can you reign over this? That concern was brought to us by the university and Soroti Referral Hospital because it is going to become both a referral hospital and a teaching hospital for the university. Therefore, why would someone moot the idea of moving it out of the university and Soroti Referral Hospital?

I think next time we need to be smarter. Let us get to know what is happening before we come to the House to avoid embarrassment. Honourable members, in the public gallery, we have NRM party registrars and village chairpersons from Gweeri County, Soroti District. They are represented by Hon. Adeke Anne. You are most welcome. Please stand up. Thank you. The flag bearer of that area is Hon. Ariko Herbert Edmond. You are most welcome. Thank you so much for coming. In the public gallery this afternoon, we have pupils and teachers from Bishop West Boarding School, Mukono. They are represented by Hon. Bakireke, Betty Nambooze, and Hon. Nabukeera. You are most welcome, children. Thank you for coming. Join me in welcoming them. Still in the public gallery, we have pupils and teachers from Giving Tree Primary School, Buikwe South. They are represented by Hon. Dr Lulume and Hon. Diana Mutasingwa. You are most welcome. Thank you so much for coming. Again, in the public gallery is a delegation of the Nubian community from Katikamu, Luwero. They are represented by Hon. Kirumira Hassan and Hon. Brenda Nabukenya. They are here to observe the proceedings on their petition. They

Vdc D.ocrlptlon famrr {UOil-OOO'I 906 Namuhrmba District 35,L42,253 907 Napak Dhtrict 18.866,603 908 Nebbi District 31.883.866 909 Nsora District 24,572,193 910 Ntoroko District 22,L47,884 911 Nhrnearno District 60.o20.269 912 Nworra District 24.828.262 913 Obong District L3,867,997 9L4 Omoro District 27.841.869 915 Ohrke District 20.524.336 916 Oyan District 42,987,128 9L7 Pader Dhtrict 34.974.847 918 Pat<wach District 23.035.815 919 Pallisa District 40,860,992 920 Rakai District 40.361.351 92t Rubanda District 34.O45.767 922 Rubirizi District 25,548.389 923 Rukiga District 23.005.023 924 Rukungiri District 6.222.L97 925 Rwanpara District 22.200,947 926 Sembabule District 35.699.011 927 Serere District 36.469.+64 928 Sheerna District 32.418,391 929 Sironko District 37.84t.375 930 Soroti District 24.764.341 931 Terrgo District 26,419,590 932 Tororo District 65.667.982 933 t Wakiso District 93.497.965 934 Yumbe District -4 2F 48.948.006 935 District \ 28,680.777 $ i s + B lPa6e

Vot Effiilfo! Anm*(OCX Oost 927 Serere District 3,442,69L 928 Sheerna District 2,139,294 929 Sironko Distrist 3.722.803 930 Soroti District 4.L94.379 931 Terego District 932 Tororo District 5.431.329 933 \llakiso District 11 1 934 Ytrnbe District 7.269.672 935 fl TOTAL. DE9IIOPI TT It,7OO.5g6O{O flIITD FTZI(,iIS/26 \s 59 lPag ool OTFICE OF TIIE PRESIDEM 001 Specified Offcers President 96,000 o01 - Vie Prresident 96,OOO 005 ftalrtry of ftrUtc SGwlcc 007 JU8ffiCE Justice Court Awards 1.786.000 130 TREASI'NY SERITICES -r'>- - 27.807.431.953 M llv 101 JUDICIARY LTW ilt- 385.213.640 toz ELECTORAL COMMISSION vw- 591.568.273 103 INSPECTORATE OF GOVERI{MEITT x 65,939.O44 104 PARIJAMEMARY COMMISSION 1.008.667.023 -' 16,272.358 106 qG}ANDAHUMATTIIGHTSCOMMTSSTON ffi 26,206,603 +=r; F "s 2.964.588 ' I -l-.i ,ild- ,4p. . ,-til' ' rft ( I -- :,f,F'$ti rtf l .#tl' . ',#-f - il.+:'' 'tri;l ,{1P"''ti$i 41

