Hoima City

411 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 JULY 2026 infrastructural, logistical and operational costs associated with the preparation for both the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 and AFCON 2027, including Uganda’s obligatory commitment fees to CAF. In addition, the Government has approved Shs 905 billion to meet contractual intersectoral funding and administrative requirements for AFCON 2027. Mr Speaker, the additional commitments include the following major interventions: 1. Support to the upgrading of selected hotels in Hoima and Masindi through a special credit facility, in accordance with CAF standards; 2. Upgrading priority access roads, pedestrian walkways and street lighting around Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium; 3. Construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega Airport and operationalise the facility as an international airport; 4. Upgrade of Kadiba Stadium as a training facility and support preparations for the Uganda Cranes; 5. Support to the Local Organising Committee to undertake tournament- specific preparations across its subcommittees; 6. Remodelling and upgrade of Mandela National Stadium; 7. Deployment and improvement of ICT infrastructure at airports, hotels, stadia, training facilities and hospitals supporting the tournament; 8. Upgrade of designated health facilities in Hoima, Masindi and Buseruka to provide intensive care, accident and emergency services; 9. Strengthening of sanitation and environmental hygiene services in the host city, that is, Hoima City and Masindi Municipal Council; 10. Upgrade of meteorological services to support tournament operations; 11. Improvement to water-supply infrastructure in Hoima City; 12. Upgrade and maintenance of railway infrastructure serving Kampala, Mukono, Namanve and Namboole; 13. Extension of electricity infrastructure to key AFCON facilities, including Hoima City Stadium and Kabalega International Airport; 14. Promoting Uganda as a tourism destination under the AFCON brand; 15. Waiver of visa fees for visitors during the tournament period; and 16. Pursuit of a joint PAMOJA visa with Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania to ease the movement of fans and guests. Mr Speaker, the above-mentioned interventions will be directly implemented by the Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies responsible. I will repeat that. The above-mentioned interventions will be directly implemented by Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies responsible. The Minister of Education and Sports, and the LOC will play a supervisory role to ensure timely implementation of activities by MDAs and conformity to CAF standards. The detailed updates on infrastructure development in preparation for the AFCON tournament are as follows: 1. Hoima City Stadium Works for construction of Hoima City Stadium have been completed and the Defects Liability Period will expire in December 2026. During this period, the contractor will undertake remedial works to address comments made by CAF after their recent inspection. We expect the next inspection on 31 August 2026. 2. Mandela National Stadium The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs for design and build works for the expansion of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole under phase II was signed on 26 February 2026. Under this phase, we expect, among others, the following:

412 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME [Mr Ogwang] i) Upgrading the seating capacity from 38,000 to 45,000; ii) Improvements and expansion of the VVIP and VIP lounges; iii) Improvements in the media tribune, stadium media centre, press conference rooms, the mixed zone, spectator-related areas and medical areas, among others. Mr Speaker, the contractor has completed the design review and incorporated all observations raised by the Confederation of African Football. Structural integrity tests have also been successfully undertaken, confirming the project’s readiness to proceed. The contractor remains scheduled to complete works within the timelines stipulated by CAF, which is 31 December 2026. 3. Kyambogo University Training Facility Phase II construction works are progressing well and the facility is expected to be completed by August. 4. Makerere University Training Facility Construction works are ongoing and completion is expected by August. 5. Hoima Boma Grounds The project is on course for completion by September this year. 6. Masindi Municipal Stadium Training Facility Construction works are ongoing and the facility is expected to be completed by September this year. 7. FUFA Kadiba Stadium Training Facility The BOQs and architectural design for Kadiba are being finalised, and the site will soon be handed over to the UPDF Engineers Brigade. The scope of works includes remedial works on the pitch and installation of floodlights. We envisage completing the work by December 2026. Why the delay? The stadium was being used by FUFA till the end of the calendar year, which ended recently. It is a Federation facility for football competition. 8. Sir Tito Winyi Secondary School (Training Facility) The process of acquiring land at Sir Tito Winyi is concluded, and the Minister of Works and Transport is preparing the BOQs. Works will commence in August 2026 and will be completed in December. Why the delay? There was a complaint about the land. As per the guidance from the Attorney-General, the Government cannot invest resources where we do not have exclusive ownership of the land. So, the two parties had to be brought on board. Finally, there is a consent to that effect. Now we are ready to start working. 9. Upgrade priority access roads, pedestrian walkways, and street lighting around Hoima City stadium and Mandela National Stadium. Government is implementing a number of strategic road projects aimed at improving access to the AFCON 2027 competition and training venues while also easing traffic flow within the host cities. The works cover Jokas-Uganda Christian University Road (13.2 km). This road is going to be worked on and completed. That will ease traffic on the main Jinja Highway. Hon. Nambooze is nodding. I think let us clap for Government for that. (Laughter) Jokas-Bweyogere Road (6.2 km), Jokas-Namanve Road (3.2 km), Kireka-Kamuli- Nalya Road, Bweyogere-Buto-Namugongo Road, Kyaliwajala-Kira-Kasangati Road, and Old Jinja Road. The project also includes improvements to Kireka and Kyaliwajala junctions, as well as road linkages to the Northern Bypass through Agenda and Kiwatule as well as roads to Hoima City Stadium. The procurement process is progressing well with the evaluation of prospective contractors underway. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

413 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 JULY 2026 10. Support the upgrading of selected hotels in Hoima and Masindi through a special credit facility in accordance with CAF standards. In preparation for AFCON 2027, the Government, in consultations with CAF, has shortlisted prospective hotel owners whose facilities will be upgraded to meet the required accommodation standard. A total of Shs 101.1 billion has been earmarked to support hotel improvement works in Hoima City and Masindi. The funding will facilitate renovation works and provide interest rate support through the Uganda Development Bank for approved service providers. Regarding the proposed new hotel at Kabalega International Airport, a number of developers have expressed interest, and the evaluation of bids is scheduled to commence on Thursday this week. Mr Speaker, as of this morning, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister chaired a meeting between the hotel owners and Uganda Development Bank to agree on the modalities regarding the timeline for the line of credit versus the position the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the bank have given. I want to say the consultations are ongoing. I am also saying that we are cognisant of the time. 11. Construct a Passenger Terminal at Kabalega Airport. This intervention is awaiting the award of a contract and confirmation of financing for the outstanding funding gap to facilitate commencement of works. Government earmarked Shs 185 billion for that project to have a terminal in Kabalega Airport in Hoima. 12. Upgrade designated health facilities in Hoima, Masindi, and Buseruka to provide intensive care, accident and emergency Services. Hoima Regional Referral Hospital: Construction has reached the superstructure stage; Masindi Municipal Hospital: excavation works have been completed, and foundation concrete works are underway. Buseruka Health Centre III: Walling works are progressing towards the ring beam level, with roofing scheduled for completion by the Ministry of Works and Transport. These works are all undertaken by the UPDF’s Engineering Brigade. 13. Upgrade and maintenance of railway infrastructure servicing Kampala, Mukono, Namamve and Namboole. Construction of a passenger boarding and drop- off station at Kampala, Namboole, Namamve and Mukono, and refurbishment and retrofitting of locomotives to support passenger transport during AFCON 2027. 14. Deploy improved ICT infrastructure at the airport, hotel, stadia, training facilities, and hospital supporting the tournament. Installation of the Wi-Fi and CCTV systems at Mandela National Stadium, Hoima City Stadium, Akii Bua, 8 training facilities across Kampala, Hoima, Masindi, Gulu, and Lira, selected hospital tourism sites, and CAF headquarters in Kampala is ongoing. Mr Speaker, I wish to assure this House that the Government remains fully committed to delivering a successful AFCON 2027. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the required infrastructure, services, and support systems are completed within the agreed timelines. As preparations progress, Government will keep this House regularly informed on implementation progress, key milestones achieved, and any emerging issues requiring attention. Before I conclude, Mr Speaker, allow me again to say Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is our backup stadium. 65 per cent of its work is done. It is

Honourable member, we need you to appreciate how the Government works. When you raise a question - they are telling you to resume your seat - (Laughter) - I am guiding so that it can help other people. You started very well. When a minister or the Government responds to your question, you must listen. I think they should give you the statement early so that you can come and say, “I’m satisfied or this has not been addressed,” so that we put the minister to task. Otherwise, when the minister has answered then you say, “But you haven’t told us about the roads in Hoima…” Can you answer whether this satisfies you or not?

417 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 JULY 2026 about the contractors in different sectors, it is according to the procurement methods used by those respective sectors. So, I wanted to first make that clear. To be specific, Shs 1.01 billion is a loan facility, which the Government has earmarked to give to the selected hotels. I will talk about the selected hotels. What the Government has done, you all know that the lending rates of Uganda Development Bank (UDB) are 12 per cent. Here, we discuss whether we can give them at 5 per cent so that we can give them, and then also we talk about the duration of the facility. These people were having their businesses, but now the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as per our host agreement, has come and indicated specific areas they want them to improve. Some of them were not mandatory, and that is why we had to sit down with them. How were they identified? Number one, there was a CAF consultant contracted by the Confederation of African Football. It came here and went to Hoima and Masindi. The hoteliers of Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association were called and met. They visited all the facilities. We also worked again with the Uganda Hotel Owners Association together with the consultant, the leadership of the Federation of Uganda Football Association and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and looked at these facilities. Now, it was after that scrutiny that the 10 facilities were agreed upon. That is when they brought it to my attention to chair a meeting as a co-chair of a local organising committee, that the 12 facilities were confirmed and agreed to work according to the guidelines of CAF. So, as a Ministry responsible for Education and Sports, our role is coordination, which we shall continue doing. The other one was about the involvement of the local leaders. For the record, I am aware we have elected new leaders, including some of us here. This is a new term of office. This project started in the other term. We were indeed working with the old leaders of Hoima City. I confirm that I take the observations that have been raised by the honourable member. As a ministry, formally, I will write to the local authorities in Hoima City, meet them, and directly involve them in the management. I will also explain to them what awaits them as far as AFCON 2027 is concerned. To respond to what my sister from Wakiso said, I would like to say that one of the representatives of the local authorities is meant to be on the local organising committee. I would like to confirm that for Wakiso District, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) is a member of the local organising committee. For Hoima City, - (Interjection) - can I be protected, Mr Speaker? I was talking about the involvement of the local leaders. Secondly, to my colleagues here, I will formally communicate and have an engagement with the Members of Parliament from Wakiso as a whole, because when you look at what we are doing, you will notice that the entire project is in Wakiso District. Namboole is in Wakiso. Honourable colleagues, with your permission, can I proceed and finish? The other issues that were raised, Mr Speaker, are regarding the roads, which are meant to be worked on in the Hoima cluster. It is an oversight. I promise to communicate formally to you. I had actually made it, and it was within. But the first is the Rujumba Road, which is going to have an inter-loop to Hoima City. That one is meant to be tarmacked. Lastly, timely reports to Parliament. Mr Speaker, you are the originator of the Order Paper. I am at your service as a minister in the Education docket, to report to Parliament as and when agreed. Once again, I reiterate that the Government is committed to implementing AFCON 2027. Regarding the project becoming like CHOGM, friends, I think we learn from different lessons. I studied history, and a French word was

You are eating into the Prime Minister’s Time by raising procedural matters. But thank you. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, you need to meet the leaders from Hoima, Wakiso and Mukono - please, there is only one Speaker in the House. I am just mentioning a few, and you are intimidating me. Do you know the crisis you can have if I walked out unceremoniously? (Laughter) Rt Hon. Prime Minister, make an undertaking that you call and meet up with these Members so that they can raise - you are the coordinator and overall boss. They may raise matters of roads, electricity and lighting in those areas - yes, say something before we go to your time.

Mr Speaker, I am happy that everybody is now in the mood of AFCON 2027. I would like to thank the President and the First Lady who have been coordinating all these efforts. A lot has been done; we are well coordinated and doing all that is possible to make sure Uganda hosts AFCON 2027. I undertake to involve all colleagues, both in Wakiso, Kampala and Hoima, even Lira, where Akii- Bua Stadium is located. Today I chaired a meeting of hotel owners, including those from Northern Uganda, because as we speak, Akii-Bua Stadium construction is 100 per cent complete –(Interjections) - yes, they are just planting grass. Apart from a few patches – (Interjections) - information not taken. All of us wish the best for this country, and I know we have an obligation. I once again undertake to involve everybody.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Let me also join the rest of my colleagues to congratulate you upon your election to the office of Speaker. I am rising on the matter of the presidential address. I noted that the President did not talk much about the AFCON projects. We have several AFCON projects going on in Hoima and especially in my constituency. Most of these involve the construction of roads, and some work is currently ongoing on the Hoima National Stadium. Mr Speaker, both the leadership and the communities are largely uninformed about these projects. There are two key ministries which are involved: the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Education and Sports. The ministers here have largely remained very silent regarding the progress of the projects, leading to a lot of ignorance by both the leadership and the population.

Mr Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank my colleague for raising those very pertinent questions, but officially, I had been informed that tomorrow on the Order Paper, I will be able to give a statement to Parliament regarding AFCON 2027. I thought I could reserve the right to really give an update to the country. Also, with due respect to my colleague, it is always good to appreciate us when we serve the country on your behalf. I am extremely embarrassed. First, I respect the age of my colleague, to begin with. The reason I respect the age, as Mr Speaker has clearly said, is that I have been here for almost 16 years, working for Uganda. To get back to the Hoima City project, where he said I brought people from my constituency, Mr Speaker, I was not the contractor. Let me go on record. The contractor for the city stadium was a Turkish firm, and I know you, and I know the genesis of how we got that contractor. Therefore, the right to assign work to people is a prerogative of the contractor, not Peter Ogwang. I would also like to confirm: this is Uganda. I do not know whether there is any law which bars anyone from working in any part of Uganda. I think it is important, as Members of Parliament, with due respect, colleague, that we do take an oath and as such, let us be sincere. Even then, Mr Speaker, there is a Committee on Education and Sports and I am ready to go and submit if it is true. I would also like to confirm that in the previous Parliament, the Shadow Minister and Members of Parliament visited the stadium, checked on the works, and for purposes of what is happening in Hoima and the rest of the country, I feel we are on the right course. As far as sitting with him and agreeing on any matter, I do not remember any meeting, with due respect, that I have only met with you, honourable colleague, other than when we were commissioning the stadium. And even that – (Member timed out.)

Mr Speaker, I yearn to be what I am, and I am actually one person who does not believe a life of being what I am not before this august House. I try to live a life of my history, and my history speaks for itself. For that matter, I respectfully want to say, for the record, that I have never, in private, in public, or in any official capacity, had a meeting with a member of Hoima Western Division. Never. I want to say this because I am in the National Assembly of Uganda. Secondly, it is important that he respects me as a Member of Parliament and a colleague. I thank you.

301 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY,14 JULY 2026 the exercise of the Government. It is good for the country. Remember, the financial year I am talking about is the year when our national budget leapt from Shs Shs 52 trillion to 72 trillion. It is not something we will sweep under the carpet and allow it to pass when we have made a significant change in the volume of the budget of this country. Mr Speaker, it is for the good of this Parliament and this country that the relevant committees look into the Auditor-General’s report for the Financial Year 2024/2025. One of the other issues that I have listed here is the Petroleum Fund. Just before I rose to move this motion, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development laid another report of the Petroleum Fund for this House to receive and review. The Petroleum Fund, given the materiality of the things therein and the risks involved, is a report that this House cannot just let go by events. We must look into it. Mr Speaker, you are very aware that sometime last year, this House allowed a drawing from the Petroleum Fund for the construction of the Hoima Stadium. Therefore, you need to look into what the money did and see how the fund is moving. If we do not, then we will have a fund without seeing what is in it. So, it is very important. Mr Speaker, one of the other businesses that we will reconsider here, if you allow the reinstatement is the petitions - two of them are petitions from distinguished associations and unions of our people. The other is a complaint. As you are aware, Members, in Rule 31, petitions are one of those critical means by which the public communicates to the Government through us. It is how they present their grievances. Therefore, for us to let these petitions just slide without a resolution of the House is a breach of our own mandate as the representatives of the people. Honourable members, we need to consider this with the utmost attention we can give. The other is Zoka Forest. A few days ago, we were in this House debating the effects of climate change, which we are battling with. Now there is an investigation report into the destruction of Zoka Forest that was laid in the 11 th Parliament. Maybe that report shall give us the solution on how to protect the other forests or how to manage the effects of climate change. How about we just consider that instead of starting afresh? Mr Speaker, I beg to move that this House considers this motion given the significance of the issues I have raised.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. For the record, I am Ismail Kasule, the Whip of the Alliance for National Transformation. Mr Speaker, I understand there are different projects going on, but which are not football- related, though they are to supplement the AFCON 2027 that Uganda is going to host together with the other countries, Kenya and Tanzania. My attention is drawn to the infrastructure projects like roads, hospitals and hotels, especially in areas where the tournament will take place like Hoima, Masindi, Lira and Kampala. I wish to the Prime Minister to inform us on the progress of the projects that are not football related but are crucial for AFCON to take place. Thank you very much.

Mr Speaker, let me start with the hotels. You are aware that we are supposed to upgrade our hotels to meet the international standards. Shs 101 billion was put in place, through the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and we are encouraging our hotel owners to take that window so that they can upgrade their hotels, especially in areas of Hoima and some parts of Lira. Secondly, on the upgrade of health facilities, the Government is upgrading the health facility of Buseruka to a health centre IV, which is almost at the level of a hospital, so that those who are traveling from Kabalega International Airport in case of anything - we are upgrading Hoima Referral Hospital to meet international standards. We are also upgrading Masindi Hospital because we shall have a training ground in Masindi, which is also being upgraded. We are also upgrading another facility in Hoima City.

Thank you. I will do Karamoja and Namisindwa. Oh, I remember Hoima was among the first people in my office. Let us continue, colleagues. The Prime Minister is still here.

Rt. Hon. Prime Minister. Hoima, followed by Buwekula.

Thank you. Hoima, followed by Buwekula and Nyanzi.

Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, how are you going to help the people of Hoima with the land problem? I hear there were even gunships when the minister went to -(Laughter)

142 THE BUDGET SPEECH, 2026 Ugandan products, attract strategic investors and mobilise the diaspora to support national development. 6. On tourism infrastructure, the Government continued to invest in tourism infrastructure and attractions. Progress was made in the development of museums and cultural heritage sites in Moroto and Dokolo. Investments are also underway in the Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail, Kitagata Hot Springs and visitor facilities at the Source of the Nile in Jinja, including an observatory deck and a modern restaurant. The Government also established a new wildlife education centre in Mbale. These investments are enhancing visitor experiences and strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. In Financial Year 2026/2027, the priorities under tourism are the following: Mr Speaker, the Government has allocated Shs 567.32 billion to continue developing the tourism sector next financial year. The priority interventions will include: i) The branding and marketing of Uganda as a tourism and investment destination; ii) Tourism infrastructure development; iii) Construction of highway sanitation facilities and tourism site refreshment centres; iv) Improving and enforcing hospitality standards and training; v) Conservation and wildlife protection to increase wildlife population across the national parks; vi) Health tourism; and vii) Economic and commercial diplomacy. I now come to mineral-based industrial development. Mr Speaker, Uganda is richly endowed with minerals. However, sustainable transformation will come not from extracting minerals, but from processing and adding value to them. The Government’s strategy is, therefore, to transform mineral wealth into industrial wealth, and the following steps have been taken in that direction: i) The Government intensified mineral exploration and quantification. Geochemical surveys for gold were undertaken in Kassanda, Kiboga and Mubende districts. Exploration confirmed an estimated 300 million tonnes of iron ore in Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kisoro, Kanungu, Kiruhura and Hoima districts. Surveys of copper prospects were conducted at the Bukusu Carbonatite Complex, which also has the potential for rare earth elements as well as at the Boma and Lwensankala sites. Evaluation of uranium, manganese, lithium and nickel deposits is also ongoing across the country. ii) To add value to Uganda’s limestone, a new clinker factory was commissioned in Moroto District to produce inputs for cement production. The factory operates a 6,000-tonne-per-day clinker production line with annual production capacity of two million tonnes of clinker and three million tonnes of cement. The project is expected to save the country up to $260 million, annually, in clinker imports and create up to 4,000 jobs. iii) The Government continued to make substantial progress towards the first oil. Construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Central Processing Facilities is at advanced stage and nearing completion. The Tilenga and Kingfisher upstream development projects also registered significant progress despite logistical challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. During the year, 51 additional wells were drilled, bringing the cumulative number to 199 wells, exceeding the 189 wells required for first oil production later this year. iv) The Government completed the first phase of Kabalega International Airport, providing critical logistics infrastructure to support oil and gas development, tourism, trade and investment in the Albertine region.

150 THE BUDGET SPEECH, 2026 Water and Sanitation Mr Speaker, access to clean and safe water remains fundamental to public health, human dignity and economic productivity. Government has, therefore, continued investing heavily in water supply and sanitation infrastructure across the country. Access to improved water sources continues to expand, with 71 per cent of households now having access. Coverage stands at 68 per cent in rural areas and 74.5 per cent in urban areas. Mr Speaker, during the Financial Year 2025/2026, safe water access was extended to 553 villages. Over 200 large solar-powered water and sanitation systems, several public sanitation facilities and faecal sludge treatment plants were completed in several districts. In addition, a number of urban water systems were expanded. Government has allocated Shs 1.013 trillion in the Financial Year 2026/2027 to further expand access to safe water and sanitation services across the country. The objective is to ensure universal access to safe water and sanitation services. Education, Skills and Sports Mr Speaker, education remains the most powerful instrument for social mobility and long-term economic transformation. During the Financial Year 2025/2026, the following milestones have been achieved in the education sector: a) In order to expand access to education, Government continued financing Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE). Approximately 9.52 million learners benefited from UPE, while about 995,116 learners benefitted from Universal Secondary Education and Universal Post- O-Level Education and Training. b) Government completed construction of 90 additional seed secondary schools, expanded 54 existing schools and operationalised 259 seed schools. c) In preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, Hoima Stadium has been completed, upgrades to Namboole Stadium are progressing well and other required tournament facilities remain on schedule. Further, construction of Akii-Bua Stadium is on schedule. d) Government has intensified investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education; technical and vocational education; industry-linked skills development and digital literacy. Financial Year 2026/2027, priorities for education, skills and sports Next year, Government has allocated Shs 6.66 trillion to further improve education of Ugandans. Priorities will include: i) Access to quality UPE and USE; ii) Strengthening STEM and vocational education; iii) Improving teacher welfare and training with emphasis on pre-primary teachers; iv) Curriculum reform; v) Strengthening public universities and research institutions; and vi) Completing critical sports infrastructure for AFCON 2027. Beginning the Financial Year 2026/2027, an additional Shs 568.65 billion has been allocated to enhance salaries for primary school teachers and Arts teachers in secondary schools and Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) institutions. Social Protection and Inclusive Development The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government has over the years ensured that economic growth is inclusive. Government continues implementing targeted programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and expanding economic participation.

