Labwor County

Mr Speaker, we received seven written questions from members and we have responded to them in writing. Hon. Benson Lugwar, Member of Parliament for Agago North County, raised a matter concerning the escalating human-wildlife conflict that is directly undermining our food security and economic empowerment in his constituency. His prayer was whether the Government could provide an update on the matter. Mr Speaker, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has established satellite ranger outposts. Tikawo outpost is already deployed in Agago North, and 1,300 rangers are undergoing training to improve response. The electric fencing programme is ongoing, and sensitisation is also underway because some stakeholders fear land grabbing, so we have to sensitise our people. The Government is promoting block farming, and we have recruited community wildlife scouts as volunteers where the Uganda Wildlife Authority has no presence. The three million five hundred US dollar Kidepo Landscape Integrated Conservation and Development Project will start this Financial Year, 2026/2027. This will cover Agago, Abim, Karenga, Kaabong, Kotido, Kitgum and Lamwo to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. The second question came from Hon. Osoru Mourine, Woman Member of Parliament for Arua City. She raised the matter concerning the segregative vehicle transit permits through the Bugungu Gate at Murchison Falls National Game Park, which risks potential loss of revenue to the national economy. Her prayer is for the Government to give an update on the matter. Mr Speaker, the road through Bugungu Gate is not a public road. Its use is subject to park regulations, and all vehicles must pay the UWA tariff fees. Exemptions are only to vehicles with the sick, referrals, UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prison Service on official operations with evidence. Mr Speaker, the third question came from Hon. Juliet Achayo, the Member of Parliament for Ngora County. She said that during the last cropping season, there was a severe attack on groundnuts by groundnut rosette, affecting over 75 per cent of the households in Ngora. Her prayers were that:

kings, were captured is in my constituency. That is in Kangai Subcounty. The site is under construction. I must appreciate the Government for doing that. However, a historical site without infrastructural development is not going to work out. When this road is tarmacked, it is going to connect us to other parts of the world. I would also pray, if possible, we connect this road to Alebtong, and from Alebtong, we connect to Otuke. Our people of Otuke can use this road to access medical services from Abim. Those who are far from the Otuke centre go up to Abim General Hospital and Morulem Health Centre III to access medical services. It is a shortcut for us. I personally use that road when I am connecting from Dokolo to Kampala via Nakasongola. Secondly, Mr Speaker, the Head of State mentioned an issue about development of health services. Dokolo Health Centre IV is a referral hospital to us, simply because all the health centre IIIs in the different subcounties refer to this health centre IV. However, the number of patients that are being attended to on daily basis is very high. Bearing in mind that Dokolo Town Council does not have a health centre III, all the residents within the town council move to the health centre IV as their initial facility seeking medical attention. Kongai Subcounty is a new subcounty, and it does not have a Health Centre III, and yet it is a Government policy that all the sub-counties at least would have a Health Centre III. It is my prayer that if this is done, then we shall move forward. Lastly but not least, Mr Speaker, Dokolo Health Centre IV does not have a maternity ward, and this is an alarming situation. They do not have a female ward, yet it is a referral hospital to us. I would pray, if possible, that the concerned ministry, the Ministry of Health, makes an intervention so that we leap forward.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to also emphasise the registration bit. I lead a county that borders Abim, Kapelebyong and Kotido. There are villages like Aolio that are shared. Sometimes, you find that the LC1 chairperson does not know where he belongs. Therefore, he registers people from Abim and Napak, so we often find confusion about where it belongs. My prayer to the Minister of Local Government is to find a way for them to open the border for us so that we can know where some of our LC1 areas belong.

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. My question to the Prime Minister is: on 15 May 2025, a budget proposal was laid in this House, and there was a debate on the compensation for restocking. Among the restocking districts, Abim was included in the Shs 80 billion. However, on the final list, Abim District is missing. My question is: why is Abim removed? When will Abim be reinstated? Thank you.

Mr Speaker, the restocking programme is taking place in three sub-regions. That is, Acholi, Lango and Teso. I have been to Abim and Abim is in Karamoja so Abim was never on the list. That was a lie. It is my office that is directly charged with this responsibility.

Honourable member for Abim, and then Hon. Kakooza. We are here.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. My name is Joyce Ayoo Makamoe, Woman Representative, Abim District. I stand to support this motion because it addresses one of the problems we are facing as a district. Yes, we want irrigation water as Abim District, and the Karamoja Subregion at large. However, I am disappointed that the entire subregion is not included in this project. When we talk about regions affected by climate change, the first subregion that comes to our mind is Karamoja. Why isn’t Karamoja featuring in the project? Why is it not part of the project?

Kazibwe, who lives near Jinja, has cows and sells 80 litres of milk a day. He has coffee, cocoa and bananas, as you can see. I think he even had pigs, but we do not have time to see all that. He got some of them from Operation Wealth Creation when it was giving out some of the seedlings. There are others, including my favourite from Abim, Karamoja. Let us see that one. (A video presentation was made.)

So, you have another Magaga in Karamoja. If you remember Magaga, the father of Gen. Kavuma, he told me that he did not know what to do with the money. Essente nzigir’enta? Essente zinshobeire . Every 15 days, I get money. Now, you have got here this man from Abim saying that “I am not going to suffer; my family will not suffer. Bye to poverty”. He is here speaking in very clear English. That is why I like that video. With the big farmers and manufacturers, the Government has put a total of Shs 1,600 billion in Uganda Development Bank (UDB). The question was: once we started preaching, stop working for the stomach only; work for the stomach and the pocket.

That is the testimony of somebody from Abim, more than 500 miles from here, who got planting materials and some money from two of those programmes. He first got seedlings from Operation Wealth Creation, and from the Parish Development Model (PDM), he got money for cassava and goats. Where we are after 65 years of trying to move our people, I am in a position to be very rough with people who want the label of leadership but do not care about the people they lead. In the past, I have been polite. I would talk and talk as if I were a preacher, like John the Baptist- “Please, please…” Now, as President of Uganda and Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), I will be very rough with people who want titles but betray the people they lead. Why? Because I have already laid a trap for all of those people. I have put money into Government programmes by begging and begging all these big people - Parliament and others. We have got programmes on the ground. As I speak, in every parish, there is Shs 800 million in low- cost capital. That includes Shs 500 million new money, and Shs 300 million, which should have been returned in the third year. There is

2 ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS 6. Abeja Susan Jolly District Woman Representative Otuke NRM 7. Abigaba Cuthbert Mirembe Kibale County Kamwenge NRM 8. Acamfua Topista District Woman Representative Zombo Independent 9. Acan Joyce Okeny PWD Representative N/A NRM 10. Achayo Juliet Lodou Ngora County Ngora NRM 11. Achia Lokiru Gabriel Jie County Kotido NRM 12. Achola Catherine District Woman Representative Pallisa NRM 13. Aber Lillian District Woman Representative Kitgum NRM 14. Acom Alobo Joan City Woman Representative Soroti FDC 15. Aayoo Joyce Makamoe District Woman Representative Abim Independent 16. Acon Julius Bua Otuke East County Otuke NRM 17. Adeke Anna Ebaju District Woman Representative Soroti FDC 18. Adidwa Abdu Bukooli South County Namayingo Independent 19. Agaba Gilbert Workers Representative N/A Independent 20. Agaba Peter Ibanda Municipality Ibanda NRM 21. Ahebwa Wilber Manyisa Nakaseke North County Nakaseke NRM 22. Akello Beatrice Akori District Woman Representative Agago NRM 23. Aine Godfrey Kaguta Mawogola North County Ssembabule NRM 24. Akello Lucy District Woman Representative Amuru FDC 25. Akello Rose Lilly District Woman Representative Karenga NRM 26. Akol Anthony Kilak North County Amuru NRM 27. Akorikin Francis Kapelebyong County Kapelebyon NRM 28. Aguti Sarah District Woman Representative Dokolo UPC 29. Akugizibwe Aled Ronald Buruli County Masindi NRM 30. Akumu Catherine Mavenjina Older Persons Representative Northern NRM 31. Alenyo Marshall Godfrey Jonam County Pakwach Independent 32. Alioni Yorke Odria Aringa South County Yumbe NRM 33. Among Anita Annet District Woman Representative Bukedea NRM 34. Magogo Moses Hassim Budiope East County Buyende NRM 35. Opolot Isiagi Patrick Kachumbala County Bukedea NRM 36. Okwere David Beecham Bukedea County Bukedea NRM 37. Namulondo Sarah District Woman Representative Buyende NRM 38. Pedun Josephine District Woman Representative Ngora NRM 39. Aeku Patrick Soroti County Soroti NRM 40. Alyela Denis Omodi Lira East Division Lira City NRM 41. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano District Woman Representative Kisoro NRM 42. Akugizibwe Lawrence Mwenge County North Kyenjojo NRM 43. Amanya Cohen Kyampene Igara County West Bushenyi NRM 44. Achia Cathy District Woman Representative Kaabong NRM 45. Acom Esther District Woman Representative Serere Independent 46. Amaniyo Draville Sheilah District Woman Representative Mukono NUP 47. Aceng Jane Ruth District Woman Representative Lira City NRM 48. Ajilo Maria Gorretti Elogu District Woman Representative Kalaki NRM 49. Adome Francis Lorika Moroto Municipality Moroto NRM 50. Ameede Agnes District Woman Representative Butebo NRM 51. Amongin Jane Frances Okili District Woman Representative Kaberamaido NRM 52. Angura Fredrick Tororo South County Tororo NRM 53. Angwech Colline Kioga County Amolatar UPC 54. Anifa Bangirana Mawogola West County Ssembabule NRM 55. Anyakun Esther Davinia District Woman Representative Nakapiripirit NRM 56. Acheng Sandra District Woman Representative Kole NRM

3 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 2026 57. Alum Santa Sandra Ogwang District Woman Representative Oyam UPC 58. Akoth Angella Nzokire District Woman Representative Tororo Independent 59. Alero Tom Aza West Moyo County Moyo NRM 60. Anywar Ricky Richard Agago West County Agago NRM 61. Aogon Silas Kumi Municipality Kumi Independent 62. Aol Betty Ocan City Woman Representative Gulu City PFF 63. Arinaitwe Jeniva District Woman Representative Rubirizi NRM 64. Arinaitwe Rwakajara Katambuka Workers Representative N/A NRM 65. Aseera Stephen Buhaguzi East County Kikuube NRM 66. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki District Woman Representative Masindi NRM 67. Attan Okia Moses Soroti East County Soroti City FDC 68. Kiconco Katabaazi Patrick Rukiga County Rukiga NRM 69. Atuhwereire Arthur Kazoora Ruhinda South County Mitooma NRM 70. Atukunda Rebecca Mubangizi District Woman Representative Kassanda NRM 71. Atuto Jacinta District Woman Representative Kapelebyong NRM 72. Atwijukire Boaz Katerera County Rubirizi Independent 73. Alupo Jessica Rose Epel District Woman Representative Katakwi NRM 74. Atwijukire Dan Kimosho Kazo County Kazo NRM 75. Acora Nancy Odonga District Woman Representative Lamwo NRM 76. Atyang Stella District Woman Representative Moroto NRM 77. Auma Janet District Woman Representative Amolatar UPC 78. Auma Kenny District Woman Representative Kwania UPC 79. Avako Melsa Naima Gule District Woman Representative Yumbe NRM 80. Anyango Janet Hope District Woman Representative Busia NRM 81. Ayagalachi Jamali Bukooli County Bugiri NUP 82. Achia Remigio Pian County Nabilatuk NRM 83. Ayepa Michael Labwor County Abim NRM 84. Ayoo Janeth Phoebe Obol District Woman Representative Gulu NRM 85. Apolot Christine District Woman Representative Kumi Independent 86. Ayume Charles Koboko Municipality Koboko NRM 87. Avur Jane Pacuto District Woman Representative Pakwach NRM 88. Atugonza Allan Buliisa County Buliisa NRM 89. Baatom Ben Koryang Dodoth West County Karenga NRM 90. Babirye Kityo Sarah Bukoto County East Masaka NRM 91. Babirye Milly Babalanda Budiope West County Buyende NRM 92. Ariko Herbert Edmund Okworo Gweri County Soroti NRM 93. Kakooza James Older Persons Representative Central NRM 94. Awor Betty Engola District Woman Representative Apac NRM 95. Engola Sam Erute County South Lira NRM 96. Baryomunsi Chris Kinkizi County East Kanungu NRM 97. Nabbanja Robinah District Woman Representative Kakumiro NRM (The House was suspended at 11.38 a.m.) (On resumption at 1.29 p.m., the Clerk presiding.) 98. Auma Linda Agnes District Woman Representative Lira NRM 99. Babanga Wilfred Erima Terego East County Terego NRM 100. Babula Noel Kataike Matilda District Woman Representative Budaka NRM 101. Bahireira Sylivia Tumwekwase District Woman Representative Kamwenge NRM 102. Bakireke Nambooze Betty Mukono Municipality Mukono NUP

Do you know why I am asking about how much has been allocated? This is because even after that allocation, we do not find the roads being worked on. What did you say about the Kampala-Jinja Expressway? As you look for that, we also need to synchronise the issue of the regional mechanical workshops. You find a district like Bundibugyo with a regional workshop in Fort Portal – It is in Mbarara, not even Fort Portal. You find the one servicing Soroti in Bugembe. We are wondering what happened to the – because Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) used to be very organised. They had regional offices. What happened to those offices? What happened to the equipment that they had? Where are the regional labs? Before we start talking about the roads and whatever, how do we test the materials? Where are those labs or the regional mechanical workshops? Then, what happened to the UNRA roads? Honourable chairperson, you may need to enlighten us on that because we are giving you a lot of money. Now, the fact that you have a lot of money, tell us which roads you are going to give us – when we are doing appropriation – which roads are we working on? I told you about the road leading to Buhweju. You cannot even think of passing there. There is the road from Lira-Otuke-Abim up to Karenga; it is very bad. When you look at Kachonga-Butaleja-Tororo- Namutumba road, it is terrible. Look at where Hon. Joan comes from, Madi-Okollo. That road of Madi-Okollo connecting to Arua - I can tell you all the roads now. Let us look at the critical roads and make sure that we use the money effectively. With all this money that is being given, we must achieve what we need to achieve. You find the roads in Kampala – like my road, somebody is working on McKinnon Road, but I have failed to pass there for a whole two weeks. Nothing is moving. I was wondering why they removed my little tarmac which was there; they should have left it the way it was. Therefore, honourable chairperson, there is a big problem in your sector.

18647 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 APRIL 2026 Luwero, Nakasongola as well as water supply schemes in districts such as Terego, Moyo, Lamwo, Zombo, Agago, Pader, Namutumba, Mayuge, Ssembabule, Mityana, Isingiro, Kazo, Kyenjojo, Bukedea, Kanungu, Moroto, Kakumiro and Abim, among others. Colleagues, I can see that some of you are trying to keep pace. I jumped into the executive summary, which is on page, Page 3. However, the committee also notes material implementation constraints, particularly funding gaps, delayed counterpart funding, stalled contractor obligations, weak operation and maintenance financing, land acquisition delays, environmental compliance burdens, and institutional capacity limitations, which, if not addressed, will undermine the political credibility of the budget. Madam Speaker, the context of this report is that sectors and Votes under the committee’s purview are central to the Government’s broader economic growth for various reasons. First, energy powers production and industry, while the extractives are expected to create fiscal space and employment. On the other hand, water supports life and production, while environmental management protects the natural resource base on which the growth ultimately depends. The committee notes that the significance of these Votes is not abstract. In many constituencies, the Government is judged by whether power reaches the households, trading centres and industrial parks; whether piped water reaches institutions, towns and villages; whether boreholes and small schemes remain functional; whether the first oil is obtained and is properly regulated; and whether wetlands, forests and the fragile landscapes are actually protected for the benefit of all. This means that the budget scrutiny in these sectors must go beyond the aggregate figures and focus squarely on whether planned projects are financed, implemented, and sustained in actual locations where Ugandans live and work. Madam Speaker, I will go straight to Item 7.0: Programme budget allocations for Financial Year 2026/2027. Analysis of Vote 017 Vote 017: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development contributes to the sustainable energy development programme and a sustainable extractives industry development programme of the National Development Plan IV (NDPIV), with policy priorities covering electricity generation, transmission, distribution, clean cooking, petroleum infrastructure, minerals development, geothermal development, and strategic industrial energy investments. Madam Speaker, the committee notes, from the updated submissions of the budget estimates, that the total budget allocation for vote 017 rises from Shs 1.844 billion, in the Financial Year 2025/2026, to Shs 2.282 billion, in Financial Year 2026/2027, representing an increase of Shs 438.11 billion. Table two thereby gives you, colleagues , an overview of how these resources have been allocated. The committee further notes that the ministry’s functional allocation reflects a major emphasis on transmission, distribution, petroleum, and administration-related land acquisition and institutional costs, alongside continued support to generation, minerals, and clean cooking. Colleagues, table 4 gives us an allocation of resources by major functional areas. Madam Speaker, the committee notes that the ministry has identified substantial project outlay for Financial Year 2026/2027, and the medium term, and many of these projects are location-specific and visible. Colleagues, the major planned projects under Vote 017 represent the following, which I believe is a point of critical concern to most of us here. There is a project of Mutundwe-Buloba- Kabulasoke-Masaka and Kabulasoke-Nkonge-

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

Thank you so much, honourable members. Honourable minister, Chairperson of the Budget Committee and the members, I want to thank you so much for handling the supplementary. Honourable minister, I know you have considered a number of roads. Thank you but I have some very crucial roads that should be considered: Lira-Aloi-Otuke-Abim-Kotido road, we have Lira-Apala-Otuke, we have Buhweju road, we have Kachonga, Butaleja, Busolwe, Tororo - that tells you that I have gone through this country –Dokolo-Namasale- Otuke. Honourable minister, we need to look at those roads. Then there was part of the road that we are working on in Isingiro towards Tanzania. We also have the BKK 1 and 2 ferry. We are opening it in January. Hon. Agaba?

