Laroo-Pece Division

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We have a major economic road stretching from Gulu City to Moroto Town. It covers over 10 districts. The Government of Uganda has promised to tarmac that road. The community would like to know when the work will commence.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, I would like to believe that the 67-kilometre road stretch that is referred to as the Ayer-Bobi Road, which is part of the vital infrastructure of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is still part of the AFCON works. I say this because there is not a single bit of work that has taken off on that stretch of road. I would like to hear your commitment, on behalf of the Government. Is that stretch of road, which is the vital connection between Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira City and Gulu Airfield in Gulu City, still part of the AFCON works as scheduled?

7. Nankwanga Stellamaris Woman Representative Bugweri Independent 8. Nanzala Metrine Namisindwa County Namisindwa NRM 9. Nassolo Eugenia Rubaga Division South Kampala NUP 10. Nawe Molly Kamukama Woman Representative Kazo NRM 11. Ndeezi Alex PWD Representative N/A NRM 12. Ngabirano Charles Rwampara East County Rwampara Independent 13. Ninsiima Evelyne Woman Representative Rubanda Independent 14. Nnamara Annet Oyes Byamukama Woman Representative Buhweju NRM 15. Nyakato Asinansi City Woman Representative Hoima City PFF 16. Namujju Cissy Dionizia Woman Representative Lwengo NRM 17. Nyakato Dorothy Woman Representative Kitagwenda NRM 18. Namutaawe Joan Woman Representative Masaka NUP 19. Nayebale Sylivia Woman Representative Gomba NRM 20. Naziiwa Margret Woman Representative Kagadi NRM 21. Nkunyingi Muwada Kyadondo County East Wakiso NUP 22. Nuria Hafsa Teko Woman Representative Kotido Independent 23. Nangoli Gerald Elgon North County Bulambuli NRM 24. Nyeko Johnson Kezekiya Lamwo County Lamwo NRM 25. Obong Peter Acuda Maruzi County Apac UPC 26. Obong Vincent Shedrick Lira West Division Lira City UPC 27. Okiding Sam (Lt Gen.) UPDF Representative N/A N/A 28. Ofwono Opondo P’Odel Older Person’s Representative Eastern NRM 29. Ocen Geoffery Kioga North County Amolatar UPC 30. 3Ogwal Joseph Jones Dokolo North County Dokolo NRM 31. Ojara Martin Mapenduzi Bardege-Layibi Division Gulu City NRM 32. Nameere Justine Woman Representative Masaka City NRM 33. Nkrumah Roland Bufumbira County East Kisoro NRM 34. 3Ojiit Peter Pingire County Serere Independent 35. Ntabazi Harriet Bwamba County Bundibugyo NRM 36. Ocan Patrick Apac Municipality Apac Independent 37. Ogwang Patrick Obura Oyam County South Oyam NRM 38. Okaasai Sidronius Opolot Kumi County Kumi NRM 39. Oketcho George West Budama County South Tororo NRM 40. Oketcho John Francis Bugiri Municipality Bugiri NRM 41. Okeyoh Peter Bukooli Island County Namayingo NRM 42. Okot Peter Tochi County Omoro DP 43. Okumu Gabriel Okoro County Zombo NRM 44. Omara Paul Otuke County Otuke NRM 45. Omoding Emmanuel Serere County Serere NRM 46. Onek Hilary Obaloker Palabek County Lamwo NRM 47. Oneka Lit Amere Denis Kitgum Municipality Kitgum FDC 48. Ongom Patrick Erute County North Lira NRM 49. Ongu James Kwania North County Kwania NRM 50. Opito Vincent Dokolo South County Dokolo UPC 51. Nankabirwa Ann Maria Woman Representative Kyankwanzi NRM 52. Nantongo Fortunate Rose Woman Representative Kyotera NUP 53. Natumanya Flora Woman Representative Kikuube NRM 54. Naturinda Eliab Ndorwa County West Kabale NRM 55. Ngompek Linos Kibanda North County Kiryandongo NRM 56. Ninkusiima John Paul (Dr) Ibanda County South Ibanda NRM 57. Niringiyimana James R. Kaberuka Kinkizi County West Kanungu NRM

11 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 14 MAY 2026 153. Mao Nobert Laroo-Pece Division Gulu City DP 154. Mwiru Paul Jinja South Division East Jinja City NUP 155. Nabadduka Annet Woman Representative Kibaale Independent 156. Nabakooba Judith Nalule Woman Representative Mityana NRM 157. Nabawanuka Sumayah Mubende Municipality Mubende NUP 158. Nabirye Annet Woman Representative Luuka NRM 159. Nabukenya Brenda Woman Representative Luweero NUP 160. Nagujja Judith Woman Representative Buvuma NRM 161. Najjuma Sarah Woman Representative Nakaseke NRM 162. Nakadama Rukia Isanga Woman Representative Mayuge NRM 163. Nakawuki Susan Nsambu Mawokota County South Mpigi NRM 164. Nakazibwe Hope Grania Woman Representative Mubende NRM 165. Nakisita Betty Mpongo Woman Representative Namutumba Independent 166. Nakiyi Julius Muntu Budadiri County East Sironko NRM 167. Nakut Faith Loru Woman Representative Napak NRM 168. Nakweede Harriet Woman Representative Kayunga NUP 169. Naluyima Betty Ethel Woman Representative Wakiso NUP 170. Namanya Viola Woman Representative Ntungamo NRM 171. Namara Dennis Buyaga West County Kagadi NRM 172. Namatende Eunice Woman Representative Bugiri NRM 173. Nambaziira Florence Woman Representative Ssembabule NRM 174. Nambeshe John Baptist Manjiya County Bududa NUP The Uganda National Anthem The East African Community Anthem (The House rose at 4.15 p.m. and adjourned until Friday, 15 May 2026, at 8.00 a.m.)

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

Yes. The Members of Parliament from Gulu City – the Reverend and the counterpart – invited the Ministry of Local Government to help force those people off. Since then – unless of recent – I have not been there; there is settlement, peace, and no one is complaining. The second one is the recently passed trade Bill. There are many problems in keeping the cities clean –

18325 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 29 JANUARY 2026 under NDP IV, it lists the core projects under NDP IV indicating the start date, the end date, and even the funding. However, when you look at the report, there is no provision for some of these core projects. For example, the construction of the Karuma Bridge which connects us to South Sudan and even to Congo. Last year, we had serious issues on it and we were told the repairs will only be temporary. However, we do not have any provision for this core project. My request to the minister is to have this considered under the second budget call circular. The second issue is that this budget is also an AFCON budget because it is the last budget before we host AFCON next year in June 2027. However, one of the critical infrastructure projects, the construction of the Corner Ayer- Corner Aboke-Bobi Road which is supposed to connect Gulu City to Lira City has not been considered. Again, I would like to request that that is considered in the second budget circular. Last is the NRM manifesto. After approval of the NDP IV, there were new commitments that came up. For example, in Lango, Acholi and Teso, the issue of cattle restocking came up towards the campaign period. Whatever has been provided is not really substantial to address the commitments. Therefore, again, I appeal that let us have this aligned to some of those post-NDP IV commitments that came in during the campaign period so that there is full alignment with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) requirements and the NDP IV. Thank you.

We must go through the supplementary process. I remember the case of Omoro District in Acholi Sub-region, at one time, they had drastically understated their revenue, and they were failing to operate. When they brought the matter to our attention, we advised them - even in Gulu City, we advised them to correct their mistakes. Now, they are getting their revenues on time. I would like to appeal to colleagues that - I know it is not good to - this is a report of the Government, but it did not talk about corruption in local governments. Yes, do you want to clarify on corruption?

Thank you. I now put the question that Hon. Ojara Mapenduzi, Member of Parliament for Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, be granted leave to introduce a Private Member’s Bill entitled, “The Environmental Practitioners’ Bill.” (Question put and agreed to.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity. I support the motion but would like to use the same opportunity to seek clarification from the Honourable Minister of Health. About four years ago, His Excellency the President wrote a letter directing that a specialised medical facility be established in Gulu and several letters, including from the First Lady, have been written and sent to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Unfortunately, it looks like there is an attempt to frustrate the President’s good intentions. It would be good that the honourable minister clarifies the fate of this specialised medical facility that should be established in Gulu City. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I remember a survey was done in Gulu City for extension of power to all other parts of Gulu City which did not have electricity. That was in 2022; we are now in 2025. What is happening? Transformers are a big problem; our people cannot buy transformers. Thank you.

17508 BUDGET SPEECH City; Hon. Dr Nicholas Kamara, the MP for Kabale Municipality; Hon. Atkins Katusabe, the MP for Bukonzo County West; Hon. Harold Muhindo, the MP for Bukonzo County East; Hon. Naboth Namanya, the MP for Rubabo County; Hon. Francis Mwijukye, the MP for Buhweju County and; Hon. Betty Aol, the Gulu City Woman Member of Parliament. We extend our best wishes to the Members as they exercise their freedom of association, as is enshrined in Article 29 of the 1995 Constitution that we swore to uphold. Your Excellency, the President, honourable members, and distinguished guests, I say all this for God and my country. PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

17483 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 Fellow Ugandans, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, on 9 January 2025, Parliament approved the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) for the years 2025/2026 to 2029/2030. This plan is our national blueprint for transformation and sustainable development of our country. The Budget Speech that we shall receive on 12 June 2025 is aligned to this National Development Plan. I take cognisance of the contribution of all stakeholders in the formulation and realisation of this plan. Your Excellency, after my communication and if it does please you, I request that before you commence on your address to Parliament – and by extension to the nation - to symbolically unveil the NDP IV, a document that will be a precursor to the Budget Speech, which will be held on 12 June 2025. In line with our vision of being a people- centred Parliament, during the Fourth Session, the Parliament of Uganda held its first-ever regional sitting at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City, that is, Northern Uganda, from 28 th to 30 th August 2024. During this Sitting, issues specific to the region were deliberated upon, and a series of community outreach and civic engagement activities were conducted. Your Excellency, we take this opportunity to thank you for gracing the opening of that historic Sitting which took place in Gulu City. The legislature will continue to place the common person at the centre of all its parliamentary processes and decisions. We are optimistic that in the near future, Parliament will hold another regional Sitting that will cover other regions of the country. In a bid to foster Pan-Africanism and international collaboration with other legislatures and inter-parliamentary bodies, we continued to further inter-parliamentary diplomacy through active participation and membership in various inter-parliamentary bodies such as the East African Community Bureau of Speakers; the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the African Union Legislatures (COSPAR); the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU); the Pan-African Parliament (PAP); the European Union, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (EUACP group) and; the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), to mention but a few. The impressive representation of our sister legislatures at this State-of-the-Nation address is a testimony to our good standing among the international community of nations. I take this opportunity to once again welcome our guest Speakers and presiding officers and thank them for travelling from far and wide to witness this historic occasion. Join me in welcoming our guests. You are most welcome. (Applause) Your Excellency and honourable members, I take this opportunity to thank you for your role in enabling the remarkable output registered by the legislature during the Fourth Session. I will reiterate my appreciation for the consistent support of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The 11 th Parliament draws inspiration from your effective and impactful leadership as a key enabler of societal transformation. We undertake that the Fifth Session that you open today will remain steadfast in effectively executing its mandate in furtherance of the National Vision 2040, which aims to transform Uganda into a modern and prosperous nation within 30 years. As you may be aware, that Article 83(a) of the 1995 Constitution, permits Members of Parliament to leave and join political parties or political organisations of their choice within 12 months before the end of the term of Parliament to participate in activities or programmes of political parties or political organisations relating to the general election. To this end, I am in receipt of notification by the following Members opting to join respective political parties:

YotL OcaOmr Aror4tffiml 519 Usanda Embass!, in ltaly. Rome 520 Upnda Embasgrr in DRC, Kinshasa 521 Usanda Embasor in Sudan, IGrartoum 522 Uganda Embass]r in France, Paris 2.000.000 523 Ugands, Embassfi in erermanfi, Berlin 390.000 524 Ugarura* Embassy in Iran, Tetrran 525 Uganda Elnbasrv in Russia, Mosconr 526 Uganda Embassy in Australia, Canbera 527 Uganda Embasqr in South Sudan, Juba 528 Uganda Embassrr in United Arab Emirates. Abudhabi 3.O00.ooo 529 Uganda Embasst, in Burundi, Bujumbura 530 Uganda Consulate in China, Guangzhou 531 Uganda Embasgy in Turkey, Ankara 532 Uganda Embasgy in Somalia, Mogadishu 542.000 533 Uganda Embasgy in Mataysia, Kuala Lumpur 390.OOO 534 Ilmnda Consul,ate in l(errya, Mombasa 8.000.000 535 Ugerrda Embasry in Algeria, Algiers 390.OOO 536 Uganda Embassy in Qatar, Doha 537 Usanda Mission in Havana, Cuba 538 Mission in Locrl Govcranoatt 601 Arua city 3.898.842 602 Fort-Portal citlr 2.784332 603 Gulu city 3.319.911 604 Hoirna city 3.21O.937 605 Jinja city 6.885.624 606 Lira city 3,342,673 607 Masaka city 6.620.770 608 Mbale city 3.912.27L 609 Mbaramcitv l- 5.986.198 610 Soroti city 2.202.259 ) 701 Apac Municipal Council T 1.311.041 702 EUEIi Municipal Council \ 853.432 703 Buetrenyi- Istraka Municipal Council ' 1.315.O43 704 Busia Municipal Council l- 1.154.104 705 Entebbe Municif4 Council 'lw 575 ( \s a s4 I

17215 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 17 APRIL 2025 City Authority and Nwoya District Local Government, has provided alternative land in Nwoya District which has been converted into freehold title in the name of Gulu University. Both the lands have been surveyed, including boundary opening and are now in the final process of doing valuation, in accordance with sections 8 and 11 of the National Forest and Tree Planting Act, 2003, which provides for amendment of the order declaring the forest reserves. Mr Speaker, the pending intervention is for the National Forestry Authority, Gulu City Authority and Gulu University to complete undertaking the Environment and Social Impact Assessment for both the Gulu Central Forest Reserve and the alternative land in Nwoya, which shall be submitted to NEMA for final approval and subsequently, this status shall be submitted to Cabinet for approval. Upon Cabinet approval, my ministry will submit the outcome to this Parliament for further consideration. That is the status of the Central Forest Reserve in Gulu. I beg to submit.

Mr Speaker, if my memory serves me right, the minister moved a motion requesting Parliament to degazette that land in Gulu City. They said the replacement was also there in Nwoya, and Parliament accepted –

I put the question that a total sum of Shs 2,489,823,488,735 be provided for as supplementary recurrent expenditure for the Central Government for the Financial Year 2024/2025. (Question put and agreed to.) Local governments (recurrent expenditure) 1. Vote 601 - Arua City – Shs 64,613,108; 2. Vote 602 – Fort Portal City – Shs 348,225,108; 3. Vote 603 – Gulu City – Shs 116,433,601; 4. Vote 604 - Hoima City – Shs 62,006,925; 5. Vote 605 - Jinja City – Shs 233,784,000; 6. Vote 606 – Lira City – Shs 484,320,000; 7. Vote 607 – Masaka City – Shs 203,216,400; 8. Vote 608 – Mbale City – 10,533,056; 9. Vote 609 - Mbarara City - Shs 81,600,000; 10. Vote 610 - Soroti City – Shs 169,800,000; 11. Vote 701 - Apac Municipal Council - Shs 18,350,000; 12. Vote 703 – Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Council – Shs 57,960,000; Vote 704 – Busia Municipal Council – Shs 7,249,302; 13. Vote 715 – Koboko Municipal Council – Shs 24,318,144;

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would also like to congratulate you on the successful election to the presidency of ACP. Congratulations, on behalf of the people of Gulu City. Mr Speaker, this is an eye-opener to all of us. When some people resist – other people just want to say “yes” for the sake of yes. Now, it is biting. Therefore, we must learn. The eyes have been opened. During RAPEX, a lot of us said: “Please, let us go slow.” Now, this one – when we say some people are being buried on credit, it is because when they are being buried, or sometimes when they commit suicide, it is because they have totally nothing. Or, when they are sick, they are taken to hospital and there is nothing to help them. We are learning the hard way. Let us do the right thing for the people of Uganda. Let us always prepare when we want change. Some people were very happy with RAPEX. However, some of us said: “No”. When we decided to have these entities, what did we want to cure? When we now decide to put them off – for example, energy; last week I was with the minister for energy. I even said: “Please, for cities not to have electricity in some parts – (Member timed out.)

