Ngora County

420 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME 1. The Government supports farmers with rosette-tolerant groundnut seed varieties and planting materials for short-term food security crops in the next planting season; and 2. Agricultural extension services be strengthened to educate farmers on the best farming practices, especially the management and control of groundnut rosette. Mr Speaker, my response is that I have taken note of the Member’s prayer for the Government to support farmers with rosette- tolerant groundnut seed varieties and planting materials for short-term food security crops in the next planting season. I will inform the President accordingly, and the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries is hereby put on alert. However, in the meantime, those who can afford it can go and buy Serenut 2-14, which is a rosette- tolerant variety from open markets. Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries extension technical teams are already engaging Ngora District, and every district has agricultural officers. The recommended practices are: use of certified seeds; early planting; proper spacing; inter-crop with beans or sorghum; uproot and bury infected plants; apply Cypermethrin 5-percent-EC or neem; extract if the infestation is high; and report symptoms to the subcounty extension workers. The fourth question came from Hon. Peter Okeyoh, the Member of Parliament for Bukooli Island County. According to our brother, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda did write a letter to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, directing that power be extended to Sigulu Island, Namayingo and Buvuma Island. His question is: what is the status of the project? My response is that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has commenced the public investment management system process. The project is currently at the project profile stage, awaiting consideration by the development committee. Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is implementing a mini-grid project on Buvuma Island with support from the European Union, under the GET Access project. The contractor has been procured, while the submarine cable is being processed. I got a fifth question from Hon. Okeyoh, again. He stated that this Parliament amended the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, to provide for artisanal miners. He asked: “Why are our people, in Namayingo, Kassanda and Buhweju districts, being harassed by armed men?” Mr Speaker, my response is that the Mining and Minerals Policy, 2018, the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 and the Mining and Minerals (Artisanal Mining) Regulations, 2025, provide a legal and regulatory regime for the development of artisanal miners in Uganda. Mining is only permitted within gazetted artisanal mining zones. To enforce this, the Police Minerals Protection Unit is halting illegal mining activities outside gazetted mining zones. This is aimed at curbing environmental degradation, the spread of epidemics, occupational health and safety hazards, and the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury. The ministry is currently organising and registering artisanal miners into associations and cooperatives, as a requirement before licensing them to operate within gazetted mining areas. The progress, so far, is that 20 artisanal and small-scale mining licences have been issued to miners in Namayingo, Kassanda and Buhweju districts. In addition, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is engaging gold rush miners across the country. Mining in

18264 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. STELLA APOLOT ISODO Wednesday, 21 January 2026 Woman Representative, Ngora District, who passed away on Saturday, 17 January 2026. Hon. Apolot was a prominent member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), was highly respected, and had a friendly personality. She was a servant leader who was deeply loved by the people of Ngora and colleagues in Parliament. Her legislative track record was quite impactful. She served with distinction on the parliamentary Committees of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Equal Opportunities and National Economy. She was also an active member of the Parliamentary Sports Club, where she played netball. Honourable members, the death of Hon. Apolot brings to a total of seven Members of Parliament that we have lost in the 11 th Parliament. It is a very painful reality. As colleagues, we pray that the ever merciful Lord grants all our departed colleagues eternal rest. Death is an inevitable journey for all of us. In 2 Samuel 14:14, the Bible states that, “ For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again…” That is why we should all live to create a positive and lasting impact on our societies. At the end of the day, it is the memories we create that define our legacy. It is not how long we lived on earth, but how impactful we were on humanity. I, therefore, urge you to be deliberate in shaping your own legacy. What should humanity IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament FIFTH SESSION - SPECIAL SITTING - SECOND MEETING Parliament met at 1.59 p.m. in Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

18265 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 21 JANUARY 2026 remember of you while you are not on this earth? Honourable members, our departed colleague was very good regarding the advocacy for women. When you listen to all the speeches she made while she was in Parliament, it was all about women. I condole with the 11 th Parliament of Uganda, the people of Ngora District and the FDC party. It is painful that we have lost a resourceful legislator. She will be dearly missed by her people, the community and the Parliament of Uganda. I thank all of you for coming to this special sitting. I have always said that when it is a special sitting or when we lose a Member, it does not matter whether this person is from this party or the other. We all remain Members of Parliament and this is the time that we get united for one cause. I wish you all the best as you deliberate. (Entrance of the late Hon. Stella Apolot Isodo.) The National Anthem The East African Community Anthem Laying of wreaths

Honourable members, in the VIP gallery this afternoon, we have the immediate family members of the late Hon. Stella Apolot. We have: 1. Mr Samuel Isodo – husband; 2. Ms Joan Apio – daughter; 3. Mr Arnold Isodo – son; 4. Mr Allan Okiror – son; 5. Mr Ariong Etoba – brother; 6. Mr Simon Julius Eseet – brother; 7. Ms Sarah Amuge – sister; 8. Ms Dorothy Ajete – sister; 9. Ms Oliva Iculet – sister; 10. Ms Loyce Ouchokol – sister; 11. Ms Angella Apio - sister-in-law; 12. Ms Harriet Kobusingye - sister-in-law. They have joined us in paying tribute to the late Stella Isodo. Still in the public gallery, we also have relatives and friends of the late Isodo. We have: 1. Hon. Dr Francis Epetait, former Member of Parliament from Ngora; 2. Hon. Toterebuka Bamwenda, former Member of Parliament and a member of the FDC party, where the late belonged; 3. Hon. Jacquiline Amongin, a Member of EALA and former Woman MP of Ngora; 4. Hon. Veronica Kadogo, also a Member of EALA; and 5. Hon. Francis Mukula, former Member of Parliament. Honourable members, we will continue introducing them as they come. I also have condolence messages: We have a condolence message from Rotary, signed by the District Governor, Geoffrey Martin Kitakule. We have another condolence message from the Parliamentary SACCO, and attached is Shs 1 million. We have a message from the Speaker’s office; attached is Shs 10 million. (Applause) MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. STELLA APOLOT ISODO, FORMER WOMAN REPRESENTATIVE, NGORA DISTRICT