17996 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT March 2025. A copy of the arbitration award is also attached as Annex (v); (vii) UETCL has filed an application for enforcement of its award as a decree of court and is awaiting a court date for the hearing of the application. Upon obtaining the leave of the court to enforce the award, UETCL shall commence execution proceedings for recovery of outstanding amounts. A copy of the application is attached as Annex (vi). This relates to the amount withheld by UEDCL on account of their claim for the losses incurred in their network as a result of evacuation of energy from the small embedded generation plants, which was disputed by UETCL and the matter is before the regulator for review and determination. A letter is annexed as (vii); (viii) (ix) The long-term solution is a wheeling agreement between the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited(UEDCL) and the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited(UETCL), which will provide modalities for compensation of UEDCL for such losses. The draft agreement with UEDCL was finalised and submitted to the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) for approval, and the copy is enclosed as annex (viii); (ix) Licences were not renewed by ERA. However, the Public Service Announcement(PSA) provides that obligations incurred prior to termination survive termination. Shs 6 billion relates to the Bundibugyo Energy Cooperative Society (BECS) and REA requested UETCL not to disconnect BECS and committed to pay the amount Bundibugyo Energy Cooperative Society owed UETCL. The amount to be offset against the Rural Electrification Levy payable to REA/Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, evidence of the correspondence is attached. (x) Shs 2.17 billion relates to claims of losses incurred by Kilembe Investments Limited(KIL) in the process of evacuating power from the small generation plant within the KIL area of operation. UETCL referred this matter to ERA for determination. ERA provided compensation for evacuation losses going forward. However, it did not compensate for the earlier losses incurred. KIL appealed; however, their licence expired before the appeal was determined by ERA. UETCL wrote to ERA to compensate UETCL Shs 2.85 billion relating to the Pader-Abim Community Multipurpose Electric Co-operative Society (PACMECS). The reason given by the client was non- payment of power bills by Government entities and delay by REA to refund their reimbursable costs. UETCL wrote to REA demanding that the amount payable be remitted directly to UETCL. This amount was offset against the Rural Electrification Levy payable to REA/ MEMD. Copies of correspondence between UETCL, PACMECS and REA are enclosed. (xi) Management continues to engage the Government through MEMD and MoFPED to have this amount reimbursed by the Government of Uganda or written off. In the interim, the amount has been attached against the rural electricity levy payable to the Government. Observations of the committee (i) UETCL’s failure to collect the outstanding receivables reflects laxity on the part of company management. Considering that the termination of the UMEME concession was foreseeable and known to UETCL, there was no strong buffer/fallback position to enable UETCL to recover the monies owed by UMEME, contrary to the company’s debt management policy.

17949 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 costs due to the project are timely absorbed into the national budget. Building infrastructure of the old hospitals The committee noted that though the Government has been able to construct some new health centre IIIs and health centre IVs with a view of extending services nearer to the people and easing pressure on the major hospital, the renovation and rehabilitation of existing old facilities has lagged behind. The level of dilapidation within Bugiri General Hospital and indeed other old health facilities, for example, Abim Hospital and others, is still shocking. Most buildings need renovation, reconstruction or extension. The committee recommends that the Government expedites the process of renovating all the remaining old health facilities in the country, in light of the collapsed infrastructure systems in most of these old hospitals. Staff housing The committee also observed the continued non-availability of adequate staff houses in health facilities. The majority of staff houses, for example, in Bugiri General Hospital, require renovation because their dilapidated state is not fit for habitation. The lack of staff accommodation also has been cited as a major cause of failures to attract and retain staff, especially in rural-based health facilities. The committee recommends for the urgent need for the Government to provide better accommodation facilities for medical workers at all health facilities. Inability for health facilities to provide accommodation for medical workers is of great concern as it has highly contributed to the inability of local governments to attract and retain medical workers, even in the face of increased pay in the form of additional allowances. Medical staffing levels The committee further observed that Bugiri General Hospital lacked some of the critical medical personnel. This was in conformity with the general case across all other general health facilities in the country, where most of the critical medical vacancies are not filled up, leading to a high doctor-patient ratio. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Service and Bugiri Local Government should expedite the process of recruitment to fill vacant positions in the general hospital to reduce the doctor- patient ratio. Increased morale and efficiency The committee observed that upgrading facilities and working conditions in Bugiri General Hospital is expected to sufficiently boost staff morale and operational efficiency, thereby enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery. Modernised work environments, coupled with state-of-the- art equipment and resources, will create a more supportive and effective workplace for healthcare professionals. This improvement not only facilitates better performance but also contributes to a more positive and productive atmosphere, benefiting both staff and patients. The committee recommends the following: To maximise these benefits, the Ministry of Health should continuously invest in comprehensive medical staff development and wellness programmes. These programmes offer ongoing training, support career advancement and promote overall well-being, all of which are essential for maintaining high levels of medical staff satisfaction and productivity. By addressing both the physical and professional needs of the workforce, the project can foster a motivated and efficient team. This holistic approach not only improves workforce morale but also translates into superior patient care and a more successful

Let me go to the piecemeal rehabilitation of general hospitals. The committee noted, with concerns, the piecemeal and adhoc nature with which government was coming up with the rehabilitation, expansion, and equipping of this general hospital, yet many of the old general hospitals across the country were in dire need for rehabilitation, expansion, and equipping, with the exception of a few general hospitals recently renovated, such as Kayunga, Kiryandongo, Yumbe, and Kawolo general hospitals. The Government, through the minister responsible for finance, intimated to the committee that it plans, in the medium term, to prioritise, among others, the construction and rehabilitation of more health infrastructure and the provision of medical equipment to improve quality of care, and the provision of specialised health care services. These include, among others, completion and refurbishment and the equipping of general hospitals that include Abim, Apac, Atutur, Bundibugyo, Kiboga, Kagadi, Kitagata, Kitgum, Pallisa, Itojo, and Masindi. Members noted the need to come up with a project model funding targeting all old and dilapidated general hospitals for rehabilitation. It is recommended that Government designs a comprehensive project model for the rehabilitation, expansion, and equipping of general hospitals across the country in a systematic way as opposed to carrying out piecemeal arrangements. This help us to match the current practices and technologies which were adopted in the new National Standards Designed for health centre facilities 2012. In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the committee has noted the Government efforts to address health systems bottlenecks and improve the effectiveness of the health sector. This project aims to enhance the quality of care in Bugiri General Hospital by upgrading and equipping it with the modern medical equipment and [Mr Ikojo] RESOLUTION TO BORROW

17753 Wednesday, 3 September 2025 Alebtong, Amuria, Abim, Bukedea, and most parts of Soroti. The transport infrastructure and other livelihoods have been severely affected. I am told the people in Bulambuli do not have food. Their little bridge that connects Abim and Obalanga in Kapelebyong has been washed away, while the Moroto Bridge remains at risk. Gardens have been submerged. I was also told by Hon. Amero that her little coffee has been swept away, so, I do not know what she is going to use for her retirement. I urge the Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees to evaluate the situation and take appropriate action to see how we can remedy what is happening. Honourable members, we may be aware that the prevailing electoral roadmap by the Electoral Commission indicates that the parliamentary nominations are going to be on 15 th and 16 th October - that is one thing a Member of Parliament would know. We need to be ready for it. Make sure you have all that is required for you to be nominated. Look at the law. Do not reach there, and they tell you that you do not have a clearing certificate. Please do that. To the committee chairpersons and Members who have work before them, can you have all the work completed before we go for nominations? This is because we are going to be sitting from now until that time. We will not have a break because we need to dispose of all the business that is before committees. I wish all of you well. I know it is not an easy time, IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament FIFTH SESSION - 9TH SITTING - FIRST MEETING Parliament met at 2.00 p.m. in Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the committee for this report, which puts a lot of emphasis on some of the issues we have constantly raised as the Committee on Health. The issues raised bear on two key areas. One is financial planning and budgeting, where one of the areas is maintenance planning. The rule of thumb, as the engineers have told us before, is that for every value of equipment purchased, five per cent must be allocated annually for maintenance. However, when you look at the Committee on Health’s report for the last three years, Shs 12 billion has been an unfunded priority for maintenance. The second area is on synchronised planning. If you give me a budget for equipment for infrastructure, human resource must go along with it. However, even the budget for utilities - we were in Abim Hospital in Abim District. There was a digital x-ray, the infrastructure and the human resource but they did not have three-phase power for two years. They could not operationalise it so we need to have synchronised planning. I would like to propose an amendment to this report that the Ministry of Finance, in consultation with Ministry of Health, should come up with financial guidelines for procurement of medical equipment such that we ensure that there is synchronised planning and also a budget for maintenance. Last is the issue of release of funds. When you look at the budget for construction, they have been the lowest releases. Shs 1 billion for roads is released for the last two years, 100 per cent. Money for the boreholes is released 100 per cent, but go to the health construction budget. It is rarely released even at 50 per cent itself. There is need to address those issues so that we can be able to resolve these financial challenges. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would also like to thank the minister and the ministry, for that matter, for maintaining the Kotido-Moroto murram road under your courtesy. However, I would like to inform and remind the minister that there is a road from Kotido, via Abim, Amuria, Kotido, Abim and Otuke, which is in a very deplorable state and yet, we are now receiving heavy rains. This is a road that is mainly used by buses from Kotido to Kampala, Soroti and Lira, but they get stuck

Yes, Madam Speaker. Kitgum-Matidi-Waal-Kalongo Road is a big challenge and as it slopes down in Kalongo, the terrain is very challenging and I know the district cannot manage. We shall ensure that Kitgum station addresses the issue of the Kitgum-Matidi-Waal-Kalongo Road. On the Pajule-Pader-Patongo Road, under the project we are doing now; Rwekunye- Apac-Lira-Puranga Road on the section of the Puranga-Acholibur Road, we are going to have a loop to Pader District through Pajule. So that will address the Pajule issue and some tarmac into Pader. Madam Speaker, Pader is just like Kalungu. There is no tarmac in Pader. Tarmac goes like this - but we will get there. Obongi Ferry is not in a very good state. We need to have a full rehabilitation of the ferry. Hopefully, when we start the construction of the Laropi Bridge, we shall relieve that more serviceable ferry and bring it downwards. The Koch Goma Bridge is under the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP) in the Prime Minister’s Office so I cannot respond on that. Lira-Otuke-Abim-Kotido Road is the road in the National Development Plan (NDP) IV. We will see whether we go through Achanpi or we first go to Kotido to Abim through Lira. Otherwise, we may eventually go to Achanpi and down to Soroti. Madam Speaker, Kotido-Moroto-Kaabong Road is a tourism project. Already, the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the contractor who did the Entebbe Expressway, is in discussions with the finance ministry to pre-finance the project all the way from Moroto, Kotido-Kaabong-Karenga and up to Kidepo. Regarding the challenges of the station in Moyo, Madam Speaker, I do not think they have a lot of challenges. The challenge has been the delay to enable them to work, but that one we are resolving. The station managers who are out there are very industrious. They want to work. Once we solve this issue of them being allowed to operate their accounts, I think you will see a difference. Regarding the Karugutu-Ntoroko Road, there is already a contractor; Afcons, who is supposed to do that road. It has taken a while because, I think, again, of funding mechanisms. However, this is an oil road. It is package four of the oil road. It is going to be done soon because we are doing Lusalira-Nkonge now to Lumegere to Sembabule. So when we do that, Afcons will also come and do Karugutu-Ntoroko. Therefore, the maintenance of Fort Portal- Bundibugyo is critical because that is the only route which the people of Bundibugyo have. We have also China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) on that route to do a framework contract for maintenance up to Lamia. What are the adaptive engineering technologies which we are adopting to ensure that our roads survive the vagaries of nature? These are things which we do most of the time. All our projects, 90 per cent of them, must have the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) done and through that, we ensure

Okay. Gulu- Awel-Opit-Rwackoko-Atog to Moroto and Abim, that is commonly known as the Moroto Road. I accept that it is not in a good state. It is not on plan yet for tarmacking, but we are going to maintain it as a good murram road. I make a commitment.

Bond. In Alebtong District, Hatewu, an office assistant was arrested. That one was taken to court, is on bail, and interdiction. In Kyankwanzi, Nabuguzi, an information technology officer was arrested and taken to court. She was remanded and also interdicted. In Kyotera District, four of them have been arrested and bonded as investigations continue. These are; Nantongo, Samula, Kisekka and Ayesiga. Kisekka is a businesswoman, not a NIRA staff. In Abim District, Mwanje, an information technology officer is under disciplinary process. 2. We are strengthening internal and external communication across all media platforms, emphasising free registration, encouraging people to report corruption, and advising all persons to desist from corruption. 3. Providing forms being sold free of charge. On that, how to get the form is included in the report: https://nira.go.ug. Some of these forms are the ones being sold, yet they are available free of charge online. 4. Providing an online service that does not require one to have a physical form, also on https://pre-reg.ncis.nira.go.ug/pre- registration . That one is also available online. 5. Sharing with the public a hotline for reporting corruption. This is 0776-501- 071. Also, sharing an email address to assist victims in detailing the issues they [Gen Muhoozi] RESPONSE BY A MINISTER TO AN URGENT QUESTION

17491 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 To achieve this goal, the Government is accelerating the construction of solar-powered irrigation schemes; medium-scale irrigation schemes, earth dams, communal and individual valley tanks, and large-scale irrigation schemes across the country. The construction works for 92 solar-powered irrigation schemes have been completed, adding an irrigation area of 900 acres. These are in the districts of Apac, Buhweju, Buikwe, Bukomansimbi, Buliisa, Bushenyi, Butambala, Buvuma, Gomba, Hoima, Isingiro, Kakumiro, etc. The new solar-powered irrigation schemes have benefitted 110,000 farmers and production yield from 120 schemes has increased to 3,600 tons per season. The major crop enterprises in these irrigation schemes include green pepper, onions, Irish potatoes, watermelons, tomatoes, apples, cabbages, pineapples, coffee, eggplants, vanilla, grapes, mangoes, and pumpkins. The construction works are also ongoing for 22 solar-powered irrigation demonstration sites in the districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kole, Gulu, Napak, Abim, etc. In Nakaseke District, the construction works for the Kirema Phase 1, a medium-scale irrigation scheme, have been completed; thus adding a total of 124 hectares and benefitting 50 farmers engaged in coffee growing, passion fruits, maize, and bananas. The construction works for the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme, 1,000 hectares in Pakwach District, stands at 93.5 per cent. The construction works for the Namaitsu medium- scale Irrigation Scheme in Bududa District stands at 70 per cent. Kawumu Irrigation Scheme, which is in Luwero District, is at 90 per cent, among others. A mega irrigation scheme, Nyimur, covering 3,300 hectares, has been constructed in Lamwo District. Do you know where Lamwo is? You people, you do not know where Lamwo is? Lamwo is far away, on the South Sudan border. Other construction works include the Acomai Irrigation Scheme in Bukedea District, covering 1,480 hectares, and targeting 1,600 households; Atari Irrigation Scheme in Kween/ Bulambuli districts, covering 680 hectares, targeting 2,667 households; and Namatala Irrigation Scheme in the Budaka, Mbale, and Butaleja districts, covering 3,450 hectares, targets 4,923 households. The current production of milk stands at 5.4 billion litres at the end of 2024, compared to 2.5 billion litres in the Financial Year 2017/2018. We have also identified and secured foreign markets through government-to-government interventions, e.g. Algeria and Nigeria. These countries are now buying our powdered milk. This has resulted into an increase in the value of milk and milk products, as already pointed out, from $28.7 million in the Financial Year 2014/2015 to $285 million in the 2024 year. A new processing factory, Benni Foods, has been commissioned and is currently operational with an installed capacity of 10,000 litres of milk per day. The total value of fish catches from all the water bodies has steadily increased since the Government deployed armed forces to assist in fisheries enforcement. Currently, we are producing 658,000 metric tonnes of fish annually. The availability of raw material fish sustained operations of 12 fish processing factories; you know that debate. The fisheries unit has been able to stop overfishing or reduce it, although they have also been accused – once in a while – of being sinners, but we can audit their work by looking at the 12 factories that are now processing fish. Many of these had closed. I will meet the fisheries people soon; I will meet the traditional fishing communities, but this is one of the facts. Are the factories operating or not? Had they closed or not? When we meet, we shall discuss this. According to this one here, 12 factories are now operating, processing 658,000 metric tonnes.

Thank you. As you were informed that we have a minority report from Hon. Okot Moses Junior. Please present your report, go to areas of dissent. Honourable Member from Abim, extend because you are disturbing Hon. Junior.

17328 MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET, 2025/2026 1. According to the Auditor-General’s report, the Government does not maintain a comprehensive database of public corporations and state enterprises, and this undermines the comprehensive scrutiny of the financial performance of public operations and state enterprises. 2. In regard to profitability, the OAG assessed a total of 20 entities out of 41 profit or commercial-oriented public corporations and state enterprises, and noted that 13 made profits or surplus in the Financial Year 2023/2024, while the others have continued to incur losses. For example, the Uganda National Oil Company incurred a loss of Shs 3.8 billion, Uganda National Airlines Company Limited incurred a loss of Shs 237.9 billion, Kilembe Mines Limited incurred a loss of Shs 21.4 billion, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited incurred a loss of Shs 10.9 billion, Uganda Railways Corporation incurred a loss of Shs 36.3 billion, and Uganda Air Cargo Corporation incurred a loss of Shs 8.21 billion, among others. In this regard, only 67 per cent of the assessed companies made profits, while 33 per cent did not make profits. Committee recommendations 1. The Accountant-General should establish a comprehensive database for all public corporations and state enterprises, which should capture information such as the name of the entity, business or industry, location, shareholding, directors, e-mail address, among others, to enable easy traceability and independent verification. 2. Government should develop clear strategies to improve operations and adopt efficient financial management practices to lower operating costs and increase revenue generation. In addition, the Government should develop appropriate financial and non-financial performance indicators for each category of public corporations and state enterprises to enable a comprehensive and standardised performance assessment. 1.5 Budget priorities for Financial Year 2025/2026 Madam Speaker, our budget for Financial Year 2025/2026 and the priorities are as follows: Boosting household incomes and micro- enterprises In the coming budget, the Government has allocated Shs 72.37 trillion as follows. 1. In order to boost household incomes as well as the development of micro-enterprises, the following budget allocations have been proposed by the Government: a) Parish Development Model - Shs 1.075 trillion; b) Emyooga – Shs 100 billion; c) Support to Microfinance Support Centre - Shs 76.67 billion, of which Shs 30 billion is for onward lending and Shs 10 billion is for specific interest groups; d) To enhance youth and women participation in development, Shs 23.66 billion has been allocated to Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) and Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP); e) Shs 3 billion has been allocated to Juakali Enterprises to transition into the formal economy, and Shs 5 billion as enterprise funds for older persons; f) Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) to which the Government is allocating Shs 231.33 billion; g) Shs 147.1 billion to Uganda Development Corporation. h) Shs 121.16 billion to Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment of the Elderly (SAGE) and Shs 16 billion for special grants for persons with disability; i) Shs 1.4 trillion for domestic arrears for the Financial Year 2025/2026; and j) Cattle compensation for Acholi, Lango, Teso, Abim, totalling Shs 80 billion. Industrialisation and Private Sector development 1. Shs 275.09 billion for small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing and

17350 MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET, 2025/2026 The first issue is; are people in the Government really thinking or do they go to the dictionary, pick words and give the minister to come and present here? These are the realities we have to check. Secondly, if you are talking about the strategy itself – agro-industrialisation and tourism – I want to fault the Government for thinking that tourism is national parks and watching animals. When we apply for visas to visit some of these countries, which visa do they give you? A tourist visa. If there is a place in Uganda that requires support for tourism development, it is Kampala because everyone comes here for a visit. It is the urban centres that we have and it is the facilities within the urban centres which people come to see. In Lira City, for example, we have tourists who come from Agago and Abim on a daily basis to visit Lira and go back. There are so many tourists who come to Kampala for this visit. The point I am raising is we should depart – (Hon. Amos Okot rose_)