Thank you and maybe respect for our traditions and values that we believe in - (Hon. Ssemujju rose_) - That is one of the things that we want them to respect, as we coexist. We can disagree but respectfully. Yes, father. Thank you. FR CHARLES ONEN (Independent, Laro- Pece Division, Gulu City): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I join you in congratulating the Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker for the opportunity and the grace which he has attained in his career. Madam Speaker, you have a lot on your plate, and the world and history would judge you if you were not to give opportunities to your deputy. You always give Members of Parliament the opportunity to explore their best, and I believe that by endorsing the Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker, you have done your best. You have also reminded us that on Friday, the Muslim brothers and sisters will start their Ramadan period, which is a moment of repositioning oneself to Allah, the Creator. On Wednesday, the Christians will also start the Lenten period, which is a period when the word of God convicts us to think about human life, values, and, above all, respect for human life. It is very, very wrong to pretend to be right when you are wrong. Uganda is bleeding, and everywhere, people are groaning. Instead of being apologetic, we defend what is wrong. When are we going to defend right and reject wrong? You see -

Fr Onen? FR CHARLES ONEN (Independent, Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for granting me this opportunity. I join my colleagues to thank the chairperson of the Committee on Budget and Hon. Ssemujju. There should be consideration for the Local Governments. In 2021, new administrative units were created – new cities, divisions, municipalities and districts – and yet in all these cities, only administrative units are operating without road equipment. For nearly four years, they have been hiring that equipment. If the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development could consider giving road equipment to the new cities. People have been talking about the cancer issue. Last year, I was with my brother at Uganda Cancer Institute for six months; eventually, he passed on. I was with him and the issue of crowding – I am a witness. We need an infrastructure expansion policy for the cancer centre. So far, the Government has prioritised regional centres in northern, eastern and western Uganda like Mbarara, Mbale and Gulu. At the same time, all these centres are

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Attorney-General for the report laid. Mr Speaker, during the sitting in Gulu City, it was also pointed out clearly during the report, as to why West Nile Subregion was not considered during the compensation of the war claimants. People who lived during those days remember vividly how all the media were awash with the wreckage of the buses that were burnt during the Kony times, along Karuma-Pakwach Road. It came as a surprise to so many in the West Nile Subregion that the subregions of Teso, Lango, Acholi were the only ones considered. We expected a good explanation for that, but nothing has been said in the statement as to why the West Nile Subregion was not considered. Mr Speaker, there are cases in court from West Nile. A case, for example, which the Attorney- General is well aware of – because I visited his office a couple of times on this matter – is the case of Samuel Ongeri and 39 others who lost a lot of property during the Kony war. The case has existed since 2016. It went through the Commission of Equal Opportunities as well.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. In the opening remarks of the Attorney- General, he said they are only mandated to pay three subregions, that is, Acholi, Lango, and Teso. That we agree but during the Gulu City sitting, we were given feedback that the payments or the compensation for the people of West Nile was already brought to Parliament, and that we were supposed to have received updates with this feedback that is being given here. Therefore, we are disappointed because he said their mandate is only for the three subregions. That means we do not have any feedback. Mr Speaker, in the National Development Plan (NDP) IV, we do not see the compensation. In the Budget Framework Paper (BFP), we do not see it. I do not want to debate in anticipation; I seek clarity from the Attorney-General’s office whether the people of West Nile are going to be compensated or not. This is because they said that they are coming in the second phase. Yet, he has confirmed that they only have a mandate for the three subregions, as if there is going to be nothing done for the rest. It is a bit disappointing. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I thank you for giving the opportunity to almost all the Members here to say something about compensation and war- related issues. I thank the Attorney-General and the committee for the report. When this matter came up in Gulu City, you will recall that many of us - whereas Hon. Sarah Opendi has said that in her district, Tororo, where I also come from, not all families were affected by the Lakwena war, we are not talking about the Lakwena war alone.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon Prime Minister, I thank the Government for commencing the construction of Akii-Bua Stadium to host AFCON. It came as a Christmas gift to the people of Lango. However, the hosting of AFCON by Akii-Bua Stadium is also premised on the upgrade of Gulu Airfield to an airport and the construction of the Corner Ayer-Corner Aboke-Icheme-Bobi Road, which is the shortest route connecting Gulu City to Lira City. However, we have just two-and-a-half years, and these processes have not begun. I just wanted to know when that upgrade of Gulu Airfield to an airport and construction of Corner Ayer-Corner Aboke- Icheme-Bobi Road is going to start. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is good we are discussing this. Generally speaking, we also need a national law. Probably this was decentralised – the abattoir – to the cities, districts, and municipalities, but they have to have by-laws. Accordingly, some districts, like Kampala City, have very good bylaws. I do not know if we can interest all the cities and the districts to borrow from them - or the Solicitor-General could take responsibility for all the local governments to take the bylaws of Kampala city for abattoirs. I have not heard the name of Gulu City, but it has, I think, the worst abattoir. The worst. If you go there, you will completely say no to meat but we do not talk about it so that those who can eat it. However, it is also unfair to us-

Thank you so much, Hon. Leader of the Opposition. Can I have the Independents second, first? Yes, Father. FR CHARLES ONEN (Independent, Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City): Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is my distinct honour and pleasure to join you and honourable colleagues, in paying tribute to our friend. Death is an inescapable reality that no one can delegate a person to die on his or her behalf. We cannot postpone our own death. Humanity has never got used to death. No one can mock the demise of another person. In African society, solidarity was highly upheld and I believe even up to this time, solidarity must still be appreciated when we lose a colleague, a friend, even an enemy. I was reading on social media yesterday, and somebody said that you should never annoy the system. You can annoy a person because a human being has a conscience and once his selfish ego has been satisfied, he can find in his heart, in his mind, a space to forgive. However, a system will never forgive you. If Ssegirinya happened to annoy the system, I still beg that the system should find space to forgive this man. He has already gone. The one who moved the motion which I am here to second, concluded by saying that may his soul rest in peace. The Leader of the Opposition also spoke the same words, “may his soul rest in peace.” What is this word, “rest in peace?” “Rest in peace”, is derived from the Latin words which means, “requiescat in pace”. It is an idiom which means the person has fought the good war, won the race, and needs to go and rest in peace. A lot has been spoken about our friend; the good things he did in the mighty constituency of Kawempe, and I believe no other leader after him may actually do exactly or those who will come after him may do what he has done for the people of Kawempe. Madam Speaker, some two or three years ago, I met a lady at the entrance being supported to walk into the Parliament. Later, somebody pointed to me that that was the mother of Hon. Ssegirinya. I think this woman was coming, not to look for bread, but for her breadwinner, to find justice. However, justice was not given to her son. Mummy, Allah is the good judge. In the Holy Bible and also in Quran, especially in the book of Prophet Isaiah 57:2, he has found the place of his rest. And I believe the Hon. Ssegirinya has found a place of his rest. All the achievements he has done, the eulogies being given by his colleagues, with the exception of his enemies, I believe it is a credit on his side and truly he will find rest and find peace. Madam Speaker, Uganda is bleeding- we need to accept this and I do not know when this country will find the right bandage to bandage the wounds of this country and Ugandans. We are living in wounds. Everyone finds joy in hurting another person. Much as they say politics is a dirty game, we should be the sanitisers of politics. We should find the right detergent to sanitise politics. Otherwise, I want

Mr Speaker, in March 2020, the Government commenced the construction project for the Gulu Logistics Hub, a very strategic facility serving the entire Northern Uganda, Uganda and the neighbouring countries. However, the project affected several families. The Government had made a commitment to pay them in the form of compensation and severance packages. Some were paid but families that are mainly tenants of Uganda Railways Corporation were not paid. We made several attempts to have them paid. I have personally travelled to the Ministry of Works and Transport more than 12 times; I have been counting but we have not heard any positive feedback. Therefore, I would like to ask the Rt. Hon Prime Minister, if she can very kindly, as usual, compel the Ministry of Works and Transport to have these affected persons, who have been struggling for almost five years now. Some of these families have nowhere to stay. They are in Gulu City. You can imagine the life! My request to the Rt. Hon Prime Minister is to prevail over the Ministry of Works to pay these people. Thank you.

15401 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2024 The project is pending approval by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 8. Hon. Mapenduzi Ojara (Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City) According to him, the Government promised to provide updates on the progress of Northern Uganda Social Action Fund IV, (NUSAF IV) but it has taken several months with no feedback. His prayer is that I update Ugandans on the progress of NUSAF IV. My response The Cabinet, in its meeting of 24 January 2024, authorised my office to design the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund IV projects - that is NUSAF IV – with the support of World Bank to address the high poverty levels in the greater northern Uganda. Noting the satisfactory performance of the previous NUSAF III project, where 3,031,690 poor and vulnerable persons from 606,338 households benefited from the project funds in 5,299 villages, 1,536 parishes in the 67 participating districts, the proposed NUSAF IV will provide effective income support to build the resilience of poor and vulnerable households in northern Uganda. The project design and consultations have been concluded by the project design team, consisting of my office, National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Health, Inspectorate of Government, and other relevant ministries, departments and agencies. National Planning Authority has issued clearance for the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to make arrangements for negotiations with the World Bank and proceed with financing. The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has notified the World Bank and negotiations on the project are still ongoing. The project shall also require approval of the World Bank and Parliament before commencement, which is anticipated in January 2025. 9. Hon. Julius Acon Bua (MP, Otuke East County) His prayer is for me to inform the people of northern Uganda on the steps the Government plans to take for them to tap into the global demands for shea nuts? My response is that shea nut is a tree wildly growing in eastern and northern Uganda. Currently, efforts have been mainly at community and local government, on conservation of these naturally growing trees in the wild not to be taken up by the charcoal business. However, as Government, we note the economic importance and nutritional value of these trees and will look into the measures to propagate them. The Government is currently engaging with development partners to incorporate additional oilseed crops including shea nut, cashew nut, macadamia and Hass avocado into the national oilseed project, supported by oilseed crops. Government is confident that integrating these priority crops will lead to focused efforts to enhance their contributions to the oilseed and vegetable oil value chain in both regional and international markets. Madam Speaker, farmers also have the option of selecting shea nuts as an enterprise to undertake the parish development model. 10. That can I update this house- it came from Hon. Lagen David, Agago County. His prayer is that, can I update this House on the status of implementation of national oil seeds in Northern Uganda? That there are no signs of any impact of this project.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I am happy that the honourable minister is here because yesterday, I raised an issue. Madam Speaker, you are aware that for the last few weeks or months now, the Uganda Investment Authority has been in the media, not for very good reasons. Even yesterday, the media got flooded with different kinds of negative stories. We are aware that the Uganda Investment Authority plays a very critical role, especially in promoting and facilitating investment plans, as well as advocating for a competitive business environment. I would like to hear from the honourable minister whether this constant negative energy that we see being written daily in the newspapers, is good for the face of the country, especially as far as the promotion of investment is concerned. It is important that the ministry addresses some of these issues because it has very bad implications, especially for those who want to invest in this country, but are reading and seeing only negative stories. Finally, I know that some years back, when I was chairman of Gulu, the Uganda Investment Authority got in touch with Gulu District Local Government. At that time, we were not yet a city. The intention was to establish an industrial park. We did our best and provided land. Unfortunately, 13 to 14 years down the road, the whole thing went quiet. Recently, I started hearing goalposts being shifted that we are going to have the industrial park in Nwoya. It would be good for us to be assured where exactly we are going to have this industrial park. Do we still have a plan of having an industrial park in Gulu City and if so, what do we need to do? How far has the ministry gone in trying to handle that? Thank you very much.

14607 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2024 1. Mr Gerald Magili, Assistant Director, Administration; 2. Ms Asia Minja, Assistant Director, House Operations; 3. Ms Asia Msangi, Principal Parliamentary Clerk; 4. Ms Shirima Eunike, Principal Administrative Officer; 5. Ms Neema Msangi, Principal Hansard Reporter; 6. Mr Christopher Comino, Principal Assistant Printer; 7. Ms Mbinga Sikudani, Parliamentary Clerk; 8. Ms Veronika Komba, Legal Service Officer; 9. Ms Jumbe Thuwaiba, Legal Service officer; 10. Mr Daniel Zephania, Legal Service Officer; 11. Mr Ramadhani Kalingonji, Hansard Reporter; and 12. Ms Mashimba Limi, Hansard Reporter. They have come to observe proceedings of this House. Please join me once again in welcoming them. You are always welcome, our brothers and sisters. (Applause) In the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have pupils and teachers of Princess Royal Nursery and Primary School, located in Aswa County, Gulu City. They are represented by Hon. Wokorach Simon Peter, Hon Aol Betty Ochan, and Hon. Laker Sharon Balamoyi. They have come to observe the proceedings of this House. Please join me once again in welcoming them. (Applause) Hon. Ssemujju, they have dedicated the award to you. (Laughter)

Mr Speaker, okay two minutes. I take note of the observations you have made and what is in the report, that most of the issues raised here are issues of general concern. For that matter, the issues that are of general concern that have been raised, are on the Non-Tax Revenue (NTR). We agree with the report as Members and the state Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Planning, my brother and colleague, has taken note of that. Another issue that has come up – and I agree with it - is about the late supply of drugs and other essentials. You requested that I come here and I committed and to that regard, a statement is ready to help me answer that. Another issue that has come up is that of non- functional equipment and old ones. In this financial year, we have put the budget and the process is ongoing to install those that are new, remove those that are non-functional, and ensure that everything is done in this financial year. There are questions again that came up - (Interjections) - can you listen? I am coming to you. I was on the Floor of this House and committed myself to the issues that were raised during the Gulu City sitting. The responses are ready and I will address them at the right time. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We should maybe now switch to something else. Mr Speaker, I rise on the issue of the GROW project. The GROW project in full is “Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises”. We have always seen and heard on TV about it and also gotten some training, especially for us women. In December last year, we got some training on the GROW project but the information we received last year is completely different from what is supposed to be in the implementation. When we were in Gulu City for the regional Parliament, there was a launch at Hotel Africana on 28 th last month and some information was given again and it varies. We now have - is it - six banks to help us implement this GROW project which is meant to support women, especially women in business. What has actually annoyed me in this is that some of us have been sensitising and giving information to our women down there. We thought this was going to be a solution to uplift women’s businesses from where they are to some level. At first, they said it was a credit matching grant, but now it is a loan. Well, we do not mind the loans, but you also find that the terms vary in different banks. Why don’t we harmonise the terms? You find that you also need collateral; is it a land title? Where are the women going to get a land title when it was supposed to be a World Bank grant to Uganda? It is for 2022 to 2027; the time is almost gone. For us, the women from the Acholi Subregion, we would fit very well in this area. Special incentives for women entrepreneurs drawn from underserved minority groups such as Batwa, Ik, Tepeth, and Benet or borrowers in the notably poverty-stricken Karamoja Subregion (10 districts) and Busoga-Bukedi (20 districts). I pray that you add Acholi. You all know that the poverty index right now in Acholi is at 68 per cent and if we leave the Acholi women out, they will find it hard. If I, who is in the city, finds a lot of difficulty, the women in the market will find a lot of difficulties getting this very support, grants or loans. How about – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is a very sad moment that we are paying tribute to one of those very few – you know athletes are not many. And, this one is an international figure – not only national. She is a big loss, first, to the country, and even a bigger loss to the family. So, I send condolences on behalf of the people of Gulu City. This is about domestic violence. I remember that we enacted the Domestic Violence Act in 2007. The Act should be popularised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. We need to popularise and sensitise people on domestic violence and gender-based violence. Even if we think we have done enough, it is not yet enough. There are very many women – and even men – who actually die because of domestic violence. We do not want people to die. Families are meant to be very peaceful and to bring up good children. However, this vice of domestic violence is very rampant. I go with those people who have suggested that the memory of

14176 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT Friday, 30 August 2024 They are not developing or expanding for lack of titles. Hon. Omona, kindly help and follow up on that. We need the minister to report back to the House on the action being taken within two weeks. Thank you. Chairpersons of sub-region groups, we shall move this way: I request that you appoint two people per sub-region to speak on the reports; on the issues which are being raised so that we are able to complete the Order Paper. Otherwise, if we are to debate for much longer, then there are salient issues which we shall leave before handling. At the end, we shall be adjourning the House for two weeks so that we give you time to go to your constituencies. We feel that you should spend more time with your people. When there is serious business, we shall call you and you come and do it in the House. We shall adjourn the House to the 17 th . You need to know that, in case you leave early. I had received a special request from Hon. Remigio Achia; I do not know whether he is already here. We would start with his item if he is here. However, if he is not then we shall continue with the Order Paper. Clerk, please move to item five on the Order Paper. IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament FOURTH SESSION - 15TH SITTING - FIRST MEETING Parliament met at 9.58 a.m. at Kaunda Grounds, Gulu City. PRAYERS (The Deputy Speaker, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

14180 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT in Karamoja. In Karamoja, the biggest burden of household welfare is shouldered by the women. They must ensure that there is food, a home, and that the children go to school so, you can imagine the burden our women are carrying. When they are overwhelmed, the children automatically support and they become labourers. The rate of child labour in our region is so high. When they are overwhelmed, they end up in the streets begging. The children do it to support their mothers. We have repatriated a number of our children from the cities in our country. Two years ago, there were women and children here in Gulu City coming from Kotido. About 60 of them had come to look for a living. We sent them back to Kotido. There was another group that came from Kaabong to Busia. We sent them back to Kaabong. There are thousands of children from Napak who are begging in Kampala. The reason is this: because of our cultural dynamics, the mothers are overwhelmed. They cannot afford both household welfare and now the cost of education. I support this motion and I appeal that you support us in this one, honourable colleagues. When you do it, you will liberate not just the children who cannot access education at the moment, but also the women so that they will be able to focus their energy on other welfare needs, because the burden of tuition, in addition to what they are already carrying, is too much. I plead with you, colleagues, that we allow this to pass. It will be good for the region. For every woman in Karamoja who does not have an income or even a living to sustain this burden, that burden is multiplied by six because we produce six children. And then you produce six children who will also be poor. The multiplier effect on the economic burden for this country is so high if we cannot have these children access education. I submit.

Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity. I know it is not in order for me to bring a matter of national importance here but there is a pressing issue in Gulu District and Gulu City. There is a ban on charcoal business in this region. Mr Speaker, I would like to let you know that for the last two weeks, there has been an operation for the curb charcoal business in the region. All that we were trying to do was to conserve the environment. However, it is very unfortunate that for the last two weeks, the people of Gulu District and Gulu City have been suffering and almost failing to cook food at their homes because soldiers have been deployed to ensure that bags of charcoal, a single bag of charcoal or even a half sack of charcoal is not allowed to pass or to be sold or bought by the citizens of this area. For that reason, people are crying foul. Here, we cannot afford to cook using gas. [Mr Acon] ADDRESS BY H.E. THE PRESIDENT OF UGANDA

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

14223 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 30 AUGUST 2024 service infrastructure, the human resources, availabilities of medicine and supplies, and the diagnostics. Methodology I will not go through the details, but we met with the regional referral hospitals that gave us a representative report of the different districts. We also engaged the District Health Officers (DHOs) to give us reports of the key issues within their districts. In addition, we sampled several general hospitals, health centres IV and health centres III. Findings I will begin with the Acholi Subregion, which we had an overview on table three of the health facilities; the 214 health facilities. However, within the subregion, we also got information on the different causes of morbidity; that is the most common diseases, and also mortality. Key to note is malaria, where they registered 1.4 million cases in the last financial year. Secondly, in terms of mortality, malaria is also the leading cause of mortality, followed by several conditions that affect neonates, anaemia, neonatal conditions, and neonatal sepsis. Nodding disease syndrome The committee was informed that where there were no new cases of nodding disease syndrome reported in the Acholi Subregion, the current patients affected by the syndrome are in dire need of nutritional, and psychosocial care and rehabilitation. Sickle cell disease The committee also noted that sickle cell disease presents a big burden to the population with challenges of accessing sickle cell testing and medication. In the specific findings in terms of: 1) Distribution of health facilities Acholi Subregion has a population of 2,047,118, and it has one regional referral hospital, Gulu, located in Gulu City, two general hospitals; Anaka General Hospital and Kitgum General Hospitals, are Government and two private not-for-profits, which are Lacor Hospital and Kalongo Hospital. The ministry guidelines on designation for upgrading health facilities require that for every population of 500,000, there should be a general hospital and it also provides for every 100,000, there should be a health centre IV. We noted that there are eight health centres IV in the subregion, serving 19 constituencies and there are several subcounties without a health centre III, contrary to the ministry guidelines where every subcounty must have a health centre III. For example, Amuru District only had four subcounties. Recommendations i. The Ministry of Health should plan and add more general hospitals in the Acholi Subregion; ii. They should also have an additional health centre IV to cover the remaining areas; and iii. They should ensure that those subcounties that need to have health centre III are also provided. 2) Infrastructure and utilities Whereas a number of infrastructure had been constructed within the subregion, there were several facilities with old dilapidated structures, incomplete structures, stalled projects, and inadequate scarce, among others. Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, for instance, had a project of 54 units of staff accommodation that started 10 years ago and is still incomplete with stalled works due to the non-release of funds for the previous three financial years. They require Shs 3 billion to complete this project, whose total cost was Shs 6.8 billion at the time it began in 2014.

14224 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT On health centres IV, we visited Awach Health Centre IV and noted that they do not have enough infrastructure. However, we were informed that a supplementary budget amounting to Shs 400 million, which was released in 2023/2024 for remodelling the general ward, was reportedly, as informed to us, diverted by the Ministry of Health after the procurement process had reached the Solicitor General’s office, and since then all works have stalled. We also noted that there are some of the health centres III that have been upgraded, but do not have an outpatient department section to make them fully functional. We also visited the Uganda Cancer Institute, which has a regional branch located in Gulu, and we were informed that they need 15 acres for land expansion and staff accommodation. However, the in-charge informed the committee that there is government land, which was identified and titled under Omoro District Local Government, yet it currently falls under Gulu City. Therefore, the institute is facing challenges in acquiring this additional land for expansion. Recommendations i) The Government to appropriate funds to the tune of Shs 3 billion to complete the 54 staffing units at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital that has taken over 10 years to complete. ii) The Government appropriates funds for completion of the maternity units that have stalled in the different health facilities. iii) In addition, we recommend an upgrade of health centres to make them fully operational and the construction of OPDs in health centres III where they are lacking. iv) The Shs 400 million supplementary budget for Financial Year 2023/2024 for remodelling of the general ward at Awach Health Centre IV that was diverted should be reinstated. We also noted that one of the theatres had been damaged and destroyed due to a fire. We, therefore, also recommend that the Government should further institute fire prevention measures across all health facilities and should also engage the Uganda Cancer Institute, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to address the issue of additional land for the institute. In regard to the status of human resource, Mr Speaker –

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I would like to join and identify myself with the committee’s report, which was well presented by my senior brother, Hon. Dr Opio. Mr Speaker, sometimes you just ask yourself questions. An appropriation is done, specifically to execute a duty towards service delivery - like what happened to Awach Health Centre IV. Money was allocated - Shs 400 million – but, all of a sudden, the money disappears, yet the work has already begun. Then, the work stalls and nobody can give a clear explanation, either to the people on the ground or to the district local government. You wonder why. Number two, Mr Speaker, looking at the Government policy of having a health centre III in all the sub-counties that we have – I want to plead with the committee and the whole House. In my own district of Gulu, up to now, you find that Paibona, Pukony, Owalo and Bungatira subcounties are still lacking health centres III, giving a big load to the health centre IV, which is serving a population of 135,000 people. If the Government wants to walk the talk, let us implement the policy the way it is on paper and the way it is in the country. Mr Speaker, up to now, in Awach Health Centre IV, when a patient dies, you need to come up to Gulu City to access the mortuary at Gulu Referral Hospital or you beg and access the mortuary at the UPDF 4 th Division Barracks. I would like to plead, again, that that should be taken into account so that our population gets the services down and near where they are. I beg to humbly submit.

Mr Speaker, I take this great opportunity to thank you. I also thank you, Members, for your patience and deliberations during this very historic and auspicious occasion, when Parliament sits in the region of northern Uganda, particularly on Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City. Mr Speaker, I thank you, again, for giving a lot of attention to the matters pertaining to this region. I know very well that time has not been enough and, also, that we do not have to ignore the rest of the country as we debate matters of northern Uganda. However, I am very confident and happy that much as not everything about northern Uganda has been exhaustively discussed here, at least, a substantial number of issues have been raised here and they have brought to light an emphasis on matters of northern Uganda. I was told that for these last three days, everywhere in northern Uganda here, people were either glued to the TV channels or listening to radio, paying great attention to the debates of the matters of Uganda and, particularly, northern Uganda. I thank, very much, the people of northern Uganda, for also giving attention and listening to the matters concerning their region. A lot has been said here, but like you have heard, many issues in northern Uganda here are historical. Therefore, I implore and call upon the leaders of northern Uganda – elected, appointed, opinion and religious leaders to take it very seriously to guide the people, especially on matters of wealth creation. Wealth creation is a personal effort. Here in northern Uganda, particularly here in Gulu, we have started calling the campaign for wealth creation as “ giri giri” . Giri giri is an Acholi expression, meaning “it is yours” – what is yours is personal. It is a personal effort. I call upon all the leaders in northern Uganda to take it very seriously. Secondly, Mr Speaker, I also call upon the leaders of northern Uganda that since many of your issues here are historical, please, tell your children about your past; tell your children about your history. Pleasant or bitter, good or bad, your society and your children must know your past. This is very important; it will guide your future. Mr Speaker, I cannot thank you enough, but I call upon all the people of northern Uganda, especially those who have been watching and those who have been following on radios and other channels, to take it seriously that this has been an opportunity to highlight the issues of northern Uganda. I hope it will also help you to follow up on matters of your country in all your areas; communities and workplaces so that you help the Government and your leaders [The Deputy Speaker] MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

Mr Speaker, I take this opportunity to thank the people of northern Uganda. We have been here, but some of us do not want to leave because this area has fresh air. I have not polished my shoes ever since I came from Kampala. (Laughter) So, I would like to thank the people of northern Uganda for the hospitality. The food has been very good. The hotels have been very exceptional. You sleep and rest well. Mr Speaker, even the garbage collection is very good; there are no landfills to collapse here. The experience we have had in northern Uganda, for these few days, shows that these people are good people, and we should appreciate them. (Applause) If only one could think like me, I would even move a motion and we leave Kampala to be a commercial city and we make Gulu a business city. ( Applause) Mr Speaker, as I conclude on thanking the people of northern Uganda, even at night, we have been peaceful. We have been walking and moving around. These people are friendly. None of us is injured. There is no case registered. They are hospitable. Indeed, if we are looking for tourist attraction areas, also, let us enhance northern Uganda. Tourists like good roads. Tourists like good hotels. Tourists like good food. We have put on weight, you can see, Mr Speaker. This is not my original size, but I am sure because of being in Gulu City, I am now a better person. Finally, I congratulate all Members of Parliament from Northern Uganda for being hospitable. Some of us did not have cars and they were able to provide and we could move around because we could not move with our coasters. I thank my colleagues also for the hospitable reception they have given us. I wish everybody a safe journey. Those who are still around, the holiday is still on; we are still in Gulu and then we shall return officially on Monday. I beg to submit. (Applause)

14090 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT Thursday, 29 August 2024 regions check and get back to us because we need action taken on what we have resolved. Similarly, I hope the Sectoral Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries embraces the guidance that the House extended to it and the scope of its oversight undertaking so that we have a comprehensive report. We picked some ideas from what we talked about here – from the guidance that we gave – and we will transform those ideas into our communication to the President. As northern Uganda, we have a lot of land. We will not go into a four-acre model. All we need is mechanisation, irrigation, agricultural enterprise selection and seeds. Much as we are saying that we want people to plant coffee in Gulu here, we need seedlings and dairy. I was shown a milk coolant, which has been here for a long time without being used. We need value addition in agriculture. We have market for the products, but how does what we produce reach Sudan? We need the roads to be worked on for our goods to reach their destination. Honourable members, yesterday, we spent a significant amount of time debating the report on physical infrastructure. This was expected to last a short time, but it became a catalyst to all that is going to be presented. On today’s Order Paper, we still have a fairly significant volume of pending business, which we should handle as fast as possible. IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament FOURTH SESSION - 14TH SITTING - FIRST MEETING Parliament met at 9.02 a.m. at Kaunda Grounds, Gulu City. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Annet Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

14107 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 29 AUGUST 2024 We also recognise and appreciate the decision to elevate three municipalities into cities. These are notably; Gulu, Lira, and Arua cities plus Moroto which is not yet operationalised, but it was passed. This elevation status has created immense opportunities for the region, which, if properly harnessed, will bolster the development of this area. Your Excellency, we also recognise that northern Uganda is not a homogeneous society. The different subregions within northern Uganda have peculiar realities which impact on their growth and development. However, there are cross cutting realities notably; the post war recovery, the high level of poverty and ever growing youth population a fair number of which are unemployed, a large track of arable land, averse national resources, the high influx of refugees, environmental degradation, limited transport infrastructure, heavy reliance on subsistence agriculture, limited value addition to agricultural output, retrogressive cultural practices such as cattle rustling, and the subjection of women and girl child, the enormous water resources, lack of health facilities and lack of enough schools. For instance, if you look at Gulu, Gulu City does not have a Senior five, A-level school. While we have a number of issues that affect each and every area that is; West Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja. Then delayed compensation of war victims and lack of compensation for the land that was taken over during the insurgency. Your Excellency, the sitting specifically took cognisance of the need for mindset change as a major catalyst for increased production and social-economic transformation in the northern region. In addition, the House recognised the need to embrace viable cash crops, livestock agriculture, agricultural mechanisation and value addition, and sustainable organic farming, among others. The Sitting recognised the importance of reliable transport and communication infrastructure as an enabler of growth and development. To this end, Members raised the need for the rehabilitation and development of strategic national roads infrastructure in the different regions notably; Moroto-Kotido- Kaabong-Karenga Road, Koboko-Yumbe- Moyo Road, Kitgum-Kidepo Road, Nebbi- Goli-Paidha-Zombo-Warr-Vurra Road. They are very many of them plus bridges and we shall hand it over to you. Including our famous Karuma Bridge that is about to give way. Your Excellency, at the end of this Sitting, I will submit to you a memorandum detailing the specifics of the areas of concern that this House has passed, that the committees found on ground and need to be worked on in the northern region. Members noted the need to work to ensure the success of the prevailing government development initiatives such as Emyooga . The 4-acre model may not be vital in this area because we have all the land. What we need is to do mechanisation, provide some funds in societies, create market for these products, identify the cash crops to be grown in this area to have a participatory approach to what is being done in this area and have a micro- credit scheme by adapting such programmes to local realities in order to achieve meaningful outcomes in the region. Your Excellency, at the end of the Sitting, we will transmit these resolutions for your relevant action as the Chief Finance Minister of this country. All these relate to finances. Our work is to find out what is lacking but at the end of the day, it all comes back to the Chief Finance Minister who is none other than your good self. As the leadership of the Legislature, we intend to have the regional sittings as a salient aspect of our legislative culture and vision of taking Parliament to the people. We, being a people- centred Parliament, we believe in evidence- based legislation and this can ably be done by our committees who go to the ground and find out what is happening there and report back to Parliament. Your Excellency, I now take the singular honour to invite you to address the House and

14110 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT Let us start with the Hon. Lamwaka. You will bear with me; the President has only 30 minutes remaining, with us. He has other things to do, but because he loves northern Uganda, he has been able to come here. Your Excellency, Gulu City is the cleanest city that you can talk of. These people moved the whole night. The place is so peaceful. Hon. Lamwaka, just two minutes.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for your wise ruling. As I conclude, yes, we have achieved peace but I want to state very clearly that we are in the process of managing the peace and there are salient challenges that, colleagues, you agree with me, need to be attended to. For those of you who have been to the town of Gulu City, when you move late at night, in some other parts of the suburb of the city, we have so many young people; children and youth who are stranded and living in the streets. This is as a result of the armed conflict that has been in the region. According to the statistics that you have got, Madam Speaker, so far, we have about 2,000 children and young people who are stranded on the streets, snatching women’s handbags and grabbing money around the local markets. We are getting back to a state of where there is no actual peace in the real community where these women are living. We need to deal with how to address the plight of these children who are living on the streets. I want to implore Parliament and Your Excellency the President, to ensure a special programme for these street children in Gulu and the neighbouring districts of Gulu City and to settle these children who are on the streets. Secondly, there are special programmes of Government coming in the area but when you look at the impact and how they are being received by the community, there are a lot of gaps. This is because of a mindset problem. Many people have talked about mindset; this is as a result of the armed conflict. After the war, they brought in the programme of Peace Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) but PRDP had a component of ensuring that we address the question of psycho-social support and this was not dealt with comprehensively. For this reason, we rushed quickly to implement development programmes and left the aspect of psycho-social support. That is why, today, when we are living in our community, we have so many children who have returned from captivity, who were born in captivity but they have nowhere to belong and yet these are people who need to be attended to very closely psychologically.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. This House has already taken note that before the conflict, farmers here had a lot of animals. And so, before we delve into how the Government can support, we need to look at what happened and what is happening now. Madam Speaker, many things have happened but, currently, there are many things that impede the growth of livestock in northern Uganda, especially cows in Acholi. One of them is that the quality of veterinary drugs that are available here cannot be trusted by the farmers. You buy drugs to control ticks, but when you apply them, they do not control them. So, we urge the Government to try and control the quality and make the environment for livestock better than it is. Madam Speaker, also, for a farmer to improve the breed, they should avoid inbreeding. To avoid inbreeding, you need to buy cows of other breeds from elsewhere. As we speak now, Madam Speaker, it is very difficult for a farmer in Acholi or even West Nile to buy cows from across Karuma. You need eight different approvals, which makes it entirely difficult, especially for the local farmers. Madam Speaker, also, when we talk about livestock farming, we are not just talking about cows. So, in this motion, the Government should look into the whole livestock industry, including birds. About two weeks ago, Madam Speaker, in this city of Gulu, there was very little supply of eggs. Traders had to rush to Kampala and other towns to bring eggs to serve the needs of Gulu City. That means there is also a wide market for other forms of livestock. Madam Speaker, while we have institutions being strengthened now, it is important that we strengthen continuous research into farming because all that farmers need is a good environment, quality drugs and seed money to begin with. I thank you and I support this motion.

