Koboko County

Thank you, Mr Speaker. On behalf of the family of the late Idi Amin Dada, the people of Koboko District and on my own behalf, I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the family. Gen. Moses Ali teaches us humility. He has seen many governments and has served with them. Our hearts are pained by this loss. West

Thank you, Mr Speaker and congratulations. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, I have seen a couple of districts and subregions receiving hoes. West Nile, in particular, has not received any and my people of Koboko have suffered severe drought. Right now, we do not have food. When are we going to receive some hoes in Koboko District where I come from? Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, the local governments with additional local revenue are the following: Arua City, Jinja City, Lira City, Mbale City, Apac Municipal Council, Agago District, Budaka District, Bugiri District, Buhweju District, Bulambuli District, Bushenyi District, Dokolo District, Jinja District, Kalilo District, Kasese District, Kyikube District, Koboko District, Kyegegwa District, Kyenjojo District, Kyotera District, Mbarara District, Mitooma District, Moroto District, Nakapiripirit District, Nakasongola District, Namisindwa District, Obongi District, Pallisa District, Rubanda District, Rubirizi District, Rukiga District, Sironko District, Tororo District, among others. (Interjections) Madam Speaker, we have also provided Shs 72.9 billion as additional disbursement by the World Bank for the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises(GROW) project. The World Bank approved and disbursed additional funds for GROW project. These funds must be utilised, or the grant will be cancelled at the end of this financial year. Madam Speaker, I now come to the supplementary expenditures that are above the 3 per cent legal limit that require additional financing. The total is Shs 463.15 billion, and the particulars are as follows: i. Shs 56.95 billion for LC1, LC2, and Women Council Committee elections countrywide as directed by the Cabinet. These funds are required to support the Electoral Commission in fully implementing the electoral roadmap, as already approved by the Cabinet. ii. Shs 29.57 billion for AFCON 2027 preparatory activities. Honourable members, the Cabinet directed that we fully fund AFCON 2027, beginning with the immediate requirement in this Financial Year 2025/2026. These funds are required to implement the urgent preparatory works, reduce implementation risk and keep the overall AFCON 2027 preparation programme on schedule. The activities include the following; i) Shs 14.1 billion for preliminary works at Kabalega International Airport. This one will go to the Ministry of Works and Transport. ii) Shs 8.03 billion for priority road works and associated support activities in Kira Municipal Council. iii) Shs 3.06 billion for pitch improvement at Kadiba Football Stadium. iv) Shs 0.31 billion for branding of host cities and content production for the Destination Uganda documentary. v) Shs 1.0 17 billion for Hoima City and Masindi Municipality to finance sanitation and road safety interventions. vi) Shs 1.02 billion for meteorological and aviation safety support system. vii) Shs 1.8 billion for water utility preparatory works for the Hoima cluster. Madam Speaker, we also require; COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance. South Sudan is one of our biggest trade partners, and the Koboko District, like many border districts, hosts a number of South Sudanese refugees. However, I am concerned about the growing insecurity because we do trade with South Sudan. On 9 September 2025, a commuter taxi going to Juba from Koboko was ambushed by unknown gunmen, and people were killed. One of them is called Innocent Metaloro, and others whose names I cannot confirm. My prayer is that our embassy in South Sudan takes an interest in these killings and ambushes because it is common that every six months we get these ambushes, and as a Member of Parliament, the funeral services are very emotional; we do not have answers, and as the Government, we do not have answers. Therefore, I request that the embassy take an interest in following up on these cases. Secondly, let Government-to-Government ensure cross-border security along the road, especially the Kaya to Yei road and Nimule to Juba. Thank you.