Vot Dcnljtloa tmillUOxOOO| 7L7 Kumi Municipal Council 10,187,986 7L8 Lttffi^ Municipal Council 9.351.388 7L9 Makindve.Ssabambo MuniciDat Council 15,#o,7L6 720 Masindi Municipaf Council 12,665.581 721 Mityana Mtrnicipal Council 12.658.962 722 Moroto Municipal Council 6,850,672 723 Mubende Municipd Council 12957.3L7 724 Mukono Municipal Council 24.'LO.782 725 Nansana MuniciDal Council 27.496.367 726 Nebbi Municipal Council 6.115.006 727 Nieru Municipal Council 15.34L.297 728 Ntunsamo Municipal Council 6.592.735 729 Rukuruiri Municipal Council 12,562.835 730 Sheema Municipal Council 16.140.486 731 Tororo Municipal Council 11.941.028 801 Abim District 24,678,573 802 Adjumani District 38.784.017 803 Asago District 33.692.572 804 Alebtong District 25,987.41O 805 Amolatar District 23.785.271 806 Amudat Distriet 13.077.618 807 Amuria Distric't 27,488,129 808 Amuru District 22.202.541 809 Apac District 26.403.359 810 Arua District 19,164,690 811 Budaka District 30.600.919 8L2 Bududa District 34.758.340 813 BuEiri District 38,222,8L5 814 Bugreri District 23,784,357 District 1 D \$ F ,r =

Votc Dcfclpt*rr Anrurd |UGXOOO'| 706 Ibanda Municioal Council L.232.L52 707 Iganm MuniciDat Council 497.83L 708 IGbale Municioal Council 2.413.306 709 IGmuli Municiod Council 1.508.152 I(aochomra MuniciDal Council 1.140.129 7LO 7tt Iksese Municioal Council 923.66L 7L2 Kira MuniciDal Council 8.168.523 7t3 Kisoro Municipal Council L.232.446 714 Kitsun Municioal Council r.040.555 715 Ibboko Municipal Council 1.349.879 716 I(otido Municipal Council 596.380 717 Kumi Municipal Council 1.059.786 7t8 LvcE.zj Municipal Council t.075.923 7L9 Malcindve-Ssabagabo Municipal Council 15.639.553 720 Masindi MuniciDal Council 1.848.406 72L Mitvana MuniciDat Council L.840.299 722 Moroto Municipal Council 468.386 723 Mubende Municipal Council 1.990.O70 724 Mukono Municipal Council 10.464.554 725 Nansana MuniciDal Council 9.753.903 726 Nebbi MuniciDat Council 460.063 727 Nienr Municipal Council r.516.439 728 Ntunsamo Municipal Council 684.105 729 RukunEiri MuniciDal Council 1.403.150 730 Sheema Municipal Council 1.903.114 73L Tororo Municioal Council 726.683 801 Abim District 2.350.879 802 Adiumani District 2.901.938 803 AEaso District 5.t49.726 804 Alebtonc District 3.305.496 805 Amotratar Distrist 2.952.94L 806 Amudat District 2,53t.739 807 Amuria District ,,_-}{R 4.131.956 808 Amuru District k-nT/ 3,261,950 809 Apac District \ <) r*s 2,876,L67 810 Arua District /, (tffif ,a /V 2,6TL,ssT 811 [ 3.ses.2sz Budaka District /v) ru \gr7 8t2 l/\./ \tfll Bududa District ^a. 4.20L.546 Yt s 55 lPage ,ft €= ] r I

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. I would like to join my colleagues in thanking the committee for the well-elaborated presentation. On behalf of the people of Lango, we would like to thank the Government for the Apac-Rwenkunye road and the rehabilitation of the Soroti-Kamdini Road. Lango is the third highest payer of taxes in this country, but our road bitumen coverage is three per cent, and these are mainly roads that the former Governments constructed. Since the inception of this Government, it has constructed only the Apac-Rwenkunye Road. I request that the Lira-Aloi-Abim-Kotido Road be especially put in this budget. This has been in the manifesto for two consecutive terms. There was even a time we were called for a handover; the ministry disappeared up to date. This would boost business because we have enough industries to supply northern Uganda. We need a connection. Thank you so much. (Applause)

17155 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2025 III, where work had already started. Things like valuation, the technical work that people do, but the same roads are in NDP IV. However, what is coming from the report of the committee is that some of the roads, which we had already started, have not been captured in the report, and are also not in the budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026. For example, honourable minister, you know the Lira-Aloi- Otuke-Abim-Kotido Road, which honourable Linda referred to, is 179 kilometres covering six districts of Lira City, Lira, Alebtong, Otuke, Abim and Kotido. How come after the work has been done - because we were excited. That was the first tarmac road that was going to pass through some of our places. You did the valuation, and people were waiting to be compensated - we were expecting now for the graders to start working, but they are not even in the plan. How do we defend the plan of the Government, which is in the NRM manifesto and the NDP III and IV? Mr Speaker, we need to look at the list again. As the Committee on Budget, we shall align it with NDP IV and see how we arrived at some of them – (Member timed out.)

Is it seconded? It is seconded by; Hon. Ogwang, Hon. Lokeris, Hon. Huda, Hon. Gabriel Okumu, Hon. Okwalinga, Hon. Alanyo, Hon. Esther, Hon. Ibanda, Col Nekesa, Hon. Mutembuli, MP for Aruu, Hon. Emmanuel, Hon. Songa, Hon. Lillian, Hon. Orone, Hon. Max, Hon. Noah, Hon. Annette, Hon. Margaret, Hon. John Faith Magolo, Hon. James Mamawi, Hon. Faith again, Hon. Wilson, MP for Ibanda, MP for Kaabong, Hon. David, Hon. Goli and the MP for Abim. Would you like to speak to your motion? Honourable members, on that day, the guarantee did not have any problem. We are guaranteeing the UDB to have that money, and they will be paying it themselves.

For now, this is what has been asked for. This is what they are borrowing and their need. Abim, Hon. Ochero?

Seconded by Hon. Huda, Hon. Okumu, Lt Col Alanyo, Col Dr Nekesa, Hon. Ricky, Hon. Mutembuli, honourable member for Aruu, Hon. Joan, Hon. Isaac, Hon. Basil, Hon. Peter, Honourable member for Mitooma, Hon. Ogwang, Hon. Annet, Hon. Noah, Hon. Mourine, Hon. Max, Honourable member for Pallisa, Honourable member for Gogonyo, Honourable member for Kumi, Hon. John, Honourable member for Kyankwanzi, Hon. Acan, Honourable member for Ibanda, Honourable member for Dokolo, Honourable member for Sheema, Hon. Feta, Hon. Jessica, Honourable member for Ibanda, Dr Mushemeza, Hon. Acrobert Kiiza, Hon. Omoding and honourable member for Abim. Would you like to speak to your motion?

16837 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 20 MARCH 2025 Lamwaka, Hon. Amero, Hon. Mariam, Hon. Joan, the Representative of Workers, Hon. Odero, Hon. Tusiime, Hon. Okot, the Member for Kumi Municipality, Hon. Mbwatekamwa, Hon. Yusuf, the Member for Butaleja, Member from Busia, Hon. Acrobat, Hon. Kasolo - I always fear mentioning your name- (Laughter). Hon. Akamba, Hon. Muwuma, Hon. Tonny, the Member from Kaabong, the Member from Karenga, Hon. Ssekikubo, Hon. Mzee Kagabo, Hon. Ibanda, Hon. Esther, Col. Nekesa, Maj. Alanyo, Hon. Okwalinga, Hon. Okumu, Hon. Wilson, the Member for Abim, the Elders, the Generals and the whole of this side. Can you speak to your motion?

Number two – (Laughter) - the question is coming. Number two, last year, remember when the helicopter attacked you, God made a ruling that you will still be here in this world. We said, “aye”. My question is, for the last three and a half years, in my district, farmers have been in conflict with wildlife. The wildlife has destroyed all the gardens in six subcounties, constantly. Members have been filling forms for compensation. Every time they filled the forms, they would come for them and review them in Kampala and say that they had failed. They would say that a name begins with a small letter instead of a capital letter. The old woman in the village has failed. They have become some sort of examination board. My question is, Parliament gave them money to go and compensate people but they have not compensated them. Did we send them as an examination body to mark the villagers or to pay them? Secondly, when the President came to Karamoja in December for the Parish Development Model (PDM) tour, he said he understood the problem of the people of Abim who suffered under the government militia and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). He directed that this year, they would be included - at least a small token - they would begin with something small. Therefore, this year, they would put them in the budget for compensation. However, when they presented the Budget Framework Paper, there was nothing. How could the President tell the people - and we are budgeting for the President - and there is nothing on the table. Thank you very much.

Mr Speaker, the President directed me and we have a meeting tomorrow. Remember, Parliament last week, under the Speaker, directed that we have a meeting involving the districts of Kitgum, Abim where he comes from, the other district that was carved out of Kitgum; Agago, with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities so that we can come up with solutions. [Mr Aeku] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

If we can have something which can help me stop carrying two or three phones. It is a burden to be in countries, and they say, “It is only in Africa.” And they ask, “But you, why do you carry –” We go for international duties, and they ask, “But why are you carrying three phones?” (Hon. Noman rose_) Hon. Noman do not cause us more trouble. Hon. Noman might give us information from Abim – the problem is how he packages it.

Hon. Balaam, we have just passed rules in this House and you are privileged to always sit on the Front Bench. Based on that, can you shift and come to the Front Bench and leave us, the small people, to sit behind? Thank you. Now, my muko from Abim is also moving from one place to another. I think he thinks he is looking after cows. (Laughter) There are no cows in the House.

Yes, Member for Abim?

You have heard from the Deputy Attorney-General. I think he is a better person to give that response than the Prime Minister. Honourable members, I want to correct what the LOP was asking: “Which association is that?” The association is called “Ethur”. That is a tribe from Abim. Hon. Janet can clarify more.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for this time. Honourable colleagues, when you look at the Third Schedule of our Constitution, Karamoja has 11 tribes and the tribe in Abim is called Ethur. So, those students of Makerere University are from Abim. [Mr Ssewungu] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

16004 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT [Ms Nayebale] had since the gazettement of Uganda Wildlife (Compensation Scheme) Regulations, 2022, convened 12 times, verified 583 claims, and recommended the same to the Board of Trustees for approval. You can see the extract in Appendix H. The committee was informed by UWA that factors such as increasing human-wildlife population, wildlife habitat loss, climate change and wildfires, have orchestrated human-wildlife conflict. The committee was further informed by UWA that despite clear boundary demarcations, human beings residing in areas adjacent to national parks have defied such demarcations, and opted to carry out activities such as crop cultivation, firewood collection, and livestock grazing within the boundaries of the national parks. Mr Speaker, the committee observes as follows: 1. Wild animals, especially elephants, have particularly invaded human settlement areas and destroyed lives and property. 2. Unlike human beings, wild animals are oblivious to the existence of national park boundaries and will instantly migrate to locations where they once lived, fed and bred. For instance, in Alerek Village Abim District, elephants have continued to invade human settlement areas and destroy crops despite the presidential intervention through the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to drive out herds of elephants using helicopters, back to Kidepo National Park. Similar challenges of elephant invasions have persisted in Kiyanga Village in Mitooma District and in Gonycogo Village in Nwoya, among other areas. The growth of invasive plant species which destroy wild animal pasture and inadequate water sources in most national parks during dry spells, has often forced wild animals to move beyond gazetted national park boundaries into private and community land. The lack of clear physical boundaries and demarcation of national parks, has particularly occasioned wildlife habitat loss, as humans have engaged in livelihood activities such as agriculture, lumbering, poaching, fishing, and mining, thus pushing out wild animals from their known natural habitat. For instance, in Mbuga Village in Katerera County, hippos and other wild animals were reported to have pitched camp in nearby swamps and in crater lakes. Recommendations of the committee Mr Speaker, the committee recommends as follows: 1. The Government, as a matter of urgency, takes deliberate measures to provide sustainable relief food items to residents of Alerek and Gonycongo in Abim and Nwoya districts, respectively, and to other affected areas throughout the country; 2. The Government takes deliberate measures to fence off gazetted areas and employ other measures like the digging of trenches, community engagements, and educational initiatives to foster and promote human- wildlife coexistence in order to mitigate the incidence of human-wildlife conflicts; 3. The Government reclaims and restores the encroached upon areas to make them habitable for wild animals; 4. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) should construct valley dams in national parks with a view of ensuring sustainable supplies of water to wild animals; 5. UWA, in collaboration with Uganda Wildlife Research Training Institute and other research institutes, carries out research on invasive species with the aim of controlling and eradicating them to deter the movement of wild animals from national parks to human settlement areas;

I will pick Hon. Rose Obigah, the Toro representative, then the two honourable gentlemen – Sorry, I am starting with this side but I am coming that way, okay? Yes, Abim representative, then Hon. Faith, then I come that way.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, and I thank the committee for a very good report. When the committee came to Abim, I was on the ground and it saw the mood of the people. In that meeting, the committee was informed that five subcounties in Abim are affected by wildlife, especially elephants. Regarding the two persons whose names were read by the chairperson, one was killed by a buffalo and the other was killed by an elephant, and this was a very young person. The honourable colleague is saying we need to weed out the old ones, but I would like to inform this House that even those old ones are very dangerous. Just yesterday, we lost two people, the bazungu , while they were doing spot hunting in Kidepo National Park. Therefore, I have sent an appeal to the minister. There was a presidential directive to fence off Kidepo National Park. Abim, for example, does not border any park. The seven affected subcounties do not border any park or wildlife reserve. However, you can imagine elephants walking from Karenga, passing through Kaabong, coming to Kotido and being residents of Abim. (Laughter) It is very unfortunate. Mr Speaker, from the time the committee left Abim, nothing has changed. The affected families do not have food; they have not been supported. I appeal to the Government to support their supporters who are going to vote tomorrow. I would also like the minister to ensure the presidential – (Member timed out)

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I would like to add my voice to the committee report. These animals do not require a travel visa or passport, so they just move anywhere. Whatever affects Abim affects Otuke as well. Each year, we have buffalos which come from Kidepo that is about 190 kilometres from Otuke. Just last year in July, we had two lions which escaped and came to Otuke. The situation was worse because by 7.00 p.m., everybody would go to bed because they were living in fear. The only way is to advise the Government to come up with a solution of installing a fence; this is what will help. If we do not do this, even people in the districts which are far away from the game parks will always have these challenges. They will always be killed. Just last week in Bweyogerere in Kampala, there was a leopard; I do not know where it came from. I personally saw it at night when a dog was barking throughout - a huge wildcat. In the night, we do not know what is going on. We do not expect to have any animals coming to these places. Thank you.

One more minute for the Member. I do not want to make the mistake of dying in Abim . (Laughter)

Thank you, Hon. Noman Ochero. For people who do not know Noman Ochero, former chairman LC V of Abim District – the issues he is raising are very critical. Attorney-General, I do not know how you are managing these contracts. Contracts of 2018; they started building power in 2018 all over the country. Some, they even put transformers. The transformers were ransacked. Those were the lucky ones, not commissioned. You ask yourself; how will the Government gain and how is it protected? Hon. Okaasai, minister for energy, people of Abim are doubting whether you have energy, but you will answer later. He also said “The power has no power.” The power in Abim has no power because it cannot even run an X-ray. Hon. Wandwasi and Dr Kamara?

Hon. Mudimi, Hon. Chemaswet, Hon. Ababiku, Hon. Janet, the Woman Representative for Abim.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I thank the committee, for the good report and the Attorney-General, for his responses. I was a bit disappointed when the Attorney-General mentioned that currently, they are still compensating only the three sub-regions of Acholi, Lango, and Teso. Mr Speaker, Karamoja equally suffered, though in different ways - (Interjections ) - yes, wait. The type of compensation the Cabinet is going to agree on is not uniform for Karamoja, because for the rest of the districts of Karamoja, animals were lost when they were in Government custody. However, in Abim, just like Acholi, Lango, and Teso, people there suffered the same fate. So, the compensation for a district like Abim should be the same for a district in Acholi because Joseph Kony also attacked Abim. Actually, that is the district that was attacked by Kony because they wanted medical supplies from Morulem Health Centre III, and they got them. They came when they were too tough. We lost animals, many homes were burnt down and they had a very tough lady commander called Maj. Awor, not related to the Hon. Awor we are seeing here. Therefore, Attorney-General, when you are making compensation arrangements, I agree with the report of the committee that it should be comprehensive and there should be fairness. I want you also to use the weaknesses that have already been pointed out by honourable colleagues to make things better for the compensation arrangements that are going to be done. Otherwise, you need to expedite the process because recently, when the President visited Abim, the first thing that he was asked about was compensation for those who lost their animals, and all of us lost. When you see the settlements in Abim; they do not like staying like that, but it was due to insurgency. There was a time the district was reduced to Abim Hospital.

15770 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT all over, and you can hear that it is on both the NRM, and the Opposition sides. People are saying that their voters are asking for money to get recommendations. This is totally unacceptable, and it has got to be nipped in the bud. Mr Speaker, the process has not commenced in many places, including here in Kampala where the Electoral Commission is headquartered. I am thinking about deep rural places in Abim, Bupadhengo, Moyo, Kabale, and so forth. It is the worst of situations. The Electoral Commission told us that Kampala was given a bit of special attention and that more kits were distributed here, which is also not true. Mr Speaker, I was given information by one of my colleagues, Hon. Susan Mugabi from Buvuma. In most of these islands, and by the way, not just islands, there is no electricity, so these kits cannot operate. There is no connectivity at all. They are meant to print many forms, but they do not even have where to print them from. However, the Electoral Commission says that the process is moving on smoothly. No, that is not true. Mr Speaker, it is important that the Government concedes that there is a need for more time for this exercise because we all want it. It is good for all of us and our democracy. Let us increase the number of days because there have been glitches up to date, and in many places, the exercise has not commenced. We need more time for this process to be a free and fair one. Mr Speaker, for an election to be free and fair, it is not just on the D-Day. It begins with a process. When people feel like they are being disenfranchised - the young people, you are locking them out because of all these different quandaries - that is not a free and fair election. Can we increase the time? Mr Speaker, I do not know what your guidance is going to be, but I would like to move a motion without notice under Rule 59 of our Rules of Procedure that Parliament urges the Government to extend the duration of the update of the voter registration process by two months. It is important, and the Government can suggest whichever period. What is important is the need to extend this process - (Interjections)- So far, several days have passed, but the process has not commenced in many places. On 10 th February, the Electoral Commission is looking forward to announcing that they have stopped the exercise, yet the kits will not have reached some places. The exercise will not have been carried out. I hope that the Government will find it relevant to extend this process without Parliament having to urge it and push it around. Find it important to extend this exercise and then sort out the sticky issues. Otherwise, you may extend the time but then the sticky issues and complaints remain apparent. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

15724 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME 5. Engagement with stakeholders The Government - like I am doing now - will continue to engage with key stakeholders, including Parliament, financial institutions, other political leaders, civil society, and community leaders to ensure a collaborative approach to ending this practice. This will include dialogue and consultations aimed at identifying and addressing the root cause of this issue. Mr Speaker, confiscation of National Identity Cards as security for loans is a deplorable practice that must be stopped immediately. The Government is fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of our citizens by ensuring that their National Identity Cards retain their integrity and remain in their possession, and are used only for their intended purpose. To achieve this, citizens themselves must cooperate by avoiding this illegal practice as much as possible or reporting to authorities to retrieve the confiscated National Identity Cards. Question 2 is from Hon. Noman Jimbricky Ochero, Abim District. He says that Abim Hospital was constructed between 1969 and 1971 during the Obote 1 regime and enjoyed decay up to date. The hospital is dilapidated to the extent of becoming non-functional. Every time the government allocates money to its renovation, it is made at the tail end of the financial year and gets caught up and swept back to the consolidated fund before being utilised. His questions are two. 1. Why is Abim Hospital the only one in the country that suffers from budget cuts and its money swept back into the consolidated fund? 2. Who decides which hospital takes the first call on the releases? My response: Abim General Hospital was constructed in the 1970s and like any other general hospital that was constructed during that period, it needs serious renovation of its infrastructure and expansion to cater for the increased population and demand for health services. The estimated cost of renovating and expansion of this hospital is about Shs 40 billion. However, the G overnment has been allocating funds for critical infrastructure renovation of these hospitals and Abim General Hospital received Shs 2 billion for uplifting key service delivery units to improve service delivery. The funds were extended to the District Local Government but, which failed to provide accountability and the IGG took over the issue of investigation. Additionally, the Ministry of Health has submitted to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) a project proposal to renovate/refurbish all general hospitals in that category. The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has committed to mobilising funds to undertake these capital-intensive projects in the medium term. 3. Hon. Dr George Didi Bhoka (MP, Obongi Constituency) There is a persistent border conflict between Obongi –

Much obliged, Mr Speaker. I appreciate the offer. I would like to thank the Committee on Education and Sports for getting for us a detailed report. In fact, this is the first time I am seeing a committee report that even has pictures of structures that are cracked. They really went into detail. Even though the scope was too big for them, they went into detail in the areas they went to. I only disagree with their sampling. The committee sampled four schools in Abim District, to represent the entire Karamoja. This is not a representative sample. When I was a student of research, I was told that a representative sample should be a minimum of 25 per cent. These four schools in Abim do not represent Karamoja. It does not capture the fact that we have many parishes and even subcounties that have no school of any kind. In my district alone, we have 21 parishes that have no school. Our children walk 30 kilometres to a nearby school. So, this report is not representative. Mr Speaker, if it pleases you, let the Committee on Education and Sports do correction on the sampling for Karamoja and they report to this House. I submit.

