Serere County

Honourable members, thank you so much for laying the wreaths to our departed. In the VIP gallery this afternoon, we have the immediate fam ily members of the late Hon. Helen Nakimuli. We have Fr Christopher Walusimbi, who is the dad. Father, you are most welcome. We have Ms Irene Nampala, the sister. You are welcome. We also have Mr Nicholas Ntege, Mr Photius Ssekabira, both brothers of the late, and Ms Melanie Namirimu, the daughter of the late. They are here to observe the proceedings. In the VIP gallery this afternoon, we have the following members of Parliament-elect, who are here to support: 1. Hon. Bernadette Chandia Kodili, from Moyo District; 2. Hon. Esther Acom from Serere District; 3. Hon. Lydia Mutende Wanyoto; 4. Hon. Peace Tibyaze from Jinja District; 5. Hon. Betty Nakisita Mpongo from Namutumba District; 6. Hon. Ismail Kasule from Hoima West Division; 7. Hon. Topista Acamfua, Zombo District; 8. Hon. Sarah Itungo Masereka from Kasese District; 9. Hon. Annet Birungi, Workers’ Representative; 10. Hon. Harriet Ntabazi of Bwamba County; 11. Hon. Arthur Atuhairwe Kazoora from Ruhinda South County; 12. Hon. Sylvia Katooko Damba from Kibuku District; and 13. Hon. Adrine Katusiime from Sheema District. They are here to witness today’s proceedings in paying tribute to the late Hon. Helen Nakimuli, and they are all most welcome. We also have the Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). We have Hon. Dr Gerald Siranda Blacks and Hon. Veronica Kadogo. We will continue to introduce you as we receive notifications. I also want to - we have members from the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the VIP gallery. We have Dr Lina Zedriga, acting party president and Ms Jackline Tumushabe, Deputy Party President. We also have Mr Davis Lewis Rubongoya, Ms Katana Benjamin, Ms Sarah Muwonge, Mr Buwembo Habib, Ms Nabatanzi Faridah, Mr Rover Alex and Ms Nalukwago Judith. They are here to follow the proceedings. Also in the public gallery, we have members of the Uganda Volleyball Federation led by the federation president, Mr Sadik Nasiwu Zaid. They are in a delegation, and they are many. We also have students from Kibuli Secondary School, where the girl is studying. You are most welcome. Thank you so much for coming. I have condolence messages here. I have also seen Hon. Rose Akol; she is there. Thank you so much. I have a condolence message from His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and attached to it is Shs 20,000,000. We have a contribution of Shs 10,000,000 from the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus. Allow me to hand over the monies to Hon. Kirumira Hassan so that he will be accountable. I would like to request that the contributions that we are making go towards the support of the child. The Parliament of Uganda will take the responsibility of all the burial expenses, and I am saying ‘all’. I have a contribution from Hon. Anita Annet Among, “AAA”, of Shs 10 million. I have a contribution of Shs 5,000,000 from the Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. [The Speaker] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The honourable minister must also come with an update on those town councils that have never received the Road Fund, since the inception and two, what is going to happen this financial year regarding those town councils. Finally, you provided the two wonderful ferries on Lake Kyoga, but because the contractor that was supposed to provide docking services abandoned the sites, the ferries are floating on the water. People are ready to use them, but they do not have a docking place. When are you resuming work to complete the docking places in Bukungu, Buyende District, Kagwara in Serere District and Okile in Kaberemaido District?