17485 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA (Gen.(Rtd) Yoweri Museveni): Her Excellency the Vice President, the Rt Hon. Speaker of Parliament, His Lordship the Chief Justice, Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, His Lordship the Deputy Chief Justice, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, honourable ministers, honourable Members of Parliament, heads of the diplomatic missions, cultural and religious leaders, the wananchi , distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. In fulfilment of the constitutional requirement under Article 101(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, I am here to deliver the State-of-the-Nation Address, 2025. Fellow countrymen, countrywomen, and especially the bazzukulu ; abantu abo , I applaud you all for positively utilising the peace and tranquillity prevailing across the country, and the improved physical infrastructure to improve your personal lives, families and communities. Since the last State of the Nation Address, a number of people have unfortunately departed from this earth. They include: 1. His Holiness, the late Pope Francis; 2. The late Hon. Maj. Gen. Kazoora, former Member of Parliament of Kashari; 3. The late Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the former Minister of State for Defence; 4. The late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, the former Member of Parliament for Kawempe North; 5. The late Hon. Dr Yeko Kissa, the former Member of Parliament for Kween County; 6. The late Hon. Margaret Baba-Diri, the former Woman Member of Parliament for Koboko District; 7. The late Hon. Margaret Komuhangi, the former Woman Member of Parliament for Nakasongola District; 8. The late Hon. Ignatius Besisira, the former Member of Parliament for Buyaga County East; 9. The late Hon. Frank Nabwiso, the former Member of Parliament for Kagoma County, and many other Ugandans who have succumbed to accidents, illnesses, etc. I request that we rise up and observe a moment of silence in memory of those that have passed on. (The House rose and observed a moment of silence.)

17072 APPROVAL OF BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2025/2026 Mr Speaker, I would like to propose that this House considers that in subsequent borrowings, the Government should demonstrate and commit that it will provide money for any counterpart funding which is required for any project and should take priority in the Government budget. For example, under energy, if we implement the Electricity Access Scale- up Project and start using it, this is definitely going to raise resources for the Government, it will change people’s lives and we will be able to raise additional money for paying the loans or for funding other Government programmes. Secondly, I would like to comment on the issue of arrears for National Water and Sewerage Corporation. The Government agencies have this habit of not paying utilities. The same thing has been happening with the internet. NITA-U has been struggling with Government agencies because they are not paying for internet, until they decided that this should be deducted at source. Mr Speaker, I agree with your proposal that for utilities like water, the money for these MDAs should be deducted at source, so that National Water and Sewerage Corporation can raise the funds to implement its programmes. Lastly, I would like to talk about the issue of repairs of boreholes in rural areas. I think the minister needs to tell us whether districts get some resources to repair boreholes. In my constituency, I am overwhelmed with repairing boreholes. It is one of the constituencies which has low water coverage in the district and Koboko District generally has about 62 per cent water coverage. This is only in a few subcounties and some subcounties have very low coverage of water. So, the minister needs to explain whether districts get some resources to repair boreholes because we also need to address mismanagement at the district level. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

16670 THE ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS BILL, 2024 Tuesday, 11 March 2025 Consideration of the reports on ministerial policy statements will be done from 8 to 17 April 2025. This is to put to notice the committee chairpersons and Members that they should work hard to beat the deadlines. Please adhere to the timelines as stated in the Rules of Procedure. Honourable colleagues, I will amend the Order Paper to allow the minister for finance to table the Supplementary Schedule No. 3 when we get to the item of laying of papers. I received sad news from our colleague, Hon. Jackson Atima, of the demise of the late Hon. Haruna Adam Emaga, the first Member of Parliament in the National Resistance Council from Arua Municipality in the West Nile Subregion. That was in 1989. He died on 10 March 2025 in Arua Regional Referral Hospital and burial is today in Lima Village, Koboko District. I kindly request that we observe a moment of silence in his honour. (The House rose and observed a moment of silence.)

Madam Speaker, thank you for the privilege. Honourable members, I regret to inform you that our old colleague, a veteran politician, Hon. Margaret Baba Diri passed on 30 minutes ago on the way to hospital. We have asked the funeral caretakers to handle the body and we shall announce further arrangements later on. Just to let you know, Hon. Baba Diri, former woman Member of Parliament for Koboko District and previously representing people with disabilities for the North since 1996, has now left us. With much regret, that is the information I wanted to tell you, and thank you for the privilege, Madam Speaker.