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to second the motion to pay tribute to our departed honourable colleague, the late Hon. Apolot Stella Isodo, former Woman Member of Parliament for Ngora District. On behalf of the Opposition in Parliament and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to her husband, Mr Samuel Isodo, her children, the people of Ngora, and the Forum for Democratic Change political party that she belonged to. The sudden death of Hon. Isodo at about 51 years is tragic and deeply painful. It comes at a moment when Uganda has barely emerged from a highly contentious election marked by killings, abductions, torture, and widespread fear among citizens who dared to participate democratically. Hon. Isodo was no politician of convenience. As a committed Opposition leader, agriculturalist, and member of the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, she consistently championed the issues of farmers, women, and youth – the backbone of our nation – whose voices are too often sidelined. Her leadership rested on integrity, courage, and genuine closeness to her people. Hon. Isodo was a gentle soul, but very firm on her stance about the kind of country she desired to see, as a leader and as a citizen. She desired to see a truly democratic state; a Uganda where the rule of law is respected, and where no one is above the law. Hon. Isodo desired a country where the voice of the people is respected through the ballot, where leaders do not seek to occupy office at all costs, regardless of the implications. (Text expunged.)

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Honourable members, allow me to convey my heartfelt condolences to the House, the people of Ngora, and the family. Hon. Isodo was a member of the Parliamentary Forum on Food and Nutrition Security, and she was very passionate when it came to issues of food production and nutrition. In 2024, the National Water Day anniversary was commemorated in Ngora District. She influenced lobbying for this function to be celebrated in Ngora.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As the whip of FDC, I would like to make this statement to pay tribute to Hon. Isodo of Ngora District. Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay tribute to our beloved colleague and sister, the Hon. Apolot Stella Isodo. Her passing leaves a void in our lives, but specifically to the family which is before us here. We pay tribute to her and assure you that she was a different breed. Hon. Isodo was passionate, specifically when it came to women’s rights, education, sports and health care. She improved the lives of many in Ngora, but specifically for FDC. She bridged the gap because she was a humble lady. As you are all aware – it is not politics – we had issues with many parties emerging. I remember one of the honourable members from Mityana said that I was in a refrigerator and that as such, they should not vote someone who is sick – I was in the ICU. I am here with a corset. Actually, I met the honourable colleague here when I was going for the operation. Incidentally, NUP insisted the man is a corpse and is in a refrigerator. She called me and told me to take it easy. Normally, I do not take matters lightly, but I took it easy. I could not believe that the people we were seated with in the Shadow Cabinet would go around saying that “This guy is in ICU and in a refrigerator.” As I speak, I am still under strong medication. I had to come to pay tribute and thank Mr Isodo for choosing a person who is different. (Applause) She was younger than me, but with just one word, she said, “Please, Yusuf, take it easy”, and I took it easy. I forgive Hon. Zaake and colleagues who attacked me by saying that I was in a refrigerator. I am still alive. Beyond her role as Ngora woman representative, Hon. Isodo also served as the spokesperson of the entire Teso Region. That is a great achievement and responsibility. We are going to miss her, as the FDC. We needed her guidance and participation. She had a lot of support on the ground. Hon. Isodo had a lot of respect within our party. As the FDC’s Parliamentary Whip, I served alongside her. We will miss her. However, our party is strong and committed to the values she advocated for. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I join the family and the entire country to mourn our dear sister and mother. It is painful. Hon. Isodo and I were very close. We used to sit in the same position most of the time. I am so sad to hear of her demise. Hon. Isodo was a mother. She kept calling me her daughter and told me her firstborn is also called Joan. She said, “I love you because you are just as humble as her.” Each time she saw me, she would say, “My daughter.” Hon. Isodo was very passionate about agriculture. She fought for a tractor for Ngora District. She had promised to fight for more tractors for her constituency to empower women and many other young people in Ngora. I pray that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries takes it up as part of our tribute here to send in more tractors to Ngora to ensure our sister’s legacy remains burning in Ngora. I also want to join my colleagues in thanking Mr Isodo. For us in Teso, we kept seeing him in the field even without his sweetheart, who was badly off. We thank you so much, and I hope many of our husbands and men learn from him. Even without Hon. Isodo in the field, she was doing well. The voters were on her side. I want to thank us for paying tribute to her. Please rest in peace, my dear mommy.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I join the people of Ngora and the family of Mr Isodo to mourn a friend, Stella Isodo. As the people of Mbale, we remember Hon. Stella Isodo for the good that she did for our district. In 2023, I organised a fundraising to purchase land for one of our health facilities. Hon. Stella Isodo, being one of my friends and a God- fearing woman, joined me and supported me, and I was able to achieve that. The Bible says that blessed are those who do good, and those who die in the Lord, their good works will follow them, and they will rest from the labours of this world. It is in Revelations 14:13. I encourage the family, especially the children, that your mum was a God-fearing woman. Pick it up from that and fear the Lord. God will strengthen you because your mum did well, not only for Ngora District but also for other districts where some of us live. So, we celebrate a woman who was good and loving. Hon. Stella, may your soul rest in peace. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, this House bleeds. We are standing in a place of law and power, yet we are powerless before death. Her seat is empty, and her voice is gone. A servant of the people has been taken away from us. We mourn the late Hon. Stella Isodo Apolot, the Woman Member of Parliament for Ngora District and a leader whose life was given, not spared in service. Hon. Isodo did not seek leadership for comfort or recognition. She came with fire in her heart, and duty in her bones. She carried the cries of her people into the chamber and refused to let them be ignored. When she stood to speak, Ngora stood with her. When she voted, she voted with her conscience. When she disagreed, she did so with courage and truth. She believed that Parliament must never become detached from the pain of the people. She stood for women whose voices are dismissed, children whose futures are uncertain, and the vulnerable whose sufferings are often unseen. Her politics had a moral spine. She reminded us that leadership without compassion is empty power. Hon. Stella was strong, but her strength was not rooted in pride but faith. As a devoted member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God’s Church, she knelt before God before she ever stood before men. She prayed before she spoke. She trusted God even when politics was harsh and forgiving. Her Christianity was not a label; it was her compass. To her family, the pain is unbearable. You may not know, she has left behind two sons and one daughter. The daughter is doing medicine at Nairobi University, the son is doing law, and the third born is doing engineering. She bore children with a brain. To Ngora District, a champion has been silenced. To this Parliament, a conscience has been removed - (Member timed out.)