152 THE BUDGET SPEECH, 2026 Hoima (145km) and Matugga-Semuto- Kapeeka (41km), among others. UDC also invested in ETATS Construction Company, currently constructing the Bugiri-Namutumba Road (24km) and the Buwenge-Kaliro Road (48km), among others. d) The Government completed the Special Economic Zone at Entebbe International Airport to promote high value exports. Several firms, particularly in the fresh produce exports and light manufacturing, are setting up operations. e) Continued expansion of Presidential Zonal Hubs, which are tackling youth unemployment by providing practical industrial and vocational skills. To date, 82,790 youth have been trained and the number of hubs has grown to 28 nationwide. Mr President, thank you very much for this initiative. Financial Year 2026/2027 priorities for manufacturing and industrial development Mr Speaker, the Government has allocated Shs 1.03 trillion to the manufacturing programme for FY 2026/2027. Priority interventions include: i) Additional capitalisation of UDC to drive industrial development; ii) Industrial infrastructure development, particularly industrial parks including new fully serviced plug and play parks; iii) Value addition to agricultural raw materials and minerals; iv) Supporting market access for Ugandan manufactured products; v) Strengthening the functionality of special economic zones; vi) Industrial research including the establishment of regional industrial incubation hubs. Market access for wealth creators Wealth creators need access to both domestic and export markets. Expanding the domestic market requires higher household incomes and increased purchasing power to stimulate demand for locally produced goods and services. Export growth, on the other hand, requires deeper regional integration to access larger markets within the East African Community, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. These opportunities are complemented by preferential and duty-free market access arrangements negotiated with key partners including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia, Serbia and the countries in the Middle East. To expand both domestic and export markets, the Government will continue investing in standards, quality assurance, certification and market intelligence to enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan products and services. To this end, the Government has so far implemented the following: i) Strengthened certification services to enhance efficiency. Additional personnel have been recruited and trained to increase capacity of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to undertake certification, surveillance and enforcement of standards. Following automation, the turnaround time for import inspection reduced from three weeks to four hours. Product testing was reduced from 30 days to 14 days and product certification reduced from 180 days to 45 days. ii) Decentralisation and modernised certification services to enhance access. Construction and equipping of engineering testing laboratories are ongoing and expected to be completed by September 2026. The Government also commenced construction of regional laboratories in Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara. iii) Developed 450 standards for products and services and issued permits to 4,500 products.

158 THE BUDGET SPEECH, 2026 political and state leaders, the religious leaders, the cultural leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and all Ugandans. You have heard how the economy is performing well in spite of many problems in the world. The economy is performing well because Uganda is a very rich country. We have got a lot of potential. I saw one of the people who likes writing things here and there trying to say that we are targeting many areas of support. I think he was trying to say that in South Korea, they concentrated on electronics and vehicles. However, this is because South Korea did not have much. They instead concentrated on the little they had. For us, we have what South Korea has, even more. That is why I do not listen so much to people who are running around panicking and so on. What is crucial is clarity, here within Uganda, about our potential. The next most important thing is the African market, because when you produce, you must sell. Africa is our sure market, and then we can add other markets. This 6.4 per cent growth is really still modest. As you heard, next year the growth will go to 10.2 per cent because of petroleum. As you heard, the performance is good by world standards but in my view, it can be stronger. I come from indigenous communities of this place, and I have been following our developments very closely for 65 years. What you need to know is that the aim of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is not just growth, but transformation; socio-economic transformation. It is now - before I talk about other things, I want us to solve this small problem of Ebola. Ebola is a very simple disease. It is not like COVID-19, as I said last night. COVID-19 was very dangerous because it was spreading through breathing, which meant that if you sat - The other time, I got COVID-19 from you people in Kyankwanzi when I took a group photograph with you people without my mask. I got it, and I was here for 21 days sitting in the house. COVID-19 was really dangerous. It was spreading through breathing but this Ebola spreads only through close contact with sweat, vomit, blood, sexual; by exchanging saliva through kissing, when the person is already sick but not showing symptoms of sickness. Therefore, it can be stopped. We just need to get rid of the carelessness. As I told you last night, we have had 19 cases so far; 14 from our brothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo who came - Two died. But for those who came early, four of the Congolese them have already recovered and they have been discharged. The others are also recovering. Our people think no more of them will die. The two people who died were Congolese from the 14. The five Ugandans who were infected were four health workers in one of the Kampala hospitals, who handled the sick people without taking precautions. That is how four of them were infected. Carelessness. The fifth one, a Ugandan, was a taxi driver who drove the sick man from Hoima to Kampala. I do not know whether he was greeting him or what, because just driving, if he sits in his chair and you sit in yours, why should he infect you? But fortunately, that driver has now recovered. So, of the five who recovered, four are Congolese, one is a Ugandan, while the two who died were all our Congolese brothers. In the last five days, there has not been a new case. (Applause) This is very simple. I really do not like people who do not take life seriously because if you want to achieve anything, you must be very serious with your life. Part of life is health. If you have got health, you can be able to do what you want to do. The other day I was here, I saw you shaking hands, hugging. Imagine Members of Parliament setting a bad example for all these Africans to get sick and then go to hospitals and so on, or even die. I want to use this occasion to appeal to all Ugandans to solve this small problem of Ebola.

Mr Speaker, I take the honour to observe the protocol. In reference to Article 82 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Rule 6 of our Rules of Procedure of Parliament, I hereby stand to move a motion to nominate Hon. Asinansi Nyakato, Woman Member of Parliament, Hoima City, for the position of Deputy Speaker of the 12 th Parliament of Uganda 2026 to 2031. I beg to nominate. Mr Speaker, allow me to give a brief statement to the nomination mentioned above. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato is pure, she is holy and absolutely white. It is from this equitable background that I rise with profound honour and a deep sense of duty to second the nomination of a colleague, a patriot, a nationalist and a proven servant to this House. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato, the woman Member of Parliament, Hoima City is a person fit for the office of high dignity in this country, as Deputy Speaker of the Republic of Uganda. Honourable members, an election defines institutions but leadership defines legacy. Today, this House has a chance to choose not just a unique presiding officer, but also a custodian of its dignity, defender of its independence and driver of its purpose. That personality is practically observed in the Member of Parliament I am nominating for Deputy Speakership. Honourable members, allow me to present to you a case of Hon. Asinansi Nyakato whose record speaks louder than any other factor, as mentioned. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato is a competence forged in experience. She is not a stranger to this House. This is the second time of her service in Parliament, with resilience as exhibited by the people of Hoima who have elected her to the second term of service to this House. Hon. Nyakato has a distinguished character. She is eloquent, resourceful, and of sound mind. Before she was elected as a Member of Parliament to hold this badge, she served as a policy analyst in this House. She has served as a Shadow Minister for Energy and Minerals Development as well as Shadow Minister for Agriculture. The good Hon. Asinansi Nyakato stands as the atom of Parliament, its rules, commitment with committees and bottlenecks; not from theory or even service, but all considerations. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato is a product of Kitara Secondary School and Mandela Secondary School from where she attained her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). She is a distinguished alumnus of Ndejje University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) from where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Social Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management, respectively. Honourable members, the person I present before you has equally earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management and a Masters’ degree in Project Planning and Management from Kampala International University. She also obtained a Masters’ degree in Public Policy and Governance from Uganda Management Institute and is now a candidate for a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the University of Cape Town. She is, therefore, not only learned but also fit for the purpose and committed to the disciplined thought that this House would possess. Honourable members, as we focus on a vision of an independent Parliament, the doctrine of separation of powers is not a suggestion but rather a constitutional demand. Under Hon. Nyakato Asinansi’s stewardship as a Deputy Speaker in this House, she will jealously guard its independence from the Executive and Judiciary dictatorship and interdiction or elsewhere.

17 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 15 MAY 2026 151. Ssentayi Muhamad Bukoto County West Lwengo NRM 152. Rugumayo Edison Ntoroko County Ntoroko NRM 153. Senteza Richard Lugazi Municipality Buikwe Independent 154. Wakooli Godfrey Matembu Butiru County Manafwa NRM 155. Suubi Kyinyamatama Juliet Woman Representative Rakai NRM 156. Wabusani Steven Makwa Bushigai County Bududa NRM 157. Wamakuyu Ignatius Mudimi Elgon County Bulambuli Independent 158. Wanyama Richard Samia Bugwe Central County Busia NRM 159. Wanyoto Lydia Mutende Woman Representative Mbale City NRM 160. Zaake Francis Mityana Municipality Mityana NUP 161. Wokuri Geofrey Bungokho County South Mbale NRM 162. Wakabi Pius Bugahya County Hoima NRM 163. Tumwesigye Elioda Sheema County North Sheema NRM 164. Sserunjogi Hassan Mukiibi Bukomansimbi South County Bukomansimbi Independent 165. Wekomba Sarah Nambozo Woman Representative Bulambuli NRM 166. Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa Nansana Municipality Wakiso NUP 167. Uhuru Nelson Maracha County Maracha NRM 168. Wembabazi Beatrice Woman Representative Hoima NRM 169. Zawedde Victorious Woman Representative Nakasongola NRM The Uganda National Anthem The East African Community Anthem (The House rose at 4.15 p.m. and adjourned until Friday, 15 May 2026, at 8.00 a.m.)

8 ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS 5. Kansiime Annah Woman Representative Rwampara NRM 6. Kanyesigye Mercy Youth Representative Female Independent 7. Kapyagon Brian Kongasis County Bukwo Independent 8. Karim Musa Aringa North County Yumbe Independent 9. Kasajja George Patrick Bulamogi North West County Kaliro NRM 10. Kasigwa Gerald Bihemaiso Kigorobya County Hoima NRM 11. Kasirye Nganda Ali Makindye East Division Kampala NUP 12. Kasukaali Methuselah Mwenge Central County Kyenjojo NRM 13. Kariisa Johnbosco Koy Buhweju West County Buhweju NRM 14. Katushabe Ruth Woman Representative Bukomansimbi NRM 15. Katusiime Annet Mugisha Woman Representative Bushenyi NRM 16. Kawalya Abubaker Rubaga Division North Kampala NUP 17. Kasaija Matia Buyanja County Kibaale NRM 18. Karuhanga Gerald Kafureeka Ntungamo Municipality Ntungamo Independent 19. Khalayi Peace Woman Representative Namisindwa NRMK 20. Kiirya Grace Paddy Wanzala Butembe County Jinja FDC 21. Kiiza Andrew N. Kaluya Kigulu County South Iganga NUP 22. Katushabe Doreen Birungi Woman Representative Lyantonde NRM 23. Kiyonga C.W.C.B. Bukonzo County West Kasese NRM 24. Muhwezi Jim Katugugu Rujumbura County Rukungiri NRM 25. Kenan Opio Busiro South Wakiso NRM 26. Kateshumbwa Dicksons Sheema Municipality Sheema NRM 27. Katusiime Jovia Woman Representative Kiryandongo NRM 28. Kiiza Kenneth Nyendwoha Bujenje County Masindi NRM 29. Kikabi Edward (Dr) Ntwetwe County Kyankwanzi NRM 30. Kinalwa James (Maj. Gen.) UPDF Representative N/A N/A 31. Kinobere Herbert Tom Kibuku County Kibuku Independent 32. Kinshaba Patience Nkunda Woman Representative Kanungu Independent 33. Kiruluuta Yusuf J. Nkerettanyi Kalungu County East Kalungu NUP 34. Kirumira Hassan Katikamu County South Luweero NUP 35. Kisekka Salim Bukomansimbi North County Bukomansimbi NRM 36. Kitiyo Patrick Kapchorwa Municipality Kapchorwa Independent 37. Kiyimba Emmanuel Bukoto County Mid-West Lwengo NRM 38. Kasule Ismail Hoima West Division Hoima City ANT 39. Khainza Agnes Shiuma Woman Representative Bududa NRM 40. Kugonza Emely Buyanja East County Kibaale NRM 41. Kungu Samuel Bamuteeze Kigulu County North Iganga NRM 42. Kwizera Eddie Wa-Gahungu Bukimbiri County Kisoro Independent 43. Kyambadde Amelia Ann Mawokota County North Mpigi NRM 44. Kyarampe Rebecca Woman Representative Mitooma NRM 45. Kyarikunda Loydah T. Woman Representative Mbarara NRM 46. Kisa Stephen Bakubalwayo Luuka South County Luuka NRM 47. Kavuma Samuel (Lt Gen.) UPDF N/A N/A 48. Kitanywa Sowedi Busongora County North Kasese NRM 49. Kizza Hakim Sawula Bukoto County South Lwengo NUP 50. Kuteesa Patrick Kimanya-Kabonera Division Masaka City NUP 51. Kwiyucwiny Grace Freedom Ora County Zombo NRM 52. Kibaaju Charity Kamuhanda Woman Representative Mbarara City NRM 53. Komol Joseph Miidi Dodoth North County Kaabong NRM 54. Karubanga Jacob Ateenyi Kibanda South County Kiryandongo Independent 55. Mwine Mpaka Rwamirama Mbarara South Division Mbarara City NRM

18875 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 5 MAY 2026 Vote 015 - Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Shs 37.90 billion for capitalisation of Uganda Development Corporation as an additional investment in Atiak Sugar Factory. The second category is self-financing and budget-neutral supplementary requests over and above the 3 per cent legal limit, which require prior approval by Cabinet and Parliament. Of a total of Shs 586.16 billion for Supplementary Expenditure Schedule No.5, which is above the 3 per cent legal limit. A total of Shs 123.03 billion is self-financed and thus budget-neutral. The self-financing/budget- neutral supplementary includes the following: Reallocation of Shs 40.21 billion to cater for additional wages for recruitment of health workers under 19 referral hospitals. Honourable colleagues, there is a need to allocate the wage of Shs 40.21 billion currently budgeted for under the Ministry of Health to 19 referral hospitals. This is required to cater for the recruitment and absorption of critical health workers who were previously supporting these hospitals before the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding for essential health services. The beneficiary referral hospitals are the following; i. Butabika Hospital, Arua Hospital, Fort Portal Hospital, Gulu Hospital, Hoima Hospital, Jinja Hospital, Kabale Hospital, Masaka Hospital, Mbale Hospital, Soroti Hospital, Lira Hospital, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, Naguru National Referral Hospital, Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kayunga Referral Hospital, and Yumbe Referral Hospital; ii. Shs 9.92 billion for various local governments, which are also detailed in Annex I; iii. Shs 1.44 billion as unspent balances under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer Programme (UgIFT), which were returned to the Uganda Consolidated Fund at the end of the Financial Year 2024/2025. This funding is required to enable the local governments to meet their outstanding contractual obligations under the programme for this year; iv. Shs 2.22 billion for the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) project as unspent balances that were returned to the Uganda Consolidated Fund at the end of the Financial Year 2024/2025. This funding is required to enable the local governments to meet their contractual obligations and avoid - (Interruption)

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, Madam Speaker, the chairperson of the committee, the shadow minister, and the Parliament of Uganda, for allocating Shs 12.5 billion for Bunyoro University. Whereas I appreciate that, I would also like the Minister of Education to let us know when the motion for the establishment of Bunyoro University will be moved. Again, I would like to thank the Parliament for allocating monies for the expansion of Hoima National Referral Hospital, as we prepare for the African Cup of Nations 2027. However, we have a funding gap in the maternity ward, which was put down in 2019, yet to date, there is nothing on the ground, and the space allocated to it is full of thorny grass and trees. I would like the Government, through the Ministry of Health - the state minister is here – recently, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit came there and attested to the fact that the Government had delayed in re-building the maternity ward. Last financial year, the Agricultural sector was allocated Shs 1.83 trillion, where 70 per cent of Ugandans earn a livelihood from. This financial year, we have only allocated Shs 2.64 trillion, leaving a funding gap of 24 per cent. Madam Speaker, just last year, we were here for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), where the Government of Uganda committed itself to allocate 10 per cent to the agricultural sector, where the majority of Ugandans are self- employed, thereby reducing the burden on the Government to look for employment for our people.

Senior comrade and colleague, you know I have a soft spot for you, but you are just being too general. The world is waiting for data from you. You took the first one, the second one, and you are going to take others. The question is: what justification are you giving by saying that you are looking for revenue? You are saying you want people to claim credits when they are foreigners, at $10 million, and the committee agrees with you. When it comes to the locals - and these are people’s representatives - they tell you to wait a second; if you want to support our local people – remember, Hon. Ogwang was here trying to clearly tell people to invest in hotels in Hoima, Masindi, Lira, and others. There is a good proposal from the committee and it is a win-win, and we come back every financial year - the issue is that you have got a percentage of this, not in a bad way, comrade. You have $10 million for a foreigner who wishes to come to invest, and the justification is that they can borrow this money cheaply. The justification for lowering the threshold for nationals is that the cost of borrowing is high. It is just a simple justification. We are also saying that we want to promote the local people to invest, because potentially, they will have to employ local people as well. Therefore, let us grow together so that this is a people-driven financial budget that you are presenting. From the revenue, we are collecting [The Chairperson] THE VALUE ADDED TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2026

Madam Speaker, in respect to the regional mechanical workshops, we had an extensive discussion on the subject matter with the ministry for works that currently, the regional mechanical workshops do not offer efficient services to the rest of the region. For example, you find that in the Karamoja Subregion, we would expect to travel all the way to Gulu mechanical workshop. In West Nile, we will have to travel all the way to Gulu. Then, Hoima, Fort Portal, we will have to travel all the way to Mbarara. Therefore, we recommended the creation of subregional mechanical workshops born out of the stations that were formerly manned by UNRA.

Yesterday, I passed on the road from Nakaseke to Ngoma. I do not know which construction company was awarded the contract to work on it, but the works are not moving. Even the works on Kampala-Fort Portal Road are not moving. On Hoima Road, nothing is moving. What could be happening? No, the releases were done.

18633 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 APRIL 2026 of deceased persons, and inspection of law chambers, as its mandate. The committee recommends that an additional Shs 7.2 billion be provided to the development budget of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for the coming financial year to procure 24 vehicles to improve the dispensation of justice and access to justice in various areas. Madam Speaker, the committee noted that state attorneys in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), do related work. However, those from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs are taxed, while those in DPP are not. We note that to remove this discrimination, there is need for a tax waiver for state attorneys in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs as well. The committee strongly recommends this. Construction and facilitation of regional offices The committee was informed that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has continued to face challenges in delivering effective services due to inadequate infrastructure, and limited tools and equipment. With only seven regional offices serving an average of 25 districts each, workloads and case backlogs remain high, and access to justice, especially for vulnerable groups such as orphans and widows, is constrained by long- travel distances of up to even 400 kilometres. Effective Financial Year 2025/2026, the ministry established five more regional offices in Iganga, Masaka, Hoima, Kabale, and Lira. These offices are currently in rented premises. There is a need to construct a permanent regional office over the five-year period, and this would require at least Shs 8 billion. The committee recommends that Shs 8 billion be considered for the phased construction of these offices over a period of 5 years, to enable the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to execute its mandate across the entire country. Madam Speaker, the construction of offices for the African Humanitarian Agency In 2024, the Government of Uganda bid and won to host the Secretariat for the African Humanitarian Agency. However, the condition was that the hosting country construct offices and residences within two years. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development signed the commitment on behalf of the Government. This included providing office and residential accommodation as the construction takes place. This, altogether, required Shs 360 billion over a period of two years. However, the ministry requires Shs 200 billion for the first year to commence the construction of the African Humanitarian Agency offices. Presently, no funding has been allocated. The committee observes that the failure to provide these funds for the construction of the headquarters means that the country loses the opportunity to host this very strategic agency. We, therefore, recommend that Shs 200 billion be provided in this Financial Year 2026/2027, to enable the ministry to start construction of the office project to fulfil the commitment made by our Government. Under Vote 101, which is the Judiciary, the committee noted a need to fund the timely disposal of cases both civil and criminal, facilitation of court sessions, daily hearings and daily court operations in the 269 operational courts, management of election petitions, facilitation of court-summoned witnesses who are at least not less than 60,000 in total, conduct of locus visits at various court levels to facilitate the minimum of at least 55,112 visits and facilitation for court assessors, at least three per judge. To achieve timely disposal of cases, the Judiciary requires an additional Shs 48.57 billion, and the committee makes a recommendation that these funds be made available to enable the mandate to be achieved.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity and the committee for a good report. The committee recommended that the Government find Shs 60 billion for the headquarters of the Electoral Commission. We are in a democracy that is not about to go away, and therefore, we need the Electoral Commission to be stable. The whole country has only one regional headquarters, which is in West Nile, and they have been looking for money to spend on rent in offices in every district. It will be important that we prioritise giving the Electoral Commission this Shs 60 billion, so that they construct befitting headquarters, but eventually, I appeal to this House to continue to give the Electoral Commission money so that they can construct regional offices. You have been consuming those services. You go there as an honourable Member of Parliament, but you are going to a squeezed place where many other people are coming. I appeal to this House to continue supporting the Commission so that it can have a befitting facility first of all, at the national level, but eventually at the regional level. We will be glad to see a regional office in Lira, Karamoja, Mbale, Tororo, Soroti, Masaka, Fort Portal, Hoima and so on because the democracy we have is not about to go away. As you all know, the NRM has come to stay, and many other political parties are going to be there. Therefore, we need a stable and befitting facility. Thank you very much.

18648 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 Rugonjo-Nkenda, 132 KV rehabilitation. It is aimed at upgrading the aged 132 KV wooden pole lines to higher-capacity steel pole lines because most of these lines are now breaking down. The locations that will be covered are provided for under the third column, and they include Wakiso, Gomba, Butambala, Bukomansimbi, Sembabule, Masaka, Lwengo, Kyotera, Rakai, Kalungu, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Kyenjojo, Kibaale, Kagadi, Hoima, and Kasese. Madam Speaker, when we appear before most of the honourable members and in the budget committee, they usually ask this specific committee to report on where power projects, water projects, and mineral beneficiation projects are going to be located. It is the reason the committee laboured this time to report in this format, so that people here know that if Government is placing money, we are placing it for this specific project. I beg to request, Madam Speaker, that we be given time.