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 very much, Mr Speaker, for giving me the opportunity. I rise on a matter of national importance, concerning the National Backbone Infrastructure Connectivity Project for West Nile by National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITAU). Mr Speaker, on 11 May 2019 at St Charles Lwanga Senior Secondary School in Koboko District, the President launched Phase IV of the National Backbone Infrastructure Connectivity Project for West Nile, where NITA-U was to implement the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure and e-Governance Infrastructure Project to connect districts and towns across the country. Phase IV is to be extended to 12 districts of West Nile and other border points of Uganda. My prayers are as follows: 1. May we know from the Rt Hon. Prime Minister or the minister responsible, how far the programme has progressed now that the EXIM Bank and World Bank have extended loans for Phase V of the programme? 2. I would also like to know when the programme will extend to the remote areas, hard-to-reach areas, parishes and subcounties in all the districts in West Nile, including places like Arapi, Gbari, Oyo in Moyo District where there is no internet connectivity. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity. I would like to support the motion and I thank the committee for this report. In Koboko District where I

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My name is Dr Musa Noah , the Member of Parliament for Koboko North Consistency in Koboko District in West Nile. I am also the General Secretary of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Taban Sharifah Aate, Woman Member of Parliament, Koboko District. Welcome to Northern Uganda. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Honourable Member of Parliament from Koboko District, for asking that question. Indeed, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has paid the West Nile Bank Front and we are still in the process of concluding the payment. For those who have not been paid, the problem was on their side. They did not give us all the details we needed because when we are paying them, we want their account numbers, account holders and their ID number. However, when we were paying them, there were some who would borrow the account numbers of their relatives and send them to us.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity. I would like to thank the committee chairperson and the team for the report. Mr Speaker, in Koboko District, I was cheerleading my people to embrace this programme. In West Nile, in particular, 12 roads and 21 road linkages were earmarked. As a cheerleader, I encouraged my farmers that the roads were going to be made. How do I go back to those farmers and now tell them that the project has been closed? I am wondering how to handle this situation. I am ashamed and baffled to go back to them. How will they look at us, as the Government? How will they look at us as a country? Why was this not implemented on time? Why were we not given a heads-up before coming here and publicly speaking that the project has been closed and nothing has been done? Mr Speaker, I am very ashamed. Thank you.

>!ry \. d, \I' I "#t- F ,l 1, 1, -,'ts 01.L it.-' -.dh -r-t) +u!i---= ' 4" I I *- ,r1 t,r X M -6\ .I - ,. .,i,, t- Descrlptlon Amount (OOO'f Vote 840 Kabale District 37,399,826 2r,3t9,848 841 Kabarole District 19,649342 842 Kaberamaido District 843 Kagadi District 36,663,965 844 Kakumiro District 29,519,780 845 Kalaki District t6,394,928 446 Kalangala District 16,280,359 847 Kaliro District 3L,192,217 Kalungu District 28,705,355 848 449 Kamuli District 5r,729,233 850 Kamwenge District 3r,450,402 Kanungu District 851 47,21O,678 852 Kapchorwa District 22,472,086 853 Kapelebyong District 13,744,848 854 Karenga District 13,909,050 \ss Kasanda District 28,245,777 \-,, 8 56 Kasese District 80,380,999 857 Katakwi District 28,86t,256 Kayunga District 858 41,896,345 859 Kazo District 20,t37,t72 860 Kibaale District 19,010,095 861 Kiboga District 28,460,752 862 Kibuku District 25,8t4,730 863 Kikuube District 23,999,O82 864 Kiruhura District 23,t63,O54 865 Kiryandongo District 29,247,39O 866 Kisoro District 44,588,685 467 Kitagwenda District 20,597,57L 868 Kitgum District 26,464,995 469 Koboko District 22,845,14O 870 Kole District 28,306,987 <: L4 rb- irfi l