Sorry! To her family, the pain is unbearable, to her church, a pillar has fallen, to Ngora District, a champion has been silenced, and to this Parliament, a conscience has been removed too soon. Her death is not just a personal loss, but a national wound, yet even in this deep sorrow, her life confronts us. It asks us hard questions: are we serving or surviving? Are we leading with conviction or convenience? Are we worthy of the people who sent us here? Madam Speaker, Hon. Stella ran her race but did not finish it because she was tired but she finished because God called her home. Her work, courage and faith now speaks louder than her voice could. Her seat may be vacant, but her spirit still fills this House. Her legacy will challenge every one of us who still has breath to speak the truth, defend the weak and serve without fear. On behalf of the people I represent in Kasilo County, and the people of Uganda, we bow our heads in honour of a fallen leader, a faithful Christian and a true daughter of Ngora. May the Lord she served receive her in eternal glory.

Vot DG.-|DtLE rrou*[UqX0O'l 889 Masindi District 2.283.561 890 Mafruse District 3.74r.314 891 Mbale District 4.258.404 892 llfbarara District 3.574.783 893 Mitooma District 5.833.974 894 Mitlrana District 3.115.081 895 Moroto District t.903.749 896 Morro District 2.558.666 897 Mpigi District 2.989.567 898 Muberrde District 3.891.823 899 Mukono Distrist 3,57L.739 900 Nabilahrk District 2.235.822 901 Nakapiripirit District 3,L68.O24 902 Nakaseke District s.298.902 903 Nakasongola District 2,768.377 904 Nanarringo District 2.762,795 905 Naraisindwa District 3,760.490 906 Nanuhrmba District 2,790.205 907 Napak District 2.767.585 908 Nebbi Distf,ict 2.919,540 909 Ngora District 2.452.235 910 Ntoroko District 2,4L7,457 911 Nhrngamo District 5,001.791 9L2 Nrvoya District 4,385.464 913 Obong District 1,426,37L 914 Omoro District 4,102.293 915 Otulc District 2,067.969 916 Orram District 4,560.542 9L7 Pader Distrist 3,065.637 918 Pakcrach District 2,329.327 919 Pallisa District 2.5s7.798 920 Rakai District 3,859,310 92L Rubanda Distrirct 6,526,22L 922 Rubirizi District 3,908,2L7 923 Rukiga District .Gx, 7rtl 1,951,129 924 Bukungiri DisEict ( lflt I 4,367,466 925 Rwanpara District tfi \LIPV 3.910.185 Sembabule District 797 901 't I ,i , \$ 4, / -$ ge s 'd$t t t

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We do appropriation and oversight. Luckily enough, some of us here are even chairpersons of the District Road Committee, and I happen to be one of them. In my district, Ngora, as much as I am a very able chairperson - because there is evidence - the problem that I have in Ngora District is the district engineer and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). I want to believe that in many districts in Uganda, this is a cancer that must be treated. When we were having lunch, I heard one colleague saying that her district engineer, after a long period, when he finished grading, went and poured murram on the road. In my district, I have written a report to the district CAO. I have even copied to the speaker and the Minister of Works and Transport and then other authorities. The issue that is paining me and the wanainchi , the community, is that there are various roads in Ngora district where attempts have been made to work on, but the materials that these people have used were of poor quality. We have earmarked 52 - (Member timed out.)

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. I would like to appreciate the chairperson. My concern is with coding. I submitted three primary schools in January 2023; that is Ajuket, Kacinga and Katengeto, which is an island in Ngora and a hard-to-reach parish. I agree with Hon. Gorreth, that we need to code all the schools that need to be coded. Government policy is also that every subcounty should have a secondary school. Out of the 11 subcounties in Ngora District, six do not have secondary schools; among them are Morukakise, Mukura, Ngora, Opot and Agirigiroi. Finally, it is also a Government policy that every county must have a tertiary institution for education. Ngora District has two counties, Ngora and Kapir, but they both do not have a tertiary institution. Honourable minister, I need answers. I beg to submit.