14324 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS ON THE SECURITY SITUATION IN THE DISTRICTS OF MOROTO, KAABONG AND ABIM

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I report to the House, I would like to lay the reports of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on the security situation in the districts of Moroto, Kaabong, and Abim. I beg to lay. Together we have attached the minutes and attendance list. Thank you. We have two main bodies of this report. We have the executive summary and the main report. Therefore, I beg your indulgence on whether to proceed with the executive summary or present the full report.

Thank you very much. Mr Speaker, allow me to also thank the committee for having recommended a lot about Karamoja, and particularly in the districts of Kaabong, Abim, and Moroto. I come from Kaabong. The committee has done a lot on prevention but one fact has not come out. As a result of cattle rustling, the people of Karamoja and particularly in Kaabong, lost nearly all their animals. What is biting in the region, particularly Kaabong where I come from, is rural poverty. A family has failed to open land. Opening land is normally by use of oxen and because people have lost all their animals, no food can be produced because they have to use local tools. Mr Speaker, what has not come out here is the question of compensation. I do not know if I have ever heard about it. In Kaabong District, we had up to a tune of 180,000 cows by 2014 but by January, we had less than 7,000 cows. All had been raided to Kenya and to the neighbouring districts. The other factor is the question of giving tractors; this needs to be expedited. Mr Speaker, what could have solved the whole problem is, since I came to Parliament, we have been asking for the establishment of a deployment brigade in Kaabong. If that had been done, no animal would have gone. Kaabong District has porous borders; it is bordered by Kenya and South Sudan. With the deployment of the UPDF, the issue of guns can be contained. I want to mention two incidents that have been very painful in the past two weeks. On 27 th August 2024, at around 10.00 p.m. in Narube Primary School, armed thugs broke into the primary school and got the teacher on duty, moreover, a head teacher pulled him out of the house and shot him dead. His wife is in hospital. Before that happened, two months ago, along the Kamion-Nawontos-Kenya border, a boda boda rider who had been operating in Kakuma and then Kaabong was also intercepted. They took millions of his money and then slaughtered him. They hid his body far away from the road and he was recovered seven days later. This has not been a good thing for the isolated armed warriors. We feel that if a brigade is expedited - it has been recommended, all right, but if it is expedited, then the rest of the people can be saved. I rest my case. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Katakwi, especially Toroma, where I come from, is an immediate neighbour to Karamoja. First, I would like to thank the Commander- in-Chief of the Uganda armed forces for deploying Gen. Don Nabasa. At least the situation is improving, however, there are still some challenges. There is a security road that begins from the side of Abim, Kapelebyong, Amuria, Katakwi up to the Bugisu region. How I wish that road could be put in place and also water provided in the areas where there are soldiers because getting water in those areas is very difficult. That could improve the situation. The armed forces who are trying to sort out this problem do not even have motorbikes to arrest the situation. If they can be availed, especially in the barracks, it would be very easy. Lastly, Gen. Elwelu is also here. The solar- powered cameras that can do visual sight, even at night, can help soldiers conducting operations to net the captives. Thank you, I submit.

That is the point I was emphasising, Mr Speaker. It is good that there is an MP from that area but the community itself is still extremely vulnerable. In connection to that, Mr Speaker, one of the reasons why disarmament is difficult in Karamoja, and this area in particular, is because there is a game park where elephants keep raiding the crops of the community. So, the community keeps thinking that they have to protect themselves against these animals. When you tell them to surrender their guns, it does not make sense to them at all because they do not feel safe. They are also not safe from intruders from other countries. You see when you look at the Ugandan map - that tip. So, we jumped into Kenya, came back to Uganda, jumped into South Sudan and came back. The borders are very porous. That is what happens. There is entry and exit and little wonder, the communities feel unsafe. Therefore, disarmament becomes a convoluted process. Hopefully, that can be addressed. This is because, if you want to convince them, they have got to be convinced that they are safe. Mr Speaker, districts like Abim have insufficient police manpower and no wonder, crime becomes difficult to manage because of this shortage. This very district – I do not know if the MPs from this district are present. Maybe they could confirm what I am saying. There is a challenge of transport. In fact, this district has no police vehicle to handle emergency issues. If we are to address security concerns, this is where we have got to start, for the community to feel safe. The reason why there is a shortage in some of these districts is because, one, they do not feel very safe because they are very few, and two, honourable colleagues have been talking about water shortage issues and all that. They also find it very uncomfortable to be there. I know that for a very long time, Karamoja has been handled as a very vulnerable community but sometimes, the Government just talks about it. We need to see a lot more of that translating on the ground. I thank you.

Thank you, General. I now put the question that the report of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on the security situation in the districts of Moroto, Kaabong, and Abim be adopted. (Question put and agreed to.)

Mr Speaker, I beg to proceed. We have the minutes and I think I will tender them in. The report of the Sectoral Committee on Education and Sports on the State of Selected Public Universities, Tertiary Institutions, Seed Schools, and Public Sports Facilities in Northern Uganda. Introduction The Committee on Education and Sports was among the committees selected by the Rt Hon. Speaker to undertake an oversight visit to the Northern Region to assess projects under their jurisdiction. The Northern Region is composed of sub regions of Acholi, Karamoja, Lango and West Nile. The Government of Uganda attaches great importance to education and sports, as it plays a vital role in ensuring attainment of both social and economic transformation as envisaged in the Uganda Vision 2040, NDP III, and the NRM Manifesto. There are notable changes in the sector with the Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education in addition to higher learning institutions under BTVET and universities all considerably supported by Government and supplemented by other non- state actors countrywide. The committee therefore visited some selected primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and public universities in the districts of Arua, Pakwach, Nebbi, and Madi- Okollo in West Nile sub region. Gulu District in Acholi sub region, Abim District in Karamoja sub region, and finally Lira, Dokolo, Otuke Districts in Lango sub region. 2.0 Objectives of the Field visit. The main objective of the visit was to ascertain the existence and status of development projects in selected Traditional and Seed schools, Tertiary Institutions, and Public Universities in the Northern region. 2.1 The specific objectives include: i. To ascertain the status of implementation and progress of the UgIFT projects in selected schools.

Let us go to Karamoja where we only look at Abim as a sample - ( Interjection ) - Teso is not part of the northern region. Let us begin with where we started from. We started from Lango and we are going to Dokolo where the “Private Sector” comes from. However, before Dokolo – I have already reached Karamoja. In the Karamoja subregion –

No, please, honourable. Point of order from Abim?

Yes, Hon. Micah, I really get you. I had also allowed the honourable from Abim, Janet Okori-Moe. I will rule at once.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Hon. Fr Onen is one of the Members of Parliament we hold in high esteem because of being a Reverend Father. Sometimes when we get challenged, we even go to him for prayers. Mr Speaker, Karamoja has 11 ethnic groups recognised by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. I have never known of any aspiring candidates or candidates in any election who have been distributing bullets. In any case, all the leaders of Karamoja are pro-peace and pro-development. Is Hon. Fr Onen, who is branding the best rosary during this regional sitting, in order to allege that leaders from Karamoja, including me, from the beaming district of Abim, distribute bullets without substantiating?

14202 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT the chairperson of the committee to consider Otuke as one of the greatest tourist places. In 2002, I remember a Whiteman from California flew to Otuke just to take a photograph of a red lizard; look at what Otuke can bring to this country. (Laughter) Mr Speaker, we have the coronation of our Won Nyaci in Lango on 2 November 2024, which will take place in Otuke. So, I want to urge the chairperson and committee to make sure Otuke is included. Mr Speaker, the road from Lira–Alebtong- Otuke-Abim should be tarmacked. I would also like to say this: if you climb Got Otuke, you will find footprints of all the tribes in Northern Uganda who were gathered in this place. You will find footprints of the Iteso, Acholi, Jabwor, Lango, and Kumam. These are the things I wanted to raise in this House; they were burning me and I could not hold them. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Honourable colleagues, we are resuming. Next item. MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS ON THE SECURITY SITUATION IN THE DISTRICTS OF MOROTO, KAABONG AND ABIM

14227 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 30 AUGUST 2024 In our recommendations, the key one is that due to the huge burden of sickle cell disease, Lira Regional Referral Hospital needs to be equipped with an electrophoresis sickle cell testing machine to avoid the transport – or having the samples sent to Kampala for testing. Karamoja subregion We noted that in terms of the burden of disease – there were also cases of mortality – there was a high malaria burden and, in addition, we also noticed that there were high cases of liver cirrhosis. This was mainly attributed to two factors: Hepatitis B infection; and alcoholism – as reported to us. On the specific findings on distribution of health facilities, Karamoja has a population of 1.4 million with three general hospitals that are Government’s, two private not-for-profit facilities and one private for-profit facility. Notably, we were informed that one of the private not-for-profit facilities, Matany Hospital in Napak district, was facing financial constraints due to an impending total withdrawal of funding from the Italian funders. We have recommended that the Government should consider taking over Matany Hospital as a Government facility, plus planning for other health centres IV and III. The status of infrastructure Mr Speaker, this is one of the areas where there were big challenges in Karamoja subregion. We noted several buildings within Moroto Regional Referral Hospital that were dilapidated, having been constructed in 1948. Also, they did not have a functional mortuary and, therefore, have to rely on Mbale and Soroti regional referral hospitals. They, also, did not have a functional ICU despite having the equipment, because they did not have the space. In addition, they had the highest rate of caesarean section. What is acceptable is that for every 100 mothers that come, a maximum of 15 should undergo a caesarean section for delivery. However, the figures were as high as 45 per cent, and this was attributed to non- functionality of some of the theatres in the health centres IV. We also noted that one of the big constraints in terms of infrastructure development is because they were not among the major beneficiaries of Uganda Government Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) programme because they had the Karamoja Infrastructure Development Plan, which delayed to commence and, as a result, many of the health centres II have not been upgraded to the level of health centres III. We also noted that Abim Hospital and Kotido General Hospital had not received the required funds for renovation. For example, Abim, since 1968, has never had any renovation. We also found out that the facility did not have any water supply available. So, we recommend the provision of the necessary funds. Notably, Abim Hospital did not have three-phase power, which was critical for running some of the equipment that they have within the lab and, also, in the imaging. Status of human resource On the status of human resource – these are the same observations that we made across the subregion. However, notable was that there were staff working in critical areas, majorly as volunteers without substantive appointment. As regards the status of diagnostic services, we noted that the digital X-ray in Abim Hospital has not been functional for the last seven years. This is a new digital X-ray machine, but because of lack of three-phase power, it has never been installed. The ICU is also not functional despite having 10 ICU beds that were delivered there two years ago. Therefore, there is need for intervention on the diagnostic services. As regards availability and utilisation of medicines and supplies, we noted that,

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also want to thank the committee for this good report. They have rightly observed what is taking place in our health facilities and hospitals for that matter. Kotido General Hospital is just by name from the time it was upgraded from health centre IV to a general hospital. It still has the structures that were meant for a health centre IV. Kotido General Hospital has a very large catchment area, simply because the district and the constituencies do not have a health centre IV. So, the whole population goes to this general hospital. Kotido General Hospital does not have a theatre. Even the available mini theatre is not commissioned for performing surgeries in the hospital. Usually, what happens is that critically ill patients who need referral, are referred to Matany Hospital, which is 75 kilometres away from Kotido. They incur high transport costs, which also becomes a very big burden to the patients. Kotido General Hospital also does not have X-ray machines. Therefore, people still have to go to Kaabong, Matany and Abim hospitals to access these X-ray services. You can see how pathetic the situation of Kotido General Hospital is. Coming to human resources, Kotido General Hospital is being served by workers that have been seconded from health centre IIIs, and volunteers. This hospital needs very urgent attention from the Government. Lack of blood is still a serious situation that we are faced with. Mr Speaker, we have five subcounties that do not have any health facilities, not even a health centre II. You can imagine how big the burden is faced by these communities. Therefore, there is need to consider Kotido General Hospital for funding, to take care of the infrastructure, recruitment of the personnel, and the many services that the people of Kotido would get from this health facility or general hospital for that matter. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to present the addendum as per the Karamoja region; the discussions related to the infrastructure report of yesterday. Karamoja region identified key roads that need to be included in the report as follows: i) Moroto-Kotido Kaabong-Karenga Road; ii) Soroti–Amuria–Abim–Kotido Road; iii) Nakapiripirit–Amudat–Alakas Road that is joining to Kenya; iv) Lokitanyala-Loroo-Amudat-Karita Road; v) Napak–Kapelebyong Road, opening the region to Teso; vi) Rehabilitation of Moroto-Soroti Road; vii) Moroto-Nakiloro-Nakabaat Road, opening the region to Kenya; viii) Kotido-Loyoro–Kaabong Road; ix) Kaabong–Timu–Loitanit Road, again opening the region to Kenya; x) K a a b o n g – T i m u – L o k a l a p a t a – Nawountos; xi) Kalapata–Pire; xii) Karenga–Bira, opening the region to South Sudan; xiii) Abim-Napak via Turtuko is an internal road, but very important; and xiv) Kotido-Abim-Otuke-Alebtong-Lira. The region also considered the security and trade roads as very important, namely: i) Kotido–Agago; ii) Kotido–Karenga; iii) Kotido–Nakitongo, that is opening the eastern part of Kenya; iv) Morunyang-Majimoto, again the eastern part of Kenya; v) Nabilatuk-Katakwi which is the Magoro Road; vi) Kaabong–Karenga; vii) Kaabong–Kitgum via Lolelia; viii) Lopelpel-Lokwakipi-Narengnya, that is a ring road around the mountain; ix) Namalu–Nabilatuk–Lokapel; x) Lotome–Korisae Nabwal-Magoro, that is the Teso side; xi) Amudat–Komerimeri; xii) Lokwanamoru–Amuria; xiii) Alerek-Okemer Road; xiv) Alerek–Kacheri–Karenga; and xv) Iriir-Nabwal–Natirae; The key bridges that we propose to be included are: i) Lotome Bridge, that is between Napak and Nabilatuk; ii) Lolachat Bridge, that is between Nabilatuk and Moroto; iii) Lions Bridge, that is between Abim and Napak, which has been claiming many lives; iv) Nakonyen Bridge, between Moroto and Amudat; v) Okemer Bridge, between Abim and Kotido; vi) Nakirianget Bridge, between Mbale and Nakapiripirit; vii) Lodoket angisigiria, that is between Kaabong and Karenga; viii) Koberyo Bridge, that is between Kaabong and Karenga again; ix) Nataa bridges, that is between Nabilatuk and Moroto; x) Komatheniko Bridge, between Moroto and Kotido;

14100 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT xi) Napiananya, between Nakapiripirit and Mbale; xii) Kocomin/Nacomin Bridge, that is between Amudat and Nabilatuk; xiii) Karita Bridge, between Amudat and Kween; xiv) Dingdinga Bridge between Amudat and West Pokot, which is a part of Kenya; xv) Nabokotom Bridge between Amudat and West Pokot, which is at the URA border point; and xvi) Dopeth Bridge between Kotido and Abim. In terms of the aerodromes, the region considered: i) Nadunget Airfield in Moroto which needs to be upgraded; ii) Amudat Airstrip; iii) Morulem Airstrip in Abim; and iv) Kotido Airstrip. This is the addendum that the region considered to be included in the infrastructure report. Thank you.

14101 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 29 AUGUST 2024 As I speak, there is a big emergency; we are on murrum roads. There have been floods. All the roads have been cut off and yet we have the only missionary hospital in Kalango; Dr Ambrosoli Hospital, which serves the catchment area from Abim, Namakora, and Pader, everybody flocks to Dr Ambrosoli Hospital, to get medical services. In Agago North, including Kalongo Town Council, there is no health centre III. Madam Speaker, I am presenting this so that, if the House deems it fit, we take it as an emergency on those roads. Ministry of Works and Transport and Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) should at least do some emergency work on those roads. Finally, Madam Speaker, on Karuma Bridge, when the site was given to the contractor, I was there –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Janet Okori-Moe Grace Akech, Member of Parliament for Abim District. Thank you.