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

Honourable mem - bers, can I read the districts, which are includ - ed? Hon. Ssekikubo is that okay? With the amounts. Honourable members, listen. Read: Vote 804 – Alebtong District – Shs 848,733,704; Vote 805 – Amolatar District – Shs 220,815,010; Vote 807 – Amuria District – Shs 76,091,072; Vote 811 – Budaka District – Shs 569,774,320; Vote 812 – Bududa District – Shs 871,310,151; Vote 813 – Bugiri District – Shs 80,000,000; Vote 816 –Buikwe District – Shs 634,351,309; Vote 817: Bukedea District - Shs 557,998,824; Vote 818: Bukomansimbi District - Shs 138,976,150; Vote 819: Bukwo District - Shs 3,457,961,447; Vote 820: Bulambuli District – Shs 237,021,273; Vote 823: Bunyangabu District – Shs 371,453,937; Vote 825: Busia District - Shs 2,493,045,786; Vote 830: Buyende District - Shs 325,110,681; Vote 831: Dokolo District – Shs 1,200,052,179; Vote 832: Gomba District – Shs 132,794,807; Vote 834: Hoima District – Shs 663,105,613; Vote 835: Ibanda District - Shs 2,181,084,002; Vote 837: Isingiro District – Shs 3,142,687,738; Vote 838: Jinja District - Shs 2,158,144,238; Vote 840: Kabale District - Shs 122,770,149; Vote 841: Kabarole District – Shs 413,457,210; Vote 842: Kaberamaido District - Shs 1,189,601,445; Vote 846: Kalangala District – Shs 499,303,936; Vote 848: Kalungu District – Shs 1,919,206,727; Vote 851: Kanungu District - Shs 2,355,337,661; Vote 855, Kassanda District – Shs 1,076,055,328; Vote 856: Kasese District - Shs 1,428,572,362; Vote 858: Kayunga District - Shs 886,274,114; Vote 861: Kiboga District – Shs 877,544,449; Vote 862: Kibuku District – Shs 55,309,755; Vote 864: Kiruhura District - Shs 1,272,038,110; Vote 866: Kisoro District – Shs 1,147,709,409; Vote 867: Kitagwenda District – Shs 292,329,260; Vote 868: Kitgum District - Shs 260,346,061; Vote 869: Koboko District – Shs 1,346,133,500; Vote 870: Kole District - Shs 508,409,292; Vote 872: Kumi District - Shs 2,856,532,203; Vote 875: Kyankwanzi District - Shs 280,000,000; Vote 876: Kyegegwa District - Shs 2,218,090,875; Vote 877: Kyenjojo District - Shs 1,050,288,984; Vote 878: Kyotera District - Shs 1,273,322,749; Vote 879: Lamwo District - Shs 403,256,222; Vote 881: Luuka District - Shs 931,990,097; Vote 882: Luwero District - Shs 5,365,516,069; Vote 883: Lwengo District – Shs 1,967,438,860; Vote 884: Lyantonde District - Shs 253,488,082; Vote 885: Madi-Okollo District - Shs 676,404,553; Vote 887: Maracha District – Shs 416,761,385; Vote 889: Masindi District – Shs 84,336,637; Vote 890: Mayuge District – Shs 930,316,165; Vote 891: Mbale District – Shs 1,720,742,693; Vote 892: Mbarara District - Shs 455,148,176; Vote 893: Mitooma District - Shs 505,896,701; Vote 894: Mityana District - Shs 471,519,063; Vote 895: Moroto District – Shs 165,753,246; Vote 896: Moyo District - Shs 1,293,741,625; Vote 899: Mukono District – Shs 2,529,351,767; Vote 900: Nabilatuk District – Shs 1,252,915,918; Vote 901: Nakapiripirit District – Shs 30,000,000; Vote 902: Nakaseke District – Shs 933,060,184; [Mr Ekanya] THE SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE SCHEDULE NO.2

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, in April 2022, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) halted the transit of fuel through the Oraba-Kaya Border in Koboko District as a measure to tackle the rampant smuggling of fuel through the border. However, this measure has not been helpful as we still have fuel in the municipality and Koboko town. My question is, when will the Oraba-Kaya Border reopen for fuel transportation? Thank you.