Thank you. Madam Speaker, on the project on Industrial Parks Electrification Phase II, the intended project is to construct substations and power lines to supply power to industrial parks. This will include the Sukulu Hills in Tororo, Mbale Industrial Park, Kapeeka Park in Nakaseke, the Wobulenzi Park in Luwero, and Nakasongola-Kaweweta Defense Industrial Park, amongst others. Under the Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project, we intend to have an upgrade of the Kawaala, Mutundwe, Mukono, and Buloba-related infrastructure. Madam Speaker, the planned area of benefit is Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono environs. Madam Speaker, there is the ORIO Mini Hydro and Rural Electrification Project. The ministry intends to undertake construction of the mini hydro infrastructure, 288-kilometre distribution network, and 71,081 last-mile connections, particularly intended for areas in Hoima, Nchweera, Igassa, and Nsongya. Forgive my pronunciation due to cultural challenges. On the Kiba Hydropower Project, the ministry is undertaking a feasibility study, the environmental sustainability impact assessment, and access works and stakeholder engagement for this mini project, which is intended to be constructed in Nwoya and Kiryandongo districts. The Oriang Hydropower Project is still the same, and it is intended to be located in Nwoya and Oyam districts. On the Ayago Hydropower Project, preparatory studies are to be undertaken, as well as stakeholder management activities. The same is in Nwoya and Kiryandongo areas. Under the Buyende Nuclear Power Plant site evaluation is going to be undertaken, including meteorological tower installation, seismic and groundwater monitoring, and a resettlement action plan finalisation. This project will be located in Buyanja Subcounty in Buyende District. Madam Speaker, on the geothermal development, there is an intention to undertake deep exploration and drilling, as well as undertake surface studies. This project will be in Kibiro in Hoima, in Panyimur in Pakwach, in Okidi in Amuru, Karungu in Rubanda, Ihimbo in Rukungiri, and Kabuga in Kasese. The electricity access scale-up project

18559 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 15 APRIL 2026 successful organisation and hosting of the AFCON 2027 tournament. This has been prioritised in the plans for Financial Year 2026/2027 and Cabinet has approved the attendant requisite budget for funding the intervention. Honourable members, the Government planning for AFCON 2027 has been guided by a number of key assumptions. These include the fact that the tournament will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania. That is, it will run from 19 June to 18 July 2027. Uganda will host matches at the Mandela National Stadium Namboole, and Hoima City Stadium. The two competition stadia, together with eight attendant training facilities, must be completed by January 2027. Honourable members, the Government has demonstrated, from time to time, its commitment to undertaking. In 2024, the Cabinet not only approved the Government guarantees to the Confederation of African Football but also approved a budget of 1.35 trillion towards the infrastructure, logistical, and operational costs associated with preparations for the African Cup of Nations 2027 and CHAN 2024, including Uganda’s obligatory commitment fee to the confirmation of African football. In addition, the government has approved Shs 905 billion to meet the critical inter-sectoral funding and administrative requirements for AFCON 2027. Madam Speaker, the additional commitments include the following major interventions: i) The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is to allocate and ring-fence - I want to repeat thus: the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is to allocate and ring-fence funds to ministries, departments, and agencies with qualified AFCON 2027 interventions, including those requiring commitments between March and June 2026, ahead of the new financial year; ii) Government has already set aside Shs 1.01 billion to support the upgrading of selected hotels in Hoima and Masindi through a special credit facility under the Uganda Development Bank. Consultations with CAF on the standards of hotels in Hoima and Masindi have been concluded, and the engagements between the hotel owners and Uganda Development Bank are anticipated to commence on the 23 rd day of April 2026; iii) Shs 213.76 billion has been committed for the upgrade of at least 47.53 kilometres of selected roads around Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium, including Kinawataka Road, as well as the pedestrian walkways and street lighting to improve accessibility, safety, and security; iv) Shs 184.99 billion has been allocated for the establishment of a passenger terminal at Kabalega Airport and to operationalise the facility as an international airport; v) Shs 5.2 billion has been provided to the Federation of Uganda Football Association for the upgrading of Kadiba Stadium as a training facility, and Shs 12.55 billion has been committed for the interventions aimed at preparing the Uganda Cranes for AFCON 2027; vi) Madam Speaker, Shs 109 billion has been allocated to the local organising committee to support tournament- specific preparations across the 13 sub-committees, including safety and security, ICT and accreditation, workforce and volunteer, medical and anti-doping, events operation, commercial services, branding, spectators’ services, team services, legal, infrastructure management, guest management and hospitality; vii) Shs 56.2 billion has been allocated in the Financial Year 2026/2027 for the remodelling and upgrade of the Mandela National Stadium;

18560 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 viii) Shs 6.44 billion has been committed to ICT infrastructure deployment and improvement across airports, hotels, stadia, training facilities, and hospitals that will support AFCON 2027; ix) Shs 91.5 billion has been set aside for the upgrade of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre III to a required standard for intensive care, accident, and emergency response as stipulated by CAF; x) Shs 13.75 billion has been allocated to Hoima City, Masindi Municipality, and Kira Municipality to strengthen sanitation and environmental hygiene services during the tournament; xi) The government has also provided Shs 3.39 billion for the upgrade of the meteorological services; xii) Shs 6.2 billion has been identified for water supply infrastructure in Hoima City; xiii) Shs 23.33 billion is being allocated for the upgrade and maintenance of the railway at the central terminal, Kampala- Mukono line – Namanve and Namboole halt; xiv) Shs 4.6 billion has been dedicated to the construction of electricity lines to AFCON support facilities, including Hoima City Stadium and Kabaale International Airport; xv) Shs 37.85 billion has been committed for the destination marketing and promotion of Uganda under the AFCON 2027 brand; xvi) The Government has further committed to waive visa fees for all visitors to Uganda for a period of at least three months beginning one month before kick-off and ending one month after the final match; and xvii) Relatedly, the Government is pursuing a special-purpose joint Pamoja visa with Kenya and Tanzania to facilitate movement for fans and guests during the tournament. Madam Speaker and honourable members, the above-mentioned interventions will be implemented directly by the responsible government ministries, departments, and agencies. The Ministry of Education and Sports and the local organising committee will play a supervisory role to ensure the timely implementation of activities by the MDAs and conformity to the CAF standard. Honourable colleagues, our most significant challenge has been the area of sports infrastructure. I would like to assure the House that, following the Government’s commitments and decisive interventions, this matter has been addressed. The update regarding the development of sports infrastructure, in preparation for the tournament, is as follows: 1. Hoima City Stadium Works for the construction of Hoima City Stadium have been completed, and the defect liability period will expire in December 2026. During this period, the contractor will undertake remedial works to address the comments made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the recent inspection. 2. Mandela National Stadium The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, for the design and build for works for the expansion of Mandela National Stadium under phase two, was signed on 26 February 2026. Under this phase, we expect, among others, the following: (a) Upgrading the seating capacity from 38,268 to 45,000 seater;

18561 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 15 APRIL 2026 (b) Improvements and expansion of the VVIP and VIP lounges; and (c) Improvements in the media tribune, stadium media centre, press conference rooms, the mixed zone, spectators’ related areas, and medical areas, among others. The contractor is currently reviewing the design to incorporate the observations made by the Confederation of African Football. Following the design review, structural integrity tests are being taken and it is expected that the contractor will execute the works within the timeframe stipulated by CAF. 3. Kyambogo University training facility The construction works under phase two are ongoing and will be completed by August 2026. 4. Makerere University training facility Construction works are ongoing and will be completed by August 2026. 5. Hoima Boma Grounds The architectural designs have been completed, and construction works will commence before the end of April 2026. 6. Masindi Municipal Training Facility The architectural designs have been completed, and construction works will commence before the end of April 2026. 7. FUFA-Kadiba Stadium Training Facility The works have been provided for in the budget, and the federation is expected to hand over the facility at the end of June because the season of the current league is ending in June. 8. Sir Tito Winyi Secondary School training facility The process for land acquisition is ongoing, and works are anticipated to commence by the end of May 2026. The foregoing clearly demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to creating an enabling environment for the successful organisation and co-hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 (AFCON 2027) tournament. The focus now is on ensuring the timely implementation of all interventions across implementing entities, efficient coordination, and close monitoring of progress across all intervention areas. I, therefore, wish to assure this House that the Government remains fully committed to the successful preparation and co-hosting of AFCON 2027. We will continue to provide regular updates on the progress, key milestones, and emerging implementation issues of the preparations. I beg to submit, but Madam Speaker, in a special way, I thank you and your deputy for leading us to getting the rights to host AFCON 2027. I thank you so much, on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Madam Speaker, for the record, I would like to put this clearly before the honourable members. I did say this before, and I am going to repeat it now. The Confederation of African Football gave us - we are three countries, and each country is required to have two stadiums. They want six stadiums. They have also advised that each of us must have a backup stadium. For that matter, Akii-Bua Stadium is the backup stadium for AFCON 2027. Tanzania also has one or two and Kenya is doing the same. I want to say; it is not that Akii-Bua Stadium is totally out, but my statement is saying that for purposes of this competition, we are going to have Namboole and Hoima. The backup stadium is Akii-Bua and we will have Akii Bua ready by the end of this year. I have been there, and I encourage all of us to visit Akii-Bua, if you need to. I thank you.

18562 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 need to get its update, the Iceme-Ngai-Bobi road - that AFCON road that goes up to Gulu. We also want to find out when the Busunju- Hoima Road will be ready. We need those facilities ready. It is outside your ministry, but you are the coordinating minister.

Madam Speaker, it is true we are coordinating as Chair of the Inter- Ministerial Committee on AFCON 2027. To begin with, the road between Kampala and Hoima, I want to confirm - We discussed this road because it was within the CAF report when they came and visited us. They identified it and we notified the Ministry of Works and Transport. I last passed that road last evening at around midnight. There are works going on, and I want to pledge that we will continue to monitor and inform the House, working closely with the Minister of Works and Transport, to ensure that the road is completed on time. Regarding the road of Corner Yeri-Iceme-Bobi, I wish to state that during the retreat, a question was raised, and I informed the retreat. I want to inform the House that His Excellency the President directed that the road be fast-tracked. I want to confirm that there were meetings between us, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development with the President regarding the financing of that road. If you heard the answer I gave, I want to repeat that this matter is before the President, and he directed his Principal Private Secretary to ensure that he signs that letter, which allows us, as the Government, to do the work. The question that will come is, “Will they be able to do the work?” The contractor who was identified has pledged that once this is done, they are ready to commit and begin work on the roads on time. The same applies to the Gulu Airport. I led a team, under the directive of the President, to visit the airport with the contractor. The contractor has committed to ensuring that the work that is required is done. But remember, I am talking about a backup. In terms of the sporting area, friends, the training facility for Gulu University, Pece Stadium in Gulu, Lira University, and Akii-Bua Stadium, which has two training facilities, will be ready as far as we are concerned. I already have money under the current budget to ensure that those stadiums are worked on. I have already finalised the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, who is the contractor for the training facilities. I will soon invite my colleagues for the commissioning of the ground-breaking of the training facilities in Gulu and Lira. I symbolically did so for all of those facilities here in Makerere University. I want to say we are good to go in that line too. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I thank you for correctly answering my colleague, but I would also like to say the following. I invited CAF to come and carry out an inspection on our readiness. Why? The Confederation of African Football is the owner of the tournament, and because of that, they are the ones who set the standards. For that matter, when they came and inspected the facilities, they gave a report. I would like to confirm that it is that report which prompted my minister to constitute an Inter-Ministerial Committee, because if you look at what I have read here, it is on different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies outside the Ministry of Education and Sports. When she constituted the Inter-Ministerial Committee - whatever observations you have seen where the Government allocates money is within the findings of CAF. For instance, the Hoima Airport was meant to be an airport specifically for cargo, but now that we put up a stadium there, there was need for the Government to put up a passenger terminal at the airport. This is within the CAF report. Let us talk about health. CAF inspected Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Masindi General Hospital, and picked certain provisions within those hospitals. It is through this that we sat with the Ministry of Health, in line with the guidance from the CAF report, that the following must be undertaken. That is how we allocated that money. If you talk about roads, the state of the road between Kampala to Hoima was one of the observations, which was within the CAF report and that is what made us follow up on that intervention. Regarding the roads within Hoima Stadium, they asked how we are going to decongest traffic because we are going to have 20,000 people in the stadium entering and exiting. How will they get out? That is what made us allocate that money. We gave a contractor the mandate to build the stadium, which it did. After that, CAF carried out an inspection of the stadium. Within our contract, it was very clear that we can only take that stadium if it fully meets the CAF Class Certification. CAF identified some of the areas in the stadium, which did not meet this classification. The contractor, as per the contract, is now meant to ensure that all those issues, that were identified, are corrected. The Government of Uganda is not going to spend even a dollar. Like the Speaker has said, the stadium is still within a defect liability period, within which they must make sure that work is done. CAF is coming back in August to check on whether we have done what they had identified in their report. Honourable colleagues, the Government has taken this competition as a priority for next financial year’s budget. (Applause) No wonder, you have heard the President insist that this is a project that takes priority for implementation. We are committed; we cannot get out of it. The issues identified in the CAF report are exactly what we are addressing, as the Government. Thank you, honourable colleagues.

18564 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 Firstly, as you said, we have a deadline of August. CAF is coming back in August. You have said the Government has done this and that. Have you given us a deadline on when these things are going to be done because CAF is going to come and inspect in August? Will this time be enough for us to be ready, especially in Hoima? Secondly, Madam Speaker, there are issues entailed in the Leader of the Opposition’s (LOP’s) presentation, for example, the benches which are obstructing the VIP section. Have you handled that in your report? Regarding the contractor you got, I would like to ask the minister why you did not get professionals to work on this pitch and approve it. Why didn’t you share the plan you have with CAF because they are the ones who are supposed to inspect? Where did you get the plan you used for Hoima City Stadium – (Interruption)

Yes. We know what happens when we have football games, for example at Namboole; getting there is a problem. Do we have any special arrangement for our people, particularly those who want to go? Have you made an arrangement with any bus companies or do you have a bus terminal in particular that will be dedicated to the tournament because many of our people may struggle to get to Hoima? You know they usually cheat us in times like this. Even when children are going back to school, we find that many of these bus operators cheat our people.

Madam Speaker, that is my work as the Government. If you tell me tomorrow, with your permission, and if they are ready, the Government cannot fail to facilitate me, but Parliament can facilitate the Members of Parliament to travel to Hoima.

Work with her. Work with the Members of Parliament for Hoima, please. They need to work with their people. They need to be seen.

I want to say this; that we did ask Kira Municipality to submit areas of need. No wonder you must have seen what I read; that there are specific monies going to go to these specific municipalities and cities to support our preparedness as the Local Organising Committee and AFCON. On the issue of the swampy land, I want to say that if it is land fenced within the stadium, I am responsible for it. Madam Speaker, you and my colleague and predecessor, Hon. Hamson helped us and evicted the encroacher on the stadium. We really want to commend you and the leadership of Parliament for that matter. If it is land outside the stadium, this is Kira Municipality and we will still work with Kira Municipality to ensure that, that swampy area is cleared and looks good, because truly speaking - I also want to urge the public, particularly in those areas, that we have a responsibility to ensure that we do well. Regarding the question of UBC, friends, the rights to broadcast this competition vests with CAF. That is the reason why you see the Committee of Legal and Brand Protection there; to ensure at all costs, the broadcasting rights or the rights of the owner of the competition are protected. No wonder if you have seen, even to market or brand Uganda, as the Government, we have had to put in money to a tune of Shs 37 billion. Why? We have to go and pay CAF who is the owner of the competition. Therefore, I want to confirm that the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, under the Ministry of ICT, will have to work with CAF to ensure that they get the broadcasting rights. Without that, Madam Speaker, I want to say respectfully that it might not be possible because it is not our competition; they are the owners of the competition. The last one is on the issue of Namboole Hotel. Truth be told, under phase one, work was undertaken on that hotel. Under phase two, the hotel will be completed. There is nobody who has taken over that hotel. That hotel is still - I am the one speaking as the minister for sports and the facility is mine. Honourable colleagues, I thank you for the information you have given me. I also want to reassure the country that the country will host AFCON 2027 come rain, come sunshine because as the Government, we have taken it as a priority project. I thank you and I invite colleagues to join me next week to visit the stadium in Hoima for the issues identified. We will be able to look at the CAF report vis-a-vis what works are done. I will also inform the contractor to be there. I will want, Madam Speaker, your office to coordinate this so that I go. Thank you so much.

18513 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 1 APRIL 2026 such as Masindi and Hoima and fall into two main categories: sugar company-owned facilities at mills – they have weighbridges at their factories or approved allocation points – and cooperatives-owned stations operated by farmers’ unions. Madam Speaker, the ministry invited stakeholders in the sugar industry, as directed, and held a meeting on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at Imperial Royale Hotel. The meeting was open to the media. The meeting was chaired by me and attended by; iv) The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development v) Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development vi) Sugar farmers’ cooperative societies from Busoga, Bunyoro, Toro and Buganda vii) Millers from Buganda, Busoga, Toro and Bunyoro viii) District local governments – we invited District Agricultural Officers and District Commercial Officers ix) Uganda Revenue Authority x) Uganda National Bureau of Standards xi) Uganda Police Force xii) The Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) – which fall under the Office of the President xiii) The media – as I had indicated. The following were the findings from the consultative meeting that we held: 1. We discovered that Section 26 of the Sugar Act, 2026 provides for the weighing of sugarcane, ensuring accuracy in measurement, transparency in participation, and regulatory oversight. So, there is a regulation that provides for this establishment. 2. The meeting also noted a gap in the regulations regarding the weighbridge operations. Two points to note – which are not here – are that the weighbridges are also used to measure some other items, not sugarcane alone. For example, some use them to measure seed cane. Some use them to measure maize, while some use them to measure fertilisers and timber – in addition to the sugarcane. This is to avoid cheating by transporters or the case where there can be offloading while transporting. 3. The meeting further observed that the weighbridges are critical instruments of measurement as they enable farmers to ascertain the weight of their sugarcane prior to sale, thereby promoting fairness and transparency. 4. The meeting noted that most of the weighbridges are owned by millers. They establish or install weighbridges to weigh sugarcane from their sugarcane plantations established far away from their mills, and also to buy cane from farmers after ascertaining the accurate weight to facilitate business transactions. This means that when we license these people and compel them to have a nucleus plantation of 12,000 acres, not all the acres are in one place. In some cases, the acres are far away. Therefore, what the sugar millers do is to put weighbridges at those farms where they plant from. 5. It was noted that the weighbridges were not regularly calibrated and may cause cheating of the farmers. 6. The meeting was informed that these weighbridges provide employment and business opportunities for the local people around where they are established. 7. The meeting also noted that there had been several engagements regarding the

18349 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 12 MARCH 2026 iv. Vote 116 – National Medical Stores; v. Vote 127 - Uganda Virus Research Institute; vi. Vote 134 – Health Service Commission; vii. Vote 151 – Uganda Blood Transfusion Services; viii. Vote 401 – Mulago Hospital Complex; ix. Vote 402 – Butabika Hospital; x. Vote 403 – Arua Regional Referral Hospital; xi. Vote 404 – Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital; xii. Vote 405 – Gulu Regional Referral Hospital; xiii. Vote 406 – Hoima Regional Referral Hospital; xiv. Vote 407 – Jinja Regional Referral Hospital; xv. Vote 408 – Kabale Regional Referral Hospital; xvi. Vote 409 – Masaka Regional Referral Hospital; xvii. Vote 410 – Mbale Regional Referral Hospital; xviii. Vote 411 – Soroti Regional Referral Hospital; xix. Vote 412 – Lira Regional Referral Hospital; xx. Vote 413 – Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital; xxi. Vote 414 – Mubende Regional Referral Hospital; xxii. Vote 415 – Moroto Regional Referral Hospital; xxiii. Vote 416 – China-Uganda Friendship Referral Hospital, Naguru; xxiv. Vote 417 – Kiruddu Regional Referral Hospital; xxv. Vote 418 – Kawempe Regional Referral Hospital; xxvi. Vote 419 – Entebbe regional far hospital; xxvii. Vote 420 – Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital; xxviii. Vote 421 – Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital; and xxix. Vote 422 – Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital. I beg to lay.

18308 MOTION Support to the graduates of the skilling programme Mr Speaker, we know the skilling hubs across the country, but most of those people who go to the skilling hubs come without any support. Therefore, the committee recommends that Shs 140 billion be allocated to State House to facilitate the setup of one common user facility per zone for these trainees. Vote 107: Uganda AIDS Commission Intervention to reduce HIV and new infections in Uganda The committee recommends that Shs 6 billion is needed and be provided to Vote 107 to facilitate scaling up of the HIV communication campaign and research against HIV. Establishment of HIV and AIDS coordination zonal offices The committee recommends that Shs 3 billion be provided to Vote 107 to enable Uganda AIDS Commission establish the six additional regional offices so as to take preventative measures on HIV spread. Vote 159: External Security Organisation (ESO) Coordination of external intelligence management The committee recommends that Shs 12 billion be provided to enable ESO to efficiently and effectively maintain foreign diplomatic stations, foreign strategic areas of interest and field stations. Construction of ESO headquarters The committee recommends that Shs 32.55 billion be provided to Vote 159 to kick start the construction of ESO headquarters. Vote 167: Science, Technology and Innovation The committee recommends that Shs 10 billion earlier earmarked for sericulture interventions implemented by TRIDI be maintained for the same purpose for 2026/27. Vote 004: Defence and Veteran Affairs There is a shortfall in foodstuffs. The committee recommends that the required Shs 112.2 billion should be given priority in the coming budget to prevent the need for supplementary allocations during the budget implementation. Vote 120: Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) Border automation systems The committee recommends that Shs 1.02 billion be given to DCIC in the Financial Year 2026/2027, aiming to boost efficiency and revenue at all our border service points. Vote 144: Uganda Police Force Uganda Police Force wage bill The committee recommends allocating an additional Shs 28.016 billion to the Uganda Police Force wage bill for Financial Year 2026/2027 to cover salaries for the 10,000 Probationer Police Constables (PPCs) recruited last year. Vote 145: Uganda Prisons Service Uganda Prisons Service needs relocation of prisons headquarters. The committee recommends that Uganda Prisons Service be provided Shs 32.56 billion to construct a new prison facility at its land in Luzira. We need our building back. Vote 135: Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) Operationalisation of DGAL regional laboratories The committee recommends an additional Shs 1 billion to construct a regional forensic laboratory in Hoima and operationalise the regional forensic lab over the medium term.