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am privileged because the Minister is a user of the roads in Soroti District, so he will know all those that I am talking about. I appreciate the allocation to the low-cost ceiling roads and to the low-volume roads. I have seen the report make mention of Soroti and honourable minister, please take note of Arapai- Katine-Tubur Road, Atilir-Acuna, Asuret-Aukot Road. I am giving you this because you are a consumer of that service. Also, honourable minister, you promised to take some of our roads. We did a tour in Soroti, and my voters saw you. They were very hyped, but now, I am really stranded with no answers. Some of them go and to Amuria, please save me because I am in bad shape. They know that I took the minister there, but nothing has been done. Honourable minister, save me and also save yourself. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I thank the committee for doing a very good job. I would like to start from where you stopped. Last year, about this time, you still voiced the same sentiments about national water, if you recall and directed the same thing. This year, you have repeated the same statement and I hope that Government is going to heed to what the House has directed regarding the arrears that national water requires to be paid. There has been an allocation of Shs 50 billion to rural water. I want to support this allocation. Our women, who come from very rural parts of Uganda, grapple with access to clean and safe water. I urge the ministry to see how to equitably distribute these resources. Many times different constituencies receive access to clean water while others are doing very badly. In Soroti, I still have villages where people drink the same water that animals drink. It is very unhealthy and I request the ministry for water to, please, support us. Mr Speaker, there has been an allocation for restoration of the environment, and I differ with Hon. Brenda Nabukenya on that. It is very critical to allocate funds for the restoration of the environment. The effects of climate change have become more real to us today. Mr Speaker, the vegetation cover of our country is being depleted. I beg that we budget not only for restoration, but also enforcement. I come from Soroti District, which is the corridor that many people who are burning

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join you in welcoming the students of Bukedea Progressive Academy. Students, you are welcome and this House needs you and me after your education. This is where you are supposed to come to legislate. When we grow up, you are the ones to take over. Mr Speaker, I will talk about the GROW Project. Last year, we were called for capacity building as Members of Parliament and in that training, we were told that it was a program meant for everybody. Two weeks back, I was surprised when somebody said, “This is the programme that I have brought for the people”, and yet this is a Government program for Ugandans and not by an individual. We need maybe to update some of our members. Even if we are going for votes, we need to get the votes rightly because that is killing the program. The other thing I would like to talk about is the issue of street children. In the Soroti district and City, we have street children who have become a very big problem and if the Government does not intervene, they can be used by any other person because they are capable of doing anything. Even now they have their organisation and their chairperson. If you ask yourself, where does their chairperson take reports, although, I have not heard the intervention of Government from the report. I thank you.

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. Maybe to correct this, I am not for Soroti, but I am for Gweri in Soroti District.

13994 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME the House. Soroti District has five schools that were not coded, although the parents struggled to establish them. More particularly, the one in the constituency I represent, Gweri, called Agule Primary School. Information came that these schools had been coded but they have not been coded. The Ministry of Education and Sports sent reminders to the ministry, but nothing has happened -

13800 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME MINISTERIAL STATEMENT The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in collaboration with other line Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development parterres, and Civil Society Organisations, coordinate the activities to mark International Youth Day. As such, this statement details the key aspects of the national celebrations for the current year, 2024. The purpose of the statement i. To inform Parliament that Uganda will join the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Monday 12 August 2024; ii. To inform Parliament that the theme for this year’s celebrations is: “Skills Development for Enhancement of Opportunities for Youth”, aware that we must put a lot of emphasis on skilling the youth within the 21 st Century - hard, soft and digital skills among others; iii. To inform Parliament that Soroti District will host the celebrations at Soroti Core PTC, in Soroti District; iv. To inform Parliament that all local governments and cities have been informed and guided to observe the International Youth Day in accordance with the National Guidelines for the commemoration of national days; v. To inform Parliament that His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will preside over the celebrations; vi. To invite all Members of Parliament to participate in the national celebrations. Expected outcomes of the International Youth Day, 2024 The International Youth Day, 2024 has been preceded by International Youth Week, which started on Monday, 5, and will run until 11 August, 2024. During this busy and eventful week, various activities are taking place, including but not limited to the following: a) A symposium and dialogue guided by the theme “Skills Development for Enhancement of Opportunities for Youth”, games and sports, community engagement (including the cleaning of homesteads and workplaces. The other activities are: tree planting, blood donation, voluntary HIV/AIDS testing and counselling, radio and television talk shows, exhibitions by young entrepreneurs (demonstrating value addition-related projects or enterprises), and the Annual National Youth Council meeting, which will take place on Sunday at Soroti University Main Hall. The celebration will also witness a cultural entertainment presentation of the Youth Leaders’ Memorandum and our ministry’s report on various government programs aimed at empowering young people to address unemployment and effectively contribute to the country’s socioeconomic transformation. Lessons learned from the previous celebrations In collaboration with the partners and the youth of Uganda, a transformative movement that connects youth empowerment, reproductive health, and environmental conservation beyond International Youth Day, enhances not only the lives of countless young individuals but also optimizes the power of collective action in steering toward a brighter and sustainable future. Celebrating International Youth Day allows the political and civil leaders to give accountability to both the youth and the whole country on what the Government has done and future plans for the youth. The young people are also able to state what they have done for themselves and commit to continue doing for their personal development as a contribution to sustainable national socioeconomic and political transformation. Key achievements since last year’s celebration on 12 August 1993 in Kabale