17191 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2025 In 1989, an unfortunate event occurred in Mukura, where 69 people perished in a wagon. The Government established a school called Mukura Memorial School. In 2010, His Excellency the President pledged to Mukura Memorial School that the school would get a bus. That school has a student population of about 1,300. It is a destitute school when it comes to transporting those students. I wrote a letter to His Excellency, the President, and got a reply, where the State House Comptroller was charged to fulfil that pledge. Unfortunately, to date, the bus has not been given. I am requesting the committee that for those pledges of the President, kindly, fix because we are desperately in need of it. Lastly, my colleague, the Woman Member of Parliament for Ngora District, said that there are six subcounties, which do not have seed schools. I want to say that in my county, among the six – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I join the rest of the colleagues in thanking the chairperson for the report. Mine is just two issues. One is in regard to the salaries of the teachers. Ever since we migrated to the new HR system, our teachers have not received salaries from February up to now in Ngora District so I would like to know about that. Secondly, is in regard to the issues of public secondary schools in the subcounties, like my colleague mentioned earlier. I have three subcounties with no secondary schools. I hope this time I will get something. Thank you, Mr Speaker. MR DONALD KATALIHWA (NRM, Mwenge County South, Kyenjojo: Thank you, Mr Speaker, Mine are three and very short. I thank the chairperson of the committee for a very good report. Most of the things have been captured.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the chairperson and the committee for the good report. My issue goes to the town councils and other urban town councils, which were mentioned in a statement made by the minister at Kololo. My town council, Mukura Town Council in Ngora District, was among those that the minister said that this financial year, the work to extend piped water would be complete. However, since the beginning of this financial year, nothing has been done. I want to believe that it is the same thing happening to other town councils, and since town councils accommodate a lot of human population, I implore the chairperson and the Minister of Water and Environment, those town councils should be given priority so that some of those unfinished projects can also be completed. Secondly, I would like to borrow from a colleague who proposed that according to the current proposal, a village is supposed to have a borehole, but I was shocked that in Ngora District, when the LC V said that in every financial year, it is only two boreholes are allocated to Ngora District. He went ahead to say that in the ministry, Ngora District is said to have been covered 90 per cent, meaning that almost every village has a borehole. A colleague has just mentioned that she is always burdened to repair and even drill boreholes, and that is what is happening in those districts where boreholes are very few. It is even worse in water-stressed areas like Ngora District, Soroti, Katakwi, Amuria, Agago and others- (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to appreciate the honourable minister for the statement, however, I would like to also implore the minister as she writes to districts about the Shs 3 million for International Women’s Day Celebrations she should remind them that Uganda is under a multi-party dispensation. In those districts, we have the Opposition women MPs who also need to celebrate with their women. Ngora District has never celebrated the International Women’s Day. I hope this time, we shall celebrate. Therefore, I request the minister to write to the Resident District Commissioners who are blocking us. On the GROW project, honourable minister, we need another meeting to review it. The conditions of the project do not allow the rural woman to get this loan. I looked at the report the other day from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and noted that so far, only 87 districts out of 146 have benefited, and Ngora is not one of them. This is because the loan has stringent conditions of a minimum of Shs 4 million, a land title - honourable minister, remember, we had a meeting, and one of the women in Kumi got a land title from her husband to get a loan for just a stationery business. Yet, you know they sell silverfish, tomatoes etcetera. So, why don’t we meet to review this project to benefit the local women? I beg to submit.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Stella Isodo, Woman MP, Ngora District. I am from the FDC Party, headquartered at Najjanankumbi. (Laughter) I am the spokesperson of the Teso Parliamentary Group.

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.

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

--T1tr- l+- ;,? "t ''i.. ?Y\,L \i. t -fi' --t*;=*" M I t({,,- I i: ij lL I v t1 f t l"=' ti.j Y Amount (OOO'| Vote Descriptlon 7,328,OO8 Manafwa District 886 3,44t,331 Maracha District 887 3,471,050 888 Masaka District 4,882,502 Masindi District 889 6,068,543 890 Mayuge District 6,429,337 Mbale District 891 3,641,820 492 Mbarara District 9,052,297 Mitooma District 893 6,6a2,495 894 Mityana District 1,658,849 895 Moroto District 1,922,2O4 896 Moyo District 3,477,355 897 Mpigi District 6,69L,743 898 Mubende District 3,766,672 899 Mukono District 4,343,422 Nabilatuk District 900 3,OL6,472 901 Nakapiripirit District 5,835,018 902 Nakaseke District 2,548,6t5 903 Nakasongola District 4,536,596 904 Namayingo District 4,9t8,709 Namisindwa District 905 3,981, 161 906 Namutumba District 3,807,O77 907 Napak District 4,970,272 Nebbi District 908 2,906,306 909 Ngora District t,75A,026 Ntoroko District 910 7,940,925 911 Ntungamo District 5,490,899 Nwoya District 9t2 L,649,499 913 Obongi District 2,603,313 9t4 Omoro District 2,577,067 915 Otuke District 6,868,886 9t6 Oyam District 3,127,34r 917 Pader District 2,692,356 918 Pakwach District 4,682,708 9t9 Pallisa District 3,493,436 920 Rakai District 5,950,433 92t Rubanda District 3,4tt,704 922 Rubirizi District ,-i I ,r 4 27 F$*\