11040 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT (iii) The MoLG and MoFPED should ensure that all the parishes receive the funds as required by the PDM policy. TOR 2 Eligibility of the various categories of beneficiaries of the PDM Fund Madam Speaker, in the interest of time, I will take you to page 10 which gives details on the status. The subregions reported that vetting committees and SACCO leaders have ensured that there is proportional access for the different groups. However, contrary to guidelines, some government employees and their families as well as richer persons were benefiting from PDM funds. This was reported in Buganda and Lango subregions. There were allegations of a ghost SACCO set up to benefit ineligible persons in Okwongo Town Council in Otuke District, where the beneficiaries were family members of the CDO and other district officials. In addition, a one Janet Akullu from the same district was known to be someone who was well-off owning a storeyed building, therefore, not part of those who were meant to benefit from this programme. Once reported, the disbursement of Shs 434 million was put on halt, and investigation proceeded, which helped in saving Government from losing the said amount to ghost beneficiaries. In Kole District, irregularities in payments to beneficiaries of Ogwangacuma SACCO were noted, with cases of suspected unauthorised withdrawals from the account. On examination of the SACCO account, discrepancies were noted in the bank statement of the SACCO account in Postbank. In response, Postbank explained that the discrepancies arose from erroneous export of data into Excel by one of their officers. On the issue of equity in the PDM implementation across the regions- with the same amount of funds to be given to all parishes across the country, stakeholders have raised a concern about coverage of PDM in areas with big parishes that have many villages, households and enterprise groups. Some of the examples cited include Koboko North, Gulu City, Wakiso, Mayuge and Kaliro districts. On the other hand, the Ministry of Local Governments had not disbursed any funds for Kampala City, due to the uniqueness of the city setting. The Ministry is, therefore, redesigning the programme for Kampala accordingly. On the aspect of adherence to quotas for special interest groups, The PDM guidelines provide for mandatory quotas for disbursement of the funds. The distribution is supposed to be 30 per cent for youth, 30 per cent for women, 10 per cent for the elderly and 10 per cent for persons with disabilities (PWDs). According, to the Ministry of Local Governments the quota system has been emphasised and is being realised, with women receiving the bulk of the money because they are found in all categories; that is women, youth, elderly and PWDs. All subregions indicated that the criteria were not being fully met, especially in regard to the elderly and PWDs. In some cases, the number of special interest groups in the enterprises were very low. For example, in Podo Parish, Koboko District, PWDs refused to get the money for fear of failure to repay, that is according to the regional report. Gender issues were also noted in some areas where women were denied funds unless a spouse guaranteed them. Mityana District had reports of sexual harassment hindering women from full participation in PDM. Committee observations The Committee observed the following: i. None of the sub-regions was able to present detailed data indicating the categories of beneficiaries from which the