13803 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 8 AUGUST 2024 education and sports overall coordination by the UN agencies; vii. Finalised comprehensive consultations on life skills and health education for out- of-school adolescents and youth, and also initiated the development of a national strategy for skills development and for out-of-school vulnerable youth; viii. Developed and designed a National Action Plan on youth, peace and security; ix. Contributed to the review of the National Employment Policy and development of a National Employment Strategy, to incorporate strategies and intervention of youth employment; and x. Participated in the development of the National Development Plan (NDP) IV to ensure inclusive development that leveraged the demographic dividends from our country’s youth population. Conclusion In conclusion, I wish to conclude by reminding you that Uganda will join the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Monday, 12 August 2024 at Soroti Cora PTC, Soroti District, under the theme “Skills Development for Enhancement of Opportunities for the Youth.” Further to that, His Excellency the President –

13493 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 19 JUNE 2024 7. Hon. Hassan Kirumira of Katikamu County South; 8. Hon. Joan Acom Alobo of Soroti City; 9. Hon. David Aga Isabirye of Jinja North Division; 10. Hon. Geoffrey Okello of Nwoya East County; and 11. Hon. Eunice Otuko Apio of Oyam County North. I designate the following Members on the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs: 1. Hon. Shamim Malende of Kampala; 2. Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe of Manjiya County; 3. Hon. Medard Sseggona Lubega of Busiro County East; 4. Hon. Robert Ssekitoleeko of Bamunanika County; 5. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga of Nyendo- Mukungwe Division; 6. Hon. Richard Kizito Lumu of Mityana County South; 7. Hon. Anna Ebaju Adeke of Soroti District; 8. Hon. Santa Sandra Alum of Oyam District; 9. Hon. Jonathan Odur of Erute County South; 10. Hon. Asuman Basalirwa of Bugiri Municipality.

\;. ,, ,- i. }lL tu .,./ l -rfu \, I ffi P d 1 41" i ..- I =+*i: _.1 - / r \ Vote Description Amouat (OOO') 39,r92,9t4 902 Nakaseke District 903 Nakasongola District 3 1,339,971 904 Namayingo District 24,254,473 905 Namisindwa District 3t,27t,520 Namutumba District 33,601,552 906 907 Napak District 18,335,569 908 Nebbi District 3t,604,472 909 Ngora District 22,787,323 910 Ntoroko District 16,176,344 911 Ntungamo District 60,306,t24 9t2 Nwoya District 22,660,361 913 Obongi District L3,625,732 9t4 Omoro District 26,662,006 915 Otuke District 20,1OO,789 9L6 Oyam District 40,233,515 \rz Pader District 30,440,385 I s\a Pakwach District 22,888,O83 919 Pallisa District 36,368,2L1 920 Rakai District 39,855,468 92r Rubanda District 30,627,663 922 Rubirizi District 23,403,496 923 Rukiga District 2t,899,306 924 Rukungiri District 44,4to,975 925 Rwampara District 21,596,061 926 Sembabule District 33,249,O59 - 927 Serere District 35,784,457 928 Sheema District 3t,378,544 929 Sironko District 35,653,624 930 Soroti District 23,844,786 931 Terego District 23,87r,940 932 Tororo District 62,770,477 {7 {-.. 16 ir[