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

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, I thought this would have come at the end. This is not the first time we are holding by-elections. When we lost our colleague, the late Bishop Okabe, we had a by-election in Serere District, where we ended up bringing his son here. I was with Hon. Susan Amero in the campaign. I was arrested and I spent a night in the police cells, from 4.00 a.m. up to 4.00 p.m. To date, I have not seen any charge. No one has given me an explanation. I thought someone would give me an explanation. These matters were raised, but nothing. No response. I hope on Thursday, when the minister comes, he will be able to provide an explanation or the reason for my arrest. I thank you, Mr Speaker, the Rt Hon. Madam Speaker and those who reached out to me. The Electoral Commission tried, at that time, in vain. I could not get out. Mr Speaker, I think this should really stop. We were picked from a church where we were giving appointment letters to the agents; Hon. Ecweru there knows all this. This is something which not only spoils the name of the Government, but also the name of the country. When we travel, what do you expect us to say when we are asked this question? Due to the love we have for our country, we are forced to defend her but when it comes to this, it is painful when it happens. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Madam Speaker, permit me to lay on the Table a letter from a one Ewalu John, Serere District, Atiira Subcounty, Asilang Parish, Okileng Village. He wrote to the Permanent Secretary, Minister of Education and Sports, complaining of the recruitment of teachers in St Paul’s Apapai Secondary School under H.R.M. 124/01 of 15/15 th of March 2024. His complaint was that he served in that school for three years. After serving for three years, he was not among those who were recruited, and yet he had served in that school. Why? Madam Speaker, he even quoted one person called Agenda Mary; a wife to the head teacher. Can you imagine? This teacher who was serving was left out and yet the wife of a head teacher who was not teaching in that school was recruited. Now, what are we talking about, honourable colleagues? ( Interjection ) No! Madam Speaker, I beg to lay this on the Table. Another one -

Madam Speaker and colleagues, Uganda will join the rest of the world to commemorate the 44 th World Food Day on 16 October 2024. This year’s event will be celebrated at the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere District. NaSARRI is one of the institutes of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, every 16 th day of October, the global community comes together to celebrate the World Food Day, calling on everyone, including the Government, academia, civil society, private sector and individuals from various sectors of society, to rally against hunger and build sustainable food security. The event, which coincides with the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, raises awareness and calls for action to support those who suffer from hunger and to ensure food and nutrition security for all. The theme This year’s event will be celebrated under the theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future”. This theme emphasises the fundamental human right to access safe, nutritious and sufficient food, as a foundation for ensuring healthy lives today and sustainable futures for coming generations. Better food underscores the legal and moral responsibility to ensure that every Ugandan has access to nutritious and safe food. The country stands to address the pressing need to eradicate hunger and malnutrition by ensuring that adequate food is central to improving health, boosting productivity and ensuring the well-being of communities. Addressing food security positively impacts on education, employment and economic stability. Having sustainable food systems and agricultural practices today will secure food availability for future generations. Investing in sustainable farming, efficient water use, and agricultural research and innovation is key to ensuring food security in Uganda, amidst climate change. National celebrations Madam Speaker and honourable colleagues, as earlier highlighted, the national celebrations will be held on the 16 th at NaSARRI in Serere. NaSARRI, located in Serere, Teso Subregion, is one of the oldest agricultural research institutions under NARO. The institute will also be holding its centenary celebration, as we celebrate this World Food Day. As a key institution focused on semi-arid and dry areas, NaSARRI plays a vital role in reviving traditional and orphaned crops such as cotton, millet, sorghum, cow peas, groundnuts, sunflower and simsim, which are highly suited to Uganda’s semi-arid regions.