11041 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2023 committee would have deduced whether the quotas were adhered to. ii. Defining the urban poor in cities like Kampala and Lira is a challenge. iii. Selecting beneficiaries in areas with big parishes is difficult, causes conflict and leaves out many potential beneficiaries. For example, Kasubi Ward in Gulu City has a population of about 39,000 people with over 50 per cent of those in the subsistence economy. iv. There were allegations of sexual harassment in Mityana District and reported gender discrimination in some regions, although the details of those allegations were not provided as required. v. The Committee was not satisfied with the explanations given by Postbank Ltd in regard to the discrepancies in the bank statement of Ogwangacuma SACCO in Kole district. Committee Recommendations The committee recommends that: (i) The PDM secretariat should have a system to monitor adherence to guidelines, especially on the implementation of the quotas and report on this issue, with statistics. (ii) Put in place a transparent selection process, combined with effective oversight to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive the funds. (iii) Review the practicability of the quotas for the special interest groups due to its limited implementation, especially for the elderly, some of whom have no interest in enterprise development. (iv) The allocation criteria for Parish Revolving Fund needs to consider factors such as the population of the parish, poverty levels in the regions and remoteness, among other factors that make some areas more vulnerable than others. (v) Create a safe and respectful environment and institute clear protocols for reporting and addressing incidents of discrimination and sexual harassment. Other discriminatory practices should be reported and acted upon. (vi) Operationalise or establish a national call centre for reporting incidences/ cases related to PDM implementation. (vii) The police should investigate the alleged cases of sexual harassment as reported in Mityana District. (viii) The police should carry out an investigation into the irregularities in the bank statements of Ogwangacuma PDM SACCO to establish the truth. TOR 3 Effectiveness of Utilisation of disbursed funds by PDM. This is on the last paragraph of page 13. The subregions gave varied reports about how the funds so far disbursed were being utilised. West Nile, for example, reported that most beneficiaries have put the funds to the intended use, although some beneficiaries used the money to buy household items with the hope of replacing the money from the activities later. West Nile Subregion reported that enterprise groups have been formed in all the parishes and are engaging in agricultural activities, which are doing well. Common enterprises were food and cash crops, goat keeping, poultry, piggery; tree farming and apiculture. Group members who received PDM funds have invested the funds in farming and the crops are doing well, especially those who specialise in cassava growing. However, in some districts and parishes, for example, in Koboko District, heavy rains and hailstorm destroyed crops. But in some cases, the timing

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to support the motion for consideration and approval of this report on the PDM. However, as you know, all of us are in a celebratory mood; we are celebrating the coming of twins. Therefore, I take this opportunity to congratulate you most heartily upon attaining the blessed and most important title of Nnalongo . (Applause) The report is very good and useful. However, I note some gaps. Some points need special treatment because of the inherent dangers. Due to time constraints, I beg to focus on two. The first one is on handling gender issues. There is mention of gender issues, but there is no detailed analysis of these issues, and yet if these are not adequately handled, we may get a lot of problems. The second point is handling of elderly persons and people with disabilities. There is an insinuation that older persons and people with disabilities are not interested in this important programme, and yet the reality is different. What is missing is mobilisation and sensitisation. Making reference to page 12, the second paragraph reads as follows; “Gender issues were noted in some areas where women were denied funds unless a spouse guaranteed them. Mityana District had reports of sexual harassment, hindering women from full participation in the PDM.” Madam Speaker, I have read the recommendations in relation to this serious matter. I am of the view that no sufficient efforts have been made to address the question of gender and sexual harassment. First of all, I wish the committee had condemned in the strongest possible terms, this gender- based discrimination and sexual harassment. As Members of Parliament, we must condemn these evils whether it is in Mityana or other districts, we must condemn this in the strongest terms possible. Madam Speaker, we need to have a detailed analysis of gender arising issues. Once the issues arose from the implementation of the PDM, how does it impact on women? Having done a detailed and comprehensive analysis, we can propose what to be done. Therefore, I beg this august House to urge Government together with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to work together and carry out a detailed analysis of the arose gender issues in the implementation of the PDM. By carrying out a detailed, comprehensive analysis and identifying the rise of gender issues and come up with solutions to mitigate these challenges. If we are not able to address these issues, there is no way PDM can succeed. Secondly, they mentioned sexual harassment somewhere in Zana, but we do not see the recommendation to the effect that these cases should be investigated and proper action taken. Action should be taken against perpetrators of this Act. We should not just say there was sexual harassment in Mityana and we forget to point out that whoever is involved should be investigated and punished. My last point is on page 11 and I would like to quote: “Adherence to quotas for special interest groups”. There is a paragraph, which reads as follows and it worries me. It says, “All subregions indicated that the criteria were not fully met, especially in regard to the elderly and PWDs. In some cases, the number of special interest groups in the enterprise were few. They also pointed it out and I quote. For example, in Podo Parish in Koboko District, PWDs refused to get the money for fear of failure to repay.” You have said that people refused to get the money for fear of failure to repay, but you have not told us why they are scared. What did you do to address their fears?