Madam Speaker, Hon. Oguzu Lee has ably persuaded me. (Applause) Given the current scheme as it is, it benefits only the children of the rich, as opposed to those of the poor. Because they ask you to apply, you have to apply on the Internet. Also, the children who pass very well in primary schools go to the best schools in the country. Those are the ones who are considered to get this loan. Very few of the children from Arapa and Agora in Soroti benefit from this scheme. Therefore, Madam Speaker, if we are talking about equity, I would rather request that we give more funding to this scheme and then take it back to the quota system, so that all the children benefit from wherever they are in the villages. Finally, I would like to request the committee that you lay on the Table here in Parliament the children who have benefited from this, district by district. (Applause) Tell me how many have benefited in Soroti District. How many have benefited from Maracha District? Otherwise, the current system only benefits the children of the rich. I am here to support the minority report. Thank you very much. (Applause)

Thank you so much honourable member, for keeping time. I wish everybody could keep time like Hon. Tonny Ayoo. We have been doing oversight on all these institutions; now we are only putting them and we know what is happening in every institution. You will find in a technical institution like the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology, even Hon. Okot Ogong will want to talk. (Laughter) Anyway, I am joking. For me, I have only one issue, on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). I want to understand the status of the 236 or something acres of land in Dakabela, Soroti District. Two, we recovered the land of UBC in Bugolobi and I am told there are encroachers. Have they fenced off that land? That is all I want to hear. Yes, Hon. David Kabanda -

Thank you. You did not understand? I see some of you –(Laughter) - honourable colleagues, it is a training for you. We send you on many international trips, so you must learn to listen to Americans. In the public gallery, honourable colleagues, this afternoon we have students of the Guild of Soroti University from Soroti East, Soroti District. They are represented by Hon. Herbert Ariko and Hon. Anna Adeke. They have come to observe the proceedings of this House. Please join me in welcoming them. (Applause)

11141 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2023 The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, through their Department of Agricultural Mechanisation and Infrastructure, should support the construction of an access road to the facility and also plan for the maintenance of the facility. Kailong Valley Dam Kailong Dam is located in the Lokitelaebu Subcounty in Kotido District and it was done by the Ministry of Water and Environment. According to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Planning, when they appeared before the committee, Kailong was constructed at Shs 1,095,857,000 and handed over for utilisation. However, some records put the figure at Shs 3.2 billion. The committee was not able to verify which figure was the right one. Observations The facility was not completed and handed over to Kotido District Local Government. There are discrepancies, like I have said, in the project costs by different entities. People interpret the figures differently. Recommendations The project should be completed and handed over to Kotido District Local Government, which will hand it over to the user communities. The Auditor-General should carry out a value- for-money audit of the project and ascertain the actual project cost. Kawomeri Valley Tank Kawomeri, in Abim, was constructed at a cost of Shs 3.5 billion by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The committee found the facility surrounded by bushes. The facility had algae and water hyacinth. The committee observed that the valley tank was actually non-functional – it had a non- functional outlet system, affecting its ability to provide water to the beneficiaries in a controlled manner. Whereas the Ministry of Finance reported that the project was commissioned, the district and community reported that construction of the facility has neither been completed, nor handed over to the district. Recommendations The Ministry of Water and Environment should complete the construction of this project and hand it over to Abim District Local Government. The facility should be fenced with immediate effect because the committee was informed that some four children drowned in that water because of curiosity to go and swim in a non- protected dam. Kanu Valley Dam Kanu Valley Dam construction facility was launched in April 2022 by Her Excellency the Vice President. The work at the facility has stalled due to land wrangles. The committee observes that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries should consult the district leadership about the choice of this project. The committee was informed that the community and the local government were not consulted; that is why the land wrangle is going on. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries should work with the Government valuers and local leaders to verify the list of all land owners so that they are compensated and construction work starts as soon as possible. Alere Small Irrigation Scheme is located in Katine Subcounty in Soroti District. This