12097 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA T HURSDAY, 29 F EBRUARY 2024 projected demand is estimated at 1,913,000 litres per day. Mr Speaker, due to funding constraints, phased implementation of the water supply system was proposed: Phase I This phase will target a projected population of 18,907 people who will be living in the targeted water supply area by the year 2035. The scope of works envisaged under this phase includes: (i) Construction of three pump stations with a total production capacity of 24,000 litres of water per hour; (ii) Construction of two water tanks of capacity 4 00,000 litres in Kasimbi at Kasozi Hill, and another in Kyebando at Kisalizi Hill of capacity 224,000 litres per day; (iii) The construction of two kilometres of transmission pipelines and 20 kilometre of distribution pipeline with related consumer points comprising of 800 households yard taps and at least 10 public stands; and (iv) Construction of a water office to support operations and maintenance of the facilities and two public toilets at Kasimbi and Kyebando Markets. The total cost of the construction works under phase I is Shs 6.6 billion only. Phase II Beyond 2025, the population in Kasimbi and Kyebando will have increased, and the adequacy of the infrastructure installed under phase I will cease. In order to meet the projected water demand of 1,913,000 litres per day for the year 2045, another water source will therefore, be required to augment the boreholes. Water will therefore, be sourced from River Nkusi at Igayaza, treated and pumped to the water tanks at Kisalizi Hill in Kasimbi Sub County and Kisalisa Hill in Kyebando Subcounty. The total cost of construction works to be undertaken under phase II is Shs 3.4 billion only. It is anticipated that the infrastructure with long life spans installed under phase I will continue to adequately serve up to 2045. Mr Speaker, the challenge has always been about limited funding. However, the Government is committed to commence implementation of phase 1 of Kasimbi - Kyebando Water Supply System once funds are available. The third question came from the Hon. Achayo Julie Lodou, Member of Parliament, Ngora. She said that in order to ensure better access to health services, the Government formulated a policy to the effect that every sub county should have a health centre at level three. However, in Ngora District, three Subcounties are without health centre IIIs. They include: Agirigiroi, Morukakise and Ngora Subcounties. Her prayer is that the Government constructs health centre IIIs in the affected sub counties to improve health service delivery in the district. My response, Mr Speaker, is that it is true there is a policy that every subcounty and town council should be provided with a health centre III. Uganda has 2,184 sub counties and town councils out of which, 1,696 (78 per cent) have health centre IIIs, leaving out 488 (22 per cent) Sub-counties and town councils without health centre IIIs The Government is committed to ensuring every subcounty and town councils without health centre IIIs are provided with the same. The subcounties of Agirigiroi, Morukakise and Ngora shall be provided with health centre IIIs as and when funds are made available. It is important to note that in the last five years, the Government has constructed over 412 health centre IIIs in different sub counties across the country. This was based on population, availability of health facilities of any level in the subcounties, hard to reach and hard to leave in areas among other factors.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Last week on Tuesday, 6 February 2024, due to unexpected occasional rains, residents of Ngora District were faced with significant losses after a heavy hailstorm and strong winds destroyed some houses, including a fuel station called Akello Oils in Mukura Town Council, and cassava, sweet potato gardens. This hazardous situation has worsened the already precarious food security situation in the district. Out of the 11 subcounties in Ngora District, five were affected. They include: Ngora Town Council, Odwarat, Mukura Town Council, and Mukura Subcounty. The magnitude of the disaster has been captured in the report, from the district production office. My prayers are: 1. Mr Speaker, we need provision of early maturing planting materials like sweet potato vines and cassava cuttings; and 2. I also request the Office of the Prime Minister to provide dry rations to the households in the meantime. I have a report from the district production office and I beg to lay it on the Table.

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

Honourable members, can we have a status report from Works and Finance Ministries on how many road units are being procured, what is the balance and for which districts? Honourable members, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have students and teachers of Buckley High School, Iganga District. They are represented by Hon. Peter Mugema Panadol and Hon. Sauda Kauma. Where is Hon. Panadol ? (Laughter) Hon. Mugema is one of the best Members of Parliament. Please, join me in welcoming them. (Applause) We also have a delegation of constituents from Ngora District. They are represented by Hon. Stella Isodo, Hon. Juliet Achayo and Hon. Abraham Isamat. Hon. Abraham is there. You have very good Members of Parliament. Please, take care of your Members

9622 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME impairments. His prayer is that I update the House on the matter. Madam Speaker, Section 15(A) of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020, provides for deployment, training and use of sign language, and tactile sign language interpreters in all public institutions, and this includes the courts of law. The revised National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, 2023, under priority area 2(ii), of the strategies and actions, enhancement of communication in different formats is emphasised, and sign language is explicitly mentioned. The Judiciary has got one sign language interpreter deployed at Buganda Road Court, Kampala. The sign language interpreter was recruited purposely to assist persons with hearing impairments. Since the cases involving persons with hearing impairments are very few, the sign language interpreter is facilitated to go to any other court where there are such cases, to assist as required and there are no complaints. Apart from sign language interpreters, the Judiciary employs more than 348 court interpreters who are deployed in various courts across the country, to assist interpretation of court proceedings. For example, the Family Division Court, Buganda Road Court, Mityana Chief Magistrates Court, Mbarara High Court, Koboko Chief Magistrates Court, Moyo Chief Magistrates Court, Kasese Chief Magistrates Court, etcetera. Number two, Hon. Kevin Kaala, the District Woman Representative, Pallisa, raised a concern on the heavy downpour on Thursday, 28 April 2022 in Pallisa District that led to floods that washed away Kaboloi, Ometai and Otuti Bridges that link Pallisa to Ngora District. She asked: “Can the Prime Minister inform the House on interventions instituted by the Government to remedy the situation?” Madam Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, on 4 August 2022 provided Pallisa District with 32 meters of length and 2.1 meters of diameter metal culverts wide and 40 pieces of gabion boxes two by one by one (two meters wide, one- meter-deep and one-meter width). The ministry also advised the district to write to the Uganda Road Fund for emergency funding to allow maintenance works on Kaboloi Bridge. The Ministry on 26 April 2023 held a meeting with the honourable Members of Parliament for Gogonyo and Kibaale Counties after the temporary intervention by the district. As a result, on 4 May 2023, the ministry inspected Kaboloi Bridge with a view of carrying out major works to restore connectivity. Madam Speaker and colleagues, the ministry undertook to install the metal culverts to restore connectivity. The provision of Shs 40 million was made in fourth quota of the Financial Year 2022/2023 under project number 1558 for intervention, particularly, installation of culverts as a means of restoring connectivity. These works are expected to commence in July this year. This financial year, Government has prioritised rural bridges under infrastructure development to enable the ministry to reconstruct dilapidated bridges and construct new bridges that are currently timber-made - temporary bridges in the districts, urban and community access roads network across the country that are estimated to be 1,636 bridges. Hon. Musherure Shartsi Nayebare Kutesa, Member of Parliament Mawogola – (Interruption)