14800 THE NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUTHORITY, UGANDA (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 The above crops, once staples in many parts of Uganda, have seen a decline over the years due to the introduction of more commercialised crops. However, NaSARRI has worked to revive them, recognising their resilience to drought, nutritional value and importance for food security in regions with unpredictable rainfall patterns. NaSARRI’s research has highlighted sorghum as particularly beneficial for diabetic patients, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Sorghum is rich in dietary fibre, which slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to better control of glucose in the body. Other nutritional benefits of sorghum include being rich in antioxidants, gluten-free, high in proteins, mineral-rich, rich in B-vitamins, and a key contributor to agro-industrialisation, as it is a raw material for beer-making. Madam Speaker and colleagues, Her Excellency, the Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo has been invited to preside at the function in Serere. I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, to invite you, Rt Hon. Speaker, and all the honourable members to join Her Excellency the Vice-President, the people of Teso and the rest of Ugandans in this commemoration of World Food Day in Serere District. The main event will be preceded by a tour of selected agricultural value chains and model farms in Teso Subregion, concluding with a fish, sorghum-porridge, and coffee night tonight. This is in recognition of the importance of these crops to Uganda. This will constitute a testimony of the various investments the Government has undertaken in agricultural research and development in the Teso Subregion, progress made in agro- industrialisation, and also demonstrate the importance of the agricultural enterprises being promoted in the area. A number of exhibitions will also be organised, showcasing research and value-added products including groundnuts, fish, beans, sorghum, coffee, millet, sweet potatoes, as well as mechanisation and irrigation technologies, among others. Madam Speaker, on the same day, we shall launch newly released crop varieties successfully developed by our NARO scientists. I call this a major highlight because it is a great breakthrough for researchers who spend a lot of time with countless hours in laboratories, fields, and trials, incubating, grafting, and testing the new crop varieties. This is always great news for researchers, farmers, and the entire country. In line with this, NARO’s focus is on producing climate- smart and resilient early-maturing crops or seed varieties. It is these varieties that will sustain food systems in the country. The newly released bean varieties are NABE 14R and NABE 12CR. These are superior because they are resistant to the bean anthracnose and root-rot disease. The newly released groundnut varieties are NARONUT 3R, NARONUT 4R and NARONUT 5R. These have exhibited higher levels of resistance to diseases, drought and are expected to contribute significantly to Uganda’s agricultural landscape. Call for action Madam Speaker, allow me to inform you that the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is coming up with great innovations and technologies. If well-funded and fully commercialised, these products and prototypes will solve bottlenecks faced by the different enterprises along the agricultural value chains. The Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has visited some stations and is impressed with the innovations. For emphasis, improved funding from the Government will give impetus to agricultural MINISTERIAL STATEMENT [Mr Bwino]

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. Like my sister stated here, she has benefited. Personally, I have also benefited from Compassion International by them providing - They were the first people to provide piped water in Kasilo County. In the village where I come from, they sponsor over 300 pupils. They educate them and it is not only that village. There are about five villages in Kasilo County that Compassion International has helped. They are helping pupils and the vulnerable by providing water. They are also helping the churches. Therefore, I thank them once more on behalf of the people of Kasilo County in Serere District. Thank you.

Honourable members, let us decongest the area and have our children studying. Honourable members, in the public gallery, we have pupils and teachers from Adwenyi Primary School, Serere District. You are most welcome. (Applause) That is in Kasilo County where Hon. Elijah Okupa, the longest serving person in the House, and Hon. Adoa Hellen, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (Fisheries), come from. The Floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Emmanuel Omoding Okabe, representing the people of Serere in Serere District. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, thank you so much for bringing us to the land of food. This region is the food basket for East Africa. I am Helen Adoa and I represent the people of Serere District in Teso, NRM. I am also the Minister of State for Fisheries. I assure all the fishing communities represented here that soon, we shall minimise the challenges.

13515 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2024 and these are funds required to commence establishment of mineral regulations, revenue collection infrastructure and implementation of the minerals law. These include weighbridges and Government regulated markets for precious stones et cetera. Under the same vote - Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, there was a reduction of Shs 15 billion from rural electrification and connectivity projects. These funds are required to kick-start works on the seven major construction roads, which include the following: 1. Under Batch 1; the Eastern Service Territory, including West Budama South, Tororo South and Tororo Municipality in Tororo District, Pallisa County, and Gogonyo in Pallisa District; 2. Under Batch 2; still in the Eastern Service Territory, it covers areas of Busiki in Namutumba, Bukooli South in Bugiri, Kamuli District, Kachumbala in Bukedea District, Mbale Northern Division, Bungokho in Mbale and Serere District; 3. Lot 3; Northwest Service Territory for Buyanja East in Kibaale District, Bugangaizi South in Kakumiro District, Buhaguzi in Hoima, Hoima City, Kikuube and Buyaga East in Kagadi District; 4. Under lot 4 of West Nile, Central North and North Service Territory for Ora area in Zombo, Gulu; Aringa South in Yumbe, Dokolo District and Lira East in Lira District. 5. West, South and South Western Service Territory for Sheema, Ruhinda in Mitooma, Isingiro, Rubanda, Ibanda, and Kisoro Districts; 6. Western, Central, and Rwenzori Service Territory for Busongora North in Kasese, Fort Portal Central in Kabarole, Kyankwanzi and Bunyangabo Districts; 7. Central Service Territory for Bbale in Kayunga, Mukono South in Mukono, Butambala, Bukoto East in Masaka and Kiboga Districts. Madam Chairperson, in addition, these funds are required to commence works of enhancing the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) framework priority interventions for small factories and cottage industries across the country. (Interjections ) The SMEs framework intervention is aimed at reducing the turnaround time for electricity connection to SMEs.