11142 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT facility was constructed by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The facility has a valley tank with a capacity of 20,000 cubic metres, a solar abstraction system, irrigation network, and a modern nursery bed, among others. The committee observes that the facility has not been handed over to Soroti District Local Government, yet it is being utilised. The committee also observes that farmers lack skills in good agricultural practices and agribusiness management. Recommendation The Ministry of Water and Environment should hand over this facility to Soroti District Local Government. The district, through the production department, ensures that farmers are trained on irrigation practices, agribusiness, and supported to maintain the infrastructure. Acomai Irrigation Scheme, is located in Kamutur Subcounty, Bukedea District, and is still under construction by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries under the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (AVCDP). According to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, construction of this project commenced in November 2021 and is expected to be completed in July 2024. It is supposed to have a number of projects within it; construction of six secondary canals, 6.4 kilometres of steam roads, storage building, residential and office buildings, drop structures, flood protection works, storage tank, embankment filling, and compartment, and construction of a bridge over River Sironko at the intake site to connect Bukedea and Bulambuli districts. The scheme is a large one and is estimated to cover 1,608 hectares, where the net irrigable area will be 1,480 hectares with its water resource from River Sironko, at the estimated cost of $37,807 million. Observations The project implementation is slow. Whereas the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development reported that the progress of the work had reached 47 per cent –

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to stand to support the motion to pay tribute to the iron lady lying in front of us. I will start by paying my condolences to the family. I was privileged to be a board member of FAWE and I was also privileged to be the Chairperson of UWESO Soroti District. I also worked with Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE). I met Joyce more in the NGO world. No wonder she was the chairperson of the NGO Board at a certain point, clearing our roads. As a young lady, I had people who mentored me. This great lady here was willing to share her knowledge as far as building emancipation for a woman was concerned. Two years ago, we had another function and she has been active all her life. She has never been home resting because she is retired and tired. You would find her in meetings. Recently, we were at a function, I think for FOWODE or some such. I sat next to her and asked, “What does it mean to retire from Parliament?” She told me that after Parliament, one can have a very peaceful life. However, when you are out of Parliament, involve yourself in community activities. She said, “Be in church, be in community things, rotary things, and others. They can make you busy and you find that you will still serve the community like any other person.” No wonder she remained an active person in the Lukiiko until she died. She has also been active in NGO matters. She also shared with me one thing – I do not know about the family very much, but I asked her how she survives. She said, “In my home, I have my two cows in the compound. They give me milk and as an old person, you need to take milk.” She added that she has a garden of vegetables, which are very easy to pick and fruits. “That is what you need when you are old.” I have never been to her home but I hope the family agrees with what she said. She said that you must have something in your backyard and that you do not need to have a big farm. She has fought for women’s emancipation and I remember in the meeting that we had two years ago, she asked, “What has happened to women? You are fighting each other and quarrelling instead of pulling each other up.” Leave alone the grandfather who said, “If she was a boy.” Even when she talked, she had a soft deep voice and because of her face, she said, many people mistook her to be a man but she would tell them, “No, I am a woman” and they would get shocked. She was a woman who had a lot of qualities. No wonder she brought up her children well. Hon. Joyce has been a teacher and her character has been very professional, smart, humble and focused. We have lost a lady and those who have got the advantage to be near her have learnt a lot. Mr Speaker, I stand here, on behalf of many civil society organisations that have been working with her, to pay our tribute. May God rest her soul in eternal peace. Thank you.

He has already said it. The deadline is not cast in stone. Honourable members, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have student leaders from St Kizito Technical Institute Madera, Soroti District represented by Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko and Hon. Joan Acom. You are most welcome; please, stand up. Where are you? Those are the people from the East where wise people come from. You can have a seat. Join me in welcoming them. (Applause) In the Public Gallery this afternoon, we also have a delegation of members of the Kabale District Speakers’ Association. They comprise the speakers and the deputy speakers of the district, municipalities, divisions, sub counties and town councils. They are represented in Parliament by Hon. David Bahati. You are most welcome. (Applause) You have a very good Member of Parliament. They are also represented by Hon. Catheline Ndamira, Hon. Thadeus Kamara and Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba.