Madam Speaker, the issue we are dealing with is in the middle and at the heart of the issues that people want to listen to in northern Uganda. This issue started with some of the things that happened in 1986. Madam Speaker, if there is anything that people have been telling us, the leaders of northern Uganda, that must come out clearly in this regional sitting of Parliament in Gulu City, is the issue of compensation. The Deputy Attorney-General has been at the centre of this issue for a long time, and is a source of confusion as per our knowledge as leaders from northern Uganda. If there is anything that he wants - I thought he was going to ask you for only this night to consult his technical team so that the debate takes place tomorrow when he is here presenting the facts he has found from his technical team. Madam Speaker, if we leave this place in Gulu without discussing this particular report which is at the heart of –

14004 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT Wednesday, 28 June 2024 Parliament meets on such days and such places as the Speaker determines; NOW, THEREFORE , in accordance with Rule 17(1) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, I hereby proclaim that ; (1) Parliament shall sit at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City on 28, 29 and 30 August 2024 ; and (2) Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City be the precincts of Parliament for the above- mentioned purpose. GIVEN under my hand at Parliament House, Kampala on the 7 th day of August 2024. Anita Annet Among (MP) Speaker of Parliament of Uganda.” COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker, who is about to join us and honourable members of Parliament, the Leader of Government Business and the entire Front Bench, the Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Cabinet ministers, all local leaders present, notably: the Resident District/City Commissioners (RDCs/ RCCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), district chairpersons, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), local council leaders, religious leaders, representatives of the civil society, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to this historic sitting of the Parliament of Uganda at Kaunda Grounds, Gulu City. IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament FOURTH SESSION - 13TH SITTING - FIRST MEETING Parliament met at 10.00 a.m. at Kaunda Grounds, Gulu City, Northern Uganda. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Annet Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. PROCLAMATION

14005 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024 It is the first time, in post-colonial times, that the Parliament of Uganda is sitting outside the Capital City of Uganda - Kampala. In a special way, please join me in thanking the lovely people of Gulu City, for the warm welcome and the extraordinary hospitality they have accorded to us while we are here. Thank you so much, people of Gulu. I would also like, in a special way, to thank the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for endorsing and equally supporting our sitting in Gulu. We will be forever grateful to him. Further, let me also commend the Clerk to Parliament and his staff for ensuring the success of our sitting. Thank you, my wonderful staff of Parliament. In a very special way, I would like to thank the Members of Parliament; you are very gracious people. Travelling from Kampala to Gulu means you are leaders who love your country, Uganda. You travelled all the way from the West, East and Central to sit in Gulu; thank you, for coming. Honourable members, the decision to hold Parliamentary sittings in Uganda’s traditional four regions is a strategy to bridge the gap between Parliament and the people. This decision was based on an elaborate cost-benefit analysis and attention to the specific and varying nature of the distinct realities affecting the different regions of Uganda. We have always sat in Parliament and made decisions for the country forgetting the difference from one to other. They have distinct issues that need to be handled, region by region. Contrary to misinformation by some members and sections of the public, the regional sittings of Parliament are budget neutral; we are not incurring additional costs. A strategic decision was taken to upgrade the always budgeted-for parliamentary outreaches into fully-fledged House sittings, which will deliberate upon matters that are distinct and pertinent to specific regions hosting the sittings. Unlike outreaches, the deliberations during these sittings will culminate into parliamentary resolutions that will require Government action. We have money that is always available for outreaches. In these outreaches, we could only go and invite the leaders of the area and discuss with them. However, in this case, we said that instead of calling the leaders in these areas only, let us go and have a sitting in those specific regions, get the issues affecting them, have the resolutions and forward them to the Executive for action to be taken in those particular areas. When you look at the budget of Parliament, you will notice that no money was added for this sitting. So, the people moving with the misinformation just do not like the northern region. Parliament is not a stationery building; the building in Kampala is not Parliament. It is an Arm of Government that can convene in any part of the country, and this is not unique to the Legislature; it is also being done by the Judiciary. It is prescribed under Article 95(2) of the Constitution that the Speaker shall proclaim, at any one time, where Parliament should sit. Where Parliament is, is where the Speaker is and is where the Speaker proclaims that “this will be Parliament”. So, this perception of saying that Parliament must always sit in Kampala is selfish. Next time we can sit anywhere - we can even proclaim the middle of Kampala Road to be Parliament and we shall sit there . A people-centred Parliament must be responsive to the needs of its citizens or else society will be without effective parliamentary representation. Remember our roles, as Parliament, are: representation, legislation, appropriation and oversight. The 11 th Parliament, right from inception in 2021, vowed to put the people at the centre of the legislative process and its decisions. That is why we are bringing Parliament to the people;

14006 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT we have brought Parliament to the people. We do not want people to come to Parliament; we have brought it to them. Legally and procedurally, the regional sittings of Parliament are anchored in Article 95(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995. Some of us were not even there, but the framers understood that at one time we could decide to sit in Gulu, Mbarara or Masaka. Rule 17 of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Uganda also empowers the Speaker to convene Parliament at such a place and time through a proclamation – which we have already done. You may recall that at the start of today’s sitting, a proclamation was made – and it has always been done. That is why we always sit in Kololo. It is the same legal basis upon which Parliament sits in Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and Kampala Serena Hotel. In any case, Gulu City, where we are holding this historic sitting, is part of Uganda. Therefore, no one, in their right state of mind, can attempt to deprive the beloved people of Northern Uganda of the opportunity of hosting this landmark sitting. How I pray that those who are boycotting, do not come to Gulu or the greater north only when it is campaign time. Honourable members, this is the first of the planned four regional sittings that Parliament will host this financial year. In the second quarter, we shall go to another region. The next sitting will be communicated – where we shall be sitting. It may be in the east, west or central. At all these regional sittings, Parliament will prioritise matters of urgent and utmost importance to the specific region hosting the sitting. Honourable members and the local communities of Northern Uganda will confirm that over the last few weeks, various parliamentary committees have been conducting oversight roles on various areas of service delivery in the region. The relevant committees will present their reports in the course of the next three days. We will discuss them and appropriate action will be taken by the Executive – and, to confirm all this, that is why the President will be here tomorrow to hear the issues that are arising out of the northern region. Remember, we have been budgeting for most of these activities. We now need to understand whether there is value for money in whatever we have been appropriating money for. These reports, alongside the various motions, will be exhaustively deliberated upon by the House and resolutions will be passed and transmitted to the relevant Government agencies or departments for action. Pursuant to Rule 220 of the Rules of Procedure, the House will require actions taken on the reports from the relevant agencies of Government on the status of implementation of the findings from the committees that have been on the ground – and from what we have discussed in this session. I, therefore, urge Members of Parliament from across the political divide to actively debate and deliberate on the issues affecting this region. We can find solutions for the benefit and well- being of the people of the greater north. In the spirit of constructive engagement, we encourage all stakeholders to desist from opposing progressive initiatives aimed at fostering cohesion and growth, and embrace unity and cooperation in the furtherance of inclusive decision-making and progress. Unity is strength. Let us build a Uganda that will work for everybody. You cannot be seen fighting the decision of holding a sitting in an area or Gulu - Gulu – Kaunda Grounds – where the Pope was in 1993 and Gulu, which is on the map of the political history of Uganda, and you say, “We are boycotting”! Well, while it has been boycotted, I see all the Members of Parliament here. I salute you, Members of Parliament. (Applause) [The Speaker] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Betty Aol Ocan. I am the Member of Parliament for Gulu City. I am here to welcome Parliament to Gulu City. You are all welcome.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My name is Sarah Aguti, the Woman Member of Parliament for Dokolo District, and I belong to Uganda People’s Congress Party. I welcome you all to Gulu City and Northern Uganda at large. Thank you.

Thank you. FR ONEN: Madam Speaker and colleagues, I am Rev. Fr Charles Onen, representing the people of Laro-Pece Division, Gulu City. You are most welcome.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Eng. Irene Nafuna Muloni, Woman Member of Parliament for Bulambuli District. It is a pleasure being in this beautiful Gulu City and thank you for making it happen. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My name is Laker Sharon Balmoyi, the Woman Member of Parliament for Gulu District. I would like to thank you and His Excellency, for allowing this first historical event of bringing Parliament to the people; to Gulu City. Warm greetings from the people of Gulu. We have been eagerly waiting for this day and it is good it has come to pass. We love you, Madam Speaker and honourable colleagues, for making it here. Madam Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to thank the President, you, the Speaker, honourable ministers and colleagues for having stood with me when I lost my husband last month. Thank you all for the support that you rendered to my family. We will forever remain grateful. May God bless you all. Thank you for coming. Feel at Gulu, feel at home.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. As I introduce myself, I beg your indulgence to acknowledge and appreciate the leadership and the people of Gulu City for the cleanliness that we have observed in this city. We thank you very much. I am Richard Oseku Oriebo, representing Kibale County in Pallisa District, and also the chairperson of the Bukedi Parliamentary Caucus. Thank you very much.

14031 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024 We thank you for the blessings from the Papal seat. I also thank Hon. Mapenduzi, the former Chairperson of Gulu City, for the beautiful roads and clean town. Thank you so much for the work you did here before coming to Parliament.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Cosmas Elotu is my name, Member of Parliament representing the people of Dakabela County in Soroti. Thank you for this great initiative. While on the way to Gulu - and I think all Members may have realised the infringement on the road reserves. As you approach Gulu City - I do not know how we shall expand those roads because of the incoming pipeline. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to communication from the Chairperson and subject to the provision of Rule 25(2)(e) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, I rise such that the record of Parliament sitting at Gulu City captures three fundamental facts, which are aimed at paying glowing tribute to you as the leader of the institution of Parliament and the entire parliamentary leadership upon bringing this parliamentary sitting here, in Gulu City, Northern Uganda. Madam Speaker, I pay tribute to you and the entire leadership of Parliament because, first and foremost, historically, in the post- and pre- independence history of Uganda, this is the first time that the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda – from the First Parliament to the 11 th Parliament that you preside over – is sitting outside Uganda’s capital city, Kampala. We need to commend you, on record, for this. (Applause) Historically, again, after the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution, there is no single moment that the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda is recorded to have sat outside our capital, Kampala. Again, this is another glowing tribute to you. Secondly, we have been hearing people talking about the regional Parliament. I would wish to state that, legally, in the minds of the framers of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, as amended, they envisaged a situation where the Presiding Officer would take Parliament to any part, as long as it is within the Republic of Uganda. So, legally, our sitting in Gulu is anchored on the provision of Article 95(2) of the Constitution, implying that for any Member of this House who refuses to be in Gulu, that act should be termed as unconstitutional and against the spirit of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. So, we want to thank you and the leadership of Parliament for, for the first time in our history, operationalising Article 95(2) of the COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

14035 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024 Constitution of Uganda, by bringing this Parliament to Gulu – which is within Uganda. Finally, Madam Speaker, you should be commended, together with the leadership of Parliament because, economically, this sitting in Gulu is a big boost to the Gulu economy and to the northern Uganda economy. Over 10 committees of parliament, in the last two weeks, were deployed to West Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja. All these Members were sleeping in hotels within this region, and, for these days, we are sleeping in hotels in Gulu, eating from restaurants in Gulu and fueling cars from fuel stations in Gulu. This implies that a farmer growing cassava within a village called Tegwanda, in Gulu City here, benefits because we are eating food that is locally grown. So, the sitting, termed as “regional”, has three fundamental importance that must go on record: legally; economically; and historically. The multiplier effect is huge. Very finally, I wish, again, to thank His Excellency the President who accepted, under Article 101 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, to come to Gulu tomorrow and address this Parliament and, by extension, address the country through this sitting in Gulu. Madam Speaker, it is imperative that this tribute be attributed to you because you will live in the history of our Parliament to have set a record of taking Parliament to the people because legislative power is derived from the people. Madam Speaker, I beg to submit. Thank you.

Honourable members, before we hear from the Minister of Northern Region, who had barazas with the different stakeholders, in the VIP Gallery this afternoon, we have the Most Reverend John Baptist Odama, the archbishop emeritus. He is right there. Join me in welcoming him. (Applause) He has done a lot for Northern Uganda. He did what he could at his time. We also have Mr James Tolit, the Town Clerk of Laroo-Pece, Gulu City. Thank you for coming and they are: 1. Mr Emmanuel Oroch, the LC V Chairperson, Nwoya District; 2. Mr Christopher Opio, the LC V Chairperson, Gulu District; 3. Mr Martin Okumu, the Deputy Prime Minister, Ker Kwaro Acholi – that is the cultural institution; 4. Ms Jane Frances Amongin, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Gulu City; 5. Mr Samuel Ojok, the Agago District Speaker; 6. Mr Innocent Ahimbisibwe, Gulu City Town Clerk; 7. Mr Kamba Amir, Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Gulu City; 8. Mr Lotee Paul, LC V Chairman, Kotido District; 9. Mr Cosmas Okidi, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Gulu District; 10. Ms Stella Abeto, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Kitgum District; 11. Mr Joseph Nangole, LC V Chairperson, Amudat District; 12. Mr Geoffrey Otim, Division Mayor, Laroo-Pece, Gulu City; 13. Mr Richard Bukone, the CAO, Gulu City; 14. Mr Sam Atuil, Lira City Mayor; 15. Mr Semei Okwir, the former RDC; Prof. George Ladaah, the Vice Chancellor, Gulu University; 16. Ms Grace Atim, RDC, Zombo District; 17. Col (Rtd) Ogwoya Oyat, LC V Chairperson, Pader District; 18. Mr Orik Okello, LC V Chairperson, Lira District; 19. Ms Akello Alice Opio, RDC, Gulu District; 20. Mr Muwonge Mbaagwa, CAO, Agago District; 21. Mr Christopher Arwai, LC V Chairperson, Kitgum; and 22. Mr Geoffrey Osborn Oceng, RDC, Nwoya District. They have come to witness today’s proceedings. (Applause) Yes, honourable minister. THE MINISTER OF STATE, OFFICE OF

Madam Speaker, I take this auspicious and historic occasion to welcome you to Northern Uganda, particularly Gulu City. Madam Speaker, sitting to conduct business of Parliament in this beautiful, lively and peaceful city, especially on Kaunda Grounds here two decades after the war in this region, gives me hope that as long as communities live, anything is possible in their journeys. I now have great hope in the transformation and development of the region and I thank the people, their leaders, the Government of Uganda for their resilience and resolve for peace. This peace and tranquillity came at a huge cost and we should guard it jealously. When I talk about Northern Uganda, which falls under my docket, I mean the six subregions of Uganda; West Nile, Acholi, Lango, Elgon and its slopes which is Bugisu, Sebei and Bukedi, touching the international borders of the DRC, South Sudan and Kenya in the east. However, for this sitting, Madam Speaker, and my statement, I will confine myself to the subregions of West Nile, Acholi and Lango. I will wait for you - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

14049 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024 Atiak-Apyeta-Lamwo-Kitgum Road This road links Lamwo and Kitgum to the regional economic hub at Atiak and provides a key route for cross-border trade with South Sudan. Developing this road to high-grade standards will not only improve regional connectivity, but also boost economic activities, enhance service delivery and reduce travel times between key districts. Madam Speaker, Members earlier on alluded to Nebbi-Goli and other networks of the roads in West Nile that should also be given due attention. The committee recommends that: 1. The Government and relevant authorities should prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of oil roads in Nwoya District to align with their policy commitments. This is because in Acholi subregion, the oil roads have not been optimally worked on, as you would see in other regions. 2. The Ministry of Works and Transport conducts feasibility studies on the above- mentioned strategic roads and have them tarmacked. 3. The Government should allocate sufficient funds and resources to ensure timely and quality construction and maintenance of these roads so as to enhance economic and social growth to the region. The District Urban and Community Access Roads (DUCAR) The committee observed that the network in most local governments was in fair to poor condition. The committee observed that in Financial Year 2023/2024, the Government allocated Shs 1 billion to local governments for rehabilitation of roads and, this year, the same amount has been allocated for road maintenance following a parliamentary recommendation to rename the grant. During oversight, the committee established that the Shs 1 billion had enabled Gulu City to rehabilitate some roads and construct two bridges (box culverts), improving the condition of the network in the city. In Apac, the funds enabled them to rehabilitate roads which had not happened in over 10 years, and similar reports were received from other local governments across northern Uganda. The committee noted that only districts have road equipment, while cities and municipalities rely on bureaucratic processes of requesting for equipment from the Executive Director of UNRA, since the district equipment is always utilised with the provision of Shs 1 billion and money is released at the same time. Further, the committee observed that while the Government shifted to the policy on Force on Account and districts are now using Force on Account for maintenance of roads, the works departments have no supervision vehicles. This makes it challenging for the staff in the works department to supervise equipment and ongoing works in the field. The committee recommends that; 1. The Government provides additional funding towards maintenance and rehabilitation of roads. 2. The Government provides supervision vehicles to the works departments to facilitate supervision of road works and equipment. Madam Speaker, allow me to make this footnote: northern Uganda has only one regional mechanical workshop – which is stationed here in Gulu – that supervises the entire northern Uganda. The committee recommended that at least each subregion be funded to have its own mechanical workshop. USMID roads The committee noted that the USMID roads completed under phase I were being maintained by the respective local governments. However, the life span of most of the solar lights expired.