14048 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT This implies that under Force Account, the money can maintain 18 kilometres, while under framework contract, all the money would maintain only 1.8 kilometres of the entire road. The committee recommends that the Government prioritises the maintenance of national roads to reduce on rehabilitation costs of early reconstruction of non-maintained roads. Encroachment on road reserves Madam Speaker, on encroachment on road reserves, like the honourable colleague mentioned, the committee was informed by UNRA that one of the challenges faced by the station is encroachment on road reserves and other property, especially those under the Kitgum station. The committee was concerned that, currently, the mitigation measures by UNRA are encouraging staff to be more vigilant in identifying encroachers during the inspection. The committee was further informed that the UNRA enforcement unit did not have staff at every station and, therefore, there was need for them at all stations for faster response to encroachment. The committee recommends that UNRA provides enforcement staff at each station and, where necessary, evacuates some encroachers from its property as a deterrent example to prospective encroachers. Madam Speaker, allow me to briefly get to the recommendations of the committee in that respect. 1. UNRA should consider engaging public- private partnership – this is in respect to the request which was placed by the Karuma business community about the health facilities – the restroom facilities – at the town council. They said that UNRA should consider engaging public-private partnership to establish restrooms along national roads to ensure that Ugandans and tourists along the roads do not get embarrassed. 2. UNRA should consider establishing bus stop sheds along the roads. Oil roads and other strategic roads in northern Uganda The committee observed that the oil roads in Nwoya District have not yet received the requisite attention and maintenance. The poor condition of these roads is not only hindering the smooth transportation of oil equipment and personnel but also affecting the livelihoods of local communities who rely on these roads for their daily activities. Through sharing with stakeholders, the committee was informed that there are a number of strategic roads that need to be attended to, so as to enhance interconnectivity of the road network in the northern region. These roads offer substantial economic and social benefits to the region. Awer-Amuru-Otwee-Kololo Road – the gateway to West Nile at Rhino Camp This road serves as a vital link connecting Nwoya and Amuru districts to the West Nile region. By connecting communities to the ferry at Kololo and providing access to Rhino Camp, this route is essential for boosting regional trade, enhancing market access, and catalysing cross-district commerce. Moroto Road (through Omoro to Pader, Agago, and Abim in Karamoja) This road is key to unlocking the economic potential of the subregion, connecting Omoro, Pader, Agago, and Abim districts up to Moroto. Upgrading it to a high-grade tarmac road will facilitate the efficient movement of agricultural produce, lower transport costs, and stimulate regional trade. This road is essential for attracting investments in agriculture, education, and other key sectors, driving inclusive growth, and enhancing socio-economic outcomes for communities in these districts.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. I want to thank the committee for their report. However, Madam Speaker, as you have sent us to go to all these areas in Northern Uganda, I want to re-echo again on the issue of Kitgum- Karenga-Kidepo-Kaboong-Kotido Road, which is actually one of the busiest roads that gives us a lot of money from the tourism sector. I want to inform you that when we went on the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, there were other members of Parliament who could not cross from Moroto to Kotido because of Lopei Bridge which was flooded. At the same time, we could not even cross to Abim passing via Kotido to Aleret. Secondly, Karenga is going to host –

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I am speaking on behalf of the Lango Parliamentary Group. I would like to first of all give credit where it is due. I want to thank the Government for the Lira-Kamdini Road, which is now almost getting completed and also the construction of Rwekunye-Apac- Lira-Puranga Road which is ongoing. However, on the issue of the ferry, Masindi Port Ferry is the oldest in the country, and it is really outdated. I would like the Ministry of Works to consider this immediately because it is breaking down almost every day and it is affecting traffic. Madam Speaker, on the RALP road; the Rwekunye-Apac-Lira-Puranga Road, some of our people have never been compensated. I would like to ask the Minister for Works and Transport; when will the compensation get completed? This is because our people have sacrificed the land where the roads pass, yet they have never been compensated. The road is passing via Kole District where most of the people in the area of Akalo and other areas up to Puranga have not been compensated. I want to talk about Dokolo-Amolatar Road and ask the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development because His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, wrote a letter of pre-financing to use the Chinese company that was ready to tarmac the Dokolo-Amolatar Road, in 2021. The President gave the directive to the minister for finance to accept pre-financing so that this road is constructed, and the payments are completed after three years. Madam Speaker, the minister for finance should give us an answer as this road should have been finished by now. The Lira-Aloi-Abim Road is 179 kilometres. This was under the National Development Plan III, and in the NRM Manifesto as well. I would like the minister for finance to also respond, together with the minister for works. Lastly, on the road maintenance fund of Shs 1 billion, not every district is the same. Kole District and other parts of the country are covered by water. If we use the Shs 1 billion for only swamp crossings, installing box culverts and others, it is not enough, even in your constituency.

I want to read for you, Hon. Achia. Keep your cool. The road from Moroto through Omoro, Pader, Agago and Abim - Abim is in Karamoja. If the committee did not capture issues of Karamoja, let us put them down after the session. Let us sit as subregions; Karamoja, Acholi, Lango, West Nile, and agree on what was not covered. Let us agree on that. We do not have to lose our heads here.

13976 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME (ii) Cards expiring by January 2025. They are 3.7 million. (iii) Cards expiring beginning this month - 26 August - that is one week away, to 30 December 2025 at Shs 15.8 million. (iv) Delivery of data to the Electoral Commission by 30 November, like I have already told you, this year. (v) Original planned start date was 1st June, like I have already told you. (vi) Citizens registered are projected to be 27.3 million people. (vii) Cards issued are 17.3 million. Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues, the following activities towards the implementation of the mass enrolment and mass renewal exercise have been completed. You will read from your iPads. The key items on the critical path of the exercise have been in place before the commencement of the exercise, and these are; (a) The delivery of the 5,650 biometric registration kits. (b) Delivery of blank cards. (c) The following five (05) software modules; i. NID cards renewal module. ii. New registration module. iii. Replace card module. iv. Change of particulars module. v. Get 1 st ID module. (d) Mr Speaker operationalisation of the card printing and personalisation equipment, and then; (e) The data centre hardware, including hardware security modules, in the data migration and the ABIS solution. Despite the unexpected delays, the Government has taken measures to ensure that all persons eligible for voting in 2026 will have their details captured within the timelines outlined in the Electoral Commission roadmap. The commencement of the project is expected before 15 October this year, and as soon as the equipment arrives in the country, the exercise will begin within the set timelines. That is why the Government has extended the National Identification Card (IDs) for one year. 9. Hon. Ochero Noman, Member of Parliament, Labwor County, Abim District said, “Rt Hon. Prime Minister, allow me to thank the Government for compensating its people wherever losses occur to them like it is done with the cooperatives and the other regions on animal compensation. However, in the case of Abim District, we are not appearing anywhere on the list to be compensated.” And his people are asking why they are being left out. According to him, it is important to note that the Ethur ethnic group of 141,000 people in Abim are Karimojong, who do not raid but are always raided (non-raiding community). They have been raided not only by the cattle rustlers, according to him, but even by the Government militia and rebel groups including the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). His prayers are that I inform the House why Abim District is not appearing anywhere on the list for war debt claimants to be compensated. His second question is that can the Government allocate funds in the next financial year budget to cater for the compensation of the people of Abim District? Mr Speaker, this is my last answer and response. The Government commenced the compensation exercise of war debt claimants and beneficiaries in Acholi, Lango and Teso Sub-Regions for their lost livestock in 2021. This was after verification and validation of the war debt claimants by both the inter-ministerial committee and the district structures in conjunction with elders from the community. In that regard, it is important to note that the Government’s policy is limited to compensating

13977 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 AUGUST 2024 the war debt claimants and beneficiaries for lost livestock. That is cattle. Mr Speaker, similarly, in 2020, the Government commenced the verification of claimants in the Karamoja Sub-Region (including Abim) which is being conducted by the district structures; the Chief Administrative Officer, District Internal Security Officer, District Veterinary Officers, Local Councils, I, II, III, V and Sub- County Chiefs in conjunction with elders of the community and in consultation with the affected communities that are confirming genuine claimants and beneficiaries. However, the Cabinet, in 2021 decided that given that the people of Karamoja Subregion were keeping their animals in kraals, some of which were affected - we await the Cabinet’s decision on this matter. Mr Speaker, I beg to submit.

Yeah - (Laughter) - but the point is made, Mr Speaker. The other question was raised by honourable - I am very brief - Hon. Noman Ochero from Abim District about the compensation exercise for the people who lost their livestock during the insurgency. This one in particular has issues because it is lopsided. It has only skewed itself to Acholi, Lango and Teso, leaving out other areas. You know of Sebei and Bugisu because of the spill over of the insurgence. Even in Busoga and Mayuge - there are quite a number of them. You had better cross-examine your records for those that are missing. Finally, the Hon. Acrobert Kiiza Moses mentioned a number of disaster-prone districts, particularly, Bundibugyo, and he raised a concern about why you cannot find a permanent solution to some of these challenges of infrastructure like the bridges he mentioned. Even in Bududa, where I should appreciate the relocation and eventual resettlement of the people through the compensatory approach, the challenge is the slow pace with which you are conducting this exercise. There are people living in high-risk hills with cracks and now that the rains are on, anything can happen. Otherwise, so far, so good. Thank you. (Applause)

13922 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT for Parliament to support the ministry to raise the Umeme buyout amount, as well as giving the successor of Umeme access to financing for the dilapidated grid infrastructure. Umeme’s concession is ending seven months from today and to be specific, 28th February next year at midnight – (Interjections ) - You extended it to March? Okay, I stand to be corrected. The signed agreement provided for Uganda to undertake a study of the status of the grid assets managed by Umeme in the 17th year of the concession. Now, in the 19th year, the minister has not given this House a report on the status of the electricity grid managed by Umeme and by the extension of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited. It has taken Hon. Lumu Richard’s lack of electricity infrastructure in Mityana South, for the minister to respond to the matters of energy governance with a budget implication. Liquidation of Umeme In this period of rationalisation of Government agencies, it was mooted and the minister informed the Parliament of the intention to merge the successor companies of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB). From 2001, now 23 years down the road, UEB has been under liquidation. One of her babies, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), is about to repossess some of the assets that belonged to the board that has failed to die. We know that the former employees of UEB are dying without payment of their terminal benefits and many have lost hope for receiving their benefits in their lifetime. The minister, for some unknown reasons, never mentioned UEB in liquidation. Umeme’s Successor Uganda has nine electricity distribution companies; Umeme Limited, West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo), Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Bundibugyo Electricity Cooperative Society, Kyegegwa Rural Energy Cooperative Society, Pader-Abim Community Multipurpose Electricity Cooperative Society, Kilembe Investment Limited, Hydro Max and Kalangala Infrastructure Services Limited (KIS). Umeme is Uganda’s main electricity distribution company with a market share of over 95 per cent. UEDCL, the owner of the network, currently operated and maintained by Umeme, is slated to take back its assets and manage them. For UEDCL to expand the current network after taking over from Umeme, the minister should inform this House of the proposed source of financing for those investments. Other rural distribution challenges Mr Speaker, supply and tariffs in West Nile and Kalangala are unique. Both areas have just been connected to the national grid through the electricity transmission infrastructure and a marine cable, respectively. Kalangala, which was previously running on supply from a hybrid of solar and diesel engines, has now been connected to the national grid and joined the problems of the mainland. The tariffs are higher and there is power outage that never used to exist and is now so common in those two respective areas. In Kalangala, a unit of electricity is sold to domestic consumers at Shs 1,269.5 excluding VAT by a distributor, Kalangala Infrastructure Services Limited. This district is also unable to benefit from the one-pole service under the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project. We congratulate the people of West Nile upon joining the usual national grid challenges. The

Honourable colleagues we are debating and I want you to bring out all these questions because, in the end, this is a matter which must go to the Natural Resources Committee. When they bring these risks here, it is very difficult to scrutinise deeply. I know the minister can engage with the committee very well. They scrutinize, in detail, and then Members can appear before the committee, for those who have issues. Then we have this matter well concluded. I have picked mostly men; I want to pick ladies first. Therefore, I request all men to sit. I will start with ladies who have been here, not those who just entered. The ones who just entered know themselves. Honourable members for Kiboga, Kalangala, Dokolo, Gulu, you are very many. Honourable member for Mukono, because you have complained, honourable member for Mbale. This is time for ladies, you are men. Honourable members for Masindi, Buhweju, Sheema, Kumi, Napak, Bugiri, Fort Portal, Jinja, Abim, and Adjumani.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank the honourable minister for an elaborate statement. I thank her team for the job so far done. We know with time, everything will be fine. I also want to thank the minister for the interventions that have been made in my district, Abim. I know some of the areas are already connected, like from Morulem Town Council to Nyakwai Subcounty. However, it has not been switched on. I do not think switching on power requires a budget. Honourable minister, if you are still busy, just tell us how to switch on and we do it on your behalf. (Laughter) Mr Speaker, in some of the subcounties like Alerek Town Council through Magamaga to Adea, most of the poles are wooden. Wildfires have burnt some of the poles already and the termites have eaten some. Electricity in Abim was commissioned in 2022. Honourable minister, the best thing to do for some of those areas is to provide concrete poles, which are very durable. The other subcounty, which is almost like Obongi, is Opopongo Subcounty, the farthest in Abim. There is nothing but total darkness. Therefore, we request, honourable minister, that you use your powers to ensure that some of these areas that are not connected also get the services that they deserve. Otherwise, we want to thank you very much and wish you the best in that docket. We are proud of you, at least. You are my mentor. Thank you. (Applause)

s/N Hospltal Name Dlstrict 1 Abim General Hospital Abim 2 Adjumani General Hospital Adiumani 3 Amuria General Hospital Amuria 4 Apac General Hospital Apac 5 Bududa General Hospital Bududa 6 Bugiri General Hospital Bugiri 7 Kawolo General Hospital Buikure 8 Buliisa General Hospital Buliisa 9 Bundiburyo General Hospital Bundibugro 10. Masafu General Hospital Busia 11. Busolwe General Hospital Butaleja L2. Gombe General Hospital Butambala 13. Iganga General Hospital Iganga t4. Buwenge General Hospital Jinja Kaabong General Hospital Kaabong 6 15. Kaberamaido General Hospital Kaberamaido Kagadi General Hospital Kagadi Kamuli General Hospital Kamuli L9. Rukunyu General Hospital Kamwenge 20. Kambuga General Hospital Kanungu 2L. Kapchorwa General Hospital Kapchorwa 22. Bwera General Hospital Kasese 23. Katakuri General Hospital Katakuri 24. Kiboga General Hospital Kiboga 25. Kiryandongo General Hospital Kiryandongo 26. Kisoro General Hospital Kisoro 27. Kitgum General Hospital Kitgum 28. Koboko General Hospital Koboko 29. Kotido General Hospital Kotido 30. Atutur General Hospital Kumi 31. Kyegegura General Hospital Kyegegwa Annex la: List of Publtc General Hospitals in U nda 19 lz ,/ta.

Thank you honourable. That is Hon. Norman Ochero, former Chairman LCV Abim District. Hon. Akuguzibwe?

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to pay tribute to our brother. The late Hon. Simon Peter Aleper, lying here in front of us, was a very straightforward person. I first met him in Moroto High School. He was in senior three and I was in senior five. I was a head girl, and he was in the students’ body. Therefore, my brother, Hon. Simon Aleper you see lying here, grew up with me. Hon. Simon Aleper was a very hardworking student. By then, he had a very special friend called Ismail and they could move together. Being young in school by then, they used to come to the girls’ hostel and the first thing was to ask where the head girl was. Every time, he would say to me, “You look a very good leader ”. Then one time I told him, we are going to read and we shall become leaders of Karamoja and Uganda. And here we were, in the Ninth Parliament where we met again. Mr Speaker, our brother was a man of God, a mobiliser, a man of integrity and he had values. I remember one time in the Ninth Parliament he mobilised us - Hon. John Baptist Lokii, the former Member of Parliament of Napak, who is up there in the Gallery, Hon. Stella Namoe, the former woman Member of Parliament for Abim, Hon. Remigio Achia and myself on the issues of the bad roads in Karamoja. We went for a press conference. How I wish, they played that when we were viewing him there, because he had a message, and from that time, they started working on the roads of Karamoja. Even the tarmac road was worked upon; Nakapiripirit to Muyembe Road was also worked on because of his mobilisation skills. Mr Speaker, Hon. Aleper, was a man of truth. When he tells you something, he would have researched and got it up to the depth. We have lost an icon and a pillar of Karamoja. The whole of Karamoja is now mourning. There were no ethnic boundaries with Hon. Simon Peter Aleper. He could move from

13600 TRIBUTE TO THE L A TE H ON. S I MON P E TER A L E P E R Amudat to Karenga, from the Ik to Tepeth, from Pian to Abim. Mr Speaker, I thank the President of this country. Our colleague was saying why do we thank him? We as Ugandans must thank the President because of all the love, visionary leadership and strength he has put in for this country. Whether you believe it or not, it is a fact. Even somebody in the village down there who has never greeted him knows about it. (Member timed out_) I conclude by requesting -

13610 TRIBUTE TO THE L A TE H ON. S I MON P E TER A L E P E R The late Hon. Aleper was a very resourceful person and leader who was very vibrant and assertive. Whenever he took on an issue, he would never give up on it. He was very principled and results-oriented. That is why the little you hear has been done for the Karamoja was his work. The late championed the promises by the Government to tarmac some of the roads in Karamoja, for example, the road from Lira via Alebtong, Otuke, Abim to Kotido although it is not yet done, it was on his agenda. He also championed the issue of the road from Soroti to Amuria, Kapelebyong via Otuke, Abim, and Kotido. Although it is not accomplished, he talked for it. Mr Speaker, from 2010 to 2015, I was the NRM CEC Member for Karamoja. In 2015, when I sought to get a second term, that was when my brother came up and two others. At the intervention of our party Chairperson and for purposes of harmony - we are a marginalized region, and at times we do not want to struggle, we all had to step down and elected him unopposed. This is the person. We knew he was capable and he did not shame us. He could consult even when he was a CEC member whenever there were issues and posted on all the WhatsApp groups. Some of us were too shy to contribute on WhatsApp groups. However, considering that I was his elder sister, he would come to my inbox and ask - He did not even call me honourable, not even my name but he would say “ Maama, what is your view on this” and we would share with him. This is the gentleman we have lost today. As other colleagues have said, to the family, these things happen. We want you to be together and united as a family and see how to champion the legacy he has left. We have seen some families when such an occurrence happens, they go into disarray but we pray that you will be together and the rest of us will be there. We are aware that most of the children are in school and like other Members have said the Government and NRM Party need to do something for the children of the late Hon. “Rock’ Aleper. With those few remarks, colleagues we want to thank you for the love, and Mr Speaker, we want to thank you. I want to thank the President, for honouring our brother, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