10801 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2023 the prescribed time to ensure the timely preparation of the treasury memoranda and timely implementation of recommendations of Parliament; NOW, THEREFORE, Parliament, in accordance with Article 163(5) of the Constitution and Section 19(4) of the National Audit Act, 2008, resolves to adopt the recommendations of the Auditor-General in respect to the following local government entities: Entities under the Public Accounts Committee (Local Government) 1. Mbale District Local Government; 2. Mbale City; 3. Namisindwa District Local Government; 4. Manafwa District Local Government; 5. Bulambuli District Local Government; 6. Kibuku District Local Government; 7. Tororo District Local Government; 8. Sironko District Local Government; 9. Budaka District Local Government; 10. Busia District Local Government; 11. Busia Municipal Council; 12. Butaleja District Local Government; 13. Kapchorwa District Local Government; 14. Kapchorwa Municipal Council; 15. Kween District Local Government; 16. Tororo Municipal Council; 17. Bukwo District Local Government; 18. Pallisa District Local Government; 19. Bududa District Local Government; 20. Soroti District Local Government; 21. Soroti City; 22. Amolatar District Local Government; 23. Kaberamaido District Local Government; 24. Kalaki District Local Government; 25. Serere District Local Government; 26. Amuria District Local Government; 27. Dokolo District Local Government; 28. Bukedea District Local Government; 29. Katakwi District Local Government; 30. Kapelebyong District Local Government; 31. Otuke District Local Government; 32. Kumi Municipal Council; 33. Kumi District Local Government; 34. Ngora District Local Government; 35. Nabilatuk District Local Government; 36. Nakapiripirit District Local Government; 37. Karenga District Local Government; 38. Kotido District Local Government; 39. Kotido Municipal Council; 40. Amudat District Local Government; 41. Kaabong District Local Government; 42. Moroto District Local Government; 43. Moroto Municipal Council; 44. Abim District Local Government; 45. Napak District Local Government; 46. Kamuli District Local Government; 47. Kamuli Municipal Council; 48. Iganga District Local Government; 49. Iganga Municipal Council; 50. Jinja District Local Government; 51. Jinja City; 52. Northern Division, Jinja City; 53. Southern Division, Jinja City; 54. Kaliro District Local Government; 55. Buyende District Local Government; 56. Mayuge District Local Government; 57. Bugiri District Local Government; 58. Bugiri Municipal Council; 59. Namayingo District Local Government; 60. Namutumba District Local Government; 61. Njeru Municipal Council; 62. Lugazi Municipal Council; 63. Luuka District Local Government; 64. Bugweri District Local Government; 65. Buikwe District Local Government; 66. Mukono District Local Government; 67. Mukono Municipal Council; 68. Wakiso District Local Government; 69. Nansana Municipal Council; 70. Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipal Council; 71. Kira Municipal Council; 72. Mpigi District Local Government; 73. Nakaseke District Local Government; 74. Luwero District Local Government; 75. Mityana District Local Government; 76. Mityana Municipal Council; 77. Buvuma District Local Government; 78. Entebbe Municipal Council; 79. Butambala District Local Government; 80. Kayunga District Local Government; 81. Nakasongola District Local Government; 82. Masaka District Local Government; 83. Masaka City; 84. Kimaanya-Kabonera City Division; 85. Nyendo-Mukungwe City Division; 86. Kalungu District Local Government; 87. Gomba District Local Government;

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On 14 December 2021, I raised a matter of land grabbing in Soroti District concerning Soroti Golf Club that has been grabbed from the owners yet this is public land measuring up to 40 acres. Madam Speaker, the land has been grabbed by a company called Pilgrim and they have subdivided it into two: Pilgrim and Shinda Holding Limited -

10238 STANDIN G C O M M I T T E E R E PORT During our interaction with the Ministry of Local Government, the committee was informed that the budget provision for ex- gratia and honoraria for local government leaders has fallen short over the last five years and that is from Financial Year 2018/2019 to FY 2022/2023 leading to an outstanding amount of Shs 9,074,258,232. These are the monies that should be paid and these leaders are struggling but they are not receiving that money. (ii) The committee also noted that in the current Financial Year 2023/2024, no provision or IPF was sent to the local governments on ex-gratia and honoraria, amounting to Uganda Shs 48.19 billion as required for the ex-gratia and on honoraria amounting to Shs 48.19 billion as required for the ex-gratia and honoraria. We have given a breakdown, you can look through page six where you will find we have 70,500 LCI and 10,585 LCII - they need this financial year Shs 9.7 billion for their payment and it is not catered for. You will look through and it gives you a total of Shs 48 billion we have provided the details in the table. The committee also looked at the arrears; we have given a breakdown on page seven and the breakdown we have provided covers only the cities and the districts that we visited, but when you look at the annex, you will find a detailed breakdown of how much money was not sent to which entity, giving the total of the Shs 9 billion I talked about. Madam Speaker, we made observations on page 8 that you will look through, and the observations, if I may just run through very quickly: (i) There were figures that were not correlating with the figures provided by the minutes of local government and what we found in the field. (ii) We also received a list of the arrears from the Ministry of Local Government that were submitted. The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development received this list and committed that they would include this in the 3 per cent supplementary since they had not included it in the budget which is a big mistake. (iii) The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development also acknowledged the omission of ex-gratia and honoraria in the budget for 2023- 2024. Recommendation (i) The Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and the affected local government entities should harmonise the arrears for ex-gratia and honoraria; and (ii) The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to expedite the verification process of the ex-gratia arrears and honoraria to ensure that the requisite funds are provided for in the supplementary budget in line with Section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act. Terms of reference two and three, I will just give a summary. Here, our intention as a committee was to establish the availability of land in the different districts from where the cities were created and also to look at their level of preparedness as far as the relocation is concerned. We went to Soroti District where we found they prepared a council resolution; it is important to inform Members that Soroti had gone a step ahead and started construction after they received Shs 1 billion from the Ministry of Finance and this financial year they expected to receive an additional Shs 800 million. However, the other nine districts of Gulu, Arua, Masaka, Mbarara, Hoima, Jinja, Mbale, and Kabarole: all these are the cities which were created apart from Soroti. All the others have [Mr Mapenduzi] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