14050 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT In Gulu City, 162 lights had been replaced using local revenue from property tax. However, vandalism of the solar batteries was reported as a major challenge experienced by the USMID project during phase I. Gulu City alone had 15 criminals arrested and are being prosecuted The USMID project has no component for land acquisition and, so, the local government depends on the goodwill of the people. Where the people refuse, the carriageway is reduced since there is no provision for land compensation in the project. Further, the committee was informed that, often, road construction works involve relocation of utilities. However, during the process of implementation, the utility companies demand that local governments replace them with upgraded and more expensive installations. The committee recommends as follows; 1. Local governments should continue sensitising the population of the individual benefits of paved roads to increase on the goodwill of project-affected persons. 2. Utility companies that are upgrading their utilities should work hand in hand with the relevant stakeholders. 3. Concerned government ministries, departments and authorities should work together and come up with clear guidelines and engage with one another so as to address disagreements between local government entities and utility companies. Madam Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to thank Gulu City for the good management of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Project. I thank Gulu City, because in other parts of the country where we went for oversight, there is a delay. For example, in Mbarara, Ntungamo and Kabale, there was a serious delay. We can say that Gulu City is a benchmarking point for successfully implementing the USMID Project. Madam Speaker, allow me to touch briefly on the regional mechanical workshop, then I will conclude. I will invite Members to go through the report because of time constraints. Gulu Regional Mechanical Workshop was established in 2001, as a regional workshop servicing 12 districts at the time, in the subregions of Acholi, Lango, Karamoja and West Nile. The beneficiary districts have since increased to 38. The workshop’s primary responsibility is major repairs on equipment since the districts have a percentage of road maintenance budget to cater for the minor repairs. The committee was informed that the workshop does not have sound supervision vehicles, making it difficult to supervise equipment. Like I noted earlier on, Madam Speaker, the committee recommends that at least each subregion should have its own mechanical maintenance workshop. Madam Speaker, the committee also interested itself in the rail lines. The rehabilitation of the Meter-Gauge Railway from Malaba- Soroti- Lira is ongoing. What is concerning is the pace at which the project is being undertaken. We visited the logistic hub in Gulu. We thank the Government for this beautiful facility, but this logistic hub can only function when it is well fed by a properly rehabilitated rail line. Madam Speaker, we visited Gulu Airport and we interfaced with officers from the Civil Aviation Authority. The committee recommended that this particular airport facility should be upgraded to an international airport. We also got information from Arua Airfield, which is being upgraded under a public-private partnership. Madam Speaker, the committee recommends that the Government expedite completion of Arua International Airport by fully compensating projects affected persons in addition to providing the necessary funds. Other aerodromes that the committee interested itself in are the Kitgum Airfield; the Kidepo Airfield which is being upgraded to an international standard; and also Pakuba. [Mr Awany] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Madam Speaker, additional information. Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I want to thank Father Charles Onen for reading my mind ahead of my submission. Madam Speaker, on Gulu- Patiko Road, which is 72 kilometres, is a national road. I raised this during the caucus meeting in Kyankwanzi and the President himself said, “This is my road. And it is a road that leads me to a very important historical road.” That is Fort Patiko. And when he came for the burial of Brig. Gen. Okoya, I again reminded him in Palaru, my constituency and he promised me that he was going to work on this. Madam Speaker, it was an omission from the Committee on the Physical Infrastructure. They put it there but I wondered how it skipped the mind of the presenter. In Onyama sub-county, when Gulu City was carved, some of the parishes was obtained from Onyama sub-county. And since 2020 up to now, Onyama sub-county has never received a car fund. That has limited the work that Onyama sub-county is supposed to give as service delivery to the people of Onyama sub- county in my constituency. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to propose three amendments to the report. The first is in relation to Lango subregion having the lowest stock of tarmac roads in the country - just 3 per cent. The reason that we were given previously, as Lango Parliamentary Group, is that we have very few national roads. Most of our roads are district roads. We made a petition to the Ministry of Works and Transport to upgrade several district roads to national roads. It is now two years and that has not happened. I would like to recommend that the committee report is amended so that, that is provided for. Secondly, we also have the AFCON roads. One of the roads that we have been informed will be linking Gulu City to Lira City is the Corner Ayer-Corner Aboke-Iceme Road. We have been informed previously that it would be tarmacked. It is also in the NDP III. We want to get information on when its tarmacking is going to be done. Lastly, the report indicated that it costs Shs 5 million to carry out maintenance using the force account and Shs 50 million using framework contracts. Our NDP III clearly states that gravel road construction will cost Shs 30 million per kilometre. Therefore, I want to recommend that the committee also recommends that the cost of road construction per kilometre, especially the first class murram, be realigned with the NDP III costs. Thank you.

The road they are referring to is the one that starts here in Gulu City.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am the host, the mother of Gulu city –

Yes, thank you. I am here to welcome and to thank everybody who has managed to come to Gulu city. Gulu city is very beautiful because the roads within the central part of the city are good. However, if you go to the

14075 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024 petition. In 2017, the Minister of Works and Transport gave assurance to the people of Gulu that the Government had put in the budget and had planned to build a road from Kitgum to Lamwo, Lamwo to Palaro, Palaro to Gulu City and Palaro to Atiak. This has been for over five consecutive financial years. It would be important, Madam Speaker, that this matter is clarified and we would love to hear from the honourable minister why this promise has been continuously - Finally, Hon. Betty raised a concern on the plight of the people who got affected by the construction of the logistic hub. I have personally gone to the Ministry of Works and Transport and asked when these people would be paid. The story we hear from the Ministry of Works and Transport is that there is no money. Wouldn’t it be okay to have it included now in the budget for the next financial year so that these people are paid?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, our women from Gulu Main Market ask me, especially those fishmongers, that they want to demonstrate – marching to Kampala – because their children are at home. The good thing is that Parliament is even going to Gulu City. The women in the market join hands with the women from Kitgum Main Market over the issue of silverfish. The women have loans.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to also thank my honourable minister who is very active and always visible on the ground. Thank you for the report. In law they say, justice delayed is justice denied. Concerning connectivity, it looks like it is a song, but we don’t see this happening to our people. The one-pole and no-pole service – you know our people complain. For us in Gulu City, we have this substation established and the generation in Aswa 1 and Aswa 2. At least, we are surrounded by generation and we even thought that connectivity should be there. People ran away from Gulu, especially those in industry because of poor supply and insufficient electricity. We pray that they come back, but we should be very effective and vigilant on the ground.

13932 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Regarding compensation, some people complain about it while Hon. Niwagaba said that for them, they are free but in our place, some people say, “How could you compensate the other person and you don’t compensate us?” Gulu City should be complete if the suburb is connected to electricity. However, sometimes people struggle even to buy their own -(Interjection)- What do they call it? No, not poles. That one, but it is expensive. You remember that Umeme even inherited the electricity company yet it should have actually come out with their own – that one which I have forgotten the name. So, we cannot - (Interjection) - yes its own transformer. We cannot really allow our people to struggle - (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the minister of state in charge of disaster for giving us the report which showed that there were steps being taken. I condole with the families and the country at large. This unfortunate occurrence should help us as a country to broaden our perspective. Just like it has been stated, I have been to many districts and local governments, and the problem of waste management is real across the country. I will give an example of Gulu City where local governments are struggling and are not even able to manage waste. Sometimes, when you approach them, they tell you, “We do not have resources.” Even when they have planned and budgeted for it, it is extremely difficult for them to get the resources because of what we have in the law. The resources generated are sent to the Centre and getting it back is a struggle. We need to deal with that. However, the other problem is the question of how we look at the issue of health and safety. I believe that before such a facility is established, there could have been an environmental and social impact assessment carried out. I will give you another example. There are many projects across the country where people’s lives have to be protected but because there is laxity and people do not take their work seriously, we continue to lose lives. Recently, in Gulu, a barrow pit that was dug by some Chinese company, even after carrying out an environmental and social impact assessment, they were supposed to restore it. You find these pits not restored. There is a problem across the country. I think that as we look at solving this problem, we need to hold the people responsible accountable. By now, some people should be in jail and others should have lost their jobs. For how long shall we continue to lose lives as [Ms Amero] MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

Annex lb: List of Specidized National & Regional Referral Hos itals # Name Level Local Gorft 1 Arua Hospital Regional Referral RRH Arua City 2 Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital RRH Fort Portal City 3 Gulu Hospital Regional Referral RRH Gulu City 4 Hoima Hospital Regional Referral RRH Hoima City 5 Jinja Regional Hospital Referral RRH Jinja City 6 Kabale Hospital Regional Referral RRH Kabale District 7 Kawempe National Referral Hospital NRH Kampala 8 National Referral Mulago Hospital NRH Kampala 9 D Mulago SWN Hospital Specializ ed Hospital Kampala 10 Uganda Cancer Institute Specializ ed Hospital Kampala 11 Uganda Heart Institute Specializ ed Hospital Kampala t2 Kiruddu National Referral Hospital NRH Kampala 13 Butabika National Referral Hospital NRH Kampala l4 China Uganda Friendship (Naguru) Hospital NRH Kampala 2l

13492 DESIGNATION OF MEMBERS TO SECTORAL COMMITTEES 5. Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi of Mawokota County South; 6. Hon. Francis Mwijukye of Buhweju County; 7. Hon. Ssemakula Luttamaguzi of Nakaseke South County; 8. Hon. Fred Kayondo of Mukono County South; and 9. Hon. Nelson Okello of Maruzi North County. I designate the following Members on the Committee on Public Service and Local Government: 1. Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima of Wakiso District; 2. Hon. Jimmy Lwanga of Njeru Municipality; 3. Hon. Teddy Nambooze of Mpigi District; 4. Hon. Juliet Kakande Nakabuye of Masaka City; 5. Hon. Godfrey Atkins Katusabe of Bukonzo West; and 6. Hon. Julius Peter Emigu of Ochero County I designate the following Members on the Committee on Education and Sports: 1. Hon. Geoffrey Ssolo Kayemba of Bukomansimbi South County; 2. Hon. Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu of Kalungu West County; 3. Hon. Michael Kakembo of Entebbe Municipality; 4. Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho of Jonam County; and 5. Hon. Sarah Aguti of Dokolo District. I designate the following Members on the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries: 1. Hon. Dr Abed Bwanika of Kimaanya- Kabonera Division; 2. Hon. Charles Matovu of Busiro County South; 3. Hon. Veronica Nanyondo of Bukomansimbi District; 4. Hon. Stella Isodo Apolot of Ngora District; 5. Hon. Florence Kabugho of Kasese District; 6. Hon. Betty Aol Ocan of Gulu City; 7. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato of Hoima City; 8. Hon. John Paul Lukwago of Kyotera County; 9. Hon. Maxwell Akora of Maruzi County; and 10. Hon. Santa Okot of Aruu North County.

13431 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 6 JUNE 2024 that while differences in perspectives are inevitable, they should always be approached within a framework of friendship, co-operation, co-existence and mutual understanding. Your Excellency, Uganda’s position in this important conference was not just as a host, but also as a guide, a mediator and a friend to all nations represented. Our efforts in organising such meaningful and successful conferences were not in vain, as they had a significant multiple effect on the local economy and left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all the participants, Uganda being the Pearl of Africa. Your Excellency, we thank you for gracing that conference and sharing the words of wisdom with all the speakers and delegates who came to Uganda. We thank you very much; we do not take this for granted. Your invaluable support was very instrumental in ensuring the success of all these conferences; we do not take that for granted. All the finances came from you and we cannot thank you any more than that. As we embark on the F ourth S ession of the 11th Parliament, we will continue to count on you, on your inspiration and guidance, which at the same time is bettering efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of the L egislature. I love your saying; you always say, “These are young people, they are all learning.” Indeed, we are all learning. Pursuant to Article 94(4)(a) of the Constitution of Uganda and Rule 25(1) of the Rules of Procedure, priority will be accorded to Government business. This will require the timely introduction of Government business for Parliament’s scrutiny, by the Prime Minister. Your Excellency, the Parliament of Uganda is a people-centred legislature. This implies that the common Ugandan is at the centre of the parliamentary processes and decisions. In furtherance to this, therefore, and in furtherance to Article 95(2) of the Constitution of Uganda and Rule 17(1) of the Rules of Procedure, during the Fourth Session, Parliament will hold regional outreach sittings that will cover four traditional regions in Uganda - North, East, West and Central. Your Excellency, we take this opportunity, first to thank you for accepting Parliament to have those regional sittings and secondly, we want to take this opportunity to invite you to grace the first sitting that will be held in Gulu. The inaugural outreach sitting will be from 29 to 30 August 2024 at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City, northern Uganda. That is where we are requesting you to come to and open the sitting in Gulu. I take this singular honour to sincerely invite you for and on behalf of Parliament and the people of northern Uganda. We will have a sitting there so that we can be able to address various matters of public importance, especially those affecting that particular region. Honourable members, allow me in a special way to appreciate His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda and the First Lady, Mama Janet Museveni, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports, for the enormous support they have given to sports. We thank you so much. This support is demonstrated in various ways; for the first time, our national team, Uganda Cranes, is going to play in Namboole tomorrow and that is because of the support that you have given to Namboole National Stadium. We also thank you, Y our Excellency, for ensuring that Uganda wins the hosting of AFCON. Uganda will be hosting AFCON and we thank you for providing money for all the infrastructure development that is required by AFCON. I invite all of you to go and support our national team, the Uganda Cranes, which will be playing tomorrow. I have been informed by the State Minister for Sports that the chief guest will be my brother, Gen. M.K. Please join him in supporting our young people while they play. Your Excellency, the return of these home games to Namboole would not have been possible if you did not have passion and love for your country and if Mama, did not have

-"* .l i'l tv" f. (-> 4l- * OAL t T ,,/i t:' ^"Hi-* .) \.. Amount (OOO'I Descrlption Vote 9,877,949 531 Ankara Uganda Embassy in Tur 3,99t,682 532 Uganda Embassy in Somalia, Mo shu 8,682,632 533 Uganda Embassy in Malaysia, Kuala Lum ur 9,306,488 Uganda Consulate in Kenya, Mombasa 534 6,787,857 535 Uganda Embassy in Algeria, Algiers 6,t48,639 Uganda Embassy in Qatar, Doha 536 3,451,001 Uganda Mission in Havana, Cuba 537 3,475,000 538 Uganda Mission in Luanda, An 1a 264,336,145 Sub total -Mlssions Abroad ( Local Governments 40,679,88O 601 Arua city 2t,529,439 '\ 602 Fort-Portal city 28,O30,761 Gulu city \os 15,154,886 604 Hoima city 43,319,158 605 Jinja city 30,495,727 Lira city 606 30,239,526 607 Masaka city 39,177,649 608 Mbale city 36,031,699 Mbarara city 609 20,o6L,624 610 Soroti citv 8,879,420 70t Apac Municipal Council 6,476,93O 702 Bugiri Municipal Council 13,604,742 Bushenyi- Ishaka Municipal Council 703 8,671,010 704 Busia Municipal Council 15,990,314 705 al Council Entebbe Municip 16,424,644 Ibanda Municipal Council 706 7,638,634 707 Iganga Municipal Council 17,668,8r7 708 Kabale Municipal Council ,i, -\_:-- il^- 11 - --j!..ii,- "i+: 1j- \-i ' i''. --Ff" ( .\- . \

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. My clarification has no contradiction to how it is flowing. However, I would like to get a clarification from the minister in relation to the cities, especially on the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme. Madam Chairperson, Gulu City, in November last year, communicated to the ministry that the ministry had not released a total of about Shs 2.7 billion, which should have been part of the committed funds, where there were ongoing projects and the money had not been released. Again, Madam Chairperson, on the 17 th of this month, the city communicated to the ministry indicating that a total of Shs 2.7 billion had not been released under the USMID funds. This has not been included in the supplementary. What I would like to get a clarification on, Madam Chairperson, is whether the ministry is going to have this money released. This is because, as you know, USMID is ending on the 30 th of June. Today, we are on the last day of April. We will have just a month to have this programme implemented. So, I would like to hear from the minister on when this Shs 2.7 billion will be released now that it has not been included in this supplementary. If the money is available, why don’t you have the money released so that Gulu City can pay the contractor? Otherwise, there will be serious legal implications because there is already an ongoing project. Thank you.