18313 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 29 JANUARY 2026 Many of the projects for which we have borrowed gross sums of money are either behind schedule or have completely stagnated. Here we are being asked to recklessly approve further borrowing. I now turn to the ministry of finance report on externally funded projects. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has been monitoring performance of these projects and done some reports. The latest report samples 66 externally-funded projects, as the table below illustrates. We have borrowed money to finance projects. Even in this budget, they are saying we should borrow another Shs 10 trillion. But look at the table. The projects in Agro-Industrialisation; seven projects here, only two have been completed. One is on track, others behind schedule. Digital Transformation: two projects, one on track. Human Capital Development: 14 projects, only one completed, one on track, 12 are behind schedule. Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Services: 12 projects for which we have borrowed money, only two completed, one on track, 18 behind schedule. I do not need to go on, but the total below is that you have a total of 66 projects sampled by the finance ministry. Only six are completed, five are on track, 55 of these projects are behind schedule, including the ones that you will see that have stagnated. I will give a list here. I will be very brief because this is not my list, it is a list of Hon. Musasizi: Kampala-Jinja Expressway. We borrowed money to do this road. Let me go to the last line. This is how the finance ministry has assessed this. The physical progress of the project is zero. Money borrowed; progress is zero. They are saying let us borrow more. That is what is in the Budget Framework Paper. Busega-Mpigi Expressway. Construction is at 46 per cent. This road was supposed to have been completed years ago. They are at 46 per cent. Part of the reason you will see, they are saying they do not have counter-funding, and then they are saying let us borrow and begin more projects. That is why I said you even offend common sense. Entebbe Airport Rehabilitation. This one, there is progress but the point is because of the delays, we are now required to pay to the contractor the total sum of $34.9 million because we delayed. The contractor says you delayed here and here, pay me money. Even this one, although progressing, it was never delivered on time. The Development of the New Bukasa Port Project. This one has not started at all, still in the preliminary. Kampala Flyover Construction. The Finance ministry says it has stagnated. Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project. They are now revising it. Time elapsed. They are revising it, yet you know each revision comes with money. Multinational Kapchorwa-Suam-Kitale and Eldoret Bypass Road Project. This one has almost been completed but after a delay. Kyenjonjo-Hoima-Masindi-Kigumba Road. The project has not been completed; more money is needed. Multinational Lake Victoria Maritime Communication and Transport Project. Here, the overall progress is from 37 per cent by the end of April. All these projects have delayed, no counter-funding, they are contracting more. Luweero-Butalangu Road. Work is at 67 per cent. A road that they started nearly 10 years ago, they have not completed a short stretch. Moyo-Yumbe-Koboko Road Project, and you keep asking why the President repeat these roads in every budget? The progress, as you have seen, on some projects, is zero. Every

18033 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2025 project. I would like to inform this House that this is linked to the country’s strategies. The minister already talked about the components and construction of this project. The project has three components: component one included the construction of the water supply systems. It took the largest amount of funds, costing about 81 per cent of the total project cost, which is €179.27 million. This was to be invested in building on the achievements of phase one to enhance infrastructure capacity in Kamuli Municipal Council and Nakasongola districts, and construction of new water supply infrastructure in Mayuge and Alebtong districts. The provision of the piped water supply and approved sanitation in these strategic towns will trigger socio-economic transformation through stimulation of business/ commercial activities and support to end user social services. Component two takes about €20.66 million which is 9 per cent of the total project cost. It will be conducted in line with the urban improved sanitation and hygiene strategy to finance activities of sanitation and hygiene awareness creation, construction of public sanitation infrastructure, including the on-site and off-site regional faecal sludge or sewerage management facilities. Faecal sludge, haulage and service equipment will also be provided to serve the cluster towns. Component three takes a total of €21.75 million, which is 10 per cent of the project cost, and will invest in supporting the Ministry of Water and Environment towards effective implementation of the Strategic Towns Water Supply Project phase two. Mr Speaker, allow me to go direct to the committee’s observations and recommendations. The terms and conditions of the loan and the physical modalities: the committee observed that this loan, financed from external sources with the Standard Chartered Bank UK being the agent and the arranger, is being offered at a high commercial rate for a project that has no immediate revenue generation stream. However, this is being mitigated by the socio- economic returns over the medium to long term that lead to high economic returns of 19 per cent over the opportunity cost of capital of 11 per cent. Additionally, the financial modality through issuance of six-month treasury securities in the domestic market is equally commercial with the current cost of 182 treasury bill rate of 12.5 per cent. While this is an option available to the Government in mobilising resources to finance its programmes, its suitability for such projects is a major concern. Such concerns involve whether such options are part of the treasury security insurance calendar of the central bank/ Government. Furthermore, the cost of insurance premium for Sinosure of €15.7 million is nine per cent of the credit, which is considerably higher given that the risk assessment framework for the project indicates low financial and political risks. The committee recommends the following: i) The Government should ensure that high commercial loans are used to finance projects whose revenue generation capacity is in the short term; ii) Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should ensure that domestic borrowing to finance specific projects form part of the government insurance calendar to improve coordination between the monetary policy and the physical policy authorities. Efforts to mitigate the rising interest costs for the private sector due to increased Government borrowing from the banking sector should further be explored by the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development as well. iii) The Government should consider negotiating the insurance premium cost, given the minimum risk the project faces and other costs to bring them to levels that are compatible to the Standard Chartered Bank, UK terms used for Kabalega airport in Hoima that were non-concessional.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I first apologise for coming in at this time. I was in Munyonyo where we have a Ministerial Regional meeting concerning higher education. I was in charge of chairing it. I would like to congratulate the Uganda Cranes for participating in the tournament and reaching that level of quarterfinals. We thank you so much and are proud of you. I also to thank the Uganda Railways, that is the Ministry of Works and Transport, for providing the line that was taking these people from town to Namboole. They made it easier for them. At least there was not much congestion. The Government is committed to supporting sports. It has been evident that for every budget that we have come up with, the sports programme has been given the money by Parliament and as the Government. I also thank His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda for fulfilling the pledge of Shs 1.2 billion for each win. I know that His Excellency, the President this evening is still inviting these people for a get-together. He is showing the youngsters that “we are proud of you” and is in full support of the sports. The Government is building more stadia in the country. We have Lira, Hoima and others that are coming up. We know all that is support from the Government. Lastly, Madam Speaker, I thank you together with the Parliament of Uganda, for providing the jersey for this team, which were laid here in the House. You led the process. Many people are proud of you because as a woman, you have shown what sports is in the country. By laying these jerseys here and talking to the Members of Parliament to contribute to that was a sign of support. We know that the young team is also proud of our Speaker.

17908 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT General reviewed 71 human rights awards, court awards, ex-gratia and compensation ordered by courts and reported that awards worth Shs 1.98 billion remained unpaid for the period ranging from two years to over 10 years. We have these pending and the committee recommends that the accounting officer should budget for the awards, and the Government should provide the requisite funds. The accounting officer, together with the Uganda Human Rights Commission, should establish the details of the beneficiaries for quick settlement to avoid the accumulation of interest. Madam Speaker, whenever we delay payment of these arrears, interest is paid on these arrears. So far, the Government is going to pay Shs 159 billion as interest on these arrears that have not been paid on time. Madam Speaker, the other report is the report of the Committee on Public Accounts (Central Government) on national regional referral hospitals and other specialised hospitals. Honourable colleagues, I am going to summarise. We are looking at the details of the following hospitals in summary. We are looking at the following: Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Mbale, Naguru, Jinja, Mubende, Fort Portal, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Kabale, Lira, Gulu, Moroto, Hoima, Arua, Butabika, Mulago, Kawempe, Kiruddu, Soroti, and the Mulago Women’s Specialised Hospital. Implementation and budget performance Madam Speaker, for all the regional referral hospitals we observed - I will begin with the implementation of the approved budget. Regional referral hospitals are expected to collect Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) to support the Government budget. Honourable colleagues, the total NTR was supposed to be Shs 20.406 billion, and there was an over performance of Shs 21.924 billion. However, this should be noted. From the table, the Government projected to collect the above, but Shs 21.924 billion was collected, meaning there was an over-performance. Honourable colleagues, as a committee, we noted that all accounting officers who did not meet their budgeted Non-Taxable Revenue (NTR) targets, or failed to realise their NTR contravened instructions 4.102 of the Treasury operations. The committee noted that less/non-transfer of NTR to the treasury deprives the Government of revenue and also noted that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development failed to provide revenue targets to some of these entities. That is why there was an over-performance and also an underestimation of NTR by these entities. Therefore: (i) The accounting officer should ensure that NTR targets are set based on strong assumptions and benchmarks to enable realistic NTR. (ii) The accounting officers should institute mechanisms to ensure that a billed NTR is fully collected. (iii) The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should always make prompt responses to requests of NTR revisions by entities. (iv) The accounting officers should incorporate all NTR sources during the budgeting process. Performance of the Government of Uganda warrants Madam Speaker, a total of Shs 475.44 billion was budgeted to be released to these referral hospitals and national specialised regional hospitals. However, a total of Shs 470.65 billion was released. From the above table, the Government

17730 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT construction. Yet, even the projected space looked insufficient for the overwhelming patient population, given that the old ICU building was also under renovation. Gulu Regional Referral Hospital The committee uncovered ambiguities in the receipt and usage of the supplied ICU Bed Units. The committee was informed that the hospital received 10 ICU Bed Units, but had only installed four in the ICU. The in charge of the ICU, who was not a qualified intensivist, could not account for the other six beds at the time of the committee’s visit. On being probed further, she disclosed to the committee that the balance of beds was in different locations, including two in the stores due to missing parts, while others were being used in the wards. The committee visited the wards and established that one of the beds had been dismantled and used in the orthopaedics ward, while another was being used in the nutrition room. The committee further engaged the store assistant, who denied having received any ICU Bed Units during his term of office. He, however, disclosed that two beds had been brought into the stores on the day the committee visited. We do not know where these beds were, but when they saw us, they brought them. The committee observed that - I can skip that one and read the recommendations. Committee recommendations The committee recommends that: 1. The minister responsible for finance should provide adequate funds to regional referral hospitals in the budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025 to cater for the construction/ completion of the infrastructure meant to accommodate ICU bed equipment to ensure their installation and utilisation. 2. The Ministry of Health should train and recruit specialised medical workers to manage the ICUs in regional referral hospitals. 3. The Ministry of Health should investigate the handling and management of ICU equipment delivered to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, including donations from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and report back to Parliament in two months from the time this report is adopted. 4. The Ministry of Health should conduct an inventory of all ICU bed equipment delivered to the regional referral hospitals and report back to Parliament in three months from the time this report is adopted. Installation of oxygen plants in regional referral hospitals and the distribution of oxygen cylinders up to health centres IV The Ministry of Health reported to the committee that the Government procured and delivered 20 new oxygen plants to national referral hospitals, regional referral hospitals, and Bombo Military General Hospital. The procurement of four new oxygen plants for Hoima, Lira, Mbale, and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospitals had not yet been concluded (see Annex IX). In addition, the Government had procured and distributed 10,000 cylinders across the country to all levels of health facilities up to health centres IV, as indicated in Annex X. However, the committee found out that none of the newly procured oxygen plants at the various regional referral hospitals visited was operational. For instance, in Buhinga, the plant was yet to be installed; in Mbarara, Masaka and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, construction of the infrastructure meant to accommodate the Oxygen Plants had not yet been completed. The UPDF Engineering, in the case of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, handled this. Additionally, the Ministry of Health indicated to the committee that the newly procured oxygen plants could not operate on the low- capacity transformers currently in the regional referral hospitals. It required Shs 13.7 billion to upgrade the transformers and voltage stabilisers to a capacity sufficient to run the oxygen plants in all regional referral hospitals. Of this, the

Thank you, Madam Speaker. If I can move to the issue of the oxygen plants, 24 high-capacity oxygen plants were procured. However, the oxygen plants for Lira, Mbale, Mbarara, and Hoima were procured by the Global Fund, not the Government of Uganda, and they came in after, not at the same time as the government ones. To date, 15 oxygen plants have been installed and are working. Nine are not. This is because each installation requires a transformer, which the Ministry of Energy was not able to provide. Parliament provided for some, and for the others, we are still waiting for the money. The Chairperson of the Committee on Health has pushed for this several times, but it is true that it consumes a lot of power. We have been pushing that the hospitals be put on the industrial line if we are to maintain them. We have yet to have a breakthrough with this request. The issue of the intensive care unit beds. Madam Speaker, you will recall that this funding was provided at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, we needed intensive care unit beds and oxygen as urgently as possible for the patients. Therefore, they were procured with the intention of having to install them in existing buildings. Some were installed, some were impossible. To date, Parliament has provided funding to construct ICUs at Jinja, Masaka, Mbale, Arua, Hoima, and Kabale. The rest, not yet. We have been requesting, and it is there in our budget. When you go through it, you will

Honourable members, I welcome you to this afternoon’s sitting. I see our numbers are reducing; I wonder what will happen in September or October. However, just know that the House will always sit. Whether there are only two Members, we shall sit and business will continue as usual. Honourable members, if you look at what is in the media, it is awash with a tragic motor accident that happened on Tuesday night along Hoima-Buliisa Road in Kigorobya, where 20 traders lost their lives and several others were injured. Whereas we strive to improve the state of the roads, we should also emphasise road safety. In 2024 alone, the country recorded 25,107 road crashes, with an estimated number of 25,808 casualties. This calls for action by relevant stakeholders in addressing all that is happening, and notably, the behaviour of all the road users. You will find that maybe there was a problem with the condition of that vehicle, the road infrastructure and the environmental conditions,

Thank you for the opportunity. It is sad that we lost such a large number of people. However, Madam Speaker, we have another challenge likely to cause a similar accident. For us who use the Hoima-Kampala Road, there is too much dust. We have complained several times to the contractor, but he has kept quiet. If you are driving and a vehicle bypasses you, you have to park for at least 20 minutes because you cannot see what is ahead and what is behind. I request the minister to force the contractor to water that road on a daily basis, three times, to avoid accidents that are likely to occur –

17685 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 6 AUGUST 2025 Honourable members, you will also recall that you heard His Excellency the President publicly communicate about the matter of the roads. Some of the things that he mentioned are: 1) The dangers of excessive reliance on external financing for all the development projects, citing abrupt and disruptive donor decisions that may impede the realisation of planned projects; 2) The need for self-reliance in financing development projects; He categorised the projects into three: i) The well-done new roads, such as the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Kampala- Gulu Highway, the oil roads in Bunyoro, and excellent roads in municipalities such as Hoima, Gulu, Masaka, to mention but a few; ii) The very important roads that were initially good but have now deteriorated, such as Mityana-Mubende-Kyenjojo, Mukono-Jinja, Ibanda-Mbarara, and Mbarara-Ishaka highways. He attributes the deterioration to under-budgeting. iii) The local government roads used to be good, but have deteriorated because of the misuse of the Shs 1.3 billion allocated for maintenance. The President has directed the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to allocate Shs 3.2 trillion required for these roads alone. The President further undertook to have the following roads worked on: i) Mityana-Mubende-Kyenjojo; ii) Ibanda-Mbarara; iii) Ishaka-Mbarara; iv) Mukono-Lugazi-Jinja; v) Mpondwe; vi) Nebbi-Arua; and vii) Ntungamo-Rukungiri. His Excellency the President also indicated that the next manifesto will indicate other planned roads. In light of this, I will request the Minister of Works and Transport to explain to the Members, and then we will open the debate based on the President’s guidance.

17686 MINISTERIAL S T ATEMENT Hi-Speed Group Co. Ltd. They will be working on those two sections of the road, and they are already working with the finance ministry on the pre-financing arrangement. I think they are finalising the financial terms with the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. Others will start mobilising equipment to be on those two sections of the roads. The Gulu-Atiak-Nimule Road also needs attention. We are soon hiring an MTF contractor to work on it. Regarding Malaba-Jinja-Kampala-Masaka to Katuna, this is our artery, and as a ministry, we have decided to focus fully on those roads to address whatever requirements there are. We have been addressing those bad spots with our in-house team. However, as far as the Mukono- Lugazi-Jinja-Malaba Road is concerned, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is fully committed to that road. Right now, we have called the Katonga Bridge, and it is going to concentrate on that section. They have already made the estimates for Masaka to Kampala. As they are doing the bridge, they will also be doing the bad sections as we address the Kalandazi and Lwera swamps, which they are working on now. We hope that once we get the money, we will pay and encourage Abubaker Technical Services to speed up the Busunju-Kiboga- Hoima Road. He is doing a good job, but he needs our full support to pay him in time. This is a local contractor who has proven himself that if supported, he can do good work; he has already proven this on the section we are seeing between Busunju and Kiboga, but he is supposed to complete up to Hoima, including the Kafu Bridge. We are also rehabilitating the Ssezibwa Bridge on Kayunga Road, which is already being worked on by, again, a local company called Dynaco Engineering that is now doing the remaining stages. They have already done the box culverts to take the extra water, and they can do the bridge. On the northern side of Katonga from Kabulasoke, a local contractor called Rodo Contractors Limited is building the bridge. I can discuss these efforts, and we have images of Rodo Contractors Ltd, which even the Minister of Water and Environment can confirm.

Before I allow honourable Members to raise their issues, Hon. Francis Twinomujuni raised the issue of Hoima Road. As the works are ongoing, like I said the other time, the dust is too much; you cannot even see the next person. We may not have the money now, but can the contractor continue watering to ensure that there is no dust on the road?

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, and thank you, Minister, for the report. First, I thank you and your team that worked on Kampala-Gulu Road, especially on those potholes, which were causing several accidents, especially the head-on collisions. That was very proactive. Secondly, as we wait for the oil, the first oil, as you know, I come from the oil region. I thank, of course, the Government for the good roads. Bunyoro is one of the subregions that has the best roads because of the oil and gas. However, there is this Masindi-Biso Road. I see several trucks heavily loaded with oil-related products, struggling to go to Buliisa, because it is shorter to pass through Masindi than Hoima. Can we know the update on that road as we wait for the first oil? Thank you so much.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I concur with you that not all that is needed on the roads concerns money. Some issues, especially the challenges that we heard in his report, were on the recurring climate change issues. We have not been updated on the adaptive engineering proposals. We cannot keep lamenting year after year; which engineering designs have been put in place to ensure that the roads that will be constructed can at least stay for some time? Madam Speaker, my road is number 24 under your guidance, the Busunju–Hoima Road. The

17700 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT people were well compensated, but there is the issue of land titles. Somebody cannot wait for a land title for 10 years when it has never been brought back to them. These are the land titles people have been using as collateral to borrow money for school fees for their children. Who has the land titles? Is it the ministry of works? Is it the ministry of lands? Who is taking that lot of time without removing their portions? Madam Speaker, it is too much on our people and a group of people along Busunju-Hoima Road whose land titles have been missing for over 10 years are almost bringing a petition to you. I thank you.

No, they are ten cities. They are: Arua, Gulu, Soroti, Mbale, Jinja, Masaka, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Hoima and Lira. Those are operational, out of the 15. Now, five cities are the ones which are not operational.

Madam Speaker, he is too tall, so for people who are short like me, when you take a photo with him, you look like a dwarf. (Laughter) In brief, he should prepare a stool. Thank you so much. Madam Speaker, I have another question from Hon. Veronica Nanyondo, the District Woman MP of Bukomansimbi. Her prayer is that there is an effect on the implementation of the new lower secondary school curriculum on primary school leavers. Can the Government update us on this matter? My response is that at the moment, primary school leavers transition from the knowledge- based curriculum to competence-based curriculum in secondary school, under the revised lower secondary school curriculum. The process of revising the primary school curriculum to make it competence-based has already commenced to harmonise curriculum designs across primary and secondary level education. Once this is complete, the learners will be introduced to competence-based teaching and learning from primary school and progress with it to secondary education. I got another question from Hon. Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, MP for Nakawa Division East. He says that Uganda has very many experienced jua kalis, but they have no industrial parks and have continued to operate in a domestic setting, with very high electricity and water domestic tariffs. This is something that has crippled their businesses, yet they compete with investors who operate in Government industrial parks. These investors in Government industrial parks have always been incentivised in the form of tax exemptions, low electricity and water tariffs. This makes it harder for the jua kalis to compete favourably with them in the same market. His prayer is; When is the Government going to set up jua kali industrial parks? My response is that in this principle, for all Ugandan investors - if they all go through the Uganda Investment Authority, industrial parks have been designed with spaces specifically planned for setting up Small and Medium- sized Enterprises (SMEs), which cater for jua kali artisan activities. SME parks of 20 acres have been planned in all the operational industrial parks of Namanve, Soroti, Kasese, SINO-Mbale, and others. The Uganda Investment Authority also acquired the Mbarara SME Park of 12 acres that has been handed back to Gatsby Group, the SME artisans from Mbarara. The Government’s vision is to develop new industrial parks in phases, depending on the availability of resources in Gulu, Nebbi, Arua, Madi-Okollo, Yumbe, Pader, Paidha, Dokolo, Rukungiri, Isingiro, Oyam, Lira, Hoima, Buliisa, Kisoro, Kakumiro, Nakasongola, Luwero, Nakaseke, Mubende, Mityana, Masaka, Kabale, Bushenyi, Tororo, Rakai, Kamuli, Kween, Busia, Soroti, Gomba, Kayunga, Kyegegwa , and Iganga, where land has been mobilised by districts and already offered to Uganda Investment Authority for industrial development to foster innovation and equitable, sustainable industrial growth. Madam Speaker, the major infrastructure, for example, workplaces with shared common user facilities such as production equipment, showrooms for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to use as they sell and grow their businesses, will be constructed within the said industrial parks. 10. Hon. Lucy Akello, the District Woman Member of Parliament for Amuru, raised an issue on the lack of radiologists in the regional referral hospitals like Gulu, Soroti, Mbale and others.

Thank you, honourable minister. I also want to thank the minister for sports for the stadium in Hoima. I so happened to see the stadium and I was very impressed. I now know where our money went. The stadium is really good and the works are ongoing. We thank you for the sports infrastructure and how we wish in the next budgeting season, we shall have training grounds in different cities around the whole country.

The PAPs need Shs 380 billion. a) Alwii-Nebbi Road is about to be completed, but again, the progress is slow; we need to – b) Matugga-Semuto-Kapeeka. Abubaker, who is a local contractor and demands about Shs 44 billion. c) Karuma-Pakwach Road is progressing. The contractor, China Railway 7, together with NEC, demands about Shs 20 billion. d) Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima Road is under reconstruction again by Abubaker, who is demanding another Shs 30 billion on this particular road. e) Karuma-Olwiyo and Olwiyo-Pakwach sections are being addressed, and very soon, they will be finished. Additionally, key bridge projects remain under construction but are constrained because of funding, and it would be better if we had a reliable fund release. a) Katonga Bridge, including Lweera and Kalandazi swamp crossings along Masaka; and b) Then the upper Katonga Bridge, that’s Kabulasoke-Villa Maria Road and Ssezibwa Bridge on Kayunga-Mukono Road. The cumulative effects of these suspensions and delays have led to slow absorption of project resources, exposure to financial claims, risk of asset deterioration, and reputational concerns. If not urgently addressed, these disruptions will compromise Uganda’s ability to deliver critical national infrastructure and maintenance of the existing network. Impact of inadequate funding The funding shortfall of Shs 2.472 trillion in this financial year has had far-reaching consequences on the implementation of the National Roads Programme. These impacts manifest across land acquisition, ongoing project performance, the paved road network, and maintenance of gravel roads. Impact on land acquisition and project commencement Land acquisition remains a prerequisite, and this is in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Article 26, for access to the site and commencement of physical works. The delay or absence of funds for land composition has constrained progress on both the Government of Uganda projects and externally funded projects. The lack of access to the site has: a. Prevented contractors from mobilising, leading to suspension of activities; and b. Triggered claims for idle equipment - because it is in the law that if you cannot give the contractor access to land, then we charge you for idle equipment.