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

Madam Speaker, I would like to appreciate you for acknowledging that Uganda is under a multi-party dispensation. When you alluded that if you are NRM, you chant NRM slogans, and if you are FDC like me - I cannot chant another party’s slogan. I would like to give reference to Ngora District Women’s Day celebrations last year on 10 June 2022. As stakeholders of Ngora District, we organised a women’s day together and I preferred we have a chief guest. When I approached the Office of the Speaker, then the Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa - Hon. Sarah Mateke was the chief guest, but she was the first person who told me that the women’s day in Ngora had been cancelled at 9.00 p.m. Yet, I had already booked two buses from Parliament for Members of Parliament. Madam Speaker, I am here to lay the expenses I incurred last year. (Laughter) May I lay on the Table the costs I spent in Ngora?

Mr Speaker, I acknowledge the report of the honourable minister. However, I would like to say that his orders are appreciated but he should understand that orders on actions illegally done really do not matter; an illegality with or without an order is an illegality. We wait for action on the officers that manhandled these honourable Members of Parliament. Mr Speaker, for the record, the Members are 11 and I want this to be on record so that when we are looking for culprits, they know the victims are known: i. Hon. Joan Namutaawe, Woman MP of Masaka District; ii. Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima, Woman MP of Wakiso District; iii. Hon. Juliet Kakande Nakabuye, Woman MP of Masaka City; iv. Hon. Manjeri Kyebakutika Woman MP of Jinja City and Deputy Opposition Chief Whip; v. Hon. Nyakato Asinansi, Woman MP of Hoima City; vi. Hon. Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa, Woman MP of Mityana District; vii. Hon. Florence Kabugho, Woman MP of Kasese; viii. Hon. Stella Isodo Apolot, Woman MP Ngora District; ix. Hon. Helen Nakimuli, Woman MP of Kalangala District; x. Hon. Hanifa Nabukeera Woman MP of Mukono District; and xi. Hon. Joan Acom Alobo, Woman MP Soroti City. Mr Speaker, this comes against the backdrop of what you explained in your opening statements that honourable members had lodged a petition to the Speaker over this mistreatment. Mr Speaker, they logged the complaint in their own right. That complaint is not a legal battle, but a public demonstration of their dissatisfaction. SUPPLEMENTARY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE FOR FY 2022/2023

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am here as a testimony that I organised Women’s Day celebrations in Ngora District last year. The RDC, a one Mr Ekom blocked it at 9.30 p.m. and there was no compensation, and no reason given. This very year still, Ngora has not celebrated Women’s Day in a proper way. The Ministry of Gender has directed us, the Women Members of Parliament, to be in the lead for the Women’s Day celebrations. We have a letter directing us that the Shs 3 million should be utilised in consultation with a Woman Member of Parliament. I subscribe to the Forum for Democratic Change, and these RDCs use it against us. The whole country knows we have 32 Members of Parliament in FDC; we have over 50 in NUP. So, why should we be blocked yet we were given the mandate of the people? Mr Speaker, my prayer is that the Minister in charge of RDCs should call them to order.

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

No, the answer for Nakasongola may be different. Therefore, I take the responsibility to come back next week and deliver the answer because these are two districts with different geographical issues. Hon. Julie Achayo, Member of Parliament of Ngora Constituency asked another question and the question goes: “The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the head of public service in the district, the head of administration of the council and the accounting officer of the district. He is, therefore, a very important person. The last three consecutive CAOs who have been transferred to Ngora were all officers who were about to retire. The current Chief Administrative Officer, the fourth in the row, is also pending retirement. Whereas they may have the experience, the danger is that they characteristically fear to take certain critical decisions. They are not innovative, and prefer to play it safe as they wait for their retirement, thus, making the district lag behind. Why has the Ministry of Local Government, consistently deployed CAOs in Ngora District who are due for retirement?” My response is that the chief administrative officers and their deputies, and the city and municipal clerks are employees of the Central Government and are appointed by the Public Service Commission, in accordance with Articles 188 and 200 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended). The chief administrative officers, deputy chief administrative officers, city and municipal town clerks are, therefore, deployed by the Ministry of Local Government, which is also responsible for monitoring their performance. The history of the last five CAOs deployed in Ngora District, is as follows - I thought that it is necessary for us to give the history: i) Mr Lawrence Wadada was 57 years at his deployment at Ngora in 2020 and his home district is Sironko. He is still in service in Ngora. ii) Mr Andrew Mawejje was 52 years when he was deployed in Ngora in 2018 and his home district is Kibaale. He is in service at Kakumiro District and he is doing a very good job. In Kakumiro, we are very proud of him. iii) Mr Bruno Mwayita was 58 years in 20l7 when he was deployed in Ngora and his home district is Budaka. He has retired. iv) Mr Alex Kwizera was 49 years old in 2014 when he was deployed in Ngora and his home district is Kisoro. He retired in 20l8. v) Mr Davies Dembe Bayeza was 50 years old in 2011 when he was deployed in Ngora and his home district is Kanungu. He retired from Sheema. Mr Speaker, the retirement age in the Public Service, except for Justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of appeal, is 60 years. It is evident that it is not true that the chief administrative officers deployed in Ngora Local Government are those nearing retirement. It is also not true that public officers nearing retirement pose a danger to the service because of fear to take certain critical decisions and that they are not innovative.