12424 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Government should instead focus on addressing the challenges associated with spending local revenues at source by, for example, enforcing its policy reform to address capacity gaps, incompetence and corruption in local government. The committee also takes note of the fact that Parliament has time and again expressed the need to review the seemingly contradictory legal frameworks, but Ministry of Finance has not taken concrete steps to reverse the status quo. Committee recommendations 1. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should withdraw the directive to local governments to remit local revenues collected by the local governments to the Consolidated Fund in line with Section 29(1) and (3) of the Public Finance Management Act. And local governments be allowed to collect, manage and spend the local revenues from a general fund account maintained at the district level in accordance with Section 80 to 82 of the Local Governments Act and other relevant laws. 2. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Ministry of Local Government expedites the process of addressing the shortcomings associated with the collection and management of local revenues at source by local governments before and at the end of the calendar year 2024. This is to aid the local governments in handling their local revenues. Under Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvements Programme (MATIP) 3 Committee observations i. All the markets built under Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvements Programme MATIP 1 and 2 are complete and functional. ii. There has been significant economic improvement and household income in the areas where the MATIP markets have been constructed. iii. There are design challenges and gaps in the completed MATIP markets that are posing serious challenges to the vendors in those markets. iv. Functionality and utilisation in some markets remain poor, for example, in Busia Municipality, where the market is functioning at about 30 per cent. v. Some cities are highly populated, hence overcrowding in the constructed markets. vi. The MATIP markets are concentrated majorly in cities and municipalities, leaving out town councils that are highly populated and require such facilities. Recommendations 1. Funds be availed for the additional eight markets under MATIP 3. 2. In addition to the eight markets, Ministry of Local Government should include Kaliro Town Council, Kamuli Municipality, Adjumani Town Council and an additional market for Gulu City. 3. Ministry of Local Government should carry out a detailed technical assessment of the constructed markets with a view of correcting the defects and design errors therein. 4. Ministry of Local Government should use the existing markets and the challenges observed in their operationalisation to inform the design for the plan of MATIP 3 markets. 5. Ministry of Local Government should pay attention during the design phase and all the consultants accountable for any design flaws. Remuneration of leaders Madam Speaker, the committee observed that local service delivery and overall development across the country is greatly dependent on motivated and well-facilitated political leaders who carry out monitoring, oversight, legislation and executive functions in local governments. [Mr Mapenduzi] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr Speaker, I would ask the honourable minister to request Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, the Member of Parliament for Gulu City, [Mr Kyooma] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. You are aware that I was Chairman of Gulu District Local Government for 10 years. When I joined that council, I found that the previous council, which was the Sixth Council had taken a decision to dispose of certain land in the district. I am told it was a formal decision of the district council that time and members of the public came to acquire that land. We tried as a council to find out whether the district would get back, but it was extremely difficult because it was a formal decision of the council and the people who ended up acquiring followed procedures. The decision we took as a council was to look for alternative land; so we can have a golf course land for the district. It would be very unfair just to accuse an individual leader when a district council took a decision. Gulu District under my leadership, did not- we had a big problem with the past council, but you know when a council takes a decision you cannot blame an individual. The way forward, as the leaders of Gulu City is that we must work hard and make sure we get land that we can have or develop for the city golf course and land for other development. Otherwise, it would be very unfair for the Hon. Gilbert Olanya to try to blame the Hon. Betty Aol Ocan unfairly. I think that is not fair. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Honourable colleagues, you are about to go to the forest. (Laughter) A forest is gazetted land; so, you cannot say; “I was given a forest; they chased me and now, you must give me…” It was wrong for them to give you a forest to begin with. It was illegal. No one should be getting land in a forest. However, putting that aside, honourable colleagues, this is going to divert us. These are issues, which Gulu City should handle. If anyone wants Parliament to get involved, it should come in the form of a petition. Otherwise, any Member who has been mentioned has room, under rule 55. If they want to make any clarification, they are allowed to come and

11889 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2024 per day, and 6,000 cubic meters per day to 9,000 cubic meters per day, respectively. The project also entails laying of 85 kilometres of pipe network, construction of a 2,000 cubic meter capacity reservoir, and the rehabilitation and expansion of the sewage system. The scope of work under the neighbouring towns is being implemented under the Ministry of Water and Environment. 3. Adjumani Water Supply and Sanitation Project This project targets Adjumani Town Council, Pakele, Zaipi and Ciforo, among others and involves the construction of water intake structure of capacity 12,000 cubic meters per day, water supply plant of capacity of 4,000 cubic meters per day, laying of 51.8 kilometre of water distribution network and installation of the water storage capacity of 1,150 cubic metres and construction of sanitation facilities. iv. Source protection measures in Arua, Gulu, Mbale and Bushenyi areas Works under package two of the Gulu project are currently at 61 per cent and the project is expected to be completed by the end of October 2024. Contracts for Adjumani and Mbale were signed on 21 December 2023, and the contractor is currently mobilising to commence works; this is expected in March 2024. The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and Gulu City are jointly implementing the integrated program to improve living conditions in Gulu through grant financing from KFW. This program is being implemented in two phases. The works under phase 1 were completed in 2020 and the system is operational now. The scope of works included the following: 1. Rehabilitation and expansion of Oyitino Dam, raw water intake and Gulu water treatment plant run raw water intake and good water treatment plant from 4,000 cubic metres per day to 10,000 cubic metres per day. This also included development of ground water capacity of 2,000 cubic metres per day; 2. The rehabilitation and expansion of the sewage system; 3. The construction of a faecal sludge treatment facility at Pece–Cubu; 4. The construction of 20 water-borne toilet facilities in public places; and 5. The construction of 30,000 cubic metres per day water intake in the River Nile at Karuma. The scope of work under phase 2 includes the following: 1. Construction of a Water Treatment plant of capacity 10,000 cubic metre per day at Karuma; 2. Construction of 5,000 cubic metre capacity reservoir at Customs Corner in Gulu City; 3. Installation of reservoirs in the six small towns along Gulu Highway, namely Karuma, Kamdini, Minakulu, Bobi, Koro- Abili and Palenga; and 4. The construction of a sludge storage facility at Pece-Cubu. Works under Phase 2 are at 43 per cent progress, and the project is expected to be completed by July, 2024. Ongoing projects scope includes only towns that are en-route to Gulu along the highway (Karuma, Kamdini, Minakulu, Bobi, Kolo- Abili, Palenga). Apparently Oyam North is not en-route and will only benefit from other National Water and Sewerage Cooperation (NWSC) budgetary arrangements that are gazetted by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The Hon. Gorreth Namugga, Member of Parliament, Mawogola South Ssembabule District, said: According to 3 rd National

11822 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT Mapenduzi, Member of Parliament for Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City moved a motion for a resolution of Parliament urging Government to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The motion was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for scrutiny and report back within 45 days as required by the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. The committee could not complete its report within the stipulated time because it lacked substantive input of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, under which the subject matter of the treaty falls. However, the minister appeared before the committee on 11 November 2021 and informed the committee that: 1. The motion seeks to urge Government, hence the Executive, to sign and ratify the treaty. In performance of such a duty, the Executive is advised by one of its organs, which is the National Security Council, which advises on matters of national security. 2. The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs operates in a framework, which requires that matters relating to national security are discussed by the High Command and the Defence Forces Council before taking a stand as provided by Sections 3 of the National Security Council Act and Sections 14 and 15 of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces(UPDF) Act. Mr Speaker, you will recall that upon the expiry of the 45 days, the committee requested for extra time in accordance with Rule 218(2) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and you granted the request. Thereafter, the committee made several attempts to get a position from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, before presenting this report to the august House, but it was in vain. Copies of the correspondences are hereby attached. Following the engagements which the committee held with several other stakeholders, the committee now presents its report as follows. Mr Speaker, I will skip – (Interruption)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Let me also add my voice to thank the chairperson for the report. Mr Speaker, since we were in lower secondary school, this problem has persisted. I remember at some point there was a lot of discussion in this Parliament about valley dams, is it hostels that are made from valley dams or whatever? It shows us that we have been trying to address a question that requires a long-term strategy. We have been trying to solve them within weeks, months, or even years. Mr Speaker, when you pass through Nakasongola in any way through the main road or any other place it is highly degraded and it is not just about cows; it is highly degraded and it is not even good for human habitation. There is something that has happened recently and I see a lot of seriousness and I suppose that could be a long-term strategy also for Nakasongola. Government of Uganda is drawing water from the Nile and taking it to Gulu City, which is about 70 kilometres away and I think even less than 70 kilometres away from Lake Kyoga, could go a long way to address this matter over a long period of time. Finally, Mr Speaker, yesterday we were here talking about Karamoja, and one of those issues that were brought up also applies to Nakasongola, that is diversification. The population of the animals, given the degradation there, we cannot sustain it. Therefore, the Government needs to come out with a strategy to diversify income sources for those who are keeping animals. I thank you.

Madam Speaker, I beg to designate the following members on the Appointments Committee: 1. Hon. Aisha Nalule Kabanda – Butambala; 2. Hon. Joseph Ssewungu – Kalungu West County; 3. Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe - Manjiya County; 4. Hon. Betty Ocan Aol – Gulu City; 5. Hon. Okin P.P. Ojara – Chua West County; 6. Hon Santa Alum – Oyam; 7. Hon. Peter Okot - Tochi County; and 8. Hon. Asuman Basalirwa – Bugiri Municipality. I beg to designate, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I join colleagues in thanking the committee for processing the loan. I used to sit on the Committee on Local Government and Public Service and each time we went for oversight in the district, we hardly found the Chief Administrative Officers; reason being that they are always travelling to the next districts, which are connected for them to transmit their reports. In my district, Omoro, four days a week, all the heads of departments are in Gulu City because that is the only place they access connections for them to transact their reports to the ministries. Therefore, with this loan coming into place and ensuring that all the districts are connected; and the last mile connection to the district headquarters and other institutions, this will be a plus and to ensure that no one is left behind. I support the motion.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance. The Government, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, is currently laying infrastructure as part of the implementation for the water supply and sanitation project to Gulu City and small towns en route. The small towns en route component includes three districts; Gulu, Omoro and Oyam. This very huge project that is being funded by the World Bank and the KFW Bank is drawing its water from a place called Nora in Oyam District. Oyam is going to be hosting up to 40 kilometres of the water works, which translates to approximately 60 per cent of the entire length of the water works to Gulu City. Oyam is very happy for Gulu and the two districts in between. However, to our shock and disbelief, Oyam has been left out of the entire scheme. Not a single drop of water -

So, the water is just going to pass through Oyam to Gulu City?

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

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

Thank you so much. For us to have a change of attitude, we need to have a stakeholders’ engagement for people to be able to appreciate before we even do the enforcement. Honourable members, in the public gallery this afternoon we have a group of Gulu City officials, consisting of the civil society organisations, lawyers and victims or survivors COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you, honourable colleague. Honourable colleagues, in the public gallery this afternoon, we have pupils and teachers of St Michael Primary School from Gulu City. They are represented in Parliament by Hon. Rev. Fr Charles Onen and Hon. Betty Aol. They have come to observe the proceedings of this House. Please join me in welcoming them. Thank you. (Applause) STATEMENT BY MINISTER ON THE STATUS OF GUNDA FOREST RESERVE, NAMYOYA FOREST RESERVE AND GULU FOREST RESERVE

10822 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT board begin the process of conversion from leasehold to freehold with ease. The forms were fully filled and submitted to the Area Land Committee, Got Apwoyo to prepare the land for its submission to the Nwoya District Land Board for consideration and approval. Furthermore, the university leadership also wrote to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water and Environment on the degazettement of the central forest reserve in Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City. The Ministry of Water and Environment, in a letter dated 30 th May 2023, issued the university with guidance on how to proceed with the degazettement of part of the Gulu Central Forest Reserve and gazettement of the 500 acres in Nwoya District to aid the initiation of the process so that the ministry could also take up its subsequent role. The stakeholders are in the process of conducting a social and environmental impact assessment, land valuation and other mandatory legal and procedural requirements as guided by the Ministry of Water and Environment. I beg to submit.

Fr. Onen- FR CHARLES ONEN (Independent, Laroo- Pece Division, Gulu City): Thank you, Mr Speaker. I listened to the report of the Leader of the Opposition and he revealed his unhidden nature. Violence is not only happening in central Uganda and, therefore, it should be assessed in that way. There are reports of gun violence happening in the greater parts of northern Uganda. Karamojong cattle rustlers are abducting and killing people, but I have not heard this in his report. The Apaa issue; the people of Acholi are being murdered, being abducted, but I have not heard this in his report. Mr Speaker, I am happy that now, we are talking as leaders and I am happy that I am in the House. For the past two days, I even had a feeling of resigning from being a Member of Parliament because of the way we have been behaving here. However, I am happy now that we are talking as national leaders and we need to wear the national lenses when we are talking. We do not need to talk because “my brother is suffering”. Mr Speaker, in the 1980s, some people ferried Matooke and milk to feed the lion in the bush. The lion was brought home with the hope that it would protect and give them promotions and give them positions. They even composed songs, Anya nya Cinandola to taunt the people of northern Uganda. Now, we are talking of Muslim clerics being arrested. Many religious leaders in Northern Uganda were arrested. Very many priests were arrested and brought to Luzira Prison, about nine priests. I am a priest and I know and I feel - now you are only talking about what is taking place around here. We need to appreciate that national reconciliation has to take place, it has to be promoted and the confrontational approach to any issue must stop. (Applause) This is my position, Mr Speaker. I am aware that the transitional justice policy was brought to your table and up to now, it has not yet been discussed. I pray that transitional justice is approached by all of us and we look at reparations policy so that this kind of happenings do not happen in the future. Those who were mistreated must also be compensated by the Government. Otherwise, Mr Leader of the Opposition, you have not said anything. (Laughter)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I like to use this time to thank the honourable minister for the comprehensive submission to the country. I only have two quick clarifications from the minister. i. Gulu District is mentioned among the top districts still with COVID-19. However, we now have Gulu District and Gulu City. I would like to know from the minister which among the two so that we are at peace.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the minister for bringing the statement. Every time a government official from the President downward speaks about electricity in the country, the entire population is appreciative. Why? It is because we are told that we are generating a lot of it. In Tochi and Omoro District, we have electricity poles lined up towards every subcounty. When the pronouncement was made in 2017 that every subcounty would receive electricity, the Ministry of Education and Sports took that on and supplied secondary schools with computers with the hope that they would be used to promote science education. I tell you, until now, these computers are not being used, and so how useful is this. Electricity is a pull factor. In the general Gulu City area, several industries have been shut down because of electricity. Today, it is there, and tomorrow it is not there; this makes the cost of doing business very high and it has brought a lot of unemployment. Once these industries shut down, the staff are sent home. STATEMENT ON THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Masindi-Pader-Acholibur Highway tarmacking was commissioned in 2020 by the President. However, up to date, Pader-Acholibur portion has not been worked on. Can the Prime Minister give a date of when that road will be worked on? Secondly, Mr Speaker, a unit of water in Uganda is currently at Shs 4,100 and taxed, 1.8 per cent. The National Water and Sewerage Corporation is demanding Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Gulu main Prison, Uganda Police Force a total of Shs 4.2 billion. Gulu City alone is being demanded Shs 6.4 billion. Is it not high time that the Rt Hon. Prime Minister looks into the tariffs charged on water? Why should we pay highly for water?

10240 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT Lira, there is already a functional Lira city land board, but the district land board is still receiving applications and processing titles for lands in the city when it is actually not within their areas of jurisdiction. So we gave the example of Lira and Arua and the other entities. (ix) The Ministry of Public Service ban on recruitment as strained service delivery on the cities and the districts from where the cities were carved. (x) Cities and districts are constrained with office space since the two entities are sharing the same premises. For example, Arua City, for instance, recruited 406 staff but lacked space to accommodate them. So some of these staff are sitting under trees. (xi) Lack of adequate laws or guidelines for the operationalisation of the cities. Whereas a city is the equivalent of a district as outlined under Section 4 of the Local Government Act CAP 243 as amended, there are several gaps that affect the operation of the cities. For instance, a city division should be treated at the level of a municipality, but currently, in line with Local Government Act CAP 243, Section 4(b), they are still treated at the level of subcounties. (xii) Local Governments have continuously been faced with the issue of late releases and returns. This is important, Madam Speaker. Late releases and return of funds to the consolidated fund. For example, in the Financial Year 2022/2023, Arua City, Gulu City, Mbale City, Mbale District, and others received over Shs 3 billion far above what they had planned for by 19 of June. All this money went back within two weeks. To throw more light when we asked them, they said this was money they had not planned for. They had not budgeted for it, so they could not explain how the monies came. But these are monies considered returned back to Treasury; (xiii) New subcounties have continued depending on the mother subcounties in as far as road funds are concerned since 2021 without having their own allocation as required by law. (xiv) Continuous recentralisation of decentralised services such as decision concerning collection and remittance of local revenue and procurement. General committee recommendations The committee recommends the following: (1) In addition to the supplementary for ex-gratia and honoraria, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should provide funds in line with Section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 to cater for the following as indicated below - these are areas we consider very important, as a committee. a. Vehicles for city mayors and district chairpersons. These are political heads of the districts and some of them have ended up grabbing vehicles for school inspections and for health centres, including ambulances, because they lack means of transport. The committee recommends that Shs 35.2 billion be provided so that they can have means of transport. b. Relocation of the 10 cities. In addition to what has been given to Soroti, all the other nine entities should also be given Shs 1 billion each as a start-up for putting structures. They would relocate in phases. c. The committee recommends that Shs 2 billion be provided to review the decentralisation policy because there are a lot of gaps. We need to make sure that we strengthen and deepen decentralisation and the best way is to have a review. The ministry requires the Shs 2 billion to undertake this process. [The Speaker] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My amendment is in line with terms of reference three and five, where I request that we include districts beyond – for example, Gulu District and City were mentioned - how about districts beyond those where the city was created. I can give you an example of Omoro District. There is an entire subcounty headquarter that is in Gulu City. Koro Subcounty needs Shs 740 million. Can we include that in the amendment that the districts which are affected beyond those two, which they have mentioned? Thank you.