Thank you for that information. It is actually included. When I talk of 176 units, I mean 135 districts plus 10 cities and 31 municipal mayors. When you get 176 times Shs 200 million, it is the Shs 35.2 billion, which the committee chairperson has actually recommended. The other that he has recommended is the Shs 10 billion for relocation of the districts. You had asked the question: why Shs 1 billion? Madam Speaker, that was a very valid question. We provide, for now, a start-up fund for design of the new building, physical planning, fencing of the land, titling in cases where it is not and relocation of the subcounties. For example, Gulu District tried to relocate to Awach Subcounty, but the subcounty said: “Where are you going? This is my home.” So, they have to be assisted to relocate. Let us take the example of Soroti District. They have already been given Shs 1.8 billion. No other district, among the 10, has got even a single shilling –

To the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, I beg to designate the following Members: 1. Hon. Shamim Malende, Woman Representative, Kampala; 2. Hon. Medard Lubega-Sseggona of Busiro County East; 3. Hon. Robert Ssekitoleko of Bamunanika County; 4. Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda of Kira Municipality; 5. Hon. Anna Adeke Ebaju of Soroti District; 6. Hon. Santa Sandra Alum of Oyam District; and 7. Hon. Asuman Basalirwa of Bugiri Municipality.

8759 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 18 MAY 2023 229) Vote 900: Nabilatuk District – Shs 8,965,015,000 230) Vote 901: Nakapiripirt District – Shs 11,039,255,000 231) Vote 902: Nakaseke District – Shs 33,609,209,000 232) Vote 903: Nakasongola District – Shs 29,199,461,000 233) Vote 904: Namayingo District – Shs 24,345,537,000 234) Vote 905: Namisindwa District – Shs 25,757,056,000 235) Vote 906: Namutumba District – Shs 29,395,177,000 236) Vote 907: Napak District – Shs 14,554,931,000 237) Vote 908: Nebbi District – Shs 28,393,138,000 238) Vote 909: Ngora District – Shs 20,015,428,000 239) Vote 910: Ntoroko District – Shs 17,856,009,000 240) Vote 911: Ntungamo District – Shs 52,482,302,000 241) Vote 912: Nwoya District – Shs 19,818,194,000 242) Vote 913: Obongi District – Shs 11,259,732,000 243) Vote 914: Omoro District – Shs 23,623,072,000 244) Vote 915: Otuke District – Shs 17,308,500,000 245) Vote 916: Oyam District – Shs 36,647,321,000 246) Vote 917: Pader District – Shs 28,538,070,000 247) Vote 918: Pakwach District – Shs 20,416,756,000 248) Vote 919: Pallisa District – Shs 32,319,522,000 249) Vote 920: Rakai District – Shs 35,470,398,000 250) Vote 921: Rubanda District – Shs 26,781,538,000 251) Vote 922: Rubirizi District – Shs 17,650,350,000 252) Vote 923: Rukiga District – Shs 21,557,840,000 253) Vote 924: Rukungiri District – Shs 40,111,677,000 254) Vote 925: Rwampara District - Shs 21,241,513,000 255) Vote 926: Ssembabule District – Shs 29,341,783,000 256) Vote 927: Serere District – Shs 32,000,876,000 257) Vote 928: Sheema District – Shs 26,927,219,000 258) Vote 929: Sironko District – Shs 32,016,598,000 259) Vote 930: Soroti District – Shs 22,110,246,000 260) Vote 931: Terego District – Shs 25,198,993,000 261) Vote 932: Tororo District – Shs 57,785,129,000 262) Vote 933: Wakiso District – Shs 78,280,713,000