You are debating in anticipation. Honourable members, as I said, I am going to read the President’s letter. The letter is addressed to the Right Honourable Speaker, Parliament of Uganda, Kampala. It is dated 22 June 2024. The Reference is: “Budget Reallocation by Parliament.” The letter reads: “The recent case of the Members of Parliament that were arrested for some alleged offences has again highlighted the mistake of Members of Parliament interfering with the constitutional mandate of the President of budgeting for the Country by reallocating monies budgeted for the core sectors of the economy. In the last four financial years, the Members of Parliament have reallocated a total of Shs 3.71 trillion. This is real sabotage. When we reconstructed the Kampala-Masaka Road, we used Shs 440 billion. Therefore, diverting Shs 3.71 trillion in four years is equivalent to aborting nine big roads of the Kampala-Masaka type, or a much larger number of smaller roads. You know very well the important roads that we have been struggling with. You have seen how much the Tirinyi-Pallisa- Kumi Road has helped the people of the area by avoiding the need to pass through Mbale City when they are travelling to Soroti. You have seen how the Musita-Mayuge- Namayingo-Busia Road has helped the people of that area. You have seen how the Mukono- Katosi-Nkokonjeru-Nyenga Road has helped the people of that area. Yet, for the Tirinyi- Palisa-Kumi Road, we used Shs 443.42 billion only. How much happier would Ugandans be, if we had tarmacked the Kumi-Ngora-Serere- Bugondo Road; the Soroti-Amuria-Acan Pii- Patongo-Abim Road; the Kanoni-Mityana Road; the Myanzi-Kassanda-BukuyaKiboga Road; the Ssembabule-Lyantonde-Rakai Road; the Luwero-Butalaangwa-Ngoma–Masindi Road; the Bwizibweera-Nsiika-Nyakabirizi Road; the Nakivaale-Rakai Road; the Fort Portal-Kijura Road, etc.? I have written on this issue - see my letter dated 28th April 2020. The Attorney-General has guided on the matter. The courts have guided, yet the practice goes on. There are three mistakes involved here and these are: (i) Indiscipline in budgeting; (ii) Sabotaging national priorities; (iii) And now the suspicion of massive corruption. I am, therefore, writing to request that this practice stops. As per Article 91(3)(c) of the Constitution of 1995, I decline to assent to the Appropriation Bill, 2024 and return it to Parliament, and request that no reshuffling of the Budget should ever happen again without the input of the Executive. Apart from the legality and constitutionality of the issues involved, there is common sense. Sprinkling money by MPs to get cheap popularity in constituencies will make us lose to focus on core items. How can patriots be part of this mistake? Signed by the President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.”

xq. .d +8-- i*- n I I I I +.' ,i ,4 t,- t.. t, . i, -L4ii . *K -i- ,4 ui iri',1.,[,:-:. - I Amount (OOO'I Vote Descriptlon 8,644,O74 709 Council Kamuli Munici 10,801,134 7to Kapchorwa Municipal Council 16,156,203 Kasese Municipal Council 7LL 24,906,066 7t2 Kira Municipal Council 5,469,632 713 Kisoro Municipal Council 8,704,093 Kitzum Municipal Council 7t4 9,574,4O9 Koboko Municipal Council 7t5 a,27t,209 716 Kotido Municipal Council 8,752,t71 717 Kumi Municipal Council 9,2t6,O42 Lugazi Municipal Council 7L8 t6,295,026 Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipal Council 719 t2,060,528 720 Masindi Municipal Council 12,404,Ot6 72t Mityana Municipal Council 6,643,756 Moroto Municipal Council 722 L2,4a7,408 723 Mubende Municipal Council 2t,545,205 Mukono Municipal Council 724 26,304,364 Nansana Municipal Council 725 6,O20,976 726 Nebbi Municipal Council 15,000,089 727 Nieru Municipal Council 6,226,394 Ntungamo Municipal Council 724 12,r32,708 Rukungiri Municipal Council 729 15,643,023 730 Sheema Municipal Council 11,894,459 73r Tororo Municipal Council 20,657,t94 Abim District 801 36,860,992 Adiumani District 802 32,872,323 803 Agago District 25,478,944 Alebtong District 804 ) 23,rO9,607 805 Amolatar District rr,2to,637 806 Amudat District 25,200,826 ao7 Amuria District 20,a92,676 808 Amuru District T 0qA- t2 4r" t-l''.-- H'.+ t t

.+_ lA*' "' - #+- I dI,\ h 24 . - l B l X Amount (OOO'| Descrlption Vote 635 o23 I Munici al Council 707 2,t84 771 Council Kabale Munici 704 2 238 353 709 Kamuli Munici al Council 801 696 Ka chorwa Munici al Council 7ro 3 374 618 7tt Council Kasese Munici 8 4tt 400 Kira Munici al Council 7t2 406 243 713 Council Kisoro Munici 2 331 982 Council Munici Ki 7L4 529 160 Koboko Munici al Council 715 629 284 Kotido Munici al Council 716 807 186 Kumi Munici al Council 717 2 9t4 388 7ta Council Munici 16 o46 686 7t9 Makindye- S sabagabo MuniciPal Council 1 454 635 Council Masindi Munici 720 1 387 188 Council Munici Mi 721 744 299 Moroto Munici al Council 722 5 462,294 Mubende Munici al Council 723 6 401 99t 724 Council Mukono Munici 10 505 394 Nansana Munici al Council J zzs 311 301 \-zzo Nebbi Munici al Council 429 909 N al Council eru Munici 727 I 910 156 728 Council o Munici N 1 o59 681 Council Rukun ri Munici 729 2 851 608 Sheema Munici al Council 730 3 528 439 73t Council Tororo Munici 9 o56 849 Abim District 801 5 061 3a2 Ad umani District 802 5 086 244 District 803 3 62L o37 District AIebto 804 7 t44 543 805 Amolatar District 2 946 471 Amudat District 806 9 513,880 Amuria District 807 3 s99 449 Amuru District --808 2 394 342 District A 809 3 190 840 Arua District 810 5 310 694 Budaka District 811 -_*3-- /{* M 'l-,1.i- t,

Madam Speaker, I can provide the details on the districts that have offices, and they are the following: Lamwo, Abim, Amuru, Kiryandongo, Kamuli, Buhweju, Bundibugyo, Lwengo, Rubirizi, Butaleja, Adjumani, Butambala, Otuke, Luuka and Nakapiripirit. Those are the 15 that have offices. The rest do not have. Madam Speaker, the second issue is Cabinet support and policy development. We have a gap of Shs 1.976 billion. Our total request is Shs 4.579 billion. What was provided for is Shs 2.603 billion and we request for the balance to be provided. Regarding the facilitation for RDCs, our budget is Shs 21 billion, but what was provided is Shs 14.8 billion, leaving a gap of Shs 6.2 billion. That is what we are recommending. On facilitation of the project management team for the Intelligence Transport Monitoring System Aware that in July 2021, the Government signed an agreement with Joint Stock Global Security. Subsequently, a committee to oversee this project was established by the Office of the President and we request for the facilitation of this committee; we request for Shs 3.5 billion. Support to the Afro-Arab Youth Council for headquarters construction Madam Speaker, we are about to lose a prime opportunity to construct an office block, a stadium, and a cultural heritage centre, among others, because the Government of Uganda signed an agreement, in August 2023, to host the headquarters and the condition given to our government is to provide land. The duration of the project is only five years. We have only purchased 23 acres and we are left with 27 acres. The money we are demanding so that we comply is Shs 5.4 billion minus that we shall lose this prime opportunity. Monitoring the mainstreaming of the manifesto commitments Aware that the governance of this country is dependent on the manifesto –

12484 SECTORAL C O MMITTEE R E P O R TS Vote 125 (a) Inadequate funds for capital development for NAGRC&DB. The committee notes that NAGRC is sometimes even diverted from its original mandate to handle the issues at one time they were told to go for food security, recently they were diverted to handle the issues of Balaalo . The committee recommends that: (i) The government provides steady capital development of Shs 100 billion for the next five years to enable the agency to carry out its initial capital investment for a take-off. (ii) The committee also recommends that the Government ensures agencies stick to their core mandates to avoid executing tasks outside their mandate. (b) Breeding activities countrywide The committee recommends that: (i) The project for revamping Iriri Ranch in Napak District in a phased manner in three years, and is replicated in all unprivileged regions in the country. (ii) Shs 30 billion in the Financial Year 2024/2025 be provided to kick-start revamping Iriri Ranch in Napak District. (iii) Shs 15.8 billion be provided for transforming Ruhengyere and Sanga Ranches into dairy farms. One of the ranches should be reserved for the local breeds. (iv) Shs 25 billion for Got Apwoyo Ranch. (v) Shs 2 billion for the construction and completion of hatcheries in Bukedi, Tororo, Karamoja, and Abim Districts (vi) Shs 54 billion be provided to establish animal feed processing plants in Aswa, Maruzi and Nshara Ranches. (c) Community breeding services to support PDM. This is required.

Bzsiness Deuelopment and. Qualitg Assurance (1) National business development services guideline developed for 200 men, women, and youth & mainstreamed in the BFP in Central, Northern, West Nile & Eastern Regions. (2) 220 MSMEs of men, youth and women entrepreneurs trained on making Business Plans, Financial Literacy, Resource Mobilization, and Record Keeping. Kiruhura, Rwampara, Kabale,Rubanda, Mitooma, pallisa, Serere, Oyam, Kalaki and Otuke. (3) 60 youths, women, and entrepreneurs prepared to attend trade exhibition in South Sudan Capital, Juba. (41 160 MSMEs of men, women, youths PWDs mobitized and sensitized on the importance of product certification, aud.its, food fortification, and GHp for enterprises in Kotido, Napak DLG, Abim, Amudat, Zombo, Arua, Madi-Oko1o Serere & Kole. (5) T\ryo (21 Business tinkages established between MSMEs and large-scale enterprises for men, women and PWDs. in Soroti City, Amuria, Katakwi, Kumi, Busia, Tororo and Butaleja for men, women and pwDs. (6) 850 MSMEs profiled per region of the country and MSMEs database populated for 212 youths 212 women, 25Omen and 176 pWDs. in Central, Northern and Western Regions. Process ing and. Marketing (1) A detailed study and assessment on various stages of the textile value chain in Uganda from yarn production to manufacturing conducted. ( t u , T +n {> ,.:'._J!!}.$F (\-.

Recommendation . Government should provide UGX 25 billion for SCAP 1OO -umbrellas which has impact in provision of improved water supply senrices to the urban poor population countryrride. (Q Water for Production Project Phase II The Committee was informed that in order to increase access and use of water for agricultural production as envisaged in the NDP lll, Government needs to provide additional UGX.4O billion to the Ministry of Water and Environment in FY 2024125. Additional resources will be used for: o Rehabilitation of strategic multipurpose dams of Longoritopoj in Kaabong District and Kawomeri in Abim District. . Remedial works at strategic multipurpose dams of Kobebe in Moroto District Arechet in Napak District and Longorimit in Kaabong District o Desilting and rehabilitation of parish level communal valley tanks in Karamoja sub-region. Recommendation . Government should provide UGX 4O billion for the Water for Production Project Phase II in a phased manner over a three-year period starting with UGX 15 billion in FY 2o124125. (gf Inner Murchison Bay Cleanup project The Committee was informed that the Inner Murchison Bay is one of the pollution hotspots on Lake Victoria. The objective of the Inner Murchison Bay Cleanup project is to reduce pollution, restore water quality, beneficial uses and ecosystem services of the lnner Murchison Bay (IMB). In order to fast track this project, Shs 22.5 billion is required for the completion of the National Water reference lab, PIER uality research vessel and truction of Mbarara Re gional ( tu ! I t for the new water -.fl!.- ,\ 34 ( I

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have received the budget for the next financial year. However, sometimes, in this House, we discuss various reports from the accountability committees. While visiting some of the districts like Terego, Abim and while interacting with our local government leaders in Tororo, what was brought to our attention is the challenge that the local governments are having: the issue of returning money –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It hurts for this House to appropriate funds and they are not utilised by local governments because of certain contradictions or challenges within Government systems. Local governments have resources to recruit staff, but they cannot. The Minister of Public Service was here, but unfortunately, he has walked out. As Uganda Women’s Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), we visited Abim and Terego. While interacting with my district leaders in Tororo, this matter was raised. They have the money and some of them have even gone through the process, but the money is going to be returned. Madam Speaker, we need to support local governments because this is where service delivery is yet without staff they cannot do that. [Mr Opolot-Isiagi] LAYING OF PAPERS

11921 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2024 now lost their temper. They even came in bigger numbers. (Laughter) Thirty-eight of them came and displaced the whole parish. I have refugees out of elephants now. Some people have refugees from South Sudan, but my refugees are as a result of elephants. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have a new prayer – for the old one, the Prime Minister will tell me something. For the new prayer, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, you are very able; you have always been active and on point. I want to invite you officially to Abim District to assess on your own, not to chase away the elephants, but to find a solution.

Mr Speaker, the fear of the Member about the elephants coming in big numbers, which they have reported here, is a false one. It is not true that we have not provided anything to Abim. He is aware the Office of the Prime Minister provided support to the district. Mr Speaker, I have been to Abim twice – he is aware – and I will be happy to go back because Abim is part of Uganda. (Applause) I promise to go and we handle this issue together.

Thank you. Now, that is the real Hon. Noman. For us who knew him when he was the chairperson LC V of Abim, that is how he presents his issues . (Laughter)

Madam Speaker, I beg to designate the following to the Standing Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation: Hon. Eng. Alex Niyonsaba – Chairperson; and Hon. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki – Deputy Chairperson. The members are: 1. Hon. Luke Kyobe – Luuka Ciounty North; 2. Hon. Seth Wambede – Mbale North Division; 3. Hon. Esther Mbayo - Luuka; 4. Hon. Tony Awany – Nwoya County; 5. Hon. Ojok Andrew Olanya – Omoro County; 6. Hon. James Kubeketerya – Bunya County East; 7. Hon. Bosco Okiror – Usuk County; 8. Hon. Adome Francis Lorika – Moroto Municipality; 9. Hon. Okot Boniface Henry – Youth, Northern; 10. Hon. Werikhe Peter Christopher – Bubulo County West; 11. Hon. Joel Leku – Terego County West; 12. Hon. Okori-Moe Janet – Abim; 13. Hon. Ezama Siraji – Aringa County; 14. Hon. Feta Geoffrey – Ayivu Div. East; 15. Hon. Irene Muloni - Bulambuli; 16. Hon. Yona Musinguzi – Ntungamo Municipality; and 17. Hon. Ninkusiima John Paul – Ibanda County South. For the record, Hon. Kubeketerya and Hon. Irene Muloni were earlier on read as members on the Appointments Committee, which is allowed under the rules of this House. I beg to designate, Madam Speaker.

11138 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT viii) There is poor coordination during implementation, shoddy and incomplete work in most of the facilities. Madam Speaker, like I said, the committee visited the two sub-regions of Karamoja and Teso based on the background information that is highlighted below. Karamoja’s prevailing pastoral and agro- pastoral production systems are characterised by long dry spells and cyclical droughts that are exacerbated by climate change. The scarcity of water associated with the drought is considered the greatest risk to agricultural development. In addition, a considerable number of valley tanks - up to 20,000 cubic metres and wells - have been constructed across the sub-region, but most have dried up due to the long dry season. Much of the existing water storage infrastructure suffered from consequences of years of utilisation without proper operation and maintenance. Furthermore, water catchment areas supplying water to the water storage sites are under threat due to overgrazing, forest destruction, bushfires and increasing charcoal production. Like in other regions, Teso sub-region depends on agriculture as a key economic activity. However, the area has been experiencing erratic and unpredictable rainfall, which has resulted into frequent floods, water logging and severe prolonged drought, contributing to food insecurity. The Government has established a number of water-for-production facilities, but the demand is still high. It is against this background that the committee conducted a field visit to Karamoja and Teso, to assess the selected water-for-production facilities. The objectives of the field trip are captured under 3.0, the methodology is under 4.0. After the field trip, the committee had an engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; Ministry of Water and Environment and; Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The sites that were visited are in 4.2 that is; in Moroto, Nakonyen Valley Dam; Amudat District, Katotin Small Scale Irrigation Scheme and Kosike Valley Dam. In Kaabong, the committee visited Longoromit Valley Dam and Usake Valley Dam. In Kotido, the committee visited Kaoyangorok Valley Dam and Kailong Valley Dam. In Abim, the committee visited Kawomeri Valley Dam and Kanu Valley Dam; in Soroti, the committee visited Alere Small-Scale Irrigation scheme; in Bukedea, Acomai Irrigation Scheme and Akero Valley tank. In Kumi, Amosingo Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme and Agurut Valley tank; while in Serere, the committee visited Opapa Small- Scale Irrigation Scheme. Findings in Nakonyen, Moroto District. The committee was informed that work commenced in January 2023. The facility, after completion, would have a capacity of 1,580,000 cubic metres and would serve the people of Tapac and the neighbouring communities. The committee was informed that a cost of Shs 9.1 billion was to be spent. Committee observations The cost of the project has been increasing over time. The original cost was Shs 8.1 billion, but at the time of the committee visit, it had increased to Shs 9.1 billion. As of October 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries had revised the cost to Shs 10.9 billion. After nine months, the project is behind schedule and may not be completed within the planned activities.

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

11042 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT of release of funds was expected to have a negative effect. For example, where money for agriculture enterprises came after the planting seasons had passed. In Karamoja, funds were received around the same time when a cultural festival was taking place and there were reports that the funds went into merrymaking. In Kole District, it was reported that some beneficiaries died before receiving funds applied for. In other cases, people believe it was free money from the Government; they used it for household purchases, sharing with family, construction and gambling. Some referred to PDM as “Personal Drinking Money” and this is a case in Karenga district. ln a few cases, beneficiaries declined to take the entire Shs 1 million, opting for small amounts they felt could be repaid easily. The Parish Revolving Funds available for borrowing are likely to reduce due to cases of extortion, excessive charges and operational costs. For example, those in Karenga, Abim and Napak Districts in Karamoja have to travel over 100 km either to Kitgum, Kotido or Moroto District to access banking and mobile money services, which is extremely costly to the beneficiaries. Committee observations The committee observed that: (i) It may be too early to conclude on whether funds were properly being utilised, since funds were being received in tranches and some beneficiaries had just received the money. However, incidents of misuse were noted. (ii) Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development emphasised the need for all stakeholders to ensure proper utilisation of disbursed funds by the households. (iii) Ministry of Local Governments acknowledged most of the challenges and explained that some efforts were underway to resolve them. The ministry noted that the main PDM guidelines should be followed, while others were clarifications on the guidelines that were not properly understood. (iv) It was observed that some banks have provided some gadgets to SACCOS, for example, Post Bank and Centenary Bank to ease the processes. In August 2023, Post Bank developed the Wendi platform as a mobile wallet to enable beneficiaries to access the funds without having to go to the bank. Other banks had also deployed apps for PDM and some were already rolling them out. (v) Most beneficiaries, especially in Karamoja subregion were incurring a lot of expenses in the process of fulfilling the requirements to receive the funds. For example, the beneficiaries from Abim, Karenga, Kaabong and Napak have to incur costs on transport, accommodation and feeding as they travel to either Kitgum, Kotido or Moroto to access banking and Mobile Money services. This has a far-reaching impact on the success of the programme, since they have to refund monies they could have borrowed to facilitate all these processes after receiving the PDM funds. (vi) The beneficiaries from some districts, on top of travelling long distances to access banking services, have to spend nights on the verandahs due to the large number of clients that the banks have to serve. This example is in Napak where sometimes over a hundred people have to spend a night in front of the bank, waiting to be served the following day. The committee recommends that; (i) The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should ensure that all funds are released as planned and in a timely manner.