10152 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT The underperformance in the absorption of funds by the local governments was attributed to a number of factors on a case-by-case basis, including late recruitment of teachers, delayed access of staff to the payroll among others. The underperforming local governments included Agago District Local Government, which absorbed only 77 percent of the funds released to it; Gulu District Local Government also absorbed 77 percent; Koboko District Local Government also registered 77 percent; and Lira and Apac District Local Government at 81 percent. On the other hand, the local governments that absorbed close to the target included: Kitgum District Local Government with a return of 98 percent, Kitgum Municipal Council at 96 percent, Pader District Local Government at 96 percent, and Amuru District Local Government at 92 percent. Local revenue performance The total approved local revenue budget for the local government was Shs 223 billion, of which Shs 131 billion was released back to the local governments, representing 59 percent. The warrants or 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. In the same vein, the 48 entities had an approved local revenue budget of Shs 48.273 billion, and a sum of Shs 29.265 billion was availed, hence an underperformance of Shs 19 billion. A number of local governments under review posted good performance, led by Yumbe District Local Government at 137 percent, followed by Maracha District Local Government at 127 percent, while the least performance was registered by Kitgum Municipal Council, which realised only 16 percent of its approved local revenue budget, Apac District Local Government at 32 percent and Agago District Local Government at 38 percent, as per the budget performance. Committee Observations The Committee observed thus: i) Local Government did not receive all appropriated budget resources and therefore, failed to implement planned activities; ii) The unspent balance was attributed to a number of factors, including failure to recruit, delayed deployment of teachers by Ministry of Education, failure to procure contractors under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme, delayed completion of projects under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) Programme, among others; and iii) Majority of local governments reviewed, absorbed and did perform above 80 percent. Committee recommendations The committee recommends thus: (i) The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development accounts for the under-release of funds to the local government. (ii) Accounting officers under whose supervision local governments failed to utilise funds released to them be held personally liable. (iii) Entities whose absorption of funds was below 80 per cent be subjected to further investigation to ascertain underlying factors of the gross underperformance. (iv) The accounting officers should develop clear revenue enhancement plans to assist the district in future revenue mobilisation. (v) The accounting officers should make follow-up with the Ministry of Finance on the shortfalls affecting service delivery. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR [Mr Olanya]

Honourable mem - bers, none of the Members from Kasese Dis - trict is on the Committee on Budget and Kasese is a very big district. So, we should stop saying, “Members who are on the Committee on Bud - get”. Hon. Atkins is a poor man. (Laughter) He is not a member of the Committee on Budget. 142) Vote 857: Katakwi District - Shs 25,335,675,000 143) Vote 858: Kayunga District - Shs 37,361,049,000 144) Vote 859: Kazo District – Shs 18,099,602,000 145) Vote 860: Kibaale District - Shs 17,514,216,000 146) Vote 861: Kiboga District – Shs 25,621,222,000 147) Vote 862: Kibuku District – Shs 21,510,868,000 148) Vote 863: Kikuube District – Shs 22,027,669,000 149) Vote 864: Kiruhura District – Shs 18,214,354,000 150) Vote 865: Kiryandongo District - Shs 28,181,672,000 151) Vote 866: Kisoro District - Shs 41,251,167,000 152) Vote 867: Kitagwenda District – Shs 19,274,549,000 153) Vote 868: Kitgum District - Shs 28,277,064,000 154) Vote 869: Koboko District - Shs 19,175,066,000 155) Vote 870: Kole District – Shs 24,145,853,000 156) Vote 871: Kotido District – Shs 11,301,208,000 157) Vote 872: Kumi District - Shs 25,388,394,000 158) Vote 873: Kwania District – Shs 22,753,848,000 159) Vote 874: Kween District – Shs 19,391,073,000 160) Vote 875: Kyankwanzi District – Shs 24,244,929,000