It is connected to finance because the arrears to be paid are supposed to come from finance. We need the arrears paid to the people who have worked. Honourable minister, when you talk about roads that were suspended, I want you to include the Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima Road. This is because it is the road that is going to be checked by CAF for us to be able to host AFCON. (Applause) You need to prioritise that road. If you are talking about Shs 30 billion, that is little money. You should be able to get that money. That is a local contractor whom we even gave money to, that is, Abubaker Technical Services. We gave that local contractor our own money, as the Government. Honourable minister, also look at the issue of - did we budget for equipment for districts and cities that do not have them? Did we budget for it?

17547 Tuesday, 29 July 2025 During this season, I have been able to move throughout the country, and I found out that the roads are in a sorry state, especially after these rains. You find that some roads are impassable. I went to Hoima, and they were working on the road since the takeover of UNRA, but the dust on the road, you cannot even see a car in front of you. That will cause accidents. Most of the roads that were being worked on have been abandoned. We may need to have a report from the Ministry of Works and Transport. (Applause) The issue has always been that we do not have money. You find that Kampala-Hoima Road is terrible, Kampala- Jinja Road is terrible, Mityana-Mubende Road, Moroto Road, Kafu – all those roads. We would like to understand what is happening. Masaka Road - even connecting from Mbarara to Sheema, the road is bad. You wonder what is happening. We allocate money but the roads are not being worked on. Where is the money going to? Therefore, we need a statement from the Government on what is happening with the roads. The accidents that are happening – You find that there is a truck that maybe has a mechanical problem, parked with no signs informing road users of an accident or a parked truck, and that causes accideSnts. We need to handle that to avoid the accidents that are happening in the country, because we are losing a lot of people. Honourable members, as you may be aware, Uganda, alongside Tanzania and Kenya, IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament FIFTH SESSION - 3RD SITTING - FIRST MEETING Parliament met at 1.59 p.m. at Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

17548 DESIGNATION OF MEMBERS TO SECTORAL COMMITTES COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR will be hosting CHAN, the African Nations Football Championship, on 2-30 August 2025, which is next week, and that will be a precursor to hosting AFCON 2027. The issues that are being raised outside, that I got from my office and from you, Members, are that we, as Uganda, are lighting our candle, but the candle is kept under the chair. It is not serving the purpose. The public out there does not know that we are hosting CHAN. So, we may need to hear from the minister in charge of Sports; how ready and prepared are we? This being a House of representatives, we need to get that information for us to be able to give it to the public. We need to create awareness of how ready we are to host, and we should be able to support our team, Uganda Cranes. Since Uganda Cranes is the first team that is going to play, we should be able to support it. Members from Government, we may also need to get a statement from you on the issue of AFCON. You are aware that this House passed money that has been invested in infrastructure; the Hoima Stadium, the airfield, Akii-Bua, Namboole, Kyambogo, and all those places. We have put in a lot of money, but we need to understand what is happening, when we are hosting, and how we are hosting. We may need to get that information. If you ask some Members here, are you aware we are hosting CHAN? Members will tell you that they do not know. Honourable members, I have assessed the status of pending business in the committees, and we noted that we have Bills that are pending. We have the Mortgage Finance Institutions Bill, 2025, which is with the Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development. We have the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill, 2024. We also have the Valuation Bill, 2024. We have the Building Control (Amendment) Bill, 2025. We will give the respective committees one week to present all those Bills. I am saying one week because this work was given to you before we went for recess. By Tuesday, those committees should present. Pursuant to rules 182 and 183 of the Rules of Procedure, all members of the Business Committee are notified of a meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 30 July 2025, at 9.00 a.m., to discuss parliamentary business in the conference hall. The meeting will prioritise the business for this session. You are all most welcome. Thank you. Hon. Basalirwa - I mean, Hon. Ssemujju. When you go for campaigns, you tend to forget some names.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. We have a bridge which is in a very sorry state; from Kampala Highway to Hoima and that is, Kafu Bridge. This bridge has a very deep hole and you can see the water flowing.

17507 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 12 JNUE 2025 The efficiency and effectiveness of the Legislature are a result of constructive engagement between the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, as well as the relevant stakeholders. I take this opportunity to greatly appreciate all the honourable Members of Parliament, the Front Bench, the Shadow Cabinet, and all the stakeholders for their dedication throughout the budgeting process, and ensuring that we not only meet the legal and constitutional timelines but also adequately interrogate the Budget. Your Excellency, without pre-empting your speech on this day, I would like to highlight the salient issues that arose during the Budget consideration process. 1. The need to strengthen the oversight over wealth creation funds, notably the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), and Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE), so that these funds actually reach their intended beneficiaries and attain the desired impact. 2. To strengthen the implementation and oversight of high-impact projects under the National Development Plan (NDP IV) so that the intended objectives are achieved. These high-impact projects are what we previously referred to in NDP III as the “core projects”. 3. To strengthen the commitment and control of the Budget during execution by compelling the accounting officers to commit to the actual budgets and work plans as approved. This is important for budget discipline. 4. The minimisation of supplementary budgets and the need to adhere to Section 25(7) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, to limit supplementary budget requests to items that are absorbable, unavoidable, and unforeseeable. 5. The need to adequately plan and resource efficiency management measures to address the prevailing debt burden. 6. The need to increase public investment in productive and growth areas such as Emyooga , the Parish Development Model, the Four-acre Prosperity Model, and to deepen the financial inclusion and aid the growth of the taxable formal sector, so as to widen the tax base and improve the tax- to-GDP ratio. In the spirit of fostering regional integration, Parliament is cognisant of the need for deliberate reforms in customs and immigration. These requirements and procedures are in order to eliminate the non-tariff barriers and ease the movement of people, goods, and services across the East African Community Region. 7. The need for deliberate intervention to enhance human capital and human capital development as a way of strengthening the competitiveness of the Ugandan population. As we embark on Financial Year 2025/2026, I call upon all accounting officers to ensure the prudent, efficient, and effective utilisation of public resources, and that is pursuant to Sections 21 and 45 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. Your Excellency, Article 83(2)(a) of the Constitution of Republic of Uganda permits Members of Parliament to leave and join political parties or organisations of their choice within 12 months before the end of a term of Parliament in order to participate in activities or programmes for political parties or political organisations relating to the general elections. I am in receipt of notification from the following Members of Parliament who have left the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and opted to join the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and these are: Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju, the MP for Kira Municipality; Hon. Moses Kabuusu, the MP for Kyamuswa County; Hon. Asinansi Nyakato, the Woman MP for Hoima

17514 BUDGET SPEECH For example, we completed, equipped, and commissioned three regional blood banks in Hoima, Arua, and Soroti, operationalised 16 high-capacity oxygen plants across key regional referral hospitals, continued infrastructure development and equipping of the two specialised centres for cancer and cardiovascular care; infrastructure development of Lubowa Specialised Hospital is now at 68 per cent progress, and training of the specialists is ongoing; constructed new maternity wards and the staff houses in the health centres II that are being upgraded to health centres III, distributed 20 digital X-ray machines to general hospitals, and installed CT scans in 14 out of 16 regional referral hospitals; 3. The government implemented interventions for preventive healthcare for disease prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles. For example, the Government trained and deployed community health extension workers across the country to deliver essential health education on hygiene and sanitation, nutrition and disease prevention, and to support routine immunisation effort; undertook residual spraying in 13 districts which protected the lives of 2.7 million people and 560,000 households against malaria, and introduced the malaria vaccine into the extended programme on immunisation, targeting children under five years of age; 4. Improved digitisation of healthcare services by extending connectivity of the electronic medical code system in four national referral hospitals and 16 regional referral hospitals. This has improved patient records management, drug dispensing, and monitoring the attendance of health workers; and 5. Strengthened the national ambulance and emergency care system by providing additional ambulances to improve the national emergency response and referral system. Madam Speaker, to further improve the health of Ugandans, a total of Shs 5.87 trillion has been provided in the next Financial Year 2025/2026. The priority intervention will include: 1. Functionalising health centres IV; 2. Strengthening primary health care and community health services; 3. Scale up of national e-health infrastructure; 4. Promotion of nutrition and education and reproductive health; 5. Continued deployment of community health extension workers; 6. Strengthening the national ambulance and emergency referral system; and 7. Construction of specialised health facilities for cancer and cardiovascular care. Education Madam Speaker, the following milestones have been achieved in the education sector: (i) Provided access to universal primary education for 9.2 million learners and 905,116 learners under Universal Secondary Education -

Oh, 52. Well, my officers have misled me. I close that one. (ii) Over 5,192 students, both on degree and diploma programmes, benefited from the Higher Education Students’ Loan Financing Scheme. In addition, 4,000 learners benefitted from government sponsorship by joining public universities; (iii) A total of 166 seed schools have been constructed under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Programme (UgIFT); (iv) In preparation for CHAN and AFCON27, the government has so far spent Shs 496.8 billion on the construction of Hoima and Akii-Bua stadia, as well as the associated training facilities across the country. The Government will spend a total of Shs 1.34

17487 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 subregions of Sebei, Teso, Lango, and Acholi have been maintained. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the joint Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) – FARDC is the Congolese army, and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) operations against Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are ongoing with significant achievements. Since November 2024, 223 abductees have been rescued from captivity, with some firearms and bombs captured, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Government continues to modernise and professionalise Uganda’s security forces by improving their welfare and strengthening the cooperation between the civilian population and the security forces. The UPDF Construction Brigade has rehabilitated schools in rural communities. Together with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), it has been involved in the rehabilitation of major infrastructure, such as Entebbe International Airport. It is paramount to jealously guard Uganda’s political and economic stability. All attempts to destabilise Uganda by internal and external actors have been thwarted and defeated. We welcome mutual and non-parasitic collaboration with everybody. Uganda’s priorities and interests are very clear. Therefore, our allies must respect and uphold them in all their dealings with us. The patriotic leadership in charge of the country’s affairs cannot deviate from its historical mission of defending and transforming Uganda and Africa on account of threats by some of our allies who misunderstand our goals and methods of work. For instance, we are soon finalising the construction of the 1,443 kilometres East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) from Buliisa on Lake Albert to Tanga, in Tanzania. This East African Crude Pipeline will take our crude oil to the international market through the sister country of Tanzania. The construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) which I launched last year is soon starting and we have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Alpha BMP Investment Group of the United Arab Emirates to start the construction of the oil refinery in Hoima. Many other projects in roads, energy, ICT, schools, hospitals and agriculture have continued to be implemented despite the World Bank and the United States of America (USA) suspending new financing to Uganda. Our economy remains strong and resilient. It was recently ranked seventh by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) among the fastest-growing economies in the world. The size of the economy is projected at Shs 224.9 trillion, equivalent to $60 billion, by the end of June 2025. In 1986, the economy was only Shs 42 billion (or $3.9 billion). This means that in dollar terms, the size of the economy has expanded nearly 15 times since the National Resistance Movement Government took power in January 1986. The economy grew by 6.7 per cent in the first quarter of this financial year, compared to 5.6 per cent recorded in the same period last year. This is on top of the growth of 6.1 per cent in the Financial Year 2023/2024. Economic growth is projected at 6.3 per cent this financial year, and further projected to grow to 7 per cent in the Financial Year 2025/2026. It is projected to grow faster when commercial production of oil and gas starts next year. In purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, our economy is projected to be $171.6 billion, by the end of this financial year in June 2025, and next financial year is equivalent to about $65.7 billion using the Atlas method. This will be equivalent to $187 billion in PPP terms. This growth will translate into higher household incomes from $1,259 income per capita, by the end of this financial year, to $1,330 as income per capita next financial year. In the past four years, our growth has been broad-based, inclusive, and pro-poor. The latest National Housing Survey Report that was released recently by the Uganda Bureau

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

17497 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 Ssembabule-Mateete-Mbiriizi with a branch to Kibinge-Kyabakuza; Myanzi-Kasanda-Kiboga – abantu bange abe Kassanda akalulu mukatereeze; Kikagate Kitwe-Mirama Hill – Mama was about to kill me on this one here. Kati mponye; Kabiingo-Rugaaga-Magabi-Rakai; Luweero-Butalangwa-Ngoma-Bulyamusenyi- Masindi; Kayunga-Bbale-Galiraya. I am going to get additional money for these roads because we have been talking about them for a long time. These will be in addition to the completion of the following roads: 92km Muyembe- Nakapiripirit and 25 kilometres of service roads; 21km Kira-Matugga Road and improvement of five junctions, 26 kilometres of Tororo-Busia Road and Mayuge and Busia Town Roads, 6.6 kilometres of Kawuku-Bwerenga Road, the 100-kilometre Apac-Lira-Puranga road – these are already being worked on. They are going to be finished – and 1.6 kilometres to Namugonde-Bugiri fuel tank reservoir. The roads for maintenance or reconstruction include – 1. Kampala-Jinja Highway – 72 kilometres; 2. Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima – 145 kilometres; 3. Mityana-Mubende Road – 86 kilometres; and Mubende-Kyenjojo Road, 95 kilometres; 4. Mityana Town roads – 14 kilometres – ab’eMityana mutereze akalulu banange. Buno obuli eyo tebulina kyebukola, butabula. Muleta obusajjasajja – 5. Alwii-Nebbi Road – 33 kilometres – this is in West Nile - Pakwach and Nebbi Town roads; 6. Olwiyo-Pakwach Road – 62 kilometres; 7. Matugga-Semuto-Kapeeka – 41 kilome - tres – (Applause) Waliyo akasajja eyo e’Nakaseke. Abantu bange, mutereze ebigambo ebyo, obusajja obwo bugende bukole ebirala. 8. Tororo-Mbale-Soroti. This is a long one. 9. Soroti-Dokolo-Lira-Kamdini Road – 189 kilometres. These are ongoing already. 10. Karuma-Olwiyo – 43 kilometres; 11. Masaka-Kyotera-Mutukula Road – 89 kilometres; 12. Nyendo-Villa Maria Road – 11 kilometres; 13. Access Roads – 7 kilometres and rehabilitation of 166 kilometres equivalent of national roads that have reached their service life. What they call “service life” is zikadiye . The strategic bridges to be prioritised – there is a road in Mpigi, Kasanje – aka’town akalala bakayita batya? Kisubi. Waliwo aka town eyo munda akalala; Nakawuka. Elyo sirilabye wano. Tulina okuriteekako nalyo. Naye abantu batereze obululu banange. The strategic bridges - so I will have to add that road. I thought we had started on it. The strategic bridges to be prioritised in the next financial year include the Sezibwa Bridge along Kalagi-Kayunga Road, Katonga Bridge, Lwera Swamp, and Kalandazi Swamp. Electricity In 1986, the whole country had only one hydropower plant; Nalubaale, formerly called Owen Falls Dam, built by the British in 1954, and commissioned by our late auntie, Queen Elizabeth, with the maximum capacity of 150 megawatts of hydroelectricity. There are now four large hydropower plants at Nalubaale, Kiira, Isimba and Karuma, with a combined generation capacity of 1,163 megawatts. Other sources such as Kigwabya and XsaboKonge Solar Power in Mubende have added another 888 megawatts. This brings the total installed electricity generation capacity to 2,052 megawatts. However, given the growing electricity demand arising from the new manufacturers, this is very inadequate and the available capacity will run out in about five years from now. When people talk of surplus, there is no surplus. It will very soon be overtaken.

17329 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 MAY 2025 export sectors, through the Investment for Industrial Transformation and Employment (INVITE) Programme; 2. Shs 90.97 billion for infrastructure development of industrial parks; 3. Shs 47.8 billion for capitalisation of the agricultural credit facilities to support farmers, but mainly agro-processors that focus on value addition; 4. Shs 414.74 billion for capitalisation of Uganda Development Bank in line with the annual line of credit. This will support the entire agricultural ecosystem, the private sector players, to increase stock and quality of tourism facilities, financing of the local production of essential goods as a precursor to achieving import substitution, among others; and 5. Shs 210.17 billion has been allocated towards the Resource Enhancement and Accountability Programme (REAP) with the objective of increasing resource mobilisation, improving planning and public investment management, and strengthening accountability for quality, effective and efficient service delivery. Commercialising agriculture Madam Speaker, these are the priorities proposed: a) Breeding, production, multiplication, and availing animal seed and poultry to farmers across the country through National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRIC&DB) - Shs 96.05 billion; b) Animal feed production on government ranches and farms (NAGRIC&DB) – Shs 25.5 billion. Those people who steal our cows from NAGRIC&DB should stop; c) Development of anti-tick vaccine, STI - Shs 5 billion; d) Research products and services suited for food, feed, market and industry National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) – Shs 24.1 billion; e) Improving access and use of agricultural equipment and mechanisation, through the use of labour-saving technologies under the Ministry for Agriculture – Shs 56.14 billion; f) The National Oil Palm Project under the Ministry for Agriculture - Shs 70.72 billion; g) Agriculture Value Chain Development, again under the Ministry for Agriculture – Shs 73.25 billion; h) Enhancing Agricultural Production, Quality and Standards for Market Access Project, Ministry for Agriculture - Shs 111.35 billion; i) The National Oil Seed Project under the Ministry for Agriculture - Shs 83.46 billion; j) Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project is provided with Shs 76.32 billion; and k) Coffee seedlings to Northern Uganda - Shs 60 billion. This is the first time; Northern Uganda has to embrace coffee production and enhance the economy of Uganda. That is a great thing. We have paid the debt for coffee seeds, and now we are going to get to the seedlings. Transformative transport infrastructure development 1. The construction of the Standard Gauge Railway, Shs 2,175.29 billion; 2. The construction, upgrade and rehabilitation of national roads and bridges - Shs 2,201.34 billion. Some of these include: a) Hoima-Wanseko Road - Shs 185.47 billion; b) Construction of 66 selected bridges - Shs 30.61 billion. The list of bridges is in the annex;

17331 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 MAY 2025 Also, on education, the Ministry for Finance wrote to say that a new loan of Shs 200 million is being prepared to cover all secondary and primary schools in the coming financial years. Digital transformation Shs 197.08 billion has been allocated to the Government Network project towards ex - panding the digital infrastructure outreach, strengthening digital infrastructure comple - ments, mainstreaming digital services in prior - ity sectors, among others. This is a big move for our country to put Shs 197.0 billion into the electronic network. Energy and Gas Development a) The Government plans to provide Shs 686.35 billion towards midstream petroleum infrastructure development. Some of these planned activities include supervision of East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) construction works in Uganda, development of the Government of Uganda EACOP, a hub in Tanga, undertake a feasibility study for the natural gas pipeline from Tanzania to Uganda, the completion of payment for relocation of land of project affected persons along the project pipeline, the completion of construction of resettlement houses for the project affected persons and also embark on refinery engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities. b) Shs 346.42 billion for the Electricity Access Scale-Up project. The project is intended to increase the proportion of the population with access to electricity from 24 to 44 per cent by 2027, mainly through grid expansion, connectivity, network expansion and strengthening. Colleagues, this is a good development; it will support most of the constituencies where there is no electricity. c) Shs 34.84 billion towards the Karuma Hydroelectric Power project. d) Shs 26.00 billion towards ORIO Mini Hydropower and Rural Electricity Project. e) Shs 165.29 billion towards enhanced rural electrification and connectivity across the country. f) Shs 21.79 billion towards the construction of 400kv Karuma-Tororo Transmission Line and 132kv Ntinda Substation. g) Shs 202.04 billion towards Hoima- Kinyara-Kafu 220Kv Transmission Line and associated substations. h) Shs 15.00 billion towards Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply and infrastructure intervention. Water supply and sanitation a) Shs 114.04 billion towards Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry Conservation Programme Phase; b) Shs 127.95 billion towards the Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project; c) Shs 81.07 billion towards the Development of Solar-Powered Irrigation and Water Supply Systems; d) Shs 81.82 billion towards Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate- Smart Development; e) Shs 165.16 billion towards the Water Lake Victoria and Sanitation Project; and f) Shs 40.00 billion towards the Water Service Acceleration project. Governance and Security The Government intends to provide Shs 450 billion towards the electoral roadmap. So, the elections are going to be there, without postponement. Part B 5.0 Sectoral committees’ reallocations in the budget for Financial Year 2025/2026 Madam Speaker, during the consideration of the committees’ reports on the Ministerial Policy Statements for Financial Year 2025/2026, Parliament adopted reallocations for various Votes. These reallocations were referred to the Budget Committee for harmonisation, reconciliation and consolidation. We beg