11067 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2023 few examples. When you look at the districts, which have already scored 100 per cent, they include Napak. I am talking of 107 districts that are already at 100 per cent disbursement. Moroto Municipality is also above 98 per cent. Amudat - 100 per cent, Abim - 89 per cent, Nabilatuk, which the Member was pointing out, is at 45 per cent. When I look at the poor performing districts as of now, Karamoja is not among -

10999 THE E LEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF U GANDA T U E SDAY , 21 N OVEMBER 2023 Hon. Margaret Zziwa taught us girl guiding. We had a Girl Guides Association in this Parliament because a number of us were young. By then, we were only 39 women representatives and the country had only 39 districts. The late was representing Mubende and I was representing Kotido, which is the current Abim, Kaabong, Karenga and Kotido. It was such a large district. I am getting tempted - In the future when that amendment by my sister comes, we need to look at it. We have lost a great lady, a great mentor, a great educationist, a widow who stood on her own and did not leave behind shame. She has died at a time when we needed her most. We needed her as our dictionary to take us through and tell us more about harmonious living. We have lost you, my elder sister. Condolences to the family. May your soul rest in eternal peace. (Applause)

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, Mr Speaker. As much as it is well known that Karamoja has a lot of problems, today, I have specifically risen up on the matter of the problematic animals. This year, the weather is extremely bad in Karamoja. As we talk, people have started experiencing hunger and they have started to move out of Karamoja in search of survival. There are small swampy areas that got some bit of rain and some gardens survived, however, it is as if the elephants in the park are also experiencing famine. They have now descended on the few surviving gardens. Mr Speaker, these are the gardens people will survive on for this financial year. These are the gardens from where people get produce to sell to pay fees for their children. However, the elephants have descended and cleared most of them. In the last two weeks, 200 elephants settled in Abim District and cleared all the gardens. My prayers are: one, there is a provision for compensation for the losses. However, the only threat with the compensation is that when they do assessment in the current financial year, one is compensated the next financial year. I would like to ask: What will they eat this financial year? What will they sell to pay school fees this financial year? Two, there should be a provision for fencing. Some of these demarcations are known. The Government should fence off these corridors. Three, the elephants should be –

10691 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2023 To construct a kilometre of tarmac road in Tanzania, it costs Shs 2.1 billion, in Kenya it costs Shs 1.6 billion and in Uganda, it costs Shs 4.1 billion. In other words, it is twice as expensive to construct a road in Uganda than in Kenya and Tanzania. It also means that the same money we are using right now, Uganda can get twice. We are constructing about 900 kilometres of roads and it means that we can construct an extra 900 kilometres of roads. That means every subregion in this country can get 40 kilometres of tarmac roads. The Ministry of Works and Transport, in their Financial Year 2021/2022 Budget Framework Paper, said that by the end of the Financial Year 2023/2024, they would have ensured a reduction in the cost of road construction to Shs 2.7 billion. However, we are at Shs 4.1 billion. We are aware that in Lango Subregion, we are among the most marginalised. Yeri Corner- Aboke road is 55 kilometres, Dokolo-Ochero- Namasale road is 88 kilometres and Lira-Aloi- Kotido-Abim road is 120 kilometres. These are presidential pledges that are being recycled for the third time without fulfilment. I would like a statement on that. Secondly, although the Ministry of Works and Transport committed that by end of this year, they would have reduced road construction costs to Shs 2.7 billion, that has not been achieved. My prayer is that the Committee on Physical Infrastructure inquires into the high cost. I have all the data that has been analysed, more than 40 Votes for that –

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The issue of cattle raids is a common phenomenon, especially in Teso, more particularly the districts of Katakwi, Amuria, Kumi, Bukedea and Kapelebyong, and extending to that side of Abim to Agago, and on this side, to Sebei and Kapchorwa. Mr Speaker, many people have lost cows in my area, especially in Magoro Sub-county and in a place called Angesa. To make matters worse, these people even killed the LC1 Chairman for Angesa. The name of that chairman is Orukit. He was also the chairman for the education committee in Magoro Comprehensive Secondary School. Mr Speaker, is there a way Government can compensate the people who have lost their cows? I thank the UPDF because they have tried to recover some of them, particularly when the Third Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Nabasa, was brought in; he has done some good work. However, more effort is needed; I also applaud the Government. If –(Member timed out.)

First check the First Schedule. Let us resolve one issue at a time. The First Schedule has Kampala and districts of Uganda. Bundibugyo and Kasese are in Rwenzori; Busia, Butaleja, Pallisa and Tororo in Bukedi and Abim, Kaabong, Kotido and Moroto in Karamoja. Mbale, Sironko and Manafwa are in Bugisu, Bukwo and Kapchorwa in Sebei while Adjumani and Moyo are in Madi - Should I read all?

9230 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT district as a hard-to-reach area so as to benefit from funds earmarked for such areas. His questions are: a) What criteria is used to determine hard-to- reach areas? b) What is the possibility of including other areas in the hard-to-reach areas category? c) Which areas are categorised as hard-to- reach? My response is that the Ministry of Public Service observed that there were areas in some local governments that had consistently failed to attract and retain skilled and capable human resource, leading to inadequacies and gaps in the delivery of services. This was observed through inspection reports, support supervision exercises and payroll status reports. These areas were, therefore, defined as hard to reach. Hard-to-reach areas are defined as remote or insecure areas that are unable to attract and retain sufficient numbers of motivated staff because of difficult living conditions. They are, therefore, “hard to work in and hard to stay in.” These areas are characterised by remoteness, insecurity and poor infrastructure, among others. In the Financial Year 2010-2011, Government approved payment of hardship allowances of 30 per cent of the basic monthly salary for public officers working in the local governments defined as hard to reach. The following 24 areas are categorised as hard-to-reach: Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Abim, Moroto, Kaabong, Pader, Kitgum, Nwoya, Amuru, Kalangala, Gulu, Bundibugyo, Adjumani, Kisoro, Kanungu, Bukwo, Ntoroko, Buvuma, Lamwo, Namayingo, Napak, Mayuge (specifically Malonge Island), Bugiri (specifically Sigulu Island), and Mukono (specifically Koome Islands). Over the years, the Ministry of Public Service has received requests from various local governments to be considered hard-to-reach areas. Consequently, the ministry carried out a study, in the year 2020, in order to review the hard-to-reach and hard-to-stay areas in the country based on the criteria of remoteness, insecurity and poor infrastructure. Out of the 63 districts that had requested to be considered, 54 were found to have hard- to-reach and hard-to-stay spots eligible for payment of the hard-to-reach allowance. In total, 340 hard-to-reach spots were identified as the qualifying localities within the 54 districts. Madam Speaker, allow me to lay, on the Table, a full list of the hard-to-reach and hard-to-stay areas in the country. In the interest of time, Members can access it. Madam Speaker, based on the criteria used, I would like to inform the honourable member that Rubanda was not categorised as a hard-to- reach and hard-to-stay district. It is also important to note that the Ministry of Public Service has not yet implemented the revised Hard-to-Reach Framework. The current priority of the Government is the salary enhancement of all public officers in a phased approach. Madam Speaker, I got another question from Hon. Francis Adome, MP for Moroto Municipality. His question was to know the Government’s plan to rehabilitate government- aided schools in Karamoja. My response is that the Government of Uganda, in collaboration with education development partners, has been providing infrastructure support to both primary and post-primary institutions in the Karamoja subregion. All the post-primary institutions (11 secondary schools and two PTCs) benefitted from infrastructure support under the Irish Aid. All secondary schools in the Karamoja subregion implementing Universal Secondary Education were provided with additional infrastructure under the World Bank support and were provided with additional classrooms to attain the recommended classroom-student ratio of 1:60. [Ms Nabbanja] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

9121 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 2023 Madam Speaker, after the on-going audit of the Government payroll, the ban on recruitment will also be lifted to enable cover the staffing gaps in education. Government will continue to support sports activities and entertainment talents and enforce copyrights for performing artists. Safe Water The national coverage for safe and clean water for human consumption now stands at 70 per cent; with 67 per cent in rural areas and 72 per cent in urban areas, but we still need more. In rural areas, gravity flow schemes have been completed at Lirima in Manafwa, Lukalu- Kabasanda in Butambala and Nyabuhikye- Kikyenke in Ibanda. Piped water systems have also been constructed at Nyakabingo in Rukungiri, Kabuyanda in Isingiro, and Orom Water Supply System in Kitgum-Lamwo. In addition, 40 solar-powered mini-piped schemes serving 173,000 persons have been constructed across 15 least-served districts including Lyantonde, Sembabule, Yumbe, Rakai, Buyende, Kamuli and Kakumiro. In urban areas, nine piped water supply and sanitation systems have been completed in Dokolo, Padibe - Lamwo, Odramacaku - Arua, Kagadi, Morulem and Alerek (Abim), and Kambuga II in Kanungu. Access to safe and clean water will be enhanced to achieve 85 per cent coverage in rural areas and 100 per cent coverage in urban areas by the year 2025. Next year, the main activities towards this goal include the construction of 1,540 boreholes in 1,050 villages and town wards; building 49 large, 67 medium and 80 small piped water schemes in both urban and rural areas, and the rehabilitation and maintenance of 50 water systems in growth centres. Interventions that build human capital have been allocated Shs 9.57 trillion, representing 18.2 per cent of the total budget. In addition, the Government, together with the World Bank, are implementing the $500 million in Uganda through the Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer programme to construct health centres III, IV, seed secondary schools and micro-scale irrigation facilities in local governments that do not have these facilities. Enhancing Infrastructure Stock and Quality The stock and quality of infrastructure is a key enabler for economic growth, development and social transformation. Transport Infrastructure Transport infrastructure development has been a major hallmark of Uganda’s recent economic development. The road sector in 1986 totalled 7,900 km. Today, it has expanded twenty-fold to almost 160,000 km. While only 6,700 km of today’s road network is paved, the road network now allows access to even the remotest parts of Uganda. Next financial year, we will substantially complete 16 national road projects including Atiak-Laropi, Moroto-Lokitanyala, Kawuku- Bwerenga, Namugonde-Bugiri, Nsambya- Mukwano, the Kampala Flyover and Rushere Town and Kyamate Access roads. In addition, priority will be accorded to maintenance of existing road networks, both national and District Urban and Community Access Roads (DUCAR). The Bukungu-Kagwara- Kaberamaido (BKK) Ferry and related landing sites, and Lake Bunyonyi ferries and their landing sites will also be completed. Madam Speaker, emergency repairs of the Kampala-Malaba Metre Gauge Railway were completed this year. (Applause) My team will have to come and explain this. The full rehabilitation of the Kampala–Malaba and Tororo–Gulu Metre Gauge Railway will

9124 BUDGET SPEECH, 2023 In order to enhance good governance, Parliament’s legislative and oversight role will be strengthened to ensure the proper use of public funds, among others. Madam Speaker, you faulted me on something; our not attending parliamentary committees, but I will comment on it in the conclusion. Furthermore, we will ensure compliance with rules and regulations in public financial management, and also implement Parliament’s recommendations on the use of public funds. To improve efficiency and effectiveness in Government, we will further automate financial management systems. These include: the Programme Budgeting System for budget preparation, monitoring and reporting; the Integrated Financial Management System for budget execution, the Human Capital Management for personnel and payroll management, e-Government Procurement, e-Passport and the one border posting, among others. The Integrated Bank of Projects has recently been re-launched to improve Public Investment Management, including the tracking of project performance. Projects whose implementation has been unduly delayed without sound reason will be removed from the Public Investment Plan. The rationalisation of Government agencies will commence in the Financial Year 2024/2025. In addition, the Government has stopped the creation of additional administrative units and agencies. To enhance access to justice, the target is to reduce court case backlog by about 6,000 cases by the end of June 2024 from the 50,000 outstanding cases. A total of 115 districts already have complete frontline criminal and civil justice service delivery points comprising a police station, court, prison, prosecution services and legal aid services, among others. The target is to have 119 districts with justice service delivery points by the end of June 2024. The construction of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal buildings in Kampala and the Soroti and Rukungiri High Court buildings will be completed. In addition, the High Court buildings in Alebtong, Budaka, Lyantonde and the Magistrate Court buildings in Karenga, Patongo and Abim will also be completed. Madam Speaker, the functions, which include enactment of legislation, oversight and accountability role, will further be strengthened and in this regard, the construction of the Parliamentary Chambers is on-going. Security, governance, the Legislature and the administration of justice have been allocated Shs 9.1 trillion next financial year, up from Shs 8.1 trillion this financial year. Fiscal Strategy for Financial Year 2023/2024 and the medium term The fiscal strategy for the next financial year prioritises enhancing revenue collection, rationalisation of public expenditure and ensuring long-term debt sustainability. This will reduce reliance on external financing for socio-economic transformation. Therefore, the fiscal strategy will focus on the following: 1. Continued effective implementation of the Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Strategy; 2. Repurposing the national budget to achieve a high multiplier effect of Government interventions on the economy, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Government programmes and projects; 3. Mobilising external concessional loans and utilising non-concessional loans for projects with high economic and financial returns; 4. Limiting domestic borrowing to an average of 2.2 per cent of GDP in the short to medium term, to avoid crowding out the private sector through rising interest rates; 5. Reducing the budget deficit to within a maximum limit of 5 per cent of GDP, and

8862 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT reported non-adherence to this requirement by the suppliers, as most of them resorted to makeshift grounds or military barracks to hold animals for some days, with the exception of Kotido and Amudat. Accordingly, some suppliers distributed directly to beneficiaries without holding them. For instance, Catalyst Investment Limited supplied goats to Abim District on 17 June 2022, as per the goods received note, and the beneficiary consent forms also indicate that the beneficiaries received the goats on that very day. This did not conform to the required 14 days in the holding grounds. The committee further established that some district veterinary officers assessed, verified and vaccinated the goats from the holding grounds of districts of origin. This includes the district veterinary officers of Abim, Napak, Moroto and Karenga, and yet this was to be done in each of the receiving districts at the respective holding grounds. The committee also established that some of the holding grounds did not have the capacity to hold a large number of animals. Holding of goats originating from different places in one holding ground by some districts in the region potentially facilitated the high spread of disease amongst the supplied goats; for example, in Amudat, the district veterinary officer indicated that he was overwhelmed with the 1,250 goats in one holding ground. Committee observations The committee observed that there were no detailed specifications for holding grounds in the contract, and as such, the suppliers and the districts allowed the goats to be kept in makeshift holding grounds incapable of sustaining the high number of goats due to lack of water and pasture required for 14 days. The committee further observed that with the exception of Kotido, all districts in the subregion do not have established animal holding grounds, and yet they are under the animal corridor region. The committee also observed that the entire planning process did not provide for comprehensive due diligence on the safe delivery and distribution of the goats, which is why the safe holding of the goats was so problematic. It was due to this poor preparation that many animals got infected as a result of the mix-up of the goats from the different parts of the country and Kenya at the delivery and receiving points. Recommendations 1. Comprehensive feasibility studies and clear specifications of the contract requirements for the implementation of the targeted Government projects be conducted before the commencement of projects. 2. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries should construct standard animal holding grounds with the required infrastructure such as water, feeding grounds and dips per district in the Karamoja Subregion. Widespread death of goats The committee was informed by some beneficiaries during the visit to the subregion that there were widespread deaths of goats under the Community Empowerment Programme, owing to sickness, tiredness and failure to adapt to the environment. For instance, in Abim District, the LC III chairperson of Abim Town Council stated that out of the 494 Boer goats received, 455 representing 92 per cent of the goats died. In Abim Subcounty, the chairperson LC III said that out of the 450 goats, 278 died representing 62 per cent. The committee was further informed by the District Veterinary Officer of Nabilatuk that as of December 2022, out of the 4,000 East African female goats received, 2,076 died representing 52 per cent. The committee also interviewed people in Nabilatuk Town Council through random sampling from the beneficiaries who interfaced with the committee and established that 72

8863 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 23 MAY 2023 per cent of the goats delivered had died. The details are provided in Annexure 35. The committee was also informed by the Deputy RDC of Napak, Mr Fardosa Ahmed, that 583 goats died between November and December 2022. However, the district veterinary officer informed the committee that Napak received more Galla goats, which are performing well in the subregion, as compared to the East African goats. Observations The committee observed that some goats were sold and eaten by some beneficiaries, as well as raided by rustlers. The leaders from the subregion attributed this to the famine and insecurity situation. It was hard to establish the exact number of goats in this category. The committee established that though the project was highly welcomed by the beneficiaries, the low capacity to provide the necessary care for the goats exposed them to high levels of infections, leading to more deaths. The beneficiaries were concerned about the drugs which they could not purchase because of the high level of poverty in the area coupled with the famine situation in the subregion. The committee further established that the political heads of the ministry, namely Hon. Dr Mary Goretti Kitutu and Hon. Nandutu Agnes did not monitor and supervise programme implementation to prevent and control the high death rate of the goats. The committee could not find any trace of oversight for this programme, apart from the initial sensitisation conducted by the political heads. The committee observed that the beneficiaries were not well prepared before receiving the goats. The beneficiaries did not receive training on herd health management practices given the change of environment. The committee observed that the terms of reference technical specifications as per the contract on supply and delivery of goats particularly stated that the desirable attributes of the East African goats included local adaptability to the subregion and resistance to diseases or should have been bred in the subregions surrounding Karamoja. However, some suppliers did not adhere to the terms of the contract, specifically the critical attributes of procuring goats from the surrounding subregions to Karamoja, especially from Teso, Sebei, Acholi, Lango and Bugisu Subregions. For example, Kagumaho Bukanga Highlands Limited, Luck and Lark Company Limited, among others procured from Western Uganda. Recommendations 1. The ministers for Karamoja Affairs; Dr Mary Kitutu and Hon. Agnes Nandutu be held accountable for the failure in providing political leadership and oversight over this programme; 2. The Government should always ensure adequate preparation of the beneficiaries, improve the security and famine situation in Karamoja Subregion before delivering the 35 per cent of the goats for the purpose of averting the re-occurrence of sale or loss of the goats; 3. The following officers from; a. Abim District; (i) Mr Charles Omugetum, the Principal Assistant Secretary; (ii) Mr Oscar Burton Okengo, the District Veterinary Officer; (iii) Ms Janet Akello, OPM mobiliser; b. In Karenga District; (i) Acting District Veterinary Officer; (ii) CAO, Karenga District - be held liable for neglect of duty as provided for under Section 114 of the Penal Code Act Cap. 120 by failing to enforce adherence to the expected veterinary practices of verifying, vaccinating and holding goats for 14 days before distribution –