Honourable members, this House is for honourable members. When I hear you shouting, with all the victors we have in the gallery, they may not admire to be in the next Parliament. In the public gallery this afternoon we have a delegation of students from across Uganda who have just completed the Uganda Schools Debate Championship organised by the Debate Society of Uganda. They are here to witness the proceedings; you are most welcome. Where are you? Please stand up. Thank you for coming. This is your Parliament; a people- centred Parliament. You can sit. Thank you. We also have a delegation of leaders from Gulu City led by the City Mayor, Hon. Alfred Okwang and the RCC, Ms Jane Frances Amongin. Please stand up. They are represented by Hon. Aol Betty Ocan, Hon. Martin Mapenduzi Ojara, Hon. Okot and Fr Onen - Fr Onen, first stand up. (Applause) Honourable members, we promised that this is a people-centred Parliament and that we would take Parliament to the communities. This is one of the communities that Parliament has just been training on their role as leaders. They are a local council. We have been training and we have had training in several places including Fort Portal. This time it was Northern Uganda. We thank you so much for coming. This is your Parliament; a people-centred Parliament. You have good representatives, please send them back. (Applause) Go and work for them and make sure they come back to Parliament. We thank you for coming, please come again.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Permit me to first express our thanks to you as a sector of Local Government. I know our councillors have left but we want to thank you for approving support for training councillors, not just in Gulu City, but even in the others. Secondly, allow me to tender our apology, as ministers of local government, for not being in the House yesterday. It was because of an emergency we had. Colleagues, you know that the bus operators in the whole country had parked their vehicles. We had an engagement with them last week and had to conclude it yesterday, with the Minister of Works and Transport, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Internal Affairs. Gladly, I can report - we thought it would take an hour but it took quite a long time but the bus operators agreed to resume their services and suspend their strike. We will continue to engage them. Otherwise, our commitment to duty to Parliament is unquestionable. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Government Chief Whip and confirm that he did whip me in the evening. Hon. Obua is a gentleman but his softness comes with some strong whipping. He used the phone, the WhatsApp and even wrote letters. In terms of our preparedness for the statement, we take this matter very seriously. It is a very important point. We thank Parliament for giving the one billion shilling per district. However, because of the little time I had, I was able to do the following: One, I immediately summoned the executive committee of the district engineers. This morning I met them. They received the resolutions of Parliament and are committed to implementing them. Secondly, we have sent a team to the different districts so that we are able to come up with a concrete answer to Parliament on; first, did they receive the money? How much this quarter? Second, how are they utilising it? Madam Speaker, I want to beg your indulgence that you permit me and the Ministry of Works and Transport to continue harmonising with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development so that within a week, we are able to provide a comprehensive statement on this matter. I am sure that each Member of Parliament wants to know what the situation in his or her district is. We shall be able to do that, if you give us up to next Thursday. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I beg to designate the following to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources: 1. Hon. Christine Kaaya Nakimwero, Woman Representative, Kiboga District; 2. Hon. Ronald Evans Kanyike of Bukoto County East; 3. Hon. Charles Tebandeke of Bbale County; 4. Hon. Aisha Nalule Kabanda, Woman Representative Butambala District; 5. Hon. Betty Aol Ocan of Gulu City; 6. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato, Woman Representative, Hoima City; 7. Hon. Fred Kayondo of Mukono County South; and 8. Hon. Jimmy James Akena of Lira East Division.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I must also congratulate you for accepting to do that kangaroo work together with your wife. You are very exemplary and you can actually advocate for women so that men cooperate with their wives. We know that children are gifts from God so this role is for both parents. One thing that people suffer with is the infrastructure and not only on health. One of the best health facilities in Gulu City is called Mary Queen of Peace by the Catholics. It does not have good access roads because they are broken. There is also no electricity, but they have all the facilities for mothers to prevent infant and maternal mortality rate. Therefore, infrastructure, electricity and roads are very important. Outreaches cannot now be emphasised and yet those days they used to be there - these days, you visit a health facility, but you do not even see their programs for outreaches. The health centres I are not housed in buildings; they can be under a big tree in a very big home, where people get health education. We still need this health education to reduce our infant/ maternal mortality rate. [Ms Kabanda] PETITION

Honourable members, listen. 1) Vote 601: Arua City - Shs 36,948,486,000 2) Vote 602: Fort Portal City - Shs 21,749,696,000 3) Vote 603: Gulu City – Shs 26,555,638,000 4) Vote 604: Hoima City - Shs 14,982,706,000 5) Vote 605: Jinja City - Shs 38,446,052,000 6) Vote 606: Lira City - Shs 25,298,264,000 7) Vote 607: Masaka City - Shs 28,740,158,000 8) Vote 608: Mbale City - Shs 36,977,607,000 9) Vote 609: Mbarara City - Shs 33,853,374,000 10) Vote 610: Soroti City - Shs 18,894,719,000 11) Vote 701: Apac Municipal Council – Shs 8,494,655,000 12) Vote 702: Bugiri Municipal Council – Shs 5,045,364,000 13) Vote 703: Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Council - Shs 10,811,439,000 14) Vote 704: Busia Municipal Council - Shs 6,584,841,000 15) Vote 705: Entebbe Municipal Council – Shs 14,974,279,000 16) Vote 706: Ibanda Municipal Council – Shs 12,652,788,000 17) Vote 707: Iganga Municipal Council - Shs 6,354,604,000 18) Vote 708: Kabale Municipal Council – Shs 15,642,752,000 19) Vote 709: Kamuli Municipal Council – Shs 6,980,978,000 20) Vote 710: Kapchorwa Municipal Council – Shs 8,378,122,000 21) Vote 711: Kasese Municipal Council – Shs 14,834,120,000 22) Vote 712: Kira Municipal Council – Shs 20,650,861,000 23) Vote 713: Kisoro Municipal Council – Shs 3,648,099,000 24) Vote 714: Kitgum Municipal Council – Shs 6,670,002,000 25) Vote 715: Koboko Municipal Council – Shs 7,501,016,000 26) Vote 716: Kotido Municipal Council – Shs 7,454,417,000 27) Vote 717: Kumi Municipal Council – Shs 6,938,873,000 28) Vote 718: Lugazi Municipal Council – Shs 7,853,940,000 29) Vote 719: Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipal Council – Shs 13,864,172,000

Fr. Onen wants to say something. First, give him time. (Laughter) FR CHARLES ONEN (Independent, Laroo- Pece Division, Gulu City): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I want to thank you, in a special way, not only as the Speaker of this House, but a mother. The month of May is the month of motherhood; we celebrate motherhood and I believe, and I know the mothers outside are very happy with what you have done because their children are safe and they will be safe. I want to thank all the honourable members in this House, for the collective responsibility and the common stand we have made as Parliament. Secondly - (Laughter) - the other time when I pointed at the moon, all eyes were on my finger and the one who was disturbed most was Hon. Magogo. I want to clarify today that I did not have any special interest in the Speaker. (Laughter) Indeed, it is true that as priests, we are the chief witnesses in holy matrimony. A witness, by definition, is a person who has the facts. You cannot actually be a witness if you do not have the facts. (Laughter) Honourable members, I studied geography and in Geography 1, there is what we call “coastal geomorphology”. When you look at coastal geomorphology, it defines the alignment of coral reefs and everything. (Laughter) Therefore, it is fitting that for sure, we need to appreciate the gift of God. The essence of humanity is preservation of life and this can only be guaranteed through procreation. When you look at motor vehicles and motorcycles, they always stop the oil from the top but not from down. (Laughter) Madam Speaker, when I used to catechise parents, I used to tell them, when naming their children, to avoid names like “Cobra, Fox” - (Laughter) - because the children will eventually behave like those creatures. Thank you very much. God bless you. (Applause)

8379 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 26 APRIL 2023 The committee was further informed that a team composed of personnel from the Directorate of Research, Planning and Development, Human Resource Development, Human Resource and Management, crime intelligence and logistics and engineering was constituted to review the applications and come up with a short list for applicants for the post of PPC general duties and PPC drivers to be invited for interviews. Recruitment criteria for PPCs, a total of 9900 applications were received out of which 1846 including 1261 males and 585 females, qualified to be shortlisted for interviews. Of the 15 applicants Uganda police received from Buhweju District, none of them qualified, some districts failed to meet there quarter namely: Nabilatuk, Koboko, Yuymbe, Kakumiro, kibale, kikube, KIryandongo, Kyegegwa, Kitagwenda, Rakai, Lwengo, Kalungu, Kazo, Bududa, Sironko, Kaabong, Mityana, Mpigi, Gomba, Nakaseke, and Buyende. Police Force leadership explained the allocation of these quarters was in line with the constitutional requirement of nationalistic and patriotic police forces and shall ensure that members of the Uganda police force are rec recruited from every district in Uganda. It was further explained that quotas allocated to districts are based on the population projections as provided by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). The committee observed that the recruiting exercise had variances in the number of short- listed candidates per district. For example, Masaka City had 14, Masaka District had seven, Gulu City had 32, Soroti had 22 and Mitooma four. The committee queried the criteria used to allocate the said numbers. It further noted that in the circumstance where a district or a city did not meet the number for the quarter, the balance was given to the neighbouring district since districts are being cut often but stay within the geographical area. The committee was informed that variance in recruitment is based on the population quarter of which the formula is provided by the constitution and based on UBOS figures. The committee is satisfied that the variance in quarters given to different districts is justified. The committee noted that the recruitment exercise was centralised with the application being submitted at regional police offices and forwarded to police headquarters for processing. The committee recommends that whereas the Police Force conduct the recruitment exercise at the regional level due to COVID-19 pandemic, in future, the exercise should be done at the district headquarters as has been the practice. This will promote transparency in the exercise. Recruitment criteria for UCE leavers A total of 1488 applications were received and of these, 853 were found suitable for the next stage. These cut across all classes of driving permits. The recruitment exercise was in accordance with the second advert run by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The committee noted that all interested persons had to file applications accompanied by a recommendation letter from local authorities, as proof that the applicant is a resident of a particular district, a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with 4 credits including English and at least a pass in mathematics obtained not earlier 2018, a valid driving license for those applying for the position of PPC drivers and a national id card as proof of Nationality. The committee recommends that there should be a verification committee comprised of the LCIII chairperson, subcounty chief and GISO before the applicant submits the application to the police force to minimise forgeries. The committee is satisfied that the advert for recruitment was made public on print media, radio and television and therefore applicants were aware of all the requirements for the positions they applied for. Originality and Identity of Applicants It was alleged that most of the people shortlisted per district were not residents of the said district. A case in point was Masaka City

Mr Speaker, thank you very much. I appreciate the chairperson for the report he has given us. My concern is that if you go to some districts, you find there are poles that were installed four years ago and there are no electric wires on them. We wonder what could be happening. Secondly, there are those towns that were made cities – like Gulu City, Arua City, Mbarara City and others. I understand that the Government

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Gulu District has 47 parishes and so far, two parishes of Bungatira and Paicho have been enrolled to partake of the Parish Development Model funds. However, as I speak, Paicho only got Shs 25 million out of what they should have gotten. About three weeks ago, the President was in Gulu visiting the Acholi subregion. He was calling the wanainchi to come and testify about the Parish Development Model. They said that money was being extorted from them by the commercial officers and other technical people. This weekend, the State House Anti- Corruption team was in Gulu and they arrested the commercial officer of Gulu City. What the technical people are saying is that the ministry did not provide funds for the parish chiefs and commercial officers to move around, sensitise the people and carry out their other activities. That is the reason they were extorting money from members; Shs 5000, Shs 20,000 and so forth. If they do not go to the communities, they will be faulted for failure to perform their duties. I would like the Ministry of Local Government to go back to the drawing board and restructure or craft a better method of how PDM can succeed otherwise, this is already looking like a failed project.

7853 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 4 APRIL 2 023 development worker and when I saw the formation of groups for the Parish Development Model, I just concluded that this programme was dead on arrival. You cannot ask somebody who lives very far away to come together with a person who is near yet they have not been interacting with each other. We rejected very many groups in the villages and parishes and recommended the formation of new groups that had to include people with disabilities, the elderly, the youth and the women. This was a failure already. Secondly, you may recall that in the Financial Year 2021/2022, we budgeted for Shs 17 million per parish. In Gulu City, they received about Shs 4 million or Shs 3 million. Where has the Shs 12 million or Shs 13 million gone? This is very bad. We found that some officers like the Resident City Commissioners and Resident District Commissioners also decided to put their hands in that money. We said here that these funds should be for the poor. We can only plan for administration – (Member timed out.)

Thank you. Fr Onen? Members, he is seeking leave. You have half a minute. FR CHARLES ONEN (Independent, Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I first stood on a procedural point because this issue at hand is a very contentious issue yet uploaded there on the MOTION TO INTRODUCE A PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL

6740 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT The worst performing entities in this regard in terms of absorption capacity were Hoima City at 30 per cent, Kitgum Municipal Council at 36 per cent, Gulu City at 36 per cent and Masaka City at 37 per cent while those that absorbed 100 per cent of their releases were Arua City, Kitagwenda District Local Government, Terego District Local Government and Madi- Okollo District Local Government. (i) Cost of service in local governments The Auditor-General’s report highlighted the amount of resources spent on non-core service delivery activities such as employee costs and transfers to other units like subcounties, schools and health facilities. These amounted to Shs 1,101.75 billion, equivalent to 74 per cent of the expenditure made by the entities. In other words, on average, the Government spent three shillings on each shilling for outputs that directly affect service delivery. The entities with the highest cost of administration of over six and above, include Masaka at eight, Nakasongola at seven, Gulu City at seven, Bundibugyo at six, Mbale City at six, Kiboga at six, Mpigi at six and Arua City at six, while the most efficient local government was Kalangala and Obongi District Local Governments at 0.4 per shilling for output service delivery. (ii) Local revenue performance of Financial Year 2020/2021 The audit reports for the 60 entities reported on indicated that some local governments’ local revenue was not reported on, well aware that this is a core source of revenue for the functioning of the district councils. This denied the councils facilitation to supervise and monitor the works of local governments. These local governments included Mitooma District, Nakasongola District, Kyankwanzi District and Lamwo District. Mr Speaker, details of these are provided in Annex one. Overall, the local governments underperformed on local revenue, registering revenue underperformance of Shs 30.4 billion of the target of Shs 68.248 billion, translating into local revenue performance of only 56 per cent. The local governments that performed dismally were Kole District, Soroti City, Zombo District, Kitgum Municipal Council and Moroto District Local Government. (iv) The performance of salaries, gratuity and pensions The report of the Auditor-General highlights the planned salaries, gratuity and pensions by the entities for the financial year. The reports overall indicated that Shs 632.75 billion was approved for salaries, gratuities and pensions at the close of the financial year. And at the close of the financial year, Shs 610.543 billion was availed to pay salaries, gratuities and pensions. However, only Shs 571.3 billion was actually absorbed by the entities, causing a return of Shs 38.6 billion to the Treasury, indicating underperformance of 6.3 per cent in the budget item. Mr Speaker, the committee made observations and request Members to look through those observations. I will take you directly to recommendations: The committee recommends that – i. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development accounts for the under-release for funds to the local governments. ii. Accounting officers under whose supervision local governments fail to utilise funds released to them be held personally liable. iii. entities whose cost of administration was above six times the cost of output service delivery be subjected to further investigations to ascertain the source of the abnormality in the operation cost of the local government.