\;. ,, ,- 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[

13195 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 30 APRIL 2024 Vote 903: Nakasongola District – Shs 116,719,304; Vote 904: Namayingo District - Shs 11,900,000; Vote 905: Namisindwa District - Shs 1,118,779,694; Vote 907: Napak District – Shs 716,142,230; Vote 910: Ntoroko District – Shs 200,000,000; Vote 911: Ntungamo District – Shs 1,578,281,727; Vote 914: Omoro District - Shs 945,418,871; Vote 915: Otuke District – Shs 140,384,222; Vote 916: Oyam District – Shs 686,642,360; Vote 918: Pakwach District - Shs 1,194,282,483; Vote 919: Pallisa District - Shs 153,095,758; Vote 920: Rakai District - Shs 2,454,394,511; Vote 922: Rubirizi District – Shs 1,826,796,820; Vote 923: Rukiga District - Shs 147,370,222; Vote 924: Rukungiri District - Shs 885,488,277; Vote 925: Rwampara District – Shs 770,470,627; Vote 927: Serere District - Shs 311,478,920; Vote 928: Sheema District – Shs 1,953,424,896; Vote 932: Tororo District - Shs 91,205,614; Vote 933: Wakiso District – Shs 5,194,470,980; and Vote 935: Zombo District - Shs 819,580,024.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to raise matters of nation - al importance concerning Serere County. We have issues of power in that area. In 2017, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) launched the construction of a power line from Ochapa Town Council to Kateta Subcounty in Serere District. Around 2020, Mzee George William Okago, in Ochapa Town Council, together with 43 other people, took REA to Soroti Court under Civil Case No. 20 of 2020. The reason for the dispute was that REA planted the pole in their land without their consent. The matter is still pending in Soroti Court. In 2021, the power line from Ochapa Town Council to Katete Subcounty was commissioned by REA and Umeme, and the beneficiaries started using power. In February 2023, Umeme turned off power because of the pending case in the High Court. It is now about 12 months without power. The matter is already in court; it has been moving back and forth, but this is affecting our people. Access to electricity is at the heart of socio-economic development and impacts a wide range of development indicators, including health, education, gender, equality, livelihoods and poverty eradication. As a result of unresolved dispute, the following institutions have been affected –

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Let me start with the issue of financing. We know that this money was coming from African Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and Islamic Banking. Have these bodies stopped giving the money? They keep raising money issues. In the previous parliaments, we passed money for power connection to every subcounty. Have these financial institutions stopped paying money? We need a clarification on this, before we go into anything new. What has that money done? Secondly, honourable minister, you need to help us; why does the ministry want to now ask us to do surveys afresh? REA had done surveys; I can speak for some parts of Teso. For example, the entire Serere District was surveyed. I have a big book, which has all the details on that. Why would you carry out another survey? This is not only limited to Serere District but Teso because other regions did it. Is this not wastage of money? Thirdly, for the areas where power was supposed to be connected, we see the lines but the contractors have not connected power to all the institutions. They have mentioned the issue of schools but there is also the issue of Health Centres III and IV. The Government has provided equipment, which is supposed to use electricity but it is redundant. People are stealing this equipment. In the end - (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I rise on a matter of urgent national importance concerning the heavy rainstorms that destroyed property and affected the lives of many people in Serere District. Mr Speaker, the heavy storms destroyed critical national infrastructure, lives and businesses in the whole of Serere District. These unfortunate occurrences have affected the socio-economic wellbeing of many people. On 17 April 2023, winds blew off the roof of a three-classroom block in Aarapoo Primary School in Labor Sub-county. It also damaged the head teacher’s office thus destroying stationery, equipment and a food bank contributed by parents under the school’s feeding policy. Mr Speaker, more schools in two constituencies in Serere have suffered the same fate. For example, Otirono Primary School in Kasilo County lost the roof of its four-classroom block while Kateta Model Primary School and Jelel Primary School in Serere District also lost four-classroom blocks. This damage, Mr Speaker, has affected 1,485 pupils in the whole of Serere District. In addition, the storm compromised the walls of these structures and may require -