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate the contribution of the chairperson and the committee for the report. In our sector, we have many stalled structures. Some have spent three, four or five years, and some of these contractors put in their money, and they want to sue the Government for non- payment. We are also going to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Hoima, but we have a ward which was demolished with the promise of constructing another one. They got the contractor, and you have Shs 1.15 billion. We requested the committee –

h) Enhancing Agricultural Production, Quality and Standards for Market Access Project (MAAIF) - UGX 117.35bn r) National Oil Seeds Project (MAAIF) - UGX 83.46ba j) Uganda Climate Smart Agriculhrral Ttansformation Project (MAAIF) - UGX 176.32bt, Lf Coffee seedlings to Northern Uganda - UGX 6Obn Transpott Infrastnrctule Developneat: 1) Constnrction of Standard Gauge Railway - UGX 21175,.29 blllloa; 2) Constnrction, upgrade and rehabilitation of national roads and bridges - UGX 2r20l.g4 blllloa. Some of these include: a) Hoima- Wanseko Road - UGX 185.47 b) Constmction of 66 Selected Bridges - UGX 30.61bn; c) Rwenlnrnye -Apac- Lira -Acholibur Road - UGX 166.25bn; d) Kisoro-Nkuringo-Rubugiri-Muko Road - UGX 1r260.9tbn; e) Moyo-Yumbe-Koboko road - UGX 125.OEbn; 0 Rehabilitation of Mityana-Mubende Road (lOOKm) - UGX 2lbn g) Pnoposed upgrading of Kyenjojo (Kihura)- Bwizi-Rwamwanja- I(atrunge (68Km) /Mpara-Bwizi(37Km) - UGX 109. 14bn h) Upgrading of Iganga-Bulopa-Ikmuli Road (57.2Km) - UGX42.55ba 4. Rehabilitation of District, Urban and Community access roads (DUCARI will continue under the Ministry of lVorks and Ttansport - UGX 91.78bnf 5. Road F\rnd Management - UGX 91.78bn TbltttEntDetnloprnsnt a) UGX 11.16bn for the Mt. Rwenzori Tourism Infrastnrcture. This improving the existing trails and establishing shorter ones, the existing bridges tahing into consideration of the flush floods, providing more ecofriendly accommodation facilities, improving safety of tourists by establishing rest points along the trails, among others. b) UGX 21.52bn for the development of Museums and Heritage Sites for Cultural Tor.rrism c) UGX 10.15ba for the development of Source of the Nile tor.rrism \$ infrastnrcture that includes for boats, and other amenities. piers, docking places ag e6 q + 1 I

hub in Tanga, undertake feasibility shrdy for the nahrral gas pipeline from Tanzania to Uganda, completion of pa5rment for relocation tand for PAPs along the products pipeline route, completion of constnrction of resetflement houses for the PAPs, embark on Refinery EPC activities, among others; b) UGX 346.42bo, for the Electricity Access Scde Up Project (EASP). Ttre project is intended to increase the proportion of the Population with access to electrictty F* 24o/o to 44o/o W 2027 through mainly grld erpansioa and connsctlvlty and netrork erpansioa and rtrrengtheatng; c) UGX 34.t4bn towards I(aruma Hydroelectricity Power Project; d) UGX 26.OOba towards ORIO Mini Hydro Power and Rural Electricity Project e) UGX 165.29bn towards enhanced rural electrification and connectivit5r acnoss the country 0 UGX 2I,.V9bt towards construction of 40OKv l(aruma-Tororo Ttansmission line and 132Kv Ntinda Substation. g) UGX 2U2.fJ{lbt Hoima-Kinyara-IGfu 22OKv Ttansmission Line and Associated Substations h) UGX l5.(Xtbn towards Liquefred Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply and infrastnrcture intervention. Water Supply aad Saaltation: a. UGX 114.04bn towards Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry consenration Programme Phase b. UGX 127.95b1 towards Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project c. UGX 81.O7an towards Dwelopment of Solar Powered Irrigation and Water Supply Systems. d. UGX 81.82bn towards Investing in Forests and Pnotested Areas for Climate-Smart Dwelopment e. UGX 165.16ba towards Ifumpala water-l.ake Victoria water and Sanitation Project. f. UGX 40.(Xlbn towards Water Service Acceleration project (SCAP 1 O0o/ol Govetannce aad Sccurlty s a. 45O billion towards the 32 lPage *,s ft. .a6(dEr. p )

Votc ' . '- _-':i'- UculnUo rmrt(UGXOOOI RGfGrrl Horpltdt 403 Arua Hoqrital 11,525,914 404 Fort Fortal Hospital 12.943.6L9 405 Gulu Hospital L4.57L.970 406 Hoima Hospital 13,313,426 407 Jinja Hospital 18.335.966 408 Kabale Hospital 12.100.368 409 Masaka Hospital 13,452,7L2 410 Mbale Hospital 16,738.569 4Lt Soroti Hospital 9.9t2.492 412 Lira Hospital L5.522.676 413 Mbarara Recional Hospital 18,645,268 4t4 Mubende Rcsional Referral Hospital L2.292.t33 415 Monoto Resional Rcferrd Hospital 11.150.847 4L6 Nacuru Referral Hospital L4,902,927 417 Kinrddu Refenal Hospital 27.401.331 418 I(awern c Rcferral Hospital 26.564.466 4t9 Entebbe Reeional Referral Hoepital 17.281,838 420 Mulaso Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital 30.925.771 42L Karrunga Referraf Hospital 14.772.948 422 H Yumbe Referral ffudoar Abroad 1 501 Ugqnda Mission at the United Nations, New York 18.306.699 502 Uganda High CotDrlission in the United Kinedom L5.640.947 503 Uganda High Comrnisaion in Canada . Ottawa 10.323.859 504 Uganda High Cornrnission in India. New Delhi 8,877,777 505 Qgrnrniggign i11 1 506 in Tanzania , Dar es gnlaarn \ 12.790.806 507 Ugand**IiEh Qsrnrnisgiqn in Niqeria. Abuia /'a^, \ 6,699,770 ( ,$ t 2,A # -ffuT a8e

Yoto Oo*ttnttec rm*|uGtrmo] 816 Buikwe District 29.OO7.649 8t7 Buledea District 32.070.566 818 Bukomansimbi Distrist 20,843,921 819 Bukwo Distric{ 29,903,022 820 Bulernbuli District 28.423.678 82L Buliisa District 17.598.564 822 Bundibuso District 39,387,931 823 Bunyangabu District 25.L62.958 824 Bustrenyi District 33.454.206 825 Busia Distrist 44,489.383 426 Butaleja District 39,776,276 827 Butanbala District 30.754.023 828 Butebo District 20,o39,759 829 Burnrma District 15.991.120 830 Buyende District 26.906.353 831 Dokolo District 25,699,646 832 Gomba District 22.803.54L 833 Gulu District 23.531.301 834 Hoima DisEict 24,263,480 835 Ibanda District 29.69L.O7L 836 Imnm District 43.204.562 837 Isingiro District 58,063.351 838 Jinja District 38.577.730 839 IGabone District 19,792,798 840 IGbale DisEict 40,769,459 841 IGbarole District 21.563.389 . 842 Ihberamaido District 20.586.216 -l 843 Ihsadi District 40,821,563 844 IGkumiro District 31,795,417 845 ) 1C.547.241 : I I , I 7,

Vot :, utilttfffm frffid(UAXmO'l 406 Hoima Hospital r08.000 407 Jinja Hospital 108.000 408 Kabale Hospital 108.000 409 Masaka Hospital 108.000 410 Mbate Hospital 1.408.000 4LL Soroti Hospital 108.OO0 4t2 Lira Hospital 108.O00 4L3 Mbarara Reeional Hospital 108.000 4L4 I&leode Reeional Rcferral Hospital 135.000 415 Moroto Regional Referrat Hospital 130.139 4L6 Nqgq4LLReferral Hospital 7.2L6.OOO 4L7 IEryddfr Referral Hospital 1.377.O00 418 I(awem.pe Refql Hospital 810,OOO 419 Entebbe Resional Beferral Hospital 810.000 420 Mulaso Specializd Women and Neonatal Hospital 2,O4L.200 42L Kanrnm Referraf Hospital 300,000 422 I flrloar Abrocd 501 Uganda Mission at the Unitcd Nations, New Yo,rk 1.092,000 502 Umnda Hish ConEission in the United Kinsdom 503 Usanda Hish Commission in Canada. Ottawa 17,687.4L3 504 Umnda Histl ComEission in lrdia. New Deltri 505 Uganda Hisb Commission in lGtrya,Nairobi 3,390.O00 506 Usanda Hinh Commission in Tanzania . Dar es Salaam 6,390,000 so7 Uganda High Cpmmission in Nigeria, Abuja 508 Uganda High Commksion in South Africa, Pletoria 150,000 509 Uganda Hiih Commission in Rtrnanda, Kigali 510 Uganda Embassy in the United States , Washington 511 Upnda Embassy in Egrpt, Cair! 5L2 Ueanda Embassv in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa 513 Uganda Embassy in China. BeiiinE lt. 514 UFnaa Embassrr in Snilzerlsnd. Geneva utl 400,000 515 Uganda Embassy in Japan. Tokyo WD 516 5L7 Uganda Embassy in Denmark, Copenhagen ,f -H I 7 518 uganda EmbaEsrrin Belsium, Brussels /V \ ' 7 \-- 4.g68.s87 N s N$ a 53 d

Seconded? (Members rose_) It is seconded by Hon. Kankunda, Hon. Moses, honourable member from Karamoja, Hon. Bahati, honourable member for veterans, Hon. Alanyo, Hon. Nekesa, Hon. Omara, Hon. Patience, Hon. Annette, Hon. Nathan, Hon. Betty, Hon. Jennifer, Hon. Faith, Hon. Ezama Siraji, honourable member for Koboko, Hon. Enos, honourable member for Alebtong, Hon. Sam, honourable member from Pallisa, honourable member for Hoima and Hon. Goli. Speak to your motion.

I see Hon. Musasizi walking to interrupt you, yet my question also goes straight to him. I come from the Rwenzori region. Everything we do in this country regarding roads is always planned and budgeted for. The road that connects Kampala to the greater Fort Portal City is the worst in the country, East Africa, Africa, and the world. It is the only road that connects to the only tourism city we have in this country. This road has been talked about several times. I want to ask the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Minister of Works and Transport what they are doing for this road. As we speak, the contractor has abandoned the road. That is the road that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance use, but recently, they have shifted to using the Hoima road, meaning that they have abandoned us to suffer. Mr Speaker –

The road from Mityana to Kyenjojo is the worst in the country, East Africa and the world. That is the road that the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Prime Minister and Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, use. Recently, they have switched to using Hoima Road to go to Kakumiro instead of the major road. When elderly people are moving to Kampala, we no longer use that road. When we have patients, ambulances use the Hoima Road – (Member timed out.)

17193 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2025 The chairperson captured the issue of Buhinga Stadium. This has been a long-time promise by the President and it has become a white elephant. This was pledged at the same time Akii Bua was pledged. The new one in Hoima also came in and our hands are tied. Works on the Akii Bua and Hoima Stadium have started, while in Buhinga Stadium, the UPDF just came and built a fence as if they were fencing off some cows. It is a funny fence. Our people are very anxious. Works on other stadiums have started, but ours has stalled. Mr Speaker, I want a commitment from the minister when this stadium is going to be constructed to the same level as Hoima and Akii Bua. The second issue is with the Mountains of the Moon University. I thank the committee because they brought some money for the construction of the faculty of agriculture, around Shs 6.5 billion. I want to inform this House that this money is more or less for clearing arrears. That is why they say it is an outstanding contractual obligation. The cost of the facility is very expensive, but now we are only paying Shs 6.5 billion, which is almost arrears. I encourage the committee to take into consideration adding some money to that university so that it takes off, because it is supposed to. Finally, Mr Speaker is the issue of grant-aiding. You guided that the list should not be discussed, but I plead that – (Member timed out.)

17007 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 15 APRIL 2025 for the community health extension workers programme, to strengthen disease prevention and promotion of public health activities. Vote 134 – Health Services Commission The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development provides Shs 3 billion for the procurement of vehicles for the board members of the Health Services Commission, in a phased manner, starting with Shs 1 billion in the coming financial year. Vote 127: Uganda Virus Research Institute The committee was informed that the Uganda Virus Research Institute has five acres of land at Kamwanyi in Entebbe, which is occupied by bonafide occupants, who have made it impossible for it to develop. The committee recommends that Shs 5.4 billion be provided to Uganda Virus Research Institute to pay off the bonafide occupants, and secure the land for development. On page 25, there is inadequate funding for research. We can go straight to the recommendations. They need an additional Shs 1.6 billion for research. The second is that the Uganda Virus Research Institute mandate should be amended to cover bacteria, viruses, protozoa, insects, and other microorganisms. You may think that they deal only with viruses, but there are also some other microorganisms. Uganda Heart Institute We can go to page 26. The newly approved staff structure is understaffed, and wages are an issue. The committee recommends that an additional wage amounting to Shs 22.89 billion be provided to Uganda Heart Institute to enable them to fully operationalise the new approved staff structure, and enable timely functionalisation of the newly expanded Heart Institute complex, located in Naguru. Super specialised training The committee recommends that an additional Shs 0.56 billion be provided for the training. The training takes about three to five years. On the regional cardiac centres, there are two established cardiac centres. There is land in Hoima and in Mbarara, but they need - if you can go to the recommendations, you will see that Shs 51 billion for the construction of the two cardiac centres. Power connection to the new home in Naguru The committee recommended that Shs 2.8 billion be provided to Uganda Heart Institute to connect the new Naguru Centre to a dedicated power line. The Uganda Cancer Institute It has two centres, one in Gulu and the other in Mbarara. The committee recommends that Shs 7.1 billion be provided to enable the Uganda Cancer Institute to operationalise the Gulu and Mbarara centres. This will help bring cancer services closer to the people in order to decongest the main cancer centre in Mulago. Inadequate medical supplies for the Cancer Institute They need Shs 15.9 billion to be provided. There is the issue of funding for the Fred Hutch Centre. The Uganda Cancer Institute Fred Hutch Centre in Kampala was established with funding from the US Government. The committee was informed that USAID funding for the Fred Hutch Research Centre had come to an end. They needed Shs 6.5 billion, and only Shs 1 billion was provided. In the recommendations, they need Shs 5.5 billion extra. Staff wages - they are understaffed. The committee recommends that Shs 42 billion be provided to Uganda Cancer Institute, in a phased manner, beginning with Shs 10 billion.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the committee for their report. Mr Speaker, I want to entirely agree with you that we must prioritise the purchase of the PET Machine so that we end the challenge that Ugandans face. There is actually wrong diagnosis going on in this country. By the time they discover that somebody has cancer, the disease would have reached stage three or stage four. Therefore, we must find the Shs 62 billion. What is available is Shs 30 billion. What they need is Shs 92 billion. Let us put aside everything for the sake of ensuring that there is proper diagnosis. (Applause) Of course, we have been told that they receive 7,000 cancer patients annually and these are the ones that are diagnosed. However, there are people who have cancer out there and they even do not know. Secondly, can we focus instead of doing so many things at the same time? Uganda Cancer Institute already has a regional centre, fully constructed and commissioned, in Omoro and another one in Mbarara. There is a funding gap of Shs 15.9 billion. What has been provided is Shs 9 billion. Can we prioritise that? What goes on at the Uganda Cancer Institute – honourable colleagues, if you get there, you will actually feel sorry for them. It is terrible. It should not be a centre of excellence for oncology in the East African region. I support the committee’s report, saying we should prioritise. For Uganda Heart Institute, they just want to start constructing. Can we focus on the Uganda Heart Institute at Naguru and have it operational, first, before we think of starting other centres outside? Uganda Heart Institute is already running – I talked about the two. Can we first prioritise that and have it operational before we think of Hoima and another centre that they are thinking about? I want to move to the other – the digital X-ray machines. Thank you, Ministry of Health, for procuring this equipment. We have had a challenge of X-rays in this country. When I was the Minister of State for Health (General Duties), we took a new digital X-ray machine to Tororo. Unfortunately, five years down the road, this equipment has never worked. Just a small thing – (Member timed out.)

17058 APPROVAL OF BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2025/2026 generation, the Government is exploring the possibility of undertaking an 8,400 nuclear power project in Buyende. Feasibility studies have started. The Government also wishes to start a centre for Nuclear Science and Technology at Soroti University. The purpose of this is to have a project that will once and for all provide a substantial contribution of power to the grid. In order to attain this, the committee recommends that the Government provide at least Shs 10 billion for the purposes of feasibility study and commencement activities, and another Shs 3 billion for us to acquire the land that will enable us to undertake the 8,400-megawatt nuclear project in Buyende. Sustainable development of petroleum resources The committee recommends that the accounting officer of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda should enhance regulatory oversight so as to ensure the timely and cost-efficient completion of critical projects, including the drilling operations, oil extraction facilities, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The Status of the acquisition of right-of-way for the petroleum products pipeline (Buseruka to Mpigi) The committee notes that whereas progress has been made on the compensation of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) along the refined products pipeline from Buseruka-Hoima- Mpigi, the funding for the construction of houses for PAPs that opted for relocation rather than together with titling of their pipeline corridor construction of the community infrastructure, lively restoration is still pending. The committee recommends that the Government provides adequate funding for all outstanding contractual obligations, including the PAP implementation, as well as the construction of resettlement houses. The feasibility study for the Tanzania-Uganda Natural Gas Pipeline The committee recommends that the Government should provide Shs 2 billion to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development for the gas pipeline feasibility study. Water and environment sector, support to the rural water project, source per village For every village in Uganda to get at least one safe water source, in line with the presidential directive, it would require Shs 1.5 trillion annually for the supply of the unserved villages in the country over the next five years. However, given the current financial constraints, the ministry requests Shs 50 billion, as additional funding, to implement a clean water source per village project in compliance with the presidential directive. The committee, therefore, recommends that the Government should provide Shs 50 billion to support the improvement of the water storage and distribution network expansion throughout the country. Inadequate budgetary allocations to the service acceleration project Service Coverage Acceleration Project (SCAP 100) under the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and SCAP 100 under the umbrella project of the ministry is one of the projects where the Government intends to ensure that even the townships, villages, and some rural growth areas receive piped water, as well as increase the distribution. Both of these projects have significantly suffered a severe cut of their budgets. SCAP 100 under national water to the extent of receiving only Shs 1 billion out of the Shs 30 billion, when the project was launched in 2019. The committee, therefore, recommends that the Government should provide an additional Shs 35.85 billion for SCAP 100 under the umbrella projects.

16837 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 9 APRIL 2025 On prisoners’ health care support, we recommend allocating Shs 6.5 billion over the medium term to fully equip the new staff. On domestic arrears, we recommend that the Uganda Prisons Service strictly adheres to the commitment control system, and prioritises the clearance of areas before incurring new ones. Vote 135: Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) Mr Speaker, we reviewed these. We looked at the budget performance and expenditures. We recommend that DGAL expedite recruitment clearance processes by the ministries of Internal Affairs and Public Service in the Financial Year 2024/2025. We looked at the Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) performance and the overall budget and made the following recommendations: Shs 0.659 billion, in addition to the current wage bill estimate, be made to DGAL to fill 17 vacant positions at regional laboratories. We also recommend that DGAL accelerates the National Data Bank Infrastructure Project as a standalone project to enhance transparency and accountability in the Financial Year 2025/2026. We looked at the construction of the National Data Bank. We toured that. We recommended that it should be a standalone project for implementing the National Data Bank to facilitate project monitoring and supervision. On the acquisition of motor vehicles, we recommend that Shs 0.973 billion in the Financial Year 2025/2026 should be made available to purchase motor vehicles for regional forensic laboratories. On the operationalisation of DGAL regional laboratories, we recommend that Shs 1 billion in the financial year be made available to construct a regional forensic laboratory in Hoima to operationalise the regional forensic labs over the medium term. On the acquisition of modern scientific equipment, we recommend that Shs 5.4 billion is allocated for modern scientific equipment to enhance forensic services, support justice, and ensure public health and environmental safety in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026. On Vote 139: National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), and this is the last, Mr Speaker. We looked at their budget performance, and the details are there. We recommend that NIRA expedites the recruitment of data processors and the procurement of National Identity materials. On the budget estimate for the Financial Year 2025/2026, the annexure is attached, on the mass enrolment and renewal project. Mr Speaker, we were informed that there would be 6,096,674 new registrations and 5.26669 million identity card renewals in the Financial Year 2025/2026. We already have 16,382,901 blank ID cards that will be procured at a cost of Shs 145.25 billion. Only Shs 24 billion is allocated, leaving a funding gap of Shs 120.72 billion. We therefore recommend that Shs 120.72 billion in the Financial Year 2025/2026 Budget be provided to enable NIRA to complete the mass enrollment exercise before the 2026 general elections. On civil registration services, Mr Speaker, we recommend allocating Shs 11.981 billion to NIRA over the medium term to fully support civil registration and certification services. On the alien registration and alien card issuance. During the Financial Year 2025/2026, the focus will be on registering 30,000 aliens legally residing in Uganda. These individuals will receive alien cards from National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). This activity remains unfunded though and it will require Shs 1.08 billion. We, therefore, recommend that Shs 1.08 billion be provided to NIRA during the Financial Year 2025/2026 to register and issue these aliens with IDs.

Madam Speaker, this motion is moved pursuant to Article 156 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 24 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. It arises out of the need to provide for Government commitments and obligations which include outstanding certificates for the road construction companies, security-related expenditure under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda Police Force, completion of Hoima Stadium, construction of Akii Bua Stadium training facilities, and operational expenses in the preparation for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

16768 THE MORTGAGE REFINANCE INSTITUTIONS BILL, 2024 Vote 115: Uganda Heart Institute – Shs 158.863 million The committee was informed of the available funds from the Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA). BADEA reimbursed funds worth Shs 158.863 million to the Government of Uganda to cater for the Uganda Heart Institute, for the funds utilised in the Financial Year 2023/2024. However, these funds were not appropriated in the budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025, and require a supplementary, for the Uganda Heart Institute to utilise. The committee recommends approval of Shs 158.863 million for Vote 115: Uganda Heart Institute. Vote 013: Ministry of Education and Sports – Shs 97.786 billion The committee was informed that the Ministry of Education and Sports requires Shs 97.786 billion, to be provided as follows: 1. Shs 941 million for wage and operation of the National Library of Uganda, which was transferred from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development during RAPEX; 2. Shs 9 billion towards the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE). On 2 July 2024, UNITE was established as a degree awarding institution for specialised education programmes, for pre-service and in-service...…2 nd July 2024, Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) was established as a degree-awarding institution for specialised education programmes for pre- service and in-service teachers in pre-primary, primary and post-primary education. However, the structure of UNITE had not been approved by the Ministry of Public Service in time for inclusion in the budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025 and therefore, the institution is facing a shortfall of wage, statutory obligations and operational costs; and 3. Shs 87.845 billion for upgrading Nelson Mandela Stadium to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards in preparation for Uganda hosting of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The committee recommends approval of Shs 97.786 billion to Vote 013: Ministry of Education and Sports for those listed items. Vote 166: National Council of Sports – Shs 257.155 billion The committee was informed that the National Council of Sports required Shs 257.155 billion towards the completion of Hoima Stadium, construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, and upgrading of the approved training facilities in preparation for AFCON and operation expenses for hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is a precursor to AFCON. The committee recommends approval of Shs 257.155 billion to Vote 166. Vote 111: National Curriculum Development Centre – Shs 7.132 billion The committee was informed that the National Curriculum Development Centre required Shs 7.132 billion for immediate and interim interventions to implement the A-Level curriculum. The committee recommends approval of Shs 7.132 billion to Vote 111. Vote 015: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives – Shs 1.3 billion The committee was informed that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives required Shs 1.3 billion to support the ministry in ensuring the growth in manufacturing and industrialisation and to support the export growth strategy unit to cater for wages and rent. The committee recommends approval of Shs 1.3 billion to vote 015. SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE SCHEDULE NO.3 FOR FY 2024/2025 [Mr Kateshumbwa]

Honourable member, under item 41, regarding the money going to Hoima Stadium, Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, and others, will it hurt you if you gave us a breakdown of what goes where?