6648 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME Mr Davies Dembe Bayeza, who worked in Ngora District Local Government as the first Chief Administrative Officer, retired from Sheema District. His exemplary leadership and innovations have earned him a mentor role and was made a member of the faculty of trainers at the Civil Service College Uganda. Hon. Julie Achayo says that while she supports the restoration of wetlands because of the critical role they play in the water cycle and maintenance of a healthy environment, the exercise of demarcating wetlands in Ngora, especially in the villages of Omaditok and Opelu, was hurriedly and haphazardly done because: l. There was inadequate sensitisation of project affected persons. 2. There are complaints of inclusion of chunks of arable land into areas demarcated as wetlands. She requests that the demarcation exercise be reviewed in Omaditok and Opelu. Mr Speaker, my response is that one of the key result areas for the Wetland Management Department under the Ministry of Water and Environment is restoration of fragile ecosystems and demarcation of wetland boundaries as a way of protecting their hydrology so that they continue providing ecosystem services. The Agu Wetland system is located in the four parishes of Agu, Kopege, Odwarat and Ongodi and the nine villages of Agu, Opelu, Orit, Omaditok, Okoboi, Galilaya, Angodi, Odwarat and Ogirigiro. Agu Wetland system is among the priority wetland systems in the country because of its importance as a catchment for the Nile Basin and water source for both domestic and production purposes. These services deem it necessary for demarcation and other wetland management interventions to be undertaken. The demarcation line was informed by the 1994 Wetland Data and the pillars were planted. The exercise was preceded by consultations and sensitisation of the stakeholders at district, subcounty and community levels. During the first phase, some of the wetland dependent communities received alternative livelihoods including goats, pigs, chicken and beehives as a way of providing alternatives to the activities foregone in the wetlands. The next phase will include distribution of additional livelihoods and further sensitisation on the various interventions and will address any grievances arising out of the exercise. Hon. Atkins Katusabe, Member of Parliament, Bukonzo County West said: “There is rising concern on the mounting of roadblocks in the Rwenzori region contrary to the presidential directive waiving all roadblocks in the country.” His prayer is that can he be informed as to why the presidential directive has not been implemented? My response is that the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has indicated that there are no police roadblocks in the Rwenzori area. However, there is a roadblock set up by the fisheries department at Kikorongo manned by the Fisheries Protection Unit Personnel (FPU). Hon. Iddi Isabirye, Member of Parliament, Bunya County South, Mayuge District said there is information about titling of parcels of land in South Busoga Central Forest Reserve by unscrupulous individuals at the expense of the locals in whose favour a presidential directive was issued. His prayer is: could I please inform the House on the status of South Busoga Central Forest Reserve? Mr Speaker, the Central Forest Reserves affected by the presidential directive are Bukaleba and South Busoga Central Forest Reserves, which were gazetted in 1932 with an area of 9,663 hectares and 16,382 hectares respectively, and are located in the current Mayuge District, like I told you earlier. On 29 April 2002, Idi Mwandha for and on behalf of the residents of Malongo, Bumwema and Kityerera subcounties, Mayuge District,

4976 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION needs schools, such as in Bushenyi District, where the structures are very dilapidated, and no renovation is being done; and most districts have no special needs schools that the children with disabilities can attend. Specific Observations The student loan scheme The committee observed that in an effort to assess regional balance in the operationalisation of the Higher Education Students Financing Board, a statutory body established by the Higher Education Students Financing Act (No.2), 2014, with a mandate to provide loans and scholarships to Ugandan students seeking to pursue higher education, in Ngora District, two students had benefited at the time we visited. In Kaliro, only one student; in Kole, we had three; and Pader had four students on the loan scheme in the previous academic year. And, students from most of the districts had failed to access the loan scheme due to limited or no information given about the scheme. The committee, therefore, noted that there is no regional balance in the award of student loans, especially in the northern and eastern regions; and in Karamoja sub-regionwith the lowest number of beneficiaries. When it came to staffing, whereas schools had staff establishments, these were less than 68 percent of staffing levels in most of the districts visited, with Napak District in Karamoja having the least at 53 percent. This adversely affects the quality of teaching and learning. Napak District had a teacher to pupil ratio of 1: 91. High school drop-out rates The committee observed the highest school drop-out rate was at 84 percent, as I had already mentioned, and that is in Napak District. After primary seven, some pupils do not have where to go, while others repeat P.7 four times because they cannot join secondary school. Their parents cannot afford the school fees and provision of other school requirements. Distance to schools The distance to the schools was also observed to be another big challenge. We found that children were walking about 14 kilometres to access primary school education. This has led to early marriages for girls, while the boys end up in pursuit of other livelihoods. Do these children have an opportunity for better education? Inadequate furniture for pupils The committee also observed that there was inadequate furniture in classrooms in the primary schools and there is need, therefore, to procure more. This was also a big challenge. Secondary schools The committee noted that Government has increased the number of seed secondary schools in many subcounties, while construction of additional seed secondary schools was ongoing in most of the subcounties. The committee appreciates Government’s efforts to ensuring at least one secondary school in every subcounty. Recommendations 1. The Minister for Education and Sports should provide for special needs children to benefit from inclusive education; 2. Washrooms or sanitary facilities for children with disabilities be provided in the schools; 3. The students’ loan scheme should be made accessible to all students that intend to borrow the funds for further studies, and more information about the scheme be given to the public to facilitate accessibility; 4. The district quota system should be introduced by the Higher Students’ Financing Board so that all districts will have an equal number of students accessing the Students’ Loan Scheme STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT [Mr Alyek]