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

Thank you. - Let us trust the word of the Deputy Prime Minister. Colleagues, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have a delegation from Kasilo Town Council, Serere District. They are represented

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The burial is slated for tomorrow. I want to update the House that the body has safely arrived in Soroti at the Iteso Cultural Centre, which is just 17 kilometers to the home of the late. Tomorrow, there will be transport at Parliament. Those who will use group transport should be here at 6.00 a.m. The Director, Transport, Administration and Logistics, Mr Opata, is coordinating this. For those who may drive their cars, you can go through Pallisa - as it is shorter - to Kumi, Ngora and then, to the place of burial in Ochapa Town Council. If you go up to Soroti Town, take the Soroti-Serere Road. It is 17 miles to Serere and just about three kilometers from Serere District headquarters. If you are flying, you will land in Olio Primary School, which is a more secure place that has been secured for those who will be flying. I got a request from some colleagues who were saying they may fly in a chopper; that is the place where you can land. Mr Speaker, we would like to invite you all to Serere to say farewell to our brother. However, like I said yesterday, I think the Ministry of Internal Affairs needs to come up with a full report about the incident. Please, ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs to follow it up because it is something that is raising some issues.

Honourable members, thank you very much for laying your wreaths and for the solidarity. In the VIP Gallery this afternoon, we have Hon. Michael Werikhe and Hon. Lyandra Komakech. They have come to witness the today’s proceedings, as we pay tribute to our beloved brother. We also have Bishop Simon Peter Emiau, the Bishop of Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG). You are most welcome. Further, in the VIP gallery, we have Hon. Capt. John Emily Otekat, Hon. Judith Mariam Amoit, a CEC member, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, Hon. Dr Francis Epetait. You are all most welcome. Thank you for joining us. Honourable members, we also have condolence messages that have come in. We may not be able to read them, but we have a condolence message from the Vice-President of Uganda, H.E, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, the Member of Parliament for Katakwi. Thank you for the message. Enclosed in her message is Shs 5 million. Thank you very much, Your Excellency, the Vice President. We also have a condolence message from the National Resistance Secretariat, signed by Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende. Thank you so much for the message. We have other messages from: the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Malaria, signed by Hon. Milton Muwuma; the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited (SACCO), and enclosed is Shs 1 million and signed by Hon. Ndugwa Migadde, the Chairperson. We have a message from the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, of Shs 10 million. (Applause) There are also other messages from: the Teso Parliamentary Group of Shs 37 million, the Buganda Parliamentary Group of Shs 1 million, and a message from the Woman Member of Parliament, Bukedea, the Rt Hon. Anita Among, of Shs 20 million. (Applause) Thank you very much for all your contributions and may the good Lord reward you abundantly. MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. PATRICK OKABE, FORMER MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SERERE COUNTY, SERERE DISTRICT

6713 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 23 DECEMBER 2022 learnt about the late was that he cherished the institution of family. He spoke passionately about his dear wife, who is also deceased now, and his children. Madam Speaker, the late Patrick Okabe was a hardworking person. I want to say without fear or favour, that he made significant contributions towards the people of Serere; I witnessed it. He invited me to a fundraising and many people have spoken about it. He has made a great contribution to the people of Serere through the different livelihood projects that have changed the people. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Budaka, on behalf of the 317 family, and on my own behalf, my thoughts and sincere condolences go to the people of Uganda, Teso Subregion and the people of Serere District. May the souls of Hon. Okabe Patrick and his dear wife, rest in eternal peace.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. On behalf of the women of Serere District, the people of Serere District, and on the behalf of the fishing communities in Uganda, I join the rest in supporting the motion. This brings me to the point of encouraging Ugandans not to always appoint men to be heirs instead of their daughters because women can change families. Women should also be heirs, no matter whether they are married or not. Let us honour them, as long as they are the firstborns. Let us give them the honour to be in charge of our families when we are not there. Secondly, I visited the United Kingdom several times and noticed that the way they protect their lakes; they do not accept illegal fishing. I want to encourage Ugandans, for the love that the Queen had for the country and the need to protect the environment, may Uganda keep the wetlands and keep the fish until they are mature enough in order for us to emulate –(Member timed out.)