There is Hoima, Akii Bua - we do not want to be used. Then in the final figure, you find just something tiny. At what point can we seek clarification?

That is exactly what I asked; give us the breakdown of what goes to Hoima, Akii Bua - We shall ask when we get to that Vote. We are starting, be attentive with issues of figures.

Madam Speaker, there is a reason I am coming with this background, and I want honourable colleagues to take note of it carefully. If you recall very well, we had another stadium called Hoima City Stadium. Through a supplementary budget again, we gave US$ 39 million in this august House. In the subsequent financial year, there was no provision for us to continue financing this stadium, despite the fact that we needed to have a stadium ready by the 31 st of December this very year. For that matter, Madam Speaker, with consultations with the finance ministry, we were able to use part of the money because we had already signed a contract with Summa Construction Company to construct Hoima from Akii Bua money. I want to confirm that we used that money from Akii Bua Stadium because what we have so far paid to Akii Bua as of now - to confirm what Hon. Odur is asking - we paid the contractor for Akii Bua Shs 47 billion out of the Shs 100 billion. Therefore, with this supplementary, we will be able to pay an additional Shs 57 billion to raise 100 per cent of the budget that was provided before. That gives Akii Bua 100 per cent. Remember, because I want us to go back to the origin of the first project, I have Hoima, which is also part of the project. I have come to ask for money here. First, regarding Akii Bua, I confirm that out of the Shs 100 billion you gave me, I used part of it to pay the first certificates, which we specifically needed and certificate -

Akii Bua is meant to cost us Shs 505 billion and Hoima City Stadium is meant to cost us Shs 510 billion. That is the construction; that is US$ 130 million and US$ 129 million. In terms of shillings, that is the cost of the stadium. When I talk about the facilities, it is not football alone. I talk about multisport. When I talk about multisport, I mean football, athletics, indoor games like basketball, volleyball, netball, futsal, swimming, and then the others are also all embedded in that. That is why, in our plan and our structural drawings of both the Akii Bua and Hoima, we have an outdoor basketball facility, an indoor games facility, and an outdoor swimming pool. In Akii Bua, we were able to provide what we call a hostel, which is equivalent to 60 rooms for the purposes of the team camping in Akii Bua – (Interruption)

He says they borrowed it for Hoima; repurposed it.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. I appreciate that you have indicated that Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium has to be completed, and we are so happy because we need it to be completed. However, when I listened to the honourable minister, we are getting worried because December, which is the timeline he is giving, is so soon and yet they are moving money, which is supposed to be used for Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium to Hoima. When do you hope to complete Akii- Bua Olympic Stadium?

Madam Chairperson, for the record, I signed a contract with the contractor of Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium for 20 months and it is within the time for AFCON 2027. I want that to be clear. What we are only doing - and I thank all of you for always standing with me - is that for purposes of us not defaulting on the contractual obligations we made with the first contractor for Hoima - and Madam Speaker, if you permit, I want to invite the entire august House -

Actually, I was going to invite Members to go and visit Hoima Stadium, which is almost complete. (Mr Oguzu rose_) Next item ? 1. Vote 015: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives - Shs 1 billion; 2. Vote 016: Ministry of Works and Transport - Shs 831,300,000,000; SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE SCHEDULE NO.3 FOR FY 2024/2025

“We”, but because I am a minister in the sector of education, I only wanted to make that - Madam Speaker, before I sit down, allow me to say thank you to the House for always supporting the sports subsector because what AFCON has brought for Uganda is not only going to benefit football. It is benefiting even other sports, which are not football-related. Mine is to thank you, honourable colleagues, that – I call upon you, Madam Speaker, to invite Members to visit some of the facilities that we have worked on. I also invite you to visit Hoima, Akii Bua, and we are going to Gulu, Kyambogo and Lira. All these facilities are going to be worked on. Thank you and you are most welcome. We are open to visits. I thank you.

Mr Speaker, pursuant to Section 24 of the Public Finance Management Act, Cap. 171, which states that the total supplementary expenditure that requires additional resources over and above what is approved by Parliament shall not exceed 3 per cent of the total approved budget for that financial year without approval of Parliament; and whereas funds are expended under subsection (1), supplementary estimates showing the sum spent shall be laid before Parliament within four months after the money is spent, I beg to lay the Supplementary Expenditure Schedule No.3 for the Financial Year 2024/2025, amounting to Shs 4.255 trillion, to cater for Government commitments and obligations, which include the following critical expenditure requirements, among others: 1. The outstanding certificates to road construction companies; 2. Security-related expenditure under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and Uganda Police Force; and 3. Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 related expenditure for completion of Hoima Stadium, construction of Akii-Bua Stadium, training facilities and operational expenses in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations, 2027.

16582 THE CONTRACT FARMING BILL, 2023 Contract farming is a unique arrangement that requires specific legislation, just as public procurement and disposal of public assets are unique and would not fit under the Sales of Goods and Supply of Services Act. We also scrutinised the Tobacco (Control and Marketing) Act. In 2015, tobacco farmers in the districts of Kanungu, Kibale, Kakumiro, and West Nile petitioned Parliament against Continental Tobacco Uganda Limited for failing to pay farmers who supplied tobacco leaves worth Shs 5 billion, which were sold to the company. Instead of paying the farmers, the company technical officers opted to confiscate the contract books from the farmers. The Tobacco (Control and Marketing) Act does not regulate farmers’ relationships with suppliers and contract farming. The Act regulates the supply of seeds just for quality assurance, harvesting, and marketing (sales). It does not deal with the contractual relationship with the seed supplier but rather provides the seeds with quality assurance to be followed while procuring them. The Act and the statutory instrument issued under the same Act gave the Government a big role in ensuring that seeds planted are of given standards. It was easier for the Government to control the value chain. This is no longer the case. The statutory instrument under the same Act does not clarify each party’s obligation to the agreement or address what happens when there are acts of God. It does not further envisage different interests vested in the land and how they may affect the enforcement of sponsorship agreements. The law and regulations do not provide for dispute resolution or the role of local government in settling disputes. The Sugar Act Over the last 10 years, the sugar industry has been expanding production by 20 per cent per annum. The boom has been legitimised through narratives of “Poverty eradication and prosperity for all Ugandans”. Much of the cane supply for this expansion comes from the out- grower farmers who are currently supplying about 50 per cent of the total cane required by the major sugar factories. The out-growers and smallholder farmers to sustain the supply of sugarcanes required financial support and technical expertise to improve their farms to enter commercial farming in the aftermath of state removal from the provision of agricultural services and inputs under the marketing boards and cooperative system. Thus, the sugar corporations end up having contracts with the supplies to provide the farm inputs, as farmers shall supply canes at the time of harvest. However, farmers and buyers have complained about sugarcane overexploitation, corruption, mistreatment, and missed payments, sparking friction between sugarcane out-growers and sugar corporations. Farmers in Hoima, Masindi, Mayuge, and Jinja complained. Whereas the Sugar Act, Cap 242 under section 24 provides for sugar agreements between the out-growers, the smallholder farmers, and -

Honourable members, Section 8 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, highlights the importance of tax Bills in achieving the objective of the Charter for Fiscal Responsibility, and as such, the timeliness of consideration of the Tax Bills by Parliament is very important. Today, we shall exercise our efficiency in the disposal of all the pending Tax Bills, including the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which the committee has not finalised because we cannot hold the budgeting process because we are waiting for the committee yet it is on the same matter. It has only one amendment and we will not wait for that. Is the minister’s Motion seconded? It is seconded by the Deputy Attorney-General, the Government Chief Whip, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Esenu, Hon. Pesh, Hon. Margaret, Honourable Member from Nakasongola, Hon. Mamawi, Hon. Mugisha, Hon. Sarah, Hon. Atima, Hon. Donald, Hon. Milton, Hon. Pasca, Hon. Jessica - When I see you seated yet you know very well — Honourable members, you know what they call the accounting cycle. Hon. Okwir, Dr Aabuka, Hon. Akifeza, Hon. Wokorach, Hon. Gafabusa, Hon. Ogwang, Hon. Phyllis, Hon. Ochwa, Hon. Babungi, queen dancer; Hoima, Hon. Kabanda. Yes, Honourable Minister. One thing that I want to reiterate is what Hon. Sarah Opendi said, that next time, you must have sufficient study on all these rules and because of that, you must be able to give figures in your study to the committee. Yes, honourable chairperson.

15976 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT The CDF, who is one of the supervisors of the General Court Martial, has said that Dr Besigye can only get out of prison in a coffin. He had even arranged to kill him and went ahead to identify a tree in Gulu - and that is why I sympathise with you. Sometimes, these jobs - I think one time we may need – one time, the late Prof. Khiddu Makubuya was asked to offer advice to the President and he said, “ In law, you may or may give no advice ”. That is how he used to talk. “In this case, I choose to give no advice.” That is what he told the President and that is one of the reasons he was eventually sacked. What advice do you give to a person who has made the statements that the CDF has made? Then, the President, who went to Luweero to fight, killing people because he wanted power – (Interjections) - Yes, in Luweero they were not hunting; they were killing. He even speaks about how he was robbing guns from different barracks in Kabamba, Masindi to Hoima. He lights up. The trouble is that you support him but you do not read his books because if you did, you would find all this information. He went to Luweero, killed, robbed banks, including one in Kabale, and then he said he was fighting point number one of the NRM, which is democracy. He has now said that judges do not rule. So, who rules Uganda? Is it the President and his son? That what they say is sacrosanct and even the Attorney-General is wasting his time. So, I would like the Attorney-General to help me understand whether you can advise two military men who have already expressed themselves. Finally, Mr Speaker, the Constitution does not allow Parliament to take any decision whose effect will alter a judgement of the court. In advising these military people who are not listening, the Attorney-General was talking about an amendment. Can he tell us- I listened to Hon. Fox Odoi very carefully and I want to thank him; he said there was nothing to amend. However, the Attorney-General said that they advised him to amend. What are you advising them to amend, Sir? Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I would also like to appreciate the budget committee for presenting a very good report. When he was starting, he said that the Committee on Health made the best report – and that is under my control. You have to clap for me. (Applause) Health is wealth. The objective of the human capital development is to improve population health, safety, management, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. If we are to meet that objective, then the health budget should not be cut. In fact, it should be increased. Since I became the chairperson of the health committee, all Members come to me. They either want drugs, health centres IV, and ambulances. I always give a very big answer, “I will give you.” That is if resources are available (Laughter). The chairman was presenting a report and he talked of the three priorities, but there are more than three priorities. The first one was completing health centres IV, which are incomplete. That was not my submission. We talked of completing uncompleted structures. We have health centres IV, staff houses, dilapidated buildings – they are many. It was completing the uncompleted structures before we can embark on constructing new ones. That was for the structures, which are incomplete, but there are some structures which they have not started on and a budget had been allocated. An example is Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. They made a budget of constructing a maternal and child health (MCH) complex worth Shs 33.6 billion in the financial year 2023/2024. What was released was Shs 1.15 billion, which could not start even a foundation. What happened is, the contractor had to demolish the existing wards – the paediatric

15726 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME Mr Speaker, a multi-sectoral approach is, however, needed to address the social and cultural barriers to enable the Batwa people services and reduce poor health outcomes. 5. Hon. Kiiza Kenneth Nyendwoha (MP, Bujenje County) says that the Hoima- Kinyara-Kafu High Voltage Power Line is a planned electricity transmission line designed to connect the high voltage substation at Kabaale, Buseruka Subcounty, Hoima District, to another high voltage substation at Kafu-Nakasongola District. The power line traverses Kinyara Sugar Works in Masindi District, providing critical infrastructure to enhance power supply. This power line project aims to: i) Connect the region to the Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station (600 MW) through the substation at Kafu, improving grid reliability in the western region; ii) According to him, is to support co- generation at Kinyara Sugar Works, increasing energy production from 14 MW to 45 MW; iii) Evacuate power from Hoima’s oil fields, including the proposed 100-megawatt natural gas-fired Nzizi Thermal Power Station, and iv) Supply power to the Hoima metropoles, including the Uganda oil refinery, the Kabaale-Hoima International Airport, Hoima City, and the Uganda terminus of the East African crude oil pipeline. His prayer is that the Hoima-Kinyara-Kafu 220 KV High Voltage Power Line was initiated to significantly enhance the electricity supply in Uganda’s western region and support critical infrastructure projects in the oil and energy sectors. However, the project, according to the Member, remains incomplete despite the strategic objectives outlined above. Could I provide clarity on the reasons for these delays and share an updated timeline for when the project will be completed? Mr Speaker, my response is: The project developer is Dott Services, who is currently undertaking the feasibility study for the transmission line and its associated substations that is at 95 per cent complete. A draft report was submitted in May 2023, followed by a revised version on 15 March 2024. The revised study is under review by the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company to ensure it meets the required technical and financial benchmarks. This review process is critical to confirming the viability and alignment of the project with the national energy goals. In parallel, the project is undergoing appraisal under the Public Investment Management System and is currently at the pre-feasibility stage. This appraisal aims to ensure the project aligns with the national investment priorities and delivers value for money, a key consideration for infrastructure projects of this magnitude. The delays in the project implementation are attributed to these ongoing negotiations and feasibility study and reviews. The Government remains fully committed to addressing these challenges and accelerating the implementation of this critical infrastructure to enhance electricity access. Question six came from Hon. Dr Ayume, Member of Parliament for Koboko Municipality. He said that in 2023, the Uganda Organ Donation and Transplant Act, 2023 was enacted, and that there is currently a backlog of over 100 patients who need kidney transplant services. According to him, Mulago Hospital has the capacity for kidney transport while Lubaga Hospital for liver transplant services. The only limitation is the appointment and operationalisation of the Organ Transplant Council. His question is: when will Government constitute and operationalise the Council in order to save lives and limit medical tourism, especially for those who cannot travel abroad for transplant services?

15739 THE E L E V E N TH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY , 23 JANUARY 2025 problem; I have shared with my brother, Hon. Musasizi and even my younger brother, the minister of state, I have shared it with. When this list of supplementary came out, I was expecting to be surprised with a provision for procurement of a road equipment for Hoima City. Mr Speaker and Rt Hon. Prime Minister, I want to know today from the powers that be: Is there any intention of procuring road equipment for the 10 cities because the problem is not only for Hoima - ? (Member timed out.)

Thank you. Recently, we signed a contract with Tecnovia Company to tarmac a road from Lusalira- Kasambya-Nkonge-Sembabule, where Kabamba is and we are very grateful for that, as the people of Mubende. (Applause) As we talk now - I know most of you will be coming to Mubende – you will see the road from Mityana up to Kasambya is under reconstruction by Energo Company Limited. (Applause) The road from Mubende, Kakumiro up to Hoima was tarmacked by the NRM Government. You can cross from Gulu, go to Masindi, go to Hoima, and come up to Mubende without passing through Kampala. The Government is now going to work on a road that I have just mentioned. So, you will be able to connect from all parts of the country through Mubende without driving on a murram road. That is a contribution by the National Resistance Movement. Lastly, Mr Speaker, I want to join the minister and the Government in inviting you to Mubende on Sunday, the 26 th of January. Come and sleep there so that our hotels can get visitors. Come and eat our food - (Member timed out.)

We can go to Page 20 of the report, which is on the general observations on the status of abattoirs. We start with functionality and suitability of the infrastructure. I am not going to read everything; I will just summarise. The committee established that there are no standard designs of abattoirs/slaughterhouses in the country. It was noted that most of the local governments construct poorly designed infrastructure which do not meet the basic public health requirements, which compromises hygiene and sanitary conditions. All the facilities visited had variations – some were old, some new, some moderate, and some small. Only 12 (63 per cent) of the 19 facilities visited had standing structures - Masaka, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Masindi, Hoima, Jinja, Iganga, Mbale, Lira, Soroti, City Abattoir and Kalerwe. With the exception of the new facility in Hoima, the rest of the structures were in poor condition manifested by the poor wall conditions, poor roofs and floors, and lacking tiles and terrazzo.

15677 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 22 JANUARY 2025 Slaughterhouses can, therefore, impact public health and environmental health. During the oversight, the committee observed that some facilities had lagoons into which they disposed of the wastewater. That is Lira, Masaka, Mbarara, and Masaka pig slaughter facilities, Fort Portal, Iganga and Mukono. Others such as the City Abattoir and Kalerwe did not have a natural lagoon, hence disposing their liquid waste into Nakivubo Channel and Kalerwe swamps, respectively. The cases of Kalerwe, Masindi, Masaka and Hoima were worse because the drainage had stagnated. The drainage areas were visibly very dirty and stained with black material. The Masindi Municipal abattoir drainage was blocked; therefore, all liquid waste had stagnated. The stagnated waste and water emits a bad smell and is also a breeding area for maggots, which were evident, and a constant presence of houseflies. Recommendations (i) The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) should come up with dedicated standards for waste management for the different levels of slaughterhouses. (ii) All the facilities should have functional incinerators for the destruction of both animals and carcasses unfit for human consumption. (iii) The operators of the slaughterhouses should invest in value addition so that they add value to some of the by-products like animal hides, skins, and milk. This will facilitate sustainable utilisation of slaughterhouse waste and the challenge of solid and effluent waste management will be managed. This can take the form of processing solid waste such as cow dung into farm manure and others such as inedible carcasses for fish ponds, while the blood can commercially be processed into chicken feeds. (iv) District, city, and municipal authorities should provide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to guide the personnel on the dos and don’ts of waste disposal and handling of liquid and solid waste from abattoirs. (v) NEMA should constantly conduct environmental impact assessments before construction and develop sustainable practices that minimise habitat disruption. Environmental concerns The committee notes that Section 9 of the National Environment Act (NEA), Cap 181 stipulates NEMA as the principal agency in Uganda for regulating, monitoring, supervising, and coordinating all activities relating to the environment. Specifically, the establishment of abattoirs is regulated by the Authority under Section 113, Schedule 5(7)(f) of the NEA, which provides for activities and slaughterhouses to undertake an Environmental and Social Impact assessment (ESIA) before the commencement of their activities. Therefore, NEMA has a key role to play in ensuring that abattoirs operate in a healthy environment and that they do not negatively impact the environment. The committee was informed that as of September 2024, only 21 abattoirs in different locations had conducted and submitted to the Authority, ESIAs for consideration of decision. The ESIAs identify potential significant environmental and social impacts of abattoirs/ slaughterhouses and how these impacts can be mitigated to prevent or minimise harm to the environment. Recommendations i) NEMA and local authorities such as District, City, and Municipal Health and Environmental Offices should conduct constant monitoring and supervision to ensure that all guidelines concerning

2 TERMSOFREFERENCE: The General objective of the oversight was to assess the general status of abattoirs/ slaughter houses in the country. The Specifrc Objectives included: i. To assess the functionality and suitability of the facilities, infrastructure. ii. To establish functionality of utilities (water, electricity, sanitary facilities). iii. To establish the functionality of the waste management and disposal processes; level of sanitation and hygiene, waste disposal and management. iv. To assess the availability and competences of the human resources. v. To determine the availability and compliance to the legal and regulatory provisions. vi. To establish the quality assurance processes followed by abattoirs 3 METHODOLOGY: In execution of the Instruction, the Committee; a! Constituted regional teams. b! Developed a structured observation checklist that was used to obtain information about key parameters in the selected abattoirs/ slaughter houses. cl Conducted oversight visits to slaughter facilities in selected districts and cities that included; Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Mbale, Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Mbarara, Masaka, Fort portal, Hoima, Masindi and Kampala. dl held meetings with stakeholders such as District, Municipal and City Veterinary Officers, facility owners, traders and workers to obtain detailed information about the operations of the slaughter facilities. el Held meetings at Parliament with: i. Ministry of Water and Environment ii. Ministry of Health Rg

lv more suitdble and stdnd.drd. abattoir should be built to meet internatlonal standards of expot t. Jor Kannpala, KCCA should proulde tenders to operate and rnaintain the rrbrrttoirs and not onlg limit them to reuenue collectlon to enable mrrlntend.rl.ce of the factlities. 5.13GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE STATUS OF ABATTOIRS: 6,13.1 Functionalityandsuitabilityofthe Infrastructure: The Committee established that there are no standard designs of abattoirs/ slaughter houses in the country. It was noted that most local governments construct poorly designed infrastructure which do not meet the basic public health requirements which compromise the hygiene and sanitary conditions of the facilities. AII the facilities visited had variations; some old, some new, some moderate and some small. The facilities are either owned by government, privately owned or tendered out. Most of the facilities visited slaughter at least 10 to 30 cattle and about 10 to 15 goats per day. Taken together, the number of animals handled by the facilities selected in the five regions fall in the category of small size abattoirs which sit on an average of 1-2 acres of iand and handle up to 30,000 animal units per year. Only 12 (63%) of the 19 facilities visited had standing structures; (Masaka, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Masindi, Hoima, Jinja, Iganga, Mbale, Lira, Soroti, City abattoir and Kalerwe). With exception of the new facility in Hoima, the rest of the structures were in a poor condition manifested by poor wall conditions, poor roofs, floors and lacking tiles and terrazzo. Al1 the facilities had slaughter spaces, however, with the exception of the new facility in Hoima City, the slaughter as for all other facilities were 20 NFJ

Lira and Mbale destroyed solid waste and condemned parts by burning, causing unnecessary environmental pollution. 6.15Lagoons The slaughtering process involves bleeding, skinning, dressing/ evisceration and post mortem inspection. At this stage blood, urine, fecal matter and other secrehons are produced. Inadequate sanitary and hygiene conditions can lead to direct meat contamination but further expose the workers to various diseases and antibiotics resistant strains of bacteria. Improper waste disposal and non-compliant effluent discharge can further result in water and air pollution and water borne diseases. Slaughter houses can therefore impact public health and environmental health. During the oversight, the Committee observed that some facilities had lagoons into which they disposed the wastewater (Lira, Masaka, Mbarara, Masaka Pig slaughter facility, Fort Portal, Iganga and Mukono). Others such as the City Abattoir and Kalerwe did not have a natural lagoon, hence disposing their liquid waste into Nakivubo channel and Kalerwe swamps respectively. The cases of Kalerwe, Masindi, Masaka and Hoima were worse because the drainage had stagnated. The drainage areas were visible very dirty and stained with black material. The Masindi Municipal abattoir drainage was blocked therefore all liquid waste had stagnated. The stagnated waste and water emits a bad smell ald is also a breeding area for maggots, which were evident and constant presence of houseflies. @ 26 FRr"