4977 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 16 AUGUST 2022 5. The Ministry of Education and Sports should prioritise special needs education. A Special Needs Grant should be allocated to all districts and regional special needs schools to be created at regional level; 6. The Ministry of Education and Sports should ensure equitable recruitment of teachers trained in special needs who can handle students with disabilities in all Government-aided schools to ensure easy access to education for such students to; 7. The committee further recommends that the Ministry of Education and Sports should set concrete targets for improving the quality of primary education, particularly in rural areas, and in reducing the high dropout rates in primary schools, improving literacy and numeracy; and increasing enrolment in secondary schools; 8. Government should establish a special curriculum for the youth who can no longer join formal education. This can be a vocational school that targets skills development; 9. The Ministry of Education and Sports should explore the viability of availing relevant textbooks to public schools in some of these marginalised communities. The ultimate goal of such interventions should not only be to increase enrolment, but also aid retention and improve learning outcomes at all levels in the education value chain; and 10. The Ministry of Education and Sports should implement the Government policy of having Government-aided primary schools in all parishes to reduce inaccessibility to education. Status of equal opportunities in the health sector During the field visit, the committee observed that availability of health facilities has enhanced physical access to health care by communities. However, long distances to health facilities is one of the barriers to accessing health care services. Most communities travelled more than five kilometres from their households. In Ngora District, for example, not every subcounty has a health centre III. The policy of availability of health centres III in every subcounty should, therefore, be implemented to reduce the long distances of more than five kilometres to the nearest health facility. There is need, therefore, for affirmative action in the construction of health facilities in rural areas,. In some of the districts visited, the number of patients is overwhelming in the existing few health centres. For example, in Bumanya Health Centre IV in Kaliro District, the committee found patients sharing in-patients rooms; both women and men were sleeping in the same rooms. While in Kabwohe Health Centre IV, the committee observed that the buildings were all dilapidated, with no space for admission and no running water in place. Water was being ferried in jerrycans; and the oxygen cylinders were available, but without heads, hence, they were non-operational. The delivery room in the maternity ward is very small. Two delivery beds are available, but are too inadequate given the number of deliveries per day. The maternity ward is also in a very poor shape. The committee also observed that Government policy was intended to have health centres III in every subcouny, and health centres IV in every county. This is not, however, the case in many districts. Women are still dying while giving birth due to limited access to health care facilities. The committee also observed that in some of the districts visited, such as Ibanda, there was a training committee that coordinates career development activities for healthcare workers. The training committee reviews staff applications for training, and makes recommendations to the district service commission for authority to award study leave with pay as a means to support and guide career development accordingly.

I will now go to works and transport. The committee could not easily move from Ibanda to Buhweju districts due to the bad road network. We had to travel back to Mbarara in order to connect to Buhweju. Roads in such areas with very poor road network should be improved. This is something that we have complained about before. In Ngora District, the road to Pallisa is also a menace. It is not accessible due to the bad state of the bridges that need upgrading. In Napak District, the roads are also very bad, and are worse during the rainy season because they become impassable. This hindered our oversight visit to those districts. We, therefore, recommend that: 1. The Ministry of Works and Transport should evaluate the state of all the major roads and establish a redevelopment strategy so as to improve accessibility and livelihood; and 2. Government should devote resources to the improvement of roads in the mentioned districts. This is a pre-condition for the movement of people, goods and services and meaningful engagement in production. The Water and Environment Sector The committee observed that other areas in the country lack clean water. Access to clean water is not easy in Buhweju District, where women move long distances to access clean water. In Napak District, there is need to dig deep wells, because access to clean water is a major problem in that area. We realised that water distribution is not balanced in all the communities, such as in Apac where 146 villages do not have any water sources. They obtain their water from ponds, and it is not very clean; and they move very long distances to access this water. The committee further observed that latrine coverage in Napak was at 37 per cent and most of the community members still practice open defaecation and the district has very high levels of poverty. Recommendations 1. The Ministry of Water and Environment should make a detailed assessment of the water scarcity in hard-to-areas and provide possible solutions to that effect; and 2. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries should support the marginalised groups with improved seedlings and farming tools. The Youth Livelihood Programme This is a programme we also considered as affirmative action given to the communities. Our findings and observations are on page 17. It was noted that there were no funds under the Youth Livelihood Fund at the district STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT [Mr Alyek]