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance regarding the non-payments for secondary school teachers in most districts in the country. Following the enhancement of salaries for science teachers this financial year, most of the districts have had challenges with paying salaries. They have been managing this through a supplementary from the Ministry of Finance. For Koboko District, the last submission to the Ministry of Finance for a supplementary budget was in November, in which the district requested about Shs 500 million to pay salaries of secondary teachers. However, up to date, the Ministry of Finance has not responded to this request and teachers have not been paid for now three months - November, December and January. Yesterday, secondary teachers in Koboko District held demonstrations threatening not to return to class when schools begin on the 6 th day of February. This will affect learning and the students. My prayers are: The Ministry of Finance urgently responds to the supplementary request that was submitted by districts, particularly Koboko District, because the teachers there have indicated that they will not return to class if salary arrears are not cleared. Secondly, I pray that the Ministry of Finance provides adequate resources to local governments in the next Financial Year 2023/2024 so that issues of salaries are comprehensively addressed to avoid interruptions in education and service delivery generally. Thirdly, I pray that in future when the Government takes a decision to enhance salaries of civil servants, such a decision should be accompanied with the requisite resources so that services are not interrupted. Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I beg to submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. This matter is not coming to this House for the first time, and we have always provided responses. However, in order to help the Member, since he raises a specific issue regarding Koboko District – (Interruption)

Mr Speaker, I wanted to respond to the issue that came from Koboko District. However, from what I pick in chorus, the matter is cross-cutting in the country. Mr Speaker, it is true that at the onset of this financial year, we had not budgeted for adequate salaries for science teachers. What happened is that in the month of September, we provided for a supplementary, whose amount I can cross check and confirm. That supplementary was enough to pay adequate salaries for the science teachers and the other civil servants. Mr Speaker –(Interruption)

Mr Speaker, while the honourable member talks about non-payment of salaries for teachers in Koboko District, even in Busia District and maybe the country at large, teachers have not been paid salaries for three months. Therefore, I do not know whether the Minister of Finance is in order to stand and lie to the whole country that money was released yet as we talk, even head teachers who are science teachers, have not got salaries. Is the Minister of Finance in order to lie to the whole country and to this august House?

Mr Speaker and colleagues, Hon. Musa Noah, Member of Parliament for Koboko North in Koboko District asked a written question relating to the fact that the Ministry of Education and Sports, in conjunction with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), is carrying out a country-wide registration of primary and secondary school children. He went on to say that when he goes to his district, he notices that the parents are supposed to transport their children to the NIRA offices at the district headquarters, which is not the case in other districts where children are being registered from their schools. And according to him, the parents are very poor and do not have the money to transport their children. His question is whether this is the proper procedure that the people in Koboko are following to register the children. My response is: the purpose of this exercise is to ensure that all learners have a National Identification Number. Efforts have been made to enable learners to register while at school. In the case of learners that have not been registered, parents have been advised to approach the nearest NIRA offices and have them registered. NIRA offices are usually at the district. Secondly, there was a question from Hon. Julie Achayo, Member of Parliament for Ngora District. She asked: “The Government emphasizes the provision of vocational skills to the youth as a means of fighting unemployment. To that effect, it has a policy of establishing a technical school in each constituency. Ngora Constituency, and indeed Ngora District, have no government technical school. Being an area that suffered years of insurgency, some generations of young men and women missed out on formal education, and this makes the need for a technical school in Ngora even greater. What plan does the Government have to set up a technical school in Ngora Constituency in Ngora District?” My response is: we share the concerns raised by the honourable Member of Parliament for Ngora Constituency on the need for a technical institute in Ngora. However, among the challenges we have with many of our existing government technical institutes is lack of adequate equipment and staff. Because of these shortcomings, the Government is prioritising the upgrade of these institutions to secure their intended purpose.