6742 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT General. The audit revealed that on the account of delayed deletion of staff from payroll, some accounting officers authorised payment for salaries to staff who are either retired, transferred their services, absconded or died. I will give you an example of Gulu city where there was a delayed deletion of 20 staff who had left services leading to payment of Shs 64,323,558. Mr Speaker, such anomalies lead to loss of funds, and we have provided recommendations to that effect. We would also like to report on non-deduction of PAYE from political leaders. We have indicated details of our findings as a committee, where political leaders were not subjected to deductions of PAYE. We have also provided recommendations and to be specific. The committee recommends that accounting officers recover all the monies that were not deducted from these political leaders or the accounting officers will have to be held liable and they will have to make good the losses. Mr Speaker, we would also like to report on payment of salaries, pension and gratuity of IPPS. We noted for example, in Bulambuli District, where nine pensioners were paid a total of Shs 170 million off IPPS. The committee observed that payment of salary pension and gratuity off IPPS contravenes paragraph 4.5 of the Establishment Notice No.2 of 2019 and could lead to abuse and manipulation for private gains. As a result, we recommend the following: The accounting officers should ensure to reconcile their respective entity staff lists together with the Ministry of Public Service IPPS, in order to avoid payment of salaries and pension and gratuity off IPPS. The accounting officers should desist from the practice and can only take such actions with the approval of the line ministries. Mr Speaker, under 3.3, we have off-budget receipts. We have provided those details and I request Members to look through. The committee has also provided observations, and I will take you straight to recommendations. The recommendations as follows: The accounting officers should adhere to paragraph 29 of the Budget Execution Circular for the said financial year. The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should mainstream the disbursement of funds through the normal planning and budgeting cycles to avoid off- budget receipts. Mr Speaker, we would like to report on the operationalisation of the new cities. The audit report noted that during the Financial Year 2019/2020, Government made a pronouncement upgrading 10 municipal councils to city status, effective 1 st July 2020. These include: Arua, Mbarara, Gulu, Jinja, Fort Portal, Mbale, Masaka, Soroti and Hoima. The audit report noted the following: The Government did not provide funding in the budgets of the newly created entities to enable them to operate as cities. They continue to operate using the budget of the municipal councils. The cities lacked establishment structures against which the recruitment of the required human resources could be undertaken. There was no guidance on the allocation and sharing of assets. This has become a contentious matter between the councils of the newly created cities and the district entities from where the cities were created. Mr Speaker, we would like to report on the capitation grant for printing. This is a matter that has been concluded and we will request Members to read through, but we have also provided recommendations that, for all the money sent to districts, there should be clear

6652 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME Ntungamo Municipality are in court because the minister allowed them to get part of the park, which was in a forest reserve, in exchange for another piece of land on which they planted and the forest is up. Then you have, in cities - for example, in Gulu City, the forests you are talking about are not there; it is high-rise buildings. Instead of lying to ourselves, why don’t we be honest and say that where we have no forests, we come in, we realign, and then we stop. We need to stop lying to ourselves that we have a forest in Gulu when we do not have it; it is only high-rise buildings constructed with plans approved by Government.

Honourable members, two minutes each. Let us avoid talking for long. However, as you heard, Bukedi was being misinterpreted as Bukedea. We should launch this in Budaka where the rate is so high - Tororo is part of Bukedi. Honourable members, let us look at how we plan to eliminate gender based violence; we need solutions. As legislators, let us not go into lamenting. Let us look at the solutions and how we are going to create awareness, how we are going to legislate to that effect, how we are going to budget to that effect. I wish I were you; when the Speaker is speaking, I would sit down. Fr Charles Onen - FR CHARLES ONEN (Independent, Laroo- Pece Division, Gulu City): Thank you, Madam Speaker. Gender based violence affects every fibre of society and whenever it takes place, it leaves incurable scars in the society. We need to come up with a law or a policy, which can help support the victims of violence. In most cases, perpetrators of violence are or were once victims of violence. We have seen the effects of violence in our community and in our societies; the rampant cases of child mothers, the rampant cases of suicide - Gulu District - for example, last month we lost a doctor due to domestic violence. A former councillor stabbed a medical doctor and killed him. It also happened in Kole District and other places. How are we going to help victims of violence? We need psychosocial support to be given to victims of violence. Thank you.

Thank you. Minister, you should also explain the rationale behind payment for renewal of passports. FR CHARLES ONEN (Independent, Laroo- Pece Division, Gulu City): Thank you, Mr Speaker. My issue is similar to that of Hon. Dan Kimosho. On Friday, the 16 th of this month, Laroo-Pece Division, in Gulu City, witnessed a heavy downpour which saw five major bridges being washed away. These bridges connect major access roads within the city and that is Laliya Parish connecting to Lawiyeadul Parish; Unyama Bridge connecting Unyama Parish and Labora Parish; Agonga Bridge connecting Agonga Parish to Lunaba Parish; and Pageya Bridge connecting Okeyomero Parish. Mr Speaker, a number of schools were cut off and over 600 pupils are at home because they cannot access schools. Thousands of people within the same communities from the nine parishes cannot access health services. I am happy that the minister in charge of this is around. This morning, the children were deceived that the reason why they cannot go to school is because Reverend Father has failed to talk and report this issue to Parliament. Right now, I am talking – (Laughter) - and the minister is here. The children have been cursing me since morning and through you, Mr Speaker, I will submit a copy of this petition to the minister in charge. Yesterday, a committee on – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am in possession of a copy of a document entitled, “List of shortlisted applicants for the position of probation police constables, general duties and drivers.” Mr Speaker, my concern on this list is the variance in the number of applicants per district. There are districts, for example, Obongi with two applicants shortlisted; Maracha with four; Madi-Okollo with three; your own district Mitooma with only three; Gulu City with 33 applicants shortlisted; and Kiboga has only two.

Thank you very much. Madam Speaker, you are aware that section 17(2) of the Public Finance Management Act requires that the vote that does not expend money that was appropriated to that vote for the financial year shall, at the close of the financial year, repay that money back to the Consolidated Fund. Madam Speaker, you recall that sometime back, I raised a concern in this House pointing to the fact that the Ministry of Public Service and the local Government ministry had taken too long to provide guidelines, including the human resource structure, for the operationalisation of the cities created. Much as, later on, the Ministry of Public Service provided that guideline which we had requested for, especially on the structures, the ministry did not go ahead to provide the job descriptions for the positions that were created. As a result, the cities were not able to go ahead with the recruitment processes for the positions provided. Madam Speaker, I am raising this because recently, Gulu City returned back to the Treasury a total of Shs 4,401,062,129. Out of this total amount that was returned, a total of Shs 2,584,589,383 was meant for salaries. Gulu and all the other cities cannot go ahead to have these recruitment exercises done unless the ministry provides the approved job descriptions for these positions created under the human resource structures that the ministry has provided for the cities. Madam Speaker, I therefore pray that: Parliament should intervene in this matter and cause the Ministry of Public Service to expeditiously provide the approved job descriptions for the positions under the approved structures for the cities, to enable these cities go ahead and carry out the recruitment. Parliament should give a specific timeframe within which these actions should be taken and a report be given back to Parliament. Finally, Madam Speaker, there is need for tougher action to be taken on those whose inactions hamper implementation of programmes that are planned for a specific financial year. Madam Speaker, I am not sure whether the Ministry of Public Service - and I do not know for how long they are going to continue with this kind of sluggishness. I am not sure whether they know how much impact this is negatively putting on the cities. My prayer, Madam Speaker, is that this Parliament will pay a lot more attention to the plight of the cities created in the spirit of enhancing service delivery to the citizens in the cities. Thank you very much. I have documents that I would like to table –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have this document as proof of the structures that the ministry provided. I also have a breakdown of the unspent balances for Gulu City and I would like to provide them. Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, it is indeed unfortunate that this has happened, particularly for Gulu City. When the structure was approved initially, we sent guidelines to cater for a generic staff and in some cases where that generic staff was customised, things went well. The way forward, Madam Speaker, is that indeed, the Public Service is now going to fine- tune the job descriptions for Gulu City and then the process of recruitment can immediately continue where it halted.

2396 2397 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 2022 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT The committee discovered that in Gulu City, the local leaders/ politicians, such as councillors that were meant to supervise and provide oversight, took over and abused the process by registering their relatives and themselves as beneficiaries. In situations where the local councils rendered support through identification and registration of beneficiaries, these lists were put aside during data entry and replaced with other beneficiaries. When the committee interrogated further, it was discovered that over 10 councillors, the speaker and former LC III chairperson of Layibi Division, for example, registered and benefited from the fund. Arua City and Kitgum Municipality had almost similar cases of abuse of the process by administrators. In Mbale, some city council staff were registered and benefited. The Lord Mayor Kampala Capital City Authority revealed to the committee that in Kampala, the DISOs abused the process by registering beneficiaries along party lines. The committee further noted that in some cases, the compilation of the list was left to chairpersons of associations of the different trade categories, in total disregard of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, instructing that the compilation be carried out using existing administrative records. In Tororo Municipality, for example, the chairpersons of different trade categories took advantage of this loophole by registering beneficiaries along political party and social relation lines. There were also allegations of extortion by the chairperson of the boda boda association in Tororo Municipality, who was alleged to have been asking beneficiaries to part with Shs 15,000 to be registered. Relatedly, in Fort Portal City, some town agents were also accused of asking for between Shs 30,000 and Shs 40,000 before one was registered or their national ID would be retained until the money would be cleared. Recommendations 1. The committee recommends that the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development holds accountable all Town Clerks who negated on their roles and responsibilities during this exercise by delegating their functions without proper supervision, as this amounted to neglect of duty. Additionally, all officers responsible for the abuse of this exercise by registering themselves in disregard of the vulnerable, be reprimanded. 2. The committee further recommends that the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social development should ensure that administrative records like tax registers in all cities, municipalities as well as other administrative units are updated by registering all formal and informal businesses. This would ease identification and verification of beneficiaries of such an exercise in the future. Term of reference No.2: Ascertain the criteria used to select and identify the beneficiaries According to the National Social Protection Policy, 2005, vulnerability is defined as “limited ability to manage risks or cope with shocks that may lead to undignified lives”. While appearing before the committee, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development submitted that the Cabinet defined the vulnerable in the context of the lockdown to mean “those who were engaged in employment at the time of COVID-19 lockdown and depended on daily earnings, which were disrupted”. The committee notes that there was no standard selection formula used in selecting beneficiaries in the targeted areas. In most of the cities and municipalities, the principle of “first come, first served” was applied. As a result, many categories of would-be beneficiaries were left out and for those who benefited, resources were not equitably distributed amongst the categories. For example, more people 3. We met with the town clerks, city/ municipal mayors, RCC/RDCs and other stakeholders in the following locations: a) Soroti City, Mbale City, Arua City, Gulu City, Lira City, Fort Portal City, Hoima City, Mbarara City and Masaka City. b) Tororo Municipality, Masindi Municipality, Ntungamo Municipality, Kumi Municipality and Kitgum Municipality. i) The committee also carried out on- spot visits and verification at a number of boda boda stages, taxi parks, street vendors and special hire operators to try and ascertain the terms of reference. ii) We analysed documents submitted by the Rt Hon. Prime Minister, the town clerks of municipalities/cities, KCCA Lord Mayor and other stakeholders that the committee interacted with. iii) The committee also carried out random telephone calls, which were made to the selected beneficiaries from the list provided by the Rt Hon. Prime Minister. Whereas, the committee was desirous of visiting all cities and municipalities that received the COVID-19 relief fund, it could only afford to visit the selected few due to time and budgetary constraints. Observations Madam Speaker, the committee was informed that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development approved the COVID-19 emergency fund, amounting to Shs 53.5 billion to cover all 501,107 targeted beneficiaries. Out of these numbers, a total of Shs 2.854 billion was spent on administrative costs and Shs 50.6 billion was transferred to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development account in Post Bank to facilitate direct transfers to the chosen beneficiaries. During the meeting with the committee, Post Bank informed the meeting that the bank had since received 488,272 total transaction instructions from the Ministry of Gender and successfully processed 487,307. Payments had since closed, according to the Ministry of Gender, with a balance of about Shs 1.43 billion lying on its account. Term of reference 1: Establish who compiled the lists of beneficiaries in the different locations. The committee observed that COVID-19 and its resultant effects, as occasioned by the lockdown, needed to be treated as a disaster and, therefore, it was wrong for the Government not to involve the Ministry of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Management in its response, given its rich expertise in personnel and structures down to the local Governments. Although the town clerks were supposed to be in charge of compilation of the list of beneficiaries as stipulated in the guidelines, the committee noted that this was done mostly through delegation. In Soroti, Arua, Hoima, Mbarara and Fort Portal cities, for example, the town clerks were newly posted and therefore, delegated their deputies to undertake the exercise. This was, however, done with little, if any, supervision. The committee observed that the delegation of this responsibility without sufficient supervision, made the exercise susceptible to abuse, as the data collected by those delegated was greatly manipulated. Many would-be beneficiaries were left out, especially private school teachers and restaurant workers, as the committee found out in almost all locations visited. In Fort Portal City, the deputy town clerk monopolised the whole exercise. In Arua, most of the data entry clerks that carried out the exercise were volunteers/interns who took advantage and registered themselves and other persons in the different categories.

2398 2399 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 2022 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT As noted earlier, in most locations visited by the committee, this exercise was marred by irregularities. Officials who were assigned the responsibility to carry out the exercise negated on their duties. There was also poor co-ordination between the offices responsible and the grassroot structures as such as GISOs, DISOs, RCCs/RDCs, LCI and town agents in the supervision and verification of the beneficiaries, which led to abuse of the process. Whereas in Masaka and Lira cities, the RCCs actively participated in the exercise, in Ntungamo Municipality and Mbarara City, the elected leaders were not involved at all. In Mbale City, the Office of RCC was denied the opportunity to verify the beneficiaries in the Office of the Town Clerk. As such, about 1,500 persons were verified out of the over 9,000 that benefited. In Arua city, the RCC and the Mayor only got to receive a report on the exercise while meeting the committee. There was no structural framework involving all leaders to ensure a co-ordinated execution. This led to people, who were not intended to benefit, taking part of the fund. It is worth noting that a few random telephone calls made by the committee to the beneficiaries revealed that some persons did not receive payments whereas their names are captured as having received relief and in the list provided. The committee could not, however, establish the accuracy of such assertions as the payments were made privately through their telephones and they could have deleted the confirmation messages. A one Ssewankambo Bashir Mbale captured in the list as having been paid under the bus/taxi conductor category denied having received the money when the committee called him. A one Oloya Geoffrey from Gulu purported to have been the first beneficiary of the relief fund under the boda-boda category could not be traced. When the committee consulted the boda-boda Association in Gulu, they denied him being a member and alleged that the Oloya in question is, in fact, a builder. While interacting with the committee, the Gulu City officials informed the meeting that their efforts to reach out to Oloya were futile. The committee noted that not all persons registered received the money due to various reasons, such as disparities in the names registered vis-à-vis those that appear in their NIN, using one’s NIN to register many telephone numbers and incomplete information, among others. The Committee further noted that there was an option in the guidelines to pay persons who qualified and were in possession of NIN, but had no telephones through the bank post. However, many would-be beneficiaries with these cases were ignored and replaced hence leaving out a big number. Recommendations 1. The Ministry of Gender considers verifying and giving relief to the vulnerable who had already been identified within the quota range but were left out due to errors in the information. This should be done before the end of October 2021; and 2. In future, systems designed for this kind of exercise should cater for vulnerable persons without phones and persons with disability. Term of reference number five was on how much money the beneficiaries received. We have indicated the figures and the committee recommends that should such an intervention be necessary in the future, the rates should be based on the current cost of living. We did observe before the recommendation on how we arrive at that conclusion. Term of reference number six was to establish the roles played by the different stakeholders. We have examined the same at page 17 and came to the conclusion that the committee recommends that should such an exercise be necessary in the future, elected leaders should be involved from the onset to give it ownership. benefited under the boda boda category than food vendors, salonists and car washers. In Mbale, the committee noted that the number of support staff who benefited in private schools was more than the teachers in those schools, which is not logical. In Tororo, a total number of 1,402 slum residents benefited, representing 37 per cent of the entire threshold, as compared to three vehicle loaders. In Soroti, the committee interacted with Mr Saleh Babu Opwonya, the Chairperson Teso Coach Stage, who intimated that out of the 75 members he registered, none of them received relief. Meanwhile, his counterpart, Mr Abdu Mugisha, the Gateway Bus Company chairperson, revealed that out of the 56 members he registered, 48 benefited. In Fort Portal, at Kampala-Kyenjojo Taxi Stage, 60 members were registered and on Kampala Road Boda Boda Stage, 132 members were registered but none of them received relief. These inequities meant that certain categories benefited more to the disadvantage of others. Suffice to note that the Government was able to set thresholds for beneficiaries in all the cities/ municipalities but did not consider setting out a workable formula to be used to equitably share the quotas. The committee noted that for success to be achieved in Lira City, identification was done based on the area of operation and business location for each category. Leadership structures for each category also supported the registration and verification process. Consequently, internal structures were put in place where the compiled lists were first submitted to the DISOs’ office and both physical verification and phone call verification was done to ascertain authenticity of the submitted lists. Once approved, the list would be submitted back to the Town Clerk for data entry. Other cities and municipalities did not fully verify their lists. Cognisant of the directive of the ministry to display the lists generated in public places within urban areas for purposes of updating and verification, with supervision of warden administrators and support of village health teams, the committee noted that across all the cities and municipalities, this directive was defied. This was attributed to limited time, technicalities in the online system, bulk and sensitivity of information. In the committee’s view, the display was avoided as it would expose the irregularities and abuse of the process. Nonetheless, if a display was to be done, raw data would have been the one to be displayed as and when the lists would come through. The committee recommends, therefore, that; 1. The Ministry of Local Government should, in liaison with UBOS, support the local government administrative units to set up a more robust database for future use. 2. In future, if such an activity reoccurs, the Ministry of Local Government should ensure that Town Clerks strictly adhere to the set guidelines. Term of reference No.3: Verify the list of people who received the money Madam Speaker, the observations here are contained on pages 12 to 13. I would wish to proceed directly to the recommendations, following the observations. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development should consider giving relief to residents of Ayivu Division and Northern Division of Arua and Fort Portal cities, respectively. This flows from the observations that there were no benefits to them. Term of reference No.4: Verify and establish whether the intended beneficiaries actually received the money.