Alright. On issues of the death of the animals, I am not going into it. Committee observations The committee observed that the issuance of cash to the beneficiaries instead of goats was a total breach of the contract. Recommendation The committee therefore, recommends that; 1. Government halts any future contractual engagement with Luck and Lark Limited until case file No. Ref. 04/22 is disposed of; 2. OPM terminates the framework contract for the supply and delivery of goats with the following suppliers of goats in Abim District for failure to adhere to the contractual terms on vaccination; (i) Kagumaho Enterprises Co. Limited; (ii) Green Village project; (iii) Catalyst Investments Limited; (iv) Armor Investments Limited; and (v) CH Group companies. The following contract managers; (i) Mr Abaho; (ii) Mr Peter Amodoi; (iii) Mr Samuel Ofungi; (iv) Mr Tony Emmy Ameny be held liable for negligence of duty. Implementation of the Peace Building Initiative Mr Speaker, on page 77, the budget is provided for; it was Shs 5.1 billion. We received accountability of this money and on page 78 that was the accountability provided for. Recommendation The committee recommends that a comprehensive audit be carried out by the Auditor-General on the amount of the funds spent on the Peace Building Initiative. We want to say on record, although the mover of the motion talked about the Shs 800 million, the money spent was Shs 5.1 billion not Shs 800 million. Term of Reference No.2 to inquire into the utilisation of Shs 135.2 billion from the Contingency Fund meant for relief food for Karamoja Subregion Mr Speaker, we have a table on page 80 showing how the money was planned for. On page 81, we were informed that Shs 40 billion was released and the first table shows how Shs 20 billion was used. On the Shs 20 billion, we were informed that food was procured and was meant to be distributed not only in Karamoja Subregion but other parts of the country. Status of food distribution in the districts of Karamoja Subregion – the table is on page 82 and it was in Nakapiripirit District where the Chief Administrative Officer did not give us information on how much food was sent. On page 83, we have lists of subcounties which did not receive food at all. The committee also established that 53 bags of maize flour were stolen. Honourable Members can read the details with the case number. Committee observations The committee observes that whereas the food security assessment – Members can read this. Recommendations 1. The committee recommends that Government should urgently intervene and provide relief food to Karamoja to avert the looming famine; 2. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should release approved funds in time;

Why don’t we listen to the whole list? You said we should read the list and we are reading it. Honourable members, listen to the figures. I do not think any of these Members will take this money into their pockets. 30) Vote 720: Masindi Municipal Council – Shs 11,172,470,000 31) Vote 721: Mityana Municipal Council – Shs 10,365,633,000 32) Vote 722: Moroto Municipal Council – Shs 5,143,627,000 33) Vote 723: Mubende Municipal Council – Shs 10,465,947,000 34) Vote 724: Mukono Municipal Council – Shs 19,829,177,000 35) Vote 725: Nansana Municipal Council – Shs 24,351,761,000 36) Vote 726: Nebbi Municipal Council – Shs 6,907,898,000 37) Vote 727: Njeru Municipal Council – Shs 13,394,572,000 38) Vote 728: Ntungamo Municipal Council – Shs 4,845,867,000 39) Vote 729: Rukungiri Municipal Council – Shs 9,415,996,000 40) Vote 730: Sheema Municipal Council – Shs 14,106,079,000 41) Vote 731: Tororo Municipal Council – Shs 9,365,323,000 42) Vote 801: Abim District – Shs 18,295,895,000 43) Vote 802: Adjumani District – Shs 31,965,889,000 44) Vote 803: Agago District – Shs 31,061,514,000 45) Vote 804: Alebtong District – Shs 23,689,489,000 46) Vote 805: Amolatar District – Shs 19,357,798,000 47) Vote 806: Amudat District – Shs 10,632,904,000 48) Vote 807: Amuria District – Shs 22,290,290,000 49) Vote 808: Amuru District - Shs 22,428,999,000 50) Vote 809: Apac District – Shs 20,739,922,000 51) Vote 810: Arua District – Shs 16,085,370,000 52) Vote 811: Budaka District – Shs 25,157,873,000 53) Vote 812: Bududa District – Shs 26,411,933,000 54) Vote 813: Bugiri District – Shs 34,828,388,000 55) Vote 814: Bugweri District – Shs 19,367,086,000 56) Vote 815: Buhweju District – Shs 15,085,933,000 57) Vote 816: Buikwe District – Shs 24,383,139,000 58) Vote 817: Bukedea District – Shs 26,466,423,000 59) Vote 818: Bukomansimbi District – Shs 18,428,274,000

8754 BUDGETARY PROPOSALS & ESTIMATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 60) Vote 819: Bukwo District – Shs 22,102,420,000 61) Vote 820: Bulambuli District – Shs 22,999,426,000 62) Vote 821: Buliisa District – Shs 14,874,929,000 63) Vote 822: Bundibugyo District – Shs 33,203,487,000 64) Vote 823: Bunyangabu District - Shs 19,891,642,000 65) Vote 824: Bushenyi District – Shs 28,896,953,000 66) Votes 825: Busia District - Shs 32,967,494,000 67) Votes 826: Butaleja District - Shs 33,927,473,000 68) Vote 827: Butambala District – Shs 23,446,766,000 69) Vote 828: Butebo District - Shs 16,607,616,000 70) Vote 829: Buvuma District – Shs 13,321,617,000 71) Vote 830: Buyende District – Shs 22,651,177,000 72) Vote 831: Dokolo District – Shs 21,223,707,000 73) Vote 832: Gomba District – Shs 21,231,932,000\ 74) Vote 720: Masindi Municipal Council – Shs 11,172,470,000 75) Vote 721: Mityana Municipal Council – Shs 10,365,633,000 76) Vote 722: Moroto Municipal Council – Shs 5,143,627,000 77) Vote 723: Mubende Municipal Council – Shs 10,465,947,000 78) Vote 724: Mukono Municipal Council – Shs 19,829,177,000 79) Vote 725: Nansana Municipal Council – Shs 24,351,761,000 80) Vote 726: Nebbi Municipal Council – Shs 6,907,898,000 81) Vote 727: Njeru Municipal Council – Shs 13,394,572,000 82) Vote 728: Ntungamo Municipal Council – Shs 4,845,867,000 83) Vote 729: Rukungiri Municipal Council – Shs 9,415,996,000 84) Vote 730: Sheema Municipal Council – Shs 14,106,079,000 85) Vote 731: Tororo Municipal Council – Shs 9,365,323,000 86) Vote 801: Abim District – Shs 18,295,895,000 87) Vote 802: Adjumani District – Shs 31,965,889,000 88) Vote 803: Agago District – Shs 31,061,514,000 89) Vote 804: Alebtong District – Shs 23,689,489,000 90) Vote 805: Amolatar District – Shs 19,357,798,000 91) Vote 806: Amudat District – Shs 10,632,904,000 92) Vote 807: Amuria District – Shs 22,290,290,000 93) Vote 808: Amuru District - Shs 22,428,999,000

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Allow me to thank the chairperson of the committee for the report. On 6 April 2023, the Prime Minister made the following statement; “The Gulu– Opit–Rackoko–Patongo–Abim-Moroto Road is a national road under the responsibility of UNRA and it is currently under maintenance.” Although the road was not listed under NDP III, it is a priority road, as stated by H.E. the President, in his pledges. As such, the road has been identified for development. Design for upgrading of this road is scheduled to commence in the next financial year. This Moroto Road has been talked about for so long and it connects over 60 per cent of Northern Uganda. Allow me to request that this is considered, as mentioned by the Prime Minister because it was not mentioned in the committee’s report. Thank you.

8267 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 20 APRIL 2023 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. we look at the terminologies we are using as we work on this documentation. Secondly, the Equal Opportunities Commission put at one per cent of the tarmac road, just like you said it is being done in your area. However, we had a meeting with the President together with the religious and political leaders from Lango and Acholi and he actually promised that at least he will build two roads in Lango; the one from Lira-Aloi-Otuke to Abim and the road from Namasale-Dokolo-Aloi-Ogul. I want to understand from the chairperson - and the minister is here - UNRA is saying they are not going to build any other new roads but the President made this pledge in front of the religious and political leaders and all the stakeholders in Lango. So, we have the provision because he said that before the end of this kisanja that at least these two roads would have been worked on. Thank you.

8081 THE E LEVENTH P ARLIAMENT OF U GANDA TUESDAY , 18 APRIL 2023 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. Most of the issues we are discussing here are to do with the capacity of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. The UNBS has a very lean structure and staff to man their mandate. Therefore, we need to avail them with the requisite resources to be able to execute their work. Mr Speaker, if you went to the countryside, the UNBS has only excelled in terrorising retail shops with weighing scales. That is where they are visible. You can only see them terrorising retail shops on why they have not updated their expired weighing scales. My colleague has talked about counterfeits - if you went to the supermarkets, you will find that we are consuming expired products from the supermarkets. Most of the malls have expired products –(Interjections) – and drugs but the UNBS is not doing much to address the challenge. Mr Speaker, I got express permission last week from Abim District and the MP has cleared me to share this. When I introduced myself in Abim that I come from Kyabazinga land, they attacked me that we advertise small stones as nice rocks - I think they were looking at Kagulu Hill - and ignore the beautiful scenery in Abim. Therefore, I would like to appeal to the tourism minister to begin coding the nice- looking mountains in Abim. Thank you.

Thank you Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of urgent importance concerning the continued restlessness arising from insecurity caused by armed cattle raiders being experienced by the communities of Abim District. Abim neighbours Agago and Otuke. So, when you hear Agago crying, it means Abim has cried already. The armed rustlers have continued to launch attacks on the people of Abim almost on a daily basis, stealing the remaining livestock. These days, raids take place even during daytime. A few families remained with some oxen just for ploughing, which they normally tie with chains and lock with padlocks. However, of late, the rustlers come with tools, cut off the padlocks and drive the animals away. We wonder whether those are still rustlers. Mr Speaker, the rustlers seem to have come with a lot of vengeance. They scatter in small groups and attack from any side. Abim District has lost lives and a lot of property to this vice. Some people have suffered injuries from bows, arrows and gunshots – the latest victim being COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Mr Speaker, the latest development is that they even enter houses and collect household items - mattresses, saucepans and everything. My prayers are: 1. Government should tailor disarmament to focus on the hills of Abim, where the raiders seem to be hiding; 2. Government should reinforce and boost the security of Abim as a matter of urgency so as to secure the lives and property of the people, especially now that they are in their gardens; 3. Government should, as a matter of urgency, consider deploying additional soldiers to Abim, especially those specifically trained in managing challenging terrains; 4. The Ministry of Works and Transport should consider rehabilitating Morulem Airstrip in Morulem Town Council so that even the aircrafts being used in disarmament operations are able to land for emergency support and reinforcement; 5. The Ministry for Relief and Disaster Preparedness should provide emergency food relief and non-food relief items to families whose homes have been burnt and whose household items have been rustled; and 6. Finally, Government should take the security of Abim seriously, bearing in mind its uniqueness of being a community in Karamoja that is not armed but struggles to survive amidst insecurity caused by the rustlers year-in and year-out. Mr Speaker, Article 36 of the Constitution –

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I acknowledge the concerns of the Woman Member of Parliament for Abim. In fact, when I came in, I met Hon. Noman and the Woman MP. The Karamoja challenge of raids - is not recent. How I pray that we shall finally find a secure, reliable and cost-effective way to handle this matter. Of course, there is retaliation by some of the cattle rustlers. It is a matter that we are handling, but we want to stop handling it in an ad hoc manner. As a way forward, I want to inform the honourable members that by next month, the issue of manpower – we shall have many of the recruits passed out. We shall have them – (Mr Olanya rose_) – these are not charcoal matters. (Laughter)

Mr Speaker, there are about 13 aerodromes that the ministry is supposed to rehabilitate, but because of the resource constraints, we had identified four for a start. However, given the urgency of this problem in Abim, I will go and discuss it with my technical people and see if we can rearrange and delay the fourth one and maybe see if Abim can be among the first four. We will do that.

Hon. Silas Aogon, by the way, on matters of national importance, I do not allow information but let me say this: I have around five colleagues who have issues to do with cattle rustling. I do not know whether we should allow all of them to speak - because there are also other issues we need to handle. I have these Members on the list: Hon. Silas Aogon, Hon. David Lagen on the same issue, which also applies to Hon. Judith Achan and Hon. Janet Okori-Moe of Abim. There are very many Members ready to speak to this same issue. Now, I think what we can do is use one minute each; I mean for those whom I have registered here. This will save us from interruptions on points of information. So, I implore you to also raise your prayers and we capture them because you are on the list. Otherwise, for now, Hon. Koluo is on the Floor.

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have two brief questions. One, I have the most dilapidated hospital in this country called Abim Hospital. In 2002, they constructed a sewerage line but after five years, it broke down. In 2006, they fitted bulbs but after five years, all the bulbs collapsed. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, why do you renovate this hospital piecemeal yet most hospitals are renovated at once? They do it in parts. You put the bulbs but they all collapse. Secondly, I was with the Minister of Works and Transport – I must thank the Government that plans to tarmac the road from Lira to Kotido are underway. Mr Speaker, I was hopeful because we were told in April - maybe he will announce the same thing – (Member timed out.)

Thank you. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, why do you help Abim in instalments? (Laughter) He is the former LC V Chairperson of Abim District, and he is very concerned.

Mr Speaker, I am equally concerned. I will request the Ministry of Health to give us a report why they are doing this because I have been to Abim with my sister, Hon. Okori Moe, and the situation of the road he has talked about - on the hospital, I will inquire. I will ask the Minister of Health, but Abim is one of our priority roads areas as I have already told you.

Now let me conclude with the issue raised in regard to Abim Hospital by my former colleague, Hon. Noman Ochero. Abim Hospital is a serious issue, Rt Hon. Prime Minister. You know very well that the state of our health facilities in Uganda is deplorable, including Bududa and Kambuga hospitals. Kambuga is in Kanungu. You know what happened. Had the Member not been airlifted, he would be “RIP”. The last one is about the reverends that were arrested, arising from the question that was raised by Hon. Ssewungu. That question has not been given justice. You know that they are on remand and are not seeking any legal redress. They were tortured by the police. We have seen the video clips on electronic media. So, these are issues, which your docket is not –

Point of order from Abim.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I know in Karamoja we have 11 tribes. One of the tribes is Ethur, the Acholi-Labwor of Abim. Is it in order for the honourable Member to misinform this House and the country that the Karimojong train children from childhood on handling the gun and yet we know right now there is disarmament to rid the region of guns. Is he in order to misinform and even to paint a bad picture of a good person like me? (Laughter)

Thank you. In the public gallery this afternoon, we have a delegation from the Pader-Abim Community Multi- Purpose Electrical Cooperative Society. They are represented by Hon. Akello Beatrice Akori, Hon. Okot John Amos, Hon. Anywar Ricky Richard and Hon. Lagen David from Agago. Kindly join me in welcoming them. (Applause) You sent us very good Members of Parliament. They are very active. Send them back again.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the committee chairperson for his very good report. I also thank the minister. When we talk about West Nile lacking power, I really feel the pain because in Karamoja, there is one district, which is exactly like West Nile – and that is Abim. Power came to Abim in 2006, but up to now, the district headquarters is still in darkness. The X-rays in the major hospital - Abim Hospital - cannot run. Mr Speaker, like my colleague said, for them, they are sure that they get power on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but for Abim, it is quarterly releases. (Laughter) In one quarter, we get power for 10 days. Our connection is from Pasmek, which is in Pader. We request the minister, as you look at the West Nile to also look at Abim. I request you to direct him to come to Abim too so that we get sorted.

Thank you. I know Hon. Okaasai does not need to be directed. He will come to Abim. Isn’t it, honourable minister? You are going to Abim? – Very good.

It is being taken care of using UEDCL. WENRECo was not able to do it so we had to bring in UEDCL. Finally, West Nile, we have heard your cry on WENRECo. WENRECo’s concession is coming to an end and it is not going to be renewed. The UEDCL is taking over West Nile as a Government company, to ensure that power is stabilised in West Nile. That is the last question. For the rest of the questions from other regions - one thing I wish to point out is that they have the backbone electricity. Kassanda has a backbone, but the distribution is lacking. You have those big lines going overhead - we are going to step them down and then we shall distribute power. On Abim, I share with you –(Interjections)- okay, let me answer the one on Abim. For Abim, we know your power is coming from Gulu and it is through a distribution line. There are a lot of power losses in Abim –(Interruption)

So, I am concluding by assuring those whom I have committed to go to their regions that I will go. Abim and Obongi districts, I am coming.

Thank you. (Members rose_) No, he has no time to allow you to give information. It is not a matter of passing on the microphones. Just wait. Honourable Colleagues, I want us to, first, have a positive tone. If we are driven by a negative tone, we will lose it. Let us appreciate that at least compensation has started. The other time, there was zero. At least, now, Shs 49 billion has been paid, which is better than nothing. This can help us to clean up and guide on payment of the other money. If we can submit with a focus on how to improve the process, not the focus of accusing each other, we will move much better. Let us have Hon. Okupa and then, Hon. Aleper from Karamoja. (Member rose_) Yes, I meant you. Should I give it to the Member for Abim?

Hon. Kayondo, you have to be very cautious. You want a man who was very peaceful to benefit from the proceeds of a war. He said he cannot go to shed blood; now you want those who went and fought to hand over? Abim and then I pick Youth Representative, Northern.

Yes, under the Ministry of Defence. The resolution is cast out there. That Government, in accordance with Articles 26, 209, 212 and 222 of the Constitution of Uganda, urgently and adequately deploys security forces in Karamoja and districts bordering it from the subregions of Teso, Lango Acholi, Bugisu and Sebei, with adequate logistical material and financial resources to stop cattle rustling that is illegally depriving people of their right to own property and subjecting people to torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, and thereby restore peace and security. Actions taken a. Mr Speaker, the UPDF has made commensurately robust deployment by enhancing troop levels. These have been further boosted by local defence personnel from various training wings of the UPDF. With these enhancements, each district in Karamoja has a force for zonal security supported by the intelligence. b. In the neighbouring subregions, the UPDF has enhanced troop levels in Kitgum, Agago, Abim, Otuke, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, Kumi, Bulambuli, Kween and Bukwo, to prevent and curtail incursions by cattle rustlers in the respective districts. c. While recognising that adequate security calls for the participation of the public, as well as local leaders, we have integrated into our operations, the anti-cattle rustling mobilisation and sensitisation. Important to note is that His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, has traversed the subregions, leading the mindset change effort by encouraging the population to engage in other productive activities, such as goat rearing. Resolution No.2 Relatedly, that Government, in accordance with Article 17B to D of the Constitution, reinstates the local defence forces from the affected districts as a permanent auxiliary force under the command and coordination of the UPDF, with improved management and remuneration, trained, armed and deployed within their villages, communities to support and work with the UPDF and the Uganda Police Force in deterring raids, protecting lives and property, plus tracking and recovering of stolen animals from the armed raiders.

6348 In northern Uganda, we have Abim, Adjumani, Agago, Alebtong, Amolatar, Amudat, Amuru, Apac, Omoro, Arua, Dokolo, Gulu, Kaabong, Kitgum, Koboko, Kole, Kotido, Lamwo, Lira, Maracha, Moroto, Moyo, Nakapiripirit, Napak, Nebbi, Nwoya, Otuke, Oyam, Pader, Pakwach, Yumbe, Zombo, Obongi, Terego, Karenga, Kwania, Madi-Okollo, Nabilatuk, and Obongi. In Western Uganda, we have Buhweju, Buliisa, Bundibugyo, Bunyangabu, Bushenyi, Hoima, Ibanda, Isingiro, Ntungamo, Kabarole, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kamwenge, Kanungu, Kasese, Kibale, Kiruhura, Kiryandongo, Kisoro, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Masindi, Mbarara, Mitooma, Ntoroko, Rubanda, Rubirizi, Rukiga, Rukungiri, Sheema, Kikuube, Kazo and Rwampara. Madam Speaker, those are the areas that will be covered by the project.