,Annex 2: Summary of the status of the abattoirs visited s/N ParaEeter Findiugs 1 Premises/ struct urc (Availability of facilities such as shade, dressing area, holding area, floor) Only 12 of 163%f of the 19 facilities had standing structures. However, with exception of the new facility in Hoima, the rest of the structures were in a poor condition manifested by poor wall conditions, poor roofs, floors and lacking tiles and terrazzo. a 2 Slaughter Area a A11 the facilities had slaughter spaces. However, with the exception of the new facility in Hoima City, the slaughter areas for all other facilities were below the standards of a modern abattoir. Taken together, there were only 4 (21%l facilities with identiiiable slaughter spaces, namely Masaka and Mbarara (Centeral and Western Uganda), Jinja and Iganga (Eastern Uganda) City abattoir in Kampala. However, the slaughter spaces were very small, lack of concrete and hard slabs. 2 Level sanitation hygiene of and a The major sanitation facilify was VIP latrines. Out of the 19 facilities visited, only 9 (47%) had VIP latrines. However, the conditions of the Iatrines were poor, manifested by lack water supply, dilapidated structures, smelly and many lacked demarcations for the male and female staff. 4 Waste Disposal and management a With exception of the new Facility in Hoima City, no facility had an established waste disposal and management system. Very few facilities had

I incinerators to destroy condemned internal body organs, carcass and condemned animals, unfit for human consumption. Some facilities like Masaka City Abattoir cow- dung is disposed on the open ground but fortunately, constantly picked by farmers for processing manure for banana plantations. The use of cow-dung by farmers is arguably, the most sustainable means of disposing it off and reducing the magnitude of the problem. 5 Drainage a Only 3 (16%) of the facilities had drainage syste ms. Some of the facilities which had drainage system and lagoons to whrch liquid waste was disposed include Masaka City Abattoir, Mbarara City Modern Abattoir, Jinja City abattoir, The Pork Master Ricks in Masaka. The drainage systems for other facilities were in a poor status and some. Facilities such as Masaka City Abattoir, Hoima, Masindi Kalerwe had a full and stagnated lagoon, which caused uncomfortable smell. 6 Water supply and availability a a Only 5 (260lo) had running (tap) water, connected to the UNWSC. The rest such as the Masaka Pig slaughter space, Hoima City Abattoir depend on water ferried using jericans. Some of the facilities with water connections reported intermittent connection and breakdowns. For instance, in Masaka City

Okay. The industrial courts, LDC interventions that contribute to justice service delivery, court-related forensic analysis interventions, LC courts, DPP interventions that contribute to justice service delivery are more directly related to the administration of justice programme. Therefore, the committee recommends that all the interventions currently under the governance and security programme that relate to the enhancement of equitable access to justice for social economic development and the strengthening of justice service delivery systems should be transferred to the administration of justice programme. It is an issue of alignment of the 18 programmes, as highlighted above. Regionally balanced development The committee observes that although commendable progress has been registered in reducing poverty, regional disparities have, however, remained and increased vulnerabilities across regions. The chairman had mentioned it, so, I will not read it. The committee recommends that the Government prioritises the development and implementation of regional development plans, including comprehensive regional physical plans, to ensure balanced economic growth, equitable service delivery, and equitable resource distribution. I would have asked for an investment map, but the committee did not allow. Promotion of games and sports The committee observes that the National Development Plan (NDP) IV provides for several interventions for promoting games and sports but does not provide interventions relating to physical exercises for health reasons, amateur sports for mass participation and professional sports for commercial benefit. In addition, the committee observes that the NDP IV high-impact projects focuses only on the establishment of four regional sports stadia and 14 district sports grounds in the traditional sub-regions of Uganda. These do include international and national stadia. Further, the committee observes that the desired high-level programme results by the year 2029- 2030 provide insufficient information in regard to niche sports rankings. This hinders the effective monitoring of the high-level program results. Therefore, the committee recommends two interventions. a. That the NDP IV is amended to incorporate interventions for physical exercises for health reasons, amateur sports for mass participation and professional sports for commercial benefit. b. NDP IV high-impact projects should be amended to include three international stadia, Namboole, Hoima, and Akii- Bua, 10 KCCA artificial surface grounds (Rubaga, Kawempe, Makindye, Nakawa and Central Divisions) and 15 national stadia (Arua, Moroto, Soroti, Mbale, Tororo, Iganga, Jinja, Lugazi, Luwero, Masaka, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Kabale, Kasese and Fort Portal. Railway master plan The committee observed that the NDP IV mentions that in order to lower the cost of doing business, the focus will be on improving the transport infrastructure. However, the NDP IV is silent on the need to develop a railway

15305 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2024 Therefore, we are still moving with debts. Despite this, we have been able to complete our calendar with the national rally championship which ended in Hoima last weekend. We also finished our motocross championship the weekend before in Mityana. That was the fourth round. We have done our Go-Kart Championship. We still have some pending events. There is one more round of the Enduro Championship. There is a motorsport sprint on boxing day which is the last sprint and it is a very big event for any members who might be around Kampala on boxing day. Get yourself to Busika and enjoy some of the high-octane motorsports. We have one autocross left, which is going to be in Mbarara. There is also an international event which is the Central Africa Championship, where Uganda is defending the Central African Championship, which is going to be held in December in Mombasa. With these pending events, I am really appealing to you, Madam Speaker, that finance meet their obligations, because when you look at some of our young athletes, they put in a lot of effort. They have really trained and prepared themselves for these events. Of course, many go through a lot of injuries, others are recovering from injuries, as motorsport is not a very simple, gentle sport. However, they represented Uganda very well. In Morocco, the team which was there was well-respected, even though, as a team, we had to disassemble our bikes completely. Most teams went with their bikes partly assembled, but to save on cost and space, we completely disassembled. When we arrived there, the bikes were also delayed; on arrival, we were putting them together on the race day. Many of the teams were shocked, but we had a lot of support from other teams and the mechanics also came and helped us put our bikes together. On the track, I want to really congratulate the young people. They did not disappoint. They really held our flag up high and they represented Uganda very well. (Applause) In the future of motorsports, I request that the support is timely and we continue to build this sport. We are going to endeavour next year to get the championship. I also would like to point out that because finance have often declared that they have supported us with a lot of money, it is very hard to do anything because people assume that the federation has money. We have got all sorts of people crawling around looking for that money not knowing that we are struggling just to get our calendar complete. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity and I thank you for allowing us and these young people to join the House in our official motocross jerseys. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There was a question from Hon. Milton, that I should give the status of the industrial park. He is talking about the land in Iganga. The land that the former Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Dr Ruhakana Rugunda had started negotiating about with the people of Iganga, is available. However, the challenge was that we did not have money to acquire that land. To that extent, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda guided that we must go to areas where people can make local government land in their districts available free of charge. Madam Speaker, I would like to report that when we wrote to the local governments - I personally did land mobilisation - we were able to get land in 28 locations in the 18 zones of Uganda. I thank the Member of Parliament for Masaka because I was looking at a nationalistic character, regardless of the political party - I reached out to the former Leader of the Opposition, and he made land available in Masaka. I assure him that we will develop that land. Hon. Pius said that in Hoima District, land has been available but there are Government officials who are - Hon. Pius, if you can just tell us those Government officials who are - you can even come and tell me in secret; you might be fearing - I will read their names out. (Laughter ) I need to know who in Government is taking this land. In Hoima, the truth of the matter is that it is an oil region; we want to develop that industrial park. Hon. Ibanda, the Fort Portal Municipality land - we have land in Kabarole, and it is for the Fort Portal region. However, it has wrangles between the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Uganda Investment Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, especially the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). We have been wanting to solve the issue. I reached out to my senior colleague, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze and we are working on how to get the case out of court because the former Member of Parliament dragged us to court and we want to resolve that matter. Now the matter is in the hands of the Attorney-General who is here. Hon. Moses Aleper said that the Uganda Investment Authority has spent a lot of money

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mine is somehow related. On the expansion of the Busunju to Hoima Road, some people gave in their land titles but for eight years, the titles have never been brought back. So, we are asking when the Uganda National Roads Authority will return the land titles, if, in any case, they are still safe. Thank you.

Last month, the two ships were lowered. Unfortunately, because Government owes contractors a lot of money, Terrain Services that was constructing the dock has withdrawn because they have not been paid their balance of Shs 2.9 billion. They cannot complete the work yet His Excellency the President is supposed to go and commission these ferries in November, on his tour to the Eastern side. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, can you use your powers to direct the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to release this money such that it is not an embarrassment to Government, such that the contractor goes back on site and completes this project properly? Finally, again I want to thank the Government for starting the students’ loan scheme under the Higher Education Student Financing Board. This is a list of the students who have been provided for, for this loan scheme. The unfortunate part is - when we adopted the report of the Committee on Public Accounts (Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises - COSASE) we realised there was unfairness in the distribution. This thing was supposed to be on a quarterly basis. However, it is surprising that there are districts that have been given 65 slots and others one. We do not know where this unfairness is coming from. I can see in: i) Karenga, only one person; ii) Kapelebyong, four; iii) Lira, they are 25; iv) Mbarara, 36; v) Ntungamo is 75; vi) Wakiso, 75; vii) Amudat, three; viii) Amuria, six; ix) Buliisa, three; x) Bushenyi, 39; xi) Busia, 58; xii) Buvuma, three; xiii) Serere, eight, and xiv) Hoima, 21. Last time we said, let us be the last. I have a list for all these districts. This is very unfair because this was intended to harmonise and bring equity. When you look at where the Executive Director comes from, there are 58. Why? That was the same problem in our COSASE report. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, before they report, call these people to order and let this thing be equitably distributed on a quarterly basis. The population census has just been released today. You will get to know the population. Even where the honourable minister comes from, they are very few. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, we beg you. There is even a student from Kasilo who got 16 in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). He is admitted to Mbarara University. He applied for engineering and he was left out. We want to request you to take action. Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, as you are all aware, the old Karuma Bridge was constructed in the early 50s. We are trying to rehabilitate it so that its lifespan can extend, as we put a new one, financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Due to that rehabilitation or repair, the Government stopped vehicles from using that bridge. So, there are alternative roads: i. Through Hoima-Buliisa-Para up to Pakwach; and ii. Through Murchison Falls National Park. He talked of a very complicated name – Kiko -

Thank you. Honourable colleagues, this is what I got. When I was in Hoima for Princess’ thanksgiving and then when I also went to Jonam for the burial of Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho’s dear wife, the issue of silverfish came up strongly and it seems the public had gotten it that there is a blanket ban; totally no fishing of silverfish. I do not know how that was communicated, but in the minister’s statement, she says that they only stopped the “hurry-up” fishing method; I am told these are terminologies of the fishing community. She has also said that silverfish are allowed only during the dark phase of the moon; that is 15 days per month. That is all I knew. I think that is how they have been getting it - and in only waters more than two kilometres from the shoreline. Honourable colleagues, let us meet this Thursday in the conference room at 11 a.m. between the minister, the Commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit and the Members of Parliament from the fishing community, okay? (Applause) We first go - and the representatives of the fishing - I think they have associations, groups, or a forum and we first really go deeper into this issue and we see what the minister is saying here because now it is going to be the minister’s word against - number two, there is a commander who does not have access here. We will disparage her and do what, yet she cannot enter this Parliament to defend herself. We will report to this House what we shall have discussed. The honourable minister, Balaam Baruhagara had wanted to say something - then I will just pick a few people.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to join my colleagues in appreciating the good job done by this committee, Hon. Kivumbi and the team, for producing a very detailed and informative report. My attention is drawn to the utilisation of warrants. Table 3 on page 20 gives us an insight into how the money released by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development was utilised by the regional referral hospitals. Out of a total of Shs 545 billion only 95 per cent was used, that is Shs 517 billion, leaving a total of Shs 27.2 billion unutilised. This is a colossal amount of money, and I note that the cause of the underutilisation is multi-dimensional. So many dimensions come in to inform this kind of problem. One of the major ones, especially which we are suffering with in Hoima, is the lack of enough budget provisions to accomplish established projects. At Hoima Regional Hospital, we began a project where the Ministry of Health put aside Shs 1.15 billion to construct the Maternal and Child Health Care project. The initial plan was for it to accommodate 120 patients in total. Later on, the Ministry of Health changed the design, and the project is now supposed to accommodate 250 people. This also has implications for the budget provisions because it meant that the foundation had to be changed. The Shs 1.15 billion is sitting in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs for the whole year because the foundation design was changed and now needs Shs 3.5 billion. This money is not there in the budget. It is not even among the unfunded priorities. We are there with a big referral hospital with a huge catchment area but suffering because of this kind of imbalance. I would like to urge the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Ministry of Health to, at least for the first time, rise to the occasion and ensure that the maternal and child health care project or complex, which they were supposed to construct at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital – this hospital is just in the centre of my constituency. I would pray that the two ministries come to our aid and handle this project as quickly as possible. Otherwise, I want to thank the committee for a job well done. I beg to move.

14469 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2024 for police escort cars. Honourable colleagues, note this. The accounting officer acknowledged the query and attributed it to budget constraints and also numerous requests for police escort cars from Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and parastatals. The accounting officer also stated that some vehicles were given to some politicians, leading to a strain on a limited number of police vehicles. Therefore, the committee recommends that all police patrol cars being used illegally by non-entitled officers and individuals should be immediately withdrawn. Therefore, whoever has police vehicles not entitled to them, you should return them, such that they serve the people of this country. Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues, on assessment of management of the Closed- Circuit Television (CCTVs), I request that you read that. Police also have a challenge of accumulation of domestic arrears. I will briefly go through that. A trend analysis of the domestic arrears position of the Uganda Police Force over the past five years has shown a decreasing trend in domestic arrears. However, in the year under review, the Financial Year 2022/2023, domestic arrears increased from Shs 77.3 billion to Shs 98.81 billion, as shown in the table. Honourable colleagues, the committee recommends that: i. The Government should provide money for offsetting the accumulated arrears, so that we do not frustrate the people who give services to the Government. 3.0 The Uganda Prisons Service Forces - Vote 145 Uganda Prisons also received a budget of Shs 340 billion that is 98 per cent of release of that budget. You will read that. Congestion in prisons Mr Speaker, Strategic Objective 1 of the Uganda Prisons Strategic Development Plan 2020- 2025 aims to provide safe, secure and humane custodial services for transforming prisoners into economically productive citizens. This was to be achieved by building more prisons to decongest the existing ones and reduce the occupancy capacity from the baseline of 293 per cent to 286 per cent. The Auditor-General reported that despite strategic interventions of building additional prison wards at Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Nwoya, Kitalya, Sheema, Mutufu, Kyenjojo and Sironko Prisons, congestion in prisons remained a big challenge with prisoners’ housing only increasing by 1 per cent over the same period of assessment. Mr Speaker, the most affected prisons noted were: Isingiro, which had a population of 377 prisoners against a holding capacity of 47; Yumbe Prison which had 192 prisoners against a holding capacity of 25; Hoima Main Prison had 494 prisoners against a holding capacity of 80; Kibale Prison with a holding capacity of 30 had 184 prisoners and Fort Portal Main Prison, which had 1,770 prisoners, with a holding capacity of 309 prisoners. There is congestion in prisons, honourable colleagues. Therefore, the accounting officer attributed the congestion in prisons to high prisoner population, with a growth rate of 8 per cent per annum, compared to 3 per cent growth in holding capacity. Therefore, the growth rate of prisoners is so high at 8 per cent; we should note that. Therefore, the committee recommends that: i. The Government should provide adequate capital development to Uganda Prisons Services to enable the implementation of their decongestion strategies –

14366 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT House to recall that sometime last year, the Kafu Bridge on the Hoima Kampala Road over flooded. Actually, it necessitated us to change route and take the Masindi route up to Hoima. When you summoned the Minister of Works and Transport, he stood here and promised that after the rains stopped, the Ministry of Works and Transport would engage whoever was necessary and whatever was needed to ensure that they do constructive work on the bridge. Many dry seasons have come, Mr Speaker, and the ministry is nowhere. If you passed there today, the water is dangerously rising and it is being worsened by the traffic diversion on the Gulu-Kampala Road because of the Karuma Bridge; all the heavy traffic now has gone to Hoima. It is dangerous. I am here with my prayers: i. That the minister explains to us why he did not live up to his word when he stood here on the Floor and told Members what he was going to do when the rains subsided. ii. The honourable Minister of Works and Transport is among the most disciplined ministers we have. Why would he lie to the House? What programmes does he have? I thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am happy with my honourable sister who has agreed that I am disciplined; and disciplined people do not tell lies. Kafu is a very big river. It rotates from the Nakasongola side. It goes through Masindi up to the border of Kiboga and Hoima. Her issue is quite different from the one I mentioned on the Floor yesterday but one. She has been on our neck and we are happy that we have been updating what has been going on. Currently, we have added an addendum to the contractor who is on the Busunju-Hoima Road to work on the Kafu Swamp. I must inform you that your official letter informing you of this is on the way. It will come tomorrow. We have already instructed him to take up that matter, as we look for the money to work on the other hand, which cuts from the Nakasongola side. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I will interest myself in the report of the Committee on Education and Sports. Thank you, my brother, from Hoima for informing the House about the schools in Terego. I come from Terego where you will find over 500 pupils in one class, pupils studying under trees and the schools are in dire need of renovation; these are traditional schools. The secondary schools of Ombatini, Aripea, and Aria need renovation. One of the hardest things to discuss in this House is education because Members themselves own schools and so, it becomes very difficult to come up with policies that can work for this country; even the Minister himself. It makes it very difficult to debate issues that can bring government schools to a level where they can compete favourably. The traditional schools of this country are no longer attractive to the parents and the students and are, therefore, abandoned.

14414 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT hospitals is the charge being placed on basic medical services that could ideally be so critical in diagnosing diseases; the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), other equipment and the scanners. They now charge everything to be accessed. This increase in NTR is basically because basic accessible medical equipment in all hospitals, today, is charged and that is a key point. It is not a positive on that note. People should not cheer up that NTR is in hospitals where you are charged when you want an x-ray, MRI and whatever equipment; those who cannot afford it, know what happens. NTR transfers to the Treasury The Auditor-General noted that two entities, including Uganda Blood Transmission Services and Moroto Regional Referral, did not transfer their NTR to the Treasury. On the other hand, only six entities, including Mbale, Jinja, Gulu, Hoima, Kawempe, Soroti regional hospitals and the Uganda Cancer Institute transferred all their collected NTR to the Treasury. The committee observed that underperformance in NTR negatively affects the implementation of planned activities. The committee further noted that accounting officers who did not meet their budgeted NTR targets or budget for NTR at all contravened Instruction 4.10.2 of the Treasury Instructions, 207. Further, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development failed to provide proper revenue targets to some regional referral hospitals. In other instances, low NTR targets were set ignoring other revenue sources like hospital private wings. Committee recommendation 1. NTR targets should be set in consultation with both the accounting officers and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to enable realistic NTR budgeting; 2. The accounting officers should institute mechanisms to ensure that all billed NTR is fully collected during the period in which it relates; 3. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should always make prompt responses to requests for NTR revision by entities; and 4. The accounting officers should consider all their NTR sources at NTR budgeting to avoid cases of NTR under collection. Performance of Government Warrants The Auditor-General reported that the Government had allocated a total budget of Shs 558.107 billion to 19 regional referral hospitals and five specialised health institutions, out of which Shs 584.681 billion was warranted, which is 98.31 per cent, implying a shortfall of Shs 9.426 billion, which is only two per cent. The detailed breakdown of this figure per hospital is under Table 2 of the main report. The committee noted that 16 entities received less than their budget. These include Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Mulago National Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda Heart Institute, Kiruddu, Butabika, Masaka, Entebbe, Mbale, Naguru, Jinja, Mubende, Kabale, Mbarara, Gulu, Lira and Moroto Regional Referrals. The committee observed that revenue shortfalls inhibited the effective implementation of the entity’s planned activities and thus affecting service delivery. Revenue shortfalls further place spending pressures on entities, which promotes diversion and mischarge of funds. The committee recommends that the Government should always fully release funds as approved and in a timely manner to all referral hospitals. Utilisation of warrants Many accounting officers attributed their underutilisation of resources - where we put ACT - you go to the main report - to late releases of resources from the ministry for

Thank you, honourable minister, for giving way. Mr Speaker, last year, Kafu Bridge was washed away by floods. The honourable Minister of Works and Transport came here and told Parliament that works will commence this early January. With oil and gas at its highest peak in the country, Kampala-Hoima Road is the main route to the Albertine Graben and most of the heavy trucks are using that bridge. I would like the honourable minister to also clarify when the Kafu Bridge construction works are going to start. I submit.

No. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The President of the Republic of Uganda sent me and my senior to go and pay our condolences to the family of the late Kiplagat, who was murdered by the thugs. I delivered Shs 20 million to that family. Mr Speaker, the following issues have come up: First of all, the budget for sports. Mr Speaker, I thank you and our sister Rt Hon. Anita Among, and the Members of Parliament. Truth be told, finally, the investment is coming into the sports subsector, which is beginning to get us the outcomes in terms of performance. What awaits us - I also want to confirm that the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) BID 2027 is giving us to construct a certain level of infrastructure which is not one-sport, but multi-sport. Let us thank the Rt Hon. Speaker in Chair. (Applause) I know the debate where we have been discussing this. Some people want us to construct some of these facilities for one specific discipline, which I say no to. For instance, I expected the Woman Member of Parliament of Hoima here to say, with due respect, the first stadium going to be constructed by the NRM government is in Hoima and the construction is going on. She is here; she can either deny or confirm -

This stadium is a multi-sports stadium. In our mapping of Uganda, we have defined this country in various disciplines. Hoima is a centre we have selected to host the National Sports Academy, which is meant to be for talent development across the country. (Applause) Therefore, when my colleague, the shadow minister, spoke about academies - I was with him in France where we met some of the serious investors who want to come and invest. I invited him to that meeting because I know he is a colleague in sports. My Leader of the Opposition (LOP), that is how we work in the sports sector. He was part of the meeting and I want to confirm that there are serious people who want to come and help us invest in the sports academy, so that helps us a lot in terms of work. The other one is that while in Bukwo, there has been a question of what to name after our daughter. It is true I have got this from here. It is true I have the Head of State and the Cabinet. It is also true I have my senior minister. The people of Bukwo requested that the field in Amanang Senior Secondary School, where people paid their last respects to this dear daughter of ours, be named after her. I would like to pledge that as the Minister of Education and Sports and the National Council of Sports, we will work within our means to improve, first of all, that facility, which will help our children in Bukwo to continue running and training. Then, the question of giving a big place to be named after her can be handled. The last one, Mr Speaker, is one of the two things which Hon. Aza mentioned here. First of all, I want to allay his fears that his daughter is safe because the Government of Uganda sponsors these children to go to international competitions. I congratulate you that your daughter has been identified through talent identification and development in line with what the honourable Woman Member of Kyegegwa raised here. I do not concentrate on Sebei. I have been asking a question to all of us. Why should it only be the Sabiny who go and represent Uganda? What is our role