Mr Speaker, I want to thank you very much for standing with the women. I watched, with a lot of pain, the situation in Mityana, what happened yesterday in Buvuma, Soroti, and other areas. These are women Members of Parliament. Mr Speaker, there is something I want us to interest ourselves in. You will notice that all the functions where people have been dispersed involved women Members of Parliament and not from the Opposition. The NRM women Members of Parliament have had smooth celebrations at their functions. Why? A woman is a woman whether NRM, FDC, or DP. I want to suggest that going forward – I know the Prime Minister is going to come and tell us that they will look into this and that - Parliament adopts a resolution that states that apart from the national celebration presided over by the Head of State, all the district functions be presided over by the women Members of Parliament. This will help us solve this problem. There is one thing I am not comfortable with - and that is of inviting ministers to preside over functions in the districts. This undermines the authority of women Members of Parliament in those districts. I had a situation where Hon. Alice Alaso, while she was the woman Member of Parliament for Soroti District, the RDC then, called Ben Etonu, rushed to Arapai to preside over a function. Hon. Alice Alaso literally went and [Mr Ssenyonyi] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Secondly, we have cities but it is embarrassing for the cities to keep borrowing graders from the neighbouring districts. Soroti City last year almost returned money because we had to wait for Soroti District to first grade its roads before we were given the equipment. Mr Speaker, I would like to urge this Parliament to support the Ministry of Works and Transport; we need graders, wheel loaders, rollers and dump trucks in the cities. Also, these cities need to be treated as special districts. Why am I saying this? Cities are still receiving the budget of the municipalities. For instance, Soroti Municipality had only 12 wards but when the city was created, they brought in additional 13 parishes yet the budget is for the municipality. I request Parliament to provide additional funding to the cities so that we have good roads. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, today, the world celebrates World Wetlands Day, this 2 nd day of February. As has been the practice with other international days, the minister in charge usually brings a statement to the House, to give the Members a chance to debate and to just hear Government’s position regarding the particular issues. This has not been the case for World Wetlands Day. The Minister of Water and Environment has not brought a statement here. Secondly, the celebrations are underway right now in Soroti District. It is unfortunate that we learnt about it yesterday. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, is it courteous for Government to celebrate in our constituencies and not inform us, as Members of Parliament, from those constituencies? Additionally, is it proper that an issue as contentious as that one is being celebrated without the Members of Parliament being given chance to hear Government’s position on the same?

6974 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT In this case, we would be able to know, for example, that out of these people who have come from Soroti District, how many were from Soroti and how many were not? From the Karamoja region, how many were from this region and how many were not. That way, we would be able to have that statistical analysis to help us do better in the next recruitment. Anyhow, I hope the ministers are taking up these things. The Committee on Defence and Veteran Affairs must continuously engage the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Prisons Services whenever the recruitment takes place. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Secondly, there is constant conflict between Soroti City and the district. There was a document circulated, written by the Attorney- General, that the movable assets are divided 50/50 while the immovable assets remain in the city, whether true or false. There was a very embarrassing situation in Soroti where the engineers of Soroti District went and pulled down the signpost of Soroti City planted by the Speaker of Parliament then, Hon. Alitwala Kadaga. We are sharing officers in the city, LCV is here, the Mayor is here, the RDC of the district is here. The RDC of the city is the other side so, there is total confusion. We implore and appeal to the Attorney-General that please, guide and direct where the city should be and where the district should be. I beg submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join the House in paying tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. I remember her when the royal family sent funds for the construction of Princess Diana Memorial Hospital in Soroti District; a hospital that now serves the people of Teso and Soroti at large, including those from my constituency and my people in Gweri County. (Applause) That is why I remember her so much. I feel like I should join those travelling to bury her. (Laughter) I thank you.