West Budama County South

which we shall use to handle those technical issues but also the other issues of the first phase of the loan. Is it retrospective or introspective? Mr Speaker, it is one of those and you know it. I stand here to say that as a farmer, there are three issues that affect crops, especially productivity. The availability of water for production, the availability of fertilisers, and the control and management of pests and diseases. The crop that we are discussing today is being propelled by the agriculture ministry to become a national crop. In Teso, we did not hear about coffee when we were children. Now, we have model farmers who have planted coffee under the guidance of the agriculture ministry. I am sure also in Bukedi - because on the 27 th of this month, we shall be in your district. If you have not yet been notified, I respectfully use this opportunity to notify you, Mr Speaker. We shall be there to discuss issues of coffee in Tororo District Headquarters on the 26 th of this month.

Your Lordship the Chief Justice, I would like to make this statement in support of the nomination of Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, Member of Parliament for West Budama Central County, for election as Speaker of the 12 th Parliament. Your Lordship the Chief Justice, in accordance with Rule 5(8) of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Uganda, I have the singular honour to nominate and present to you, for election as Speaker of the 12 th Parliament, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, the Member of Parliament for West Budama Central County. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, fondly called “Oboth Oboth”, was born on 13 April 1971 in Tororo District. Being an advocate of superior and subordinate courts in Uganda, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth possesses a solid legal foundation that equips him with professional skills to preside over the parliamentary processes effectively. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth possesses various academic qualifications, including the following: a) Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Minnesota Law School, USA (August 2006 to May 2007); b) Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Law Development Centre (2001 to 2002); c) Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda (1997 to 2001); d) Certificate in Project Planning and Management from the International Law Institute, Washington D.C. (October 2005); e) Two certificates in Procurement and International Property Enforcement from the International Development Law Organisation in Rome, Italy (2003); f) Certificate in Management from Uganda Management Institute, Uganda (1999); g) Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education from Tororo High School (1995 to 1997); h) He was at St Dennis Ssebugwawo School -

31 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA MONDAY, 25 MAY 2026 For a boy who grew up in a rural village called Muwafu in Tororo District, who hustled to attain better education and today, right now, stands before you as the Speaker of the 12 th Parliament, it could only be by divine grace. To God be the glory. ( Applause ) I thank my National Resistance Movement (NRM) party Chairman, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for the confidence and trust he showed in my abilities since 2011. Honourable members, I thank you most sincerely for entrusting me today with the highest office of being your Speaker, a responsibility I receive with utmost humility and modesty. God has spoken to Uganda through you all, through the National Chairperson of the NRM, through the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), through the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, and through this Parliament. To those who may not have voted for me, I will be your Speaker, too. I thank my voters of West Budama Central County in Tororo District for sending me to the nation. I also thank the leadership and members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a pressure group aligned to the NRM, for their support through this journey. Honourable members, the Speaker’s Chair is not a throne; it is a servant’s post. My role now is to come before you to ensure that working together, the voices of the over 48 million Ugandans who send us here are heard, protected, and respected. We are aware of what has been going through; I pledge a corruption- free Parliament. (Applause) Under my leadership, we will cultivate a culture of absolute integrity and zero tolerance to corruption, anchored in President Museveni’s clarion call for a corruption-free Parliament in the next five years. (Applause) Accountability begins with us. In the next five years, we will hold the Executive and other Government bodies accountable, but we must start with ourselves. As they say, charity begins at home, we cannot hide from accountability of Government resources, yet we expect it from other agencies and departments. That will not work. Three, evidence-based and research-based debates Under my leadership, the Floor of Parliament will not be a theatre for hearsay or grandstanding. Our debates must be grounded in hard facts, data, and sound research. We must be fair and objective to others as we play our oversight function. Fourth, a people-centred Parliament Under our leadership, every Bill, every Motion, and every decision must directly answer to the needs of the ordinary citizen. Five, results-based appropriation Under my leadership, budgeting will no longer be an exercise in financial engineering and distortion. It will be a service-oriented, results- driven endeavour to deliver services to our people. Six, an open Parliament During this term, let us appreciate that an objective and ethical media are not our enemies, but the public’s eye and ear. We must maintain a transparent, decent, and open Parliament. When we close our doors to the media, a negative perception is generated. If we are clean and doing a good job, why hide? I will encourage a professional and robust relationship with the press at all times in order to bridge the gap between the House and our people. Lastly on that pillar, proactive oversight Under my leadership, Your Excellency, the oversight function should not be a post- mortem. We need not wait for public funds to be lost. Our committees should be facilitated to work; to monitor, intercept, and protect resources in real time in order to propel every

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

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for the report. The people of West Budama North constituency in Tororo District are begging and crying for balanced regional development. Agriculture being the backbone of the local economy of Bukedi Subregion, Busoga Subregion and other subregions that are lagging behind in economic development, it is high time the Ministry of Agriculture prioritised agriculture in those subregions so that we can be in position to push these local economies forward to attain the vision that we are aspiring for; ensuring that by 2040, we have a transformed society from peasantry to a prosperous community.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I extend my and the people of Tororo District’s condolences to Hon. Isodo’s family, the Parliament and the people of Ngora. Unfortunately, we have started our first sitting of the year by paying tribute to a colleague; a lady who always quietly sat on the third row in that corner. Madam Speaker, the Hon. Isodo that I knew in this House was different from the Hon. Isodo I travelled with to Tororo, Bukwo and other parts of this country. She was extremely humble and quiet. However, I was shocked when she came to my community to celebrate International Women’s Day. I saw a different Hon. Stella Isodo. I said, “Stella, why don’t you bring this energy to the House?” She was very assertive and knowledgeable. She spoke with passion about women’s issues and matters of agriculture. Little wonder, Madam Speaker, that she championed the formation of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Cooperatives, where I belonged. She was passionate every time saying that, as members of this cooperative forum, we needed to push the Government to form or bring back the Cooperative Bank, and I hope that, at some time, we shall see this Cooperative Bank back. Hon. Isodo belonged to different fora, not only the Uganda Women’s Parliamentary Association. She also belonged to the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Children and the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Illicit Financial Flows and Tax Justice, where she was the secretary. Madam Speaker, it is very unfortunate that we have lost her at such a time. She was such a reliable person whenever we had meetings or engagements at short notice, as the Uganda Women’s Parliamentary Association. She was that person, who, if she were in Kampala and you called her, would put aside whatever she had to come and attend a meeting. That is how passionate she was on matters of women. The late Hon. Isodo, in addition to that, loved her family. I must say that she often spoke about her children and her husband. Sometimes, when we had meetings, maybe residential, I remember whenever her children were around, they would come to pick her up. She always made fun of and said, “Sarah, this is my family. It is complete. We fit in this car. We are just as you see us.” I was like, “Wow.” She loved her children; she loved her daughter, she loved her sons, and she often said, “I wish God could keep me until I see my children grow and become adults.” Unfortunately, God has taken her at such a time. Madam Speaker, as I end, the Bible tells us in Romans 6:23, that there will be eternal life for the righteous. I strongly believe that Hon. Isodo will rest in eternal peace. However, for the sinners in this country, please know that your destiny is death. There are many sinners. It is God who knows them. Rest in peace, Hon. Isodo.

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

Mr Speaker, this is a statement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on alleged missing salaries among some police officers. Concerns have been raised by the Tororo District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Sarah Ochieng Opendi, on the Floor of Parliament, and also across various media platforms -

16787 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2025 50. Vote 871: Kotido District – Shs 503,436,072; 51. Vote 872: Kumi District – Shs 202,740,000; 52. Vote 879: Lamwo District – Shs 47,114,000; 53. Vote 880: Lira District – Shs 23,760,000; 54. Vote 881: Luuka District – Shs 56,760,000; 55. Vote 884: Lyantonde District – Shs 6,720,000; 56. Vote 885: Madi-Okollo District – Shs 44,695,393; 57. Vote 886: Manafwa District – Shs 251,040,000; 58. Vote 887: Maracha District – Shs 103,800,000; 59. Vote 892: Mbarara District – Shs 18,195,000; 60. Vote 896: Moyo District – Shs 11,070,000; 61. Vote 900: Nabilatuk District – Shs 36,240,000; 62. Vote 902: Nakaseke District – Shs 27,735,600; 63. Vote 904: Namayingo District – Shs 6,580,000; 64. Vote 906: Namutumba District – Shs 472,752,800; 65. Vote 907: Napak District – Shs 186,300,000; 66. Vote 910: Ntoroko District – Shs 23,400,000; 67. Vote 911: Ntungamo District – Shs 17,160,000; 68. Vote 912: Nwoya District – Shs 259,740,012; 69. Vote 914: Omoro District – Shs 92,920,000; 70. Vote 917: Pader District – Shs 356,782,000; 71. Vote 919: Pallisa District – Shs 114,335,970; 72. Vote 923: Rukiga District – Shs 51,000,000; 73. Vote 924: Rukungiri District – Shs 6,298,000; 74. Vote 925: Rwampara District – Shs 26,694,209; 75. Vote 928: Sironko District – Shs 60,000,000; 76. Vote 929: Soroti District – Shs 56,881,000; 77. Vote 932: Tororo District – Shs 3,035,429,737; 78. Vote 935: Zombo District – Shs 153,577,688; and Sub-total for local government – Shs 15,985,336,921.

I put the question that the total sum of Shs 1,332,386,480,312 be provided for as a supplementary for development expenditure for central government for the Financial Year 2024/2025. (Question put and agreed to.) LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE 1. Vote 722 - Moroto Municipal Council: Shs 160 million; 2. Vote 820 - Bulambuli District: Shs 202,244,620; 3. Vote 827- Butambala District: Shs 36,356,530; 4. Vote 838 - Jinja District: Shs 213 million; 5. Vote 845 - Kalaki District: Shs 74,776,279; 6. Vote 858 - Kayunga District: Shs 235,200,000; 7. Vote 865 - Kiryandongo District: Shs 120 million; 8. Vote 866 - Kisoro District: Shs 567,851,100; 9. Vote 867 - Kitagwenda District: Shs 412 million; 10. Vote 875 - Kyankwanzi District: Shs 80 million; 11. Vote 882 – Luwero District: Shs 540,756,000; 12. Vote 898 – Mubende District: Shs 378,616,912; 13. Vote 906 - Namutumba District: Shs 40 million; 14. Vote 924 – Rukungiri District: Shs 198,591,279; 15. Vote 926 – Sembabule District: Shs 350 million; 16. Vote 928 – Sheema District: Shs 50,442,000; 17. Vote 932 – Tororo District: 651,605,442; and 18. Vote 933 - Wakiso District: Shs 165,137,504. Subtotal for Local Government: Shs 4,476,577,666.

16558 THE CONTRACT FARMING BILL, 2023 Tororo County North and Tororo District and the 120 in other parts of the country are given their PDM funds. Mr Speaker, we are coming to the end of our term. How do you expect Geofrey Ekanya and you, Mr Speaker, to visit others yet we have 120 parishes not receiving PDM funds in the fifth year? One of them is in Kabale where the minister for finance comes from. What is happening? I am seeking your indulgence to ensure that the directive and the resolution of this Parliament, where we appropriated money, is upheld; that these parishes receive their money.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the minister for his statement and acknowledge that we have made steady progress in this country and we, as women - unlike before the 1995 Constitution, we had very few women in the political spaces and the boardrooms. We want to commend the NRM Government for enacting a new Constitution and ensuring inclusion. The honourable minister, in his submission, did talk about the infrastructural development; we must acknowledge that, indeed, the NRM Government has made progress in increasing the kilometres of paved roads in this country. Currently, we speak of over 6,000 kilometres; we would have loved to have more but because of constrained resources, we are unable to. With steady progress, we shall ensure that we have more paved roads. However, with these paved roads, we need to transition away from road transport into railway transport. And I want to thank His Excellency, the President that on the 21 st of November, he commissioned the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway in Tororo District. That is something, Mr Speaker that we are all waiting for. The construction is supposed to start in Tororo by a Turkish company, Yapi Merkezi. However, when the President came to commission this project, we needed to have ensured that there was a clear right of way and that we did not have hurdles that would stop the construction of this long-awaited Standard Gauge Railway, something that would help us move away from relying on road transport, especially for transporting our goods. There are many road accidents today on our roads, partially because of the many vehicles - the trucks - everybody is on the road. However, Mr Speaker, in order for us to move on with this project, we have something; allow me to raise this. We have a school called Morukatipe View Primary School in Tororo that is around the community where this Standard Gauge Railway is supposed to start the construction of the –

Yes, it is Shs 1 billion but previously, for example, Tororo District –

Honourable members, as you are aware, the right of a private Member to initiate a Private Member’s Bill is enshrined under Article 94(4)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, and operationalised under Rule 121 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. Honourable members, whereas Section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, requires a Bill, at the first reading, to be accompanied by the Certificate of Financial Implications, this particular Bill was not granted a certificate. In the absence of the certificate, Section 76(4) of the Public Finance Management Act provides that the Certificate of Financial Implications shall be deemed to have been issued after 60 days from the date of request of the certificate. Pursuant to Rule 128(1) of the Rules of Procedure, I now invite Hon. Sarah Opendi, Woman MP for Tororo District, to table her Bill for the first reading.

Thank you, committee chairperson. Honourable colleagues, in the public gallery this afternoon, we have a team of councillors from Bihanga Sub county in Buhweju District. They are represented in Parliament by Hon. Biraaro Ephraim and Hon. Katwesigye Oliver Koyekyanga. They have come to observe proceedings of this House. Please join me in welcoming them – (Applause) - I request you to stand up. Thank you. Also, in the public gallery this afternoon, are students and teachers from Seeta Junior School. They are represented in Parliament by Hon. Kiwanuka Abdallah and Hon. Nabukeera Hanifa Hussein. They have also come to observe the proceedings of this House. Please, join me in welcoming you. Kindly stand up. (Applause) Once again, in the public gallery this afternoon, we have a group of boys and girls from Prime View Soccer Academy located in Tororo Municipality, Tororo District. They are represented by Hon. Ofwono Yeri Apollo and Hon. Sarah Opendi Achieng. They have come to observe proceedings of this House. Please join me in welcoming them. Kindly stand up. (Applause) Finally, in the public gallery this afternoon, are students and teachers of Busaana Secondary School located in Kayunga District. They are represented by Hon. Lugoloobi Amos and Hon. Nantaba Idah Erios. They have come to observe proceedings of this House. Please, join me in welcoming them. (Applause) Honourable colleagues, we are going to open the debate. Attorney-General, you have heard the recommendations of the committee, especially with regard to the issue of the two long titles. If you could first guide on the strong reasoning behind that recommendation to His Excellency the President -

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. My name is Apollo Yeri Ofwono. I represent the people of Tororo Municipality, Tororo District. I am also the Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement, Tororo District.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My name is Sarah Opendi, Member of Parliament for Tororo District, Bukedi Subregion. I would like, in a special way, to thank the people of Gulu for enacting the Alcohol Ordinance in 2017. They noted the dangers of alcohol; how alcohol was negatively affecting their people. I hope that this Parliament, in future, can reconsider the Alcohol Control Bill.

Madam Speaker, my name is Dr Emmanuel Otiam Otaala, Member of Parliament for West Budama South Constituency in Tororo District, Bukedi Subregion, the only subregion in Uganda that is yet to get its city. I thank the Minister of Local Government for giving me the assurance that the city is coming. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I am Maximus Ochai, member of the NRM party, Member of Parliament for West Budama North Constituency in Tororo District. I thank you for this strategic sitting.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving us the time. For record purposes, the Committee on Trade, Tourism and Industry and the Committee on Health waited for the mover for the last three days, till the Committee on Health travelled. The Committee on Trade, Tourism and Industry is also travelling today. And so, we are very grateful that you have at least given us time to present this report. Allow me to lay the report of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry and Health on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023. Allow me to also lay the minutes of the meetings we had on the same report. I beg to lay. On 14th November 2023, Hon. Sarah Opendi Achieng, Woman Member of Parliament for Tororo District read, for the first time, the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill (Private Member’s Bill), and it was referred to the Committee on Health and the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry, for consideration, in accordance with Rule 129(1) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. For purposes of this report, the two committees shall be referred to as a committee. The report was uploaded and honourable colleagues can check out page 1. I will not read that because of time. The legislative and policy framework of the Bill is equally there. The Bill attempts to address the loopholes as some laws that regulated alcohol use were repealed. The laws as discussed below, the honourable has hinted at them - the Enguli (Manufacturers and Licensing) Act, the Liquor Act, and the Portable Spirits Act, I will not go into details. You can read from the report. On page 4, the committees laid out properly the methodology and the different meetings we had. We met over 30 stakeholders on this matter. I will continue to page 7, which is on the effects of the consumption of alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is among the best commodities that generate internal revenue for the national budget. Although alcohol is an important source of revenue, it has different effects. One of those is an effect on employment. However, there is also a need to underscore the importance of the alcoholic industry in terms of job creation. According to the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association, an organisation that brings together alcoholic beverages manufacturers, the industry is responsible for the direct employment of 804,002 people across the value chain, impacting over 6.3 million livelihoods across Uganda. This is as per reports from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). This is the formal one and it excludes all the other informally employed people in the alcoholic industry. We will look at another effect, which is revenue generation; there is a table right there showing the contribution of revenue by the manufacturing sector in the alcoholic industry for the Financial Years 2019/2020 to 2022/2023.

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.

13365 THE ELEVENTH P ARLIAMENT O F UGANDA T HURSDAY , 16 MAY 2024 Estimate Schedule No.1 for Financial Year 2022/2023 amounting to Shs 2.387 trillion. Furthermore, on 2 March 2023, the minister laid Addenda 1 & 2 to a supplementary schedule No.1, amounting to Shs 33.851 billion and Shs 13.479 billion, respectively. In addition, the minister also laid Addendum 3 to Supplementary Schedule No.1 of the Financial Year 2022/2023, amounting to Shs 38.85 billion on the 22 nd of March 2023 and Addendum No. 4 amounting to Shs 499 billion on 30 March 2023. The total sum out of the above is Shs 1,434 billion, which was within the 3 per cent legal limit. That is what the committee found out. Methodology Madam Speaker, the committee held consultative discussions with the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. We received the supplementary expenditure schedule No.1 as laid before the House. The committee reviewed the following key documents: (a) the supplementary expenditure schedule No.1 as laid in the House; (b) addenda to the supplementary expenditure schedule No.1; (c) the resolutions of Parliament authorising supplementary expenditure to the Financial Year 2022/2023, and finds as follows: Committee’s observations and recommendations Inconsistencies in recurrent expenditure The committee noted inconsistencies between the figures appearing under Votes 018 and 932 with what was approved by Parliament as indicated in the table below. Votes 018: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Whereas Parliament approved Shs 3,594,718,892, the Supplementary Appro - priation Bill captured Shs 7,594,719,000 and that introduced a variation of an excess of Shs 4,000,000,108. Vote 932: Tororo District Whereas the committee had approved Shs 5,276,514,435, the Appropriation Bill had Shs 5,267,514,000 and it was less by Shs 9,000,435. Inconsistencies in development expenditures There were also inconsistencies between the figures appearing under Vote 701 and Vote 703 with what was approved by Parliament, as indicated in the table below. Vote 701: Apac Municipal Council Whereas Parliament approved Shs 3,897,379,041, the Appropriation Bill had Shs 3,879,893,000. It was less by Shs 17,486,041. Vote 703: Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Council Parliament had not provided or approved any money, but in the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Shs 17,486,000 was introduced – and that was not approved by Parliament. Madam Speaker, as illustrated by the tables above, the committee notes that the Supplementary Appropriation Bill contains amounts expended in respect of some Votes contrary to what was approved by Parliament. This is contrary to Article 156(3) that provides that “the Supplementary Appropriation Bill shall provide for the appropriation of the sums so approved by Parliament and for the purposes specified in those estimates”. The committee further notes that the entire column two of the schedule to the Bill contains amounts expended to all Votes by rounding off the figures to the nearest thousand, contrary to the actual figures that were not rounded off – which were approved by Parliament.

\;. ,, ,- 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.

Madam Speaker, I may not have another opportunity; the Road Fund has given Shs 1 billion to every district. We have eight Members of Parliament and 56 subcounties in Tororo District but we also receive Shs 1 billion like Namisindwa District with six subcounties. Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, don’t you think it is appropriate that this Shs 1 billion for the road fund be given according to the subcounties?

12504 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORTS That is contrary to the commitment to funding and supporting the Government of Uganda that for all resources, we shall use national institutions to avoid duplication and waste of resources. The honourable chairperson of the committee has highlighted that. I have not heard from another person. How can a colleague question that? The honourable member has presented a very serious matter. The issue of not sending money to the Consolidated Fund has been highlighted. Therefore, Mr Speaker, my prayer and request is that as we adopt this position, the Office of the Speaker, the ministers for finance, and all of us, should ensure that any accounting officer who has been implicated is not approved. Finally, Tororo District is one of the districts that have a World War Memorial Cemetery. Mr Speaker, when we go to America, we are taken to memorial cemeteries. I request the minister for tourism and trade to ensure that the World War Memorial Cemetery of Tororo is developed, alongside the first cable car in the entire East and Southern Africa, located on the Tororo rock. I beg to support the report. Thank you.

I wanted to give this House very accurate additional information. Tororo District does not only have the first and the only known World War Cemetery, but it was also the only recruitment centre in the whole of East Africa. That is why most people who died were brought there. Some of you, your great- grandparents are peacefully resting in Tororo. (Laughter) Therefore, we should highlight this through funding. What Hon. Ekanya said – Tororo Rock is the highest sedimentary rock in the whole of East and Central Africa, but it takes tourists one and a half hours to climb the rock using the cable car. These are the only things. So, I support any move to increase – Other people do not even have what they can sell to the world. For us, we have a lot. This is more than even oil; I can tell you.

Thank you, Hon. Mapenduzi; thank you, chairperson and thank you, honourable colleagues, for these submissions. This is a very critical issue and I hope the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries as he said, these are issues he believes with the recommendations - but also there are issues for the trade’s ministry which I hope will be looked into. Let us get an action taken report in three months. Thank you. MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON A PETITION ON ALLEGATIONS OF LAND GRABBING FROM THE COMMUNITY OF NYAKESI E ZONE, IYOKANGO PARISH, NYANGOLE SUBCOUNTY IN TORORO DISTRICT BY MS OWORI SYLVIA DAMALIE

12319 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 3 APRIL 2024 Zone Iyokango Parish, Nyangole Subcounty in Tororo District by Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie –

Mr Speaker, I am also fasting. I will do the introduction and straight away go to observations. This report has been with us for almost a year because it is March of 2023. This is a report of the committee on the petition by residents of Nyakesi E Zone, Iyokango Parish, Nyangole Subcounty on allegations of land grabbing by Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie. The petition was tabled by Hon. Sarah Opendi, Woman Member of Parliament for Tororo District on 19 May 2022 and referred to the Committee on Physical Infrastructure for consideration and report to the House as per Article 90 of 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Rules 157 and 189 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. In their petition, the petitioners prayed that Parliament rescues their land from the land grabbers (Appendix 1). Further, Rule 187(f) of the Parliament Rules of Procedure provides for the jurisdiction and mandate of the committee, respectively, to cover the sectors of land, housing, urban development, fiscal planning, works, and transport. It is again in this background that the committee scrutinised the petition, interacted with relevant stakeholders, and compiled this report that it now presents to this House for consideration and adoption. Mr Speaker, the methodology is very clear. I beg not to go into it, I will proceed to - The Petition The petitioners prayed that Parliament rescues their land from the land grabber. The petitioners alleged that the residents of Nyakesi E Zone, Iyokango Parish, Nyangole Subcounty were living in fear due to continued harassment, intimidation, provocation, and sometimes violent attacks from a one Ms Owori Damalie, her agents, and security personnel. The petitioners further alleged that Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie claimed to be acting on instructions from Operation Wealth Creation. Further, it was alleged that Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie was claiming over 90 acres of land from sections of the community where more than 200 families have lived for decades. She dispersed families, fenced off compounds, gardens, a private school, and a church. The petitioners further alleged that Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie continues to encroach on the land with armed personnel, and on several occasions, her security guards have beaten up innocent people working in their gardens or picking firewood. It is further alleged in September 2020, she erected her grandfather’s tomb in the compound of Heroes Foundation Primary School. The petitioners also alleged that they had tried to seek help from the Government through the offices of the Uganda Police Force, Resident District Commissioner (RDC), courts of law, and the offices of the area local councils, but have not got any permanent assistance to their grievances. The petitioners stated that they have sought legal assistance from certain law firms which have gone ahead to commence legal proceedings against Ms Owori Damalie however, she continues to be unbothered about the petitioners’ claims. The petitioners alleged that before the arrival of Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie, the community was living in harmony, hence their concern

Findings, observations and recommendations 1. The committee observed that there were no any heavy armed security personnel on the land under contention as was alleged by petitioners apart from personal security belonging to Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie at the time when the committee held a meeting with the community. The committee was informed during the meeting with the community that the heavy armed security personnel that had been deployed earlier by Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie to guard the land under contention had been removed. The committee recommends that the Government streamlines and sets clear guidelines on the deployment of its security personnel to private individuals/companies. Further, the Government should ensure that security personnel comply with the law at all times, including when security personnel are deployed for private duties. 2. The committee was informed by Ms Owori Sylvia Damalie that the land under contention (Nyakesi ‘E’ Zone, Iyokango Parish, Nyangole Subcounty) is currently before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Tororo vide Otedo Emmanuel (Administrator of the estate of the late Alfred Wandera Okech v. Sylvia Owori Damalie, Land Suit No.12 of 2022 , hence subjudice. However, the committee observed that the matter before the Chief Magistrate’s Court holden in Tororo actually refers to customary land situated in Nyakesi “E” Zone, Rubongi Subcounty in Tororo District. (Appendix 4) On 12 August 2022, the committee sought the advice of the Rt Hon. Speaker of Parliament on the matter, in accordance with Rule 73 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. The committee was advised that since Mr Emmanuel Otedo is just one of the many petitioners, his interests in court cannot jeopardise the interests and rights of the other petitioners who currently seek Parliament’s intervention. The committee was consequently advised to proceed with investigations of the allegations contained in the petition, save for concerns of Mr Emmanuel Otedo. The committee, therefore, learnt that the matter is not sub judice. 3. During the committee’s visit to the land under contention, it was shown part of the land that is subject to court proceedings and hence did not venture into any investigations in that part of the land. The committee was informed that Ms Sylvia Damalie Owori had prior requested for a piece of land in which to construct her ancestral home, to which the clan leadership agreed, but later, turned around and insisted on taking up more land, claiming that it belonged to her late father. This is the land that the petitioners allege that she is grabbing, in order to set up projects under Operation Wealth Creation, which she represents. The committee recommends that Ms Sylvia Damalie Owori restricts herself to the portion of land that she was given by the Kayoro Katekoko clan leaders in 2018 and makes use of the available lawful avenues prescribed under

12321 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 3 APRIL 2024 the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the Land Act, Cap 227 to acquire more land in Nyakesi “E” zone, Iyokango Parish, Nyangole Subcounty in Tororo District, if she so wishes. 4. The committee further observed that a portion of land had been fenced off by Ms Sylvia Damalie Owori, although some families still lived within the fence. The committee recommends that Ms Sylvia Damalie Owori restricts her activities of fencing land to the portion of land that was allocated to her by the Kayoro Katekoko clan leaders and any fencing carried out outside the said land should be demolished. 5. During the committee’s visit to the land under contention, it was observed that there were crops on it. However, the committee was informed that crop farming started immediately after the withdrawal of the heavily armed security personnel, which coincided with the presentation of the petition to Parliament in May. The committee was informed by the petitioners that part of the land that Ms Sylvia Damalie Owori surveyed was part of the land under contention, although she claimed that she had inherited it from her late father and therefore, it was not part of the community land. The committee was further informed by officials from the Land Board that Ms Sylvia Damalie Owori had not been granted permission to survey the land. The committee recommends that Ms Sylvia Damalie Owori removes the concrete pillars that she placed on the land under contention. Conclusion In conclusion, Mr Speaker, the committee decries the ways in which individuals are misusing security personnel for their own selfish purposes through intimidation of the populace. Any disputes, land or otherwise should be left to the responsible authorities to handle. Further, emphasis should be placed on streamlining of deployments to private individuals or companies. The Government should also endeavour to sensitise the populace on various land laws, in order to avoid exploitation by unscrupulous persons. The petition, minutes and attendance of the meetings, and list of members who participated are attached here. I hereby table the report. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues. I beg to move.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I appreciate you for your communication, and specifically, through you, thank the Japanese Government, for all the support that has been extended to the Government of Uganda. They have supported various projects in the health and education sectors, and certainly, a number of schools in different districts were constructed through their support, specifically through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). So, on behalf of my people of Tororo District and the Minister of Health who is not here, but touring the country, I would like to thank the people of Japan for that gesture. Mr Speaker, you have talked about the issue of blood donation – I have a lot of blood and that is why I am even sweating - (Laughter) – and I would like to plead with the Members of Parliament because whenever we would bring here the team from the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services - we would speak a lot in the House, but when it came to actual donation, few Members would turn up. I hope this 11 th Parliament will be different and I hope Members will show up when the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services team comes here. However, Mr Speaker, we have a challenge. We can donate blood, but as long as we do not provide funds to the National Medical Stores to procure the necessary reagents, test kits and the blood bags, then, we are wasting our time. As we speak, I am aware that the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services is short of Shs 10 billion. In November, they put in a supplementary request, which has not been honoured up to now. As we speak, they have already used the Quarter 4 funds, so, they have no money left. Mr Speaker, can the request from the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services for the Shs 10 billion be availed to the National Medical Stores so that the necessary reagents and blood bags are actually procured. Short of that, you are going to donate blood, but it will actually be wasted. That is my plea to the ministry for finance. (Members rose_) He wants to give information.

11745 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2024 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME PRIME MINISTER AND LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS (Rt Hon. Robinah Nabbanja): Mr. Speaker, I got a question from Dr Emmanuel Otaala Otiam, Member of Parliament, West Budama South. He raised a matter concerning the threat posed by the Golden Dodder weed, a yellowish- orange thread-like vine that grows over leaves, branches and stems of plants in an entangled web, smothering plants, especially fruit trees and destroying wetlands in Tororo District among other parts of the country; And the need for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to assess the situation and strengthen the regulatory mechanisms to prevent infiltration of such plants into other parts of the country. His prayer was that I give an update to the House, which I have here. Mr Speaker, there has been gradual multiplication of the parasitic weed known as (Golden Dodder) in West Budama South and other parts of the country which has raised concern. This weed poses a threat to various plants, including compound trees, live fence trees and fruit crops like mangoes, oranges, avocados etcetera. The Ministry working through District Agricultural Officers, is actively sensitising the community to prevent the spread by avoiding the introduction of the weed through its attractive flowers in nurseries or home gardens. The community is also advised on weeds - using techniques such as burning and deep burying. Hon. Rugamayo Edson, Youth Member of Parliament, Western raised a matter concerning Ms Kemigisa Agnes who was recruited by Gopro Uganda Ltd for employment in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa but ended up being imprisoned on 16 August 2023 on allegations of fraud and that she has not received the necessary intervention to enable her to get justice. His prayer is a need of an update. Mr Speaker, in 2005, the Government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development initiated the externalisation of the Labour Programme with two objectives: 1. To create a safe, formal and regular pathway for Ugandans who choose to seek employment abroad. 2. To establish a short-term window for addressing the unemployment challenge in Uganda. The externalisation of the Labour Programme is regulated by “The Employment Act” and “The Employment (Recruitment of Ugandan Migrant Workers) Regulations, 202l”. Under the said Regulations, workers may travel abroad for work through the following channels: i. A licensed recruitment company. ii. Individual initiative: Here the worker sources for the job as an individual. The Migrant workers are mostly deployed in the Middle East countries of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq, Somalia, Kuwait and Qatar. As I speak, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key destination for Ugandan migrant workers estimated to be more than 150,000, in different categories across the expansive terrain. Ms. Kemigisa Agnes was cleared by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development on 5 April 2023 as a domestic worker under Gopro Uganda Limited on a work visa. She arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 25 April 2023 and was subsequently deployed to her employer, Norah Abdullah Bin Fahad Alsahali. And it is not true that Ms Kemigisa Agnes travelled on a tourist visa as the Youth MP for Western alleges. All Ugandan migrant workers

I bring condolences from the people of West Budama Central and, indeed, Tororo District on the passing on of a gallant Ugandan. I want to agree with others who have described her, especially using the two words that she stood for. She stood in this Parliament for God. She protected, defended and promoted anything that would uplift, promote good faith in this House and also for this country. I saw her for the first time in 1996 in Tororo when I was in high school. I think I had never seen anybody as powerful as Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. She had the late Dr Paul Kawanga Semwogerere as the President, of the Inter Political Forces Cooperation ( IPFC) . We had people like Akisoferi Ogola and they roared in Tororo. I can tell you that day, President Museveni was the second candidate in the whole of Tororo District. They won massively. When I went to study on scholarship - and the son is here. Nick came and met me at the airport

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;

Mr Speaker, fortunately, I know that that bridge separates Busia from Tororo District. You know, being a person from the grassroots, I have gone to many areas. I request that the Member writes a proposal, we shall cause a meeting with the Ministry of Works and have that bridge constructed because it is a well-situated bridge that helps to revamp business between those two sister districts. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for directing the chairperson to analyse the guidelines and thank you, Minister of Works. I would like to seek the indulgence of this House to make special consideration for Tororo District because it is Shs 1 billion for every district in Uganda but as we speak, Tororo District is equivalent to four districts in one. Therefore, the Shs 1 billion for my constituency, Tororo County North and Tororo County South - Because of the political fights we have in the district, our roads are in very terrible state and we need this House to direct the Ministry of Works to make special consideration for Tororo to get Shs 2 billion. (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

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I want to thank the Committee on Education and Sports, for the reports presented to the House. I want to agree with the submissions so far made although I want to add one thing: that is support to the tertiary education subsector. Mr Speaker, Tororo District is the home to a faculty of science education. The people of West Budama North Constituency, and of Tororo District at large, have actually been advocating for the upgrading of that faculty to university level. How I wish, as we support the tertiary education sub-sector, we consider upgrading the Nagongera Campus, from being a Faculty of Science Education to a fully-fledged university. That will go down well for us. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity accorded us to present a re- port of the Committee on Education and Sports on the motion for a resolution of Parliament urging Government to address the exorbitant tuition and non-tuition fees charged by Gov- ernment grant-aided schools. Before I present the report, I want to lay on the Table a copy of the report and the minutes of the various meetings we had as a committee. I beg to lay. Mr Speaker, on 19 February 2022, Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi, Member of Parliament for Tororo District, tabled before this august House a motion for a resolution of Parliament urging Government to address the exorbitant tuition and non-tuition fees charged by Government grant-aided schools. The motion carried four prayers: (1) That Government intervenes in the fees structure for Government grant-aided schools and streamlines the tuition and non-tuition fees charged by these schools; (2) That Government justifies why it continues to give statutory grants to Government grant-aided schools that charge exorbitant tuition and non-tuition fees;

6957 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 24 JANUARY 2023 on the alleged unfair and discriminatory recruitment by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces. The Rt Hon. Speaker referred the matter to the Committee of Defence and Internal Affairs for consideration and report back to Parliament. The committee considered the issues and hereby reports. Background In 2004, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs undertook a comprehensive programme to transform the UPDF into a modern, professional and accountable force, subordinate to civilian authority. Part of this is recruiting Ugandans who meet the standards prescribed in the UPDF or the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Act, 2005, sections 51 and 52; details of who qualifies. Methodology The committee held meetings with the following: the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs and officials from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Hon. Sarah Opendi, the District Woman Representative for Tororo District, Hon. Evelyn Chemutai, and the District Woman Representative of Bukwo District. The committee also received submissions from Hon. Faith Nakut, District Woman Representative of Napak District. Queries raised by Parliament Tororo District Allegations raised by Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi, the District Woman Representative for Tororo District was that people from elsewhere were recruited from Tororo and people from Tororo did not benefit from their quota. It was also alleged that the local leaders were not allowed to verify the list of recruits; RDCs and LCs were not given a copy of the recruits for reference. Nebbi District It was alleged that out of the 57 slots allocated, only 11 were from the district. Lira District The allegations were that in Lira District, most applicants were dropped for reportedly being HIV positive. The committee interacted with Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi and Hon. Evelyn Chemutai and received written submissions from Hon. Faith Nakut. UPDF recruitment procedures The Minister of Defence and Internal Affairs and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces carried out a national recruitment exercise from 18 June to 4 July. The recruitment coverage was for all Ugandan nationals and was based on a quota system. LCI chairpersons provided documents to the applicants to prove that one has no criminal liability and the National ID proved one’s nationality and presumes all biometrics and other details are with NIRA. At the recruitment centres, the RDCs, RCCs or GISOs signed on the dispatch forms before departure of the candidates to training schools. However, not everybody who came met the criteria to be recruited, as there were various tests undertaken to eliminate some people because of limited slots. The committee was informed that the UPDF followed the process of recruitment. The criteria for being an eligible applicant were: a) Be a citizen of Uganda; you would prove this with the national ID. b) Adult male or female (18 to 30 years of age). c) Uganda Certificate of Education or its equivalent certificate or qualifications or any of the above.

6958 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT d) Be healthy and willing to undergo medical and physical tests. e) Have no criminal record and this proof of good citizenship was LCI and DISO signatures and recommendations. The quotas were distributed as follows: a) 8,400 were shared nationwide based on the district population size. b) 1,000 were mechanics and drivers. c) 600 were scientists qualifying to join the Air force. d) 100 Medical personnel e) 100 brass band musicians f) 50 specialised sportsmen and ladies The committee findings The committee observed that the recruitment covered 146 districts and the recruitment plan covered 134 districts. The 12 districts were accommodated within their former districts, since their district headquarters were not yet established. Quotas allocated to each district were based on the Uganda Bureau of Statistics population data of 2020. On this note, districts like Mitooma, Sheema, Rubirizi, Bushenyi and Buhweju had their recruitment centre at Bushenyi District Headquarters, which was their mother district as well as Greater Mbarara of Rwampara, Isingiro, Ibanda and Mbarara City and Mbarara District as well. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the recruitments were done on zonal levels. For instance, the UPDF recruited a total of 163 people from the districts of Nebbi, Zombo and Pakwach. Here the recruitment centre was in Nebbi. All those that attended were recommended by LCIs and DISOs. Nebbi District was a recruitment centre hosting the other two districts. Despite their quota being 57 for Nebbi District alone, 163 recruits were recruited at the zone. While recruitment is not based on tribe, most of the recruits that came from Nebbi were the Alur, as per their identity cards. The committee was informed that a total of 195 people were recruited from Tororo District and most of their documents were verified by LCI chairpersons of various villages of applicants to ensure that they had no criminal record - and not necessarily to prove their ethnicity, tribe or place of abode. Attached are the copies of IDs and letters of recommendation; letters from LCs and recommendations by GISOs as well. However, this was misunderstood to mean proof of nationality. The committee recommends that LCs and the general public should be sensitised on recruitment procedures and guidelines, in accordance with the UPDF Act of 2005. Advertisements should be clear, easy to understand and should be published in all local newspapers and local radios for wider coverage. There were alarming numbers of forged academic documents and the Uganda national identity cards. Recruits who did not have national IDs, but had already applied were not allowed to use their national identification numbers because it was difficult to attach the face to the NIN. Verification of all other documents required more time and finances, which had its own limitations. The recruitment period should be long enough to allow time to verify all the required documents by the relevant Government institutions and agencies. The national identification numbers should be allowed as long as their genuineness can be verified. The recruitment process should be financed to undertake most of the required activities to avoid haphazard work. The recruitment was done for all Ugandans, as long as they had national identity cards and their LCI or GISO or DISO confirmed that they had the required documents verified by LCIs, DISOs, GISOs, as proof of no criminal record. The committee recommends that there should always be proper scrutiny or vetting of these

Madam Speaker, I am a Member of Parliament representing Tororo District. Madam Speaker, I beg to lay this report. We had a delegation that was led by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Our meeting was organised under the theme: “Achieving Gender Equality and Empowerment of all Women and Girls in the Context of Climate Change, Environmental and Disaster Risk Reduction Policies and Programmes” - (Interjections)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yesterday, I did raise the issue of the UPDF recruitment that was done and you gave clear directives to the minister to come and answer to this process. The minister has responded to three issues and is silent about this UPDF recruitment that he actually knows was very unfair, even in Tororo District, where he comes from. Madam Speaker, would it not be procedurally right for the minister to also respond and assure us that they have put a halt on this recruitment process and the lists be sent to the districts for verification, as you directed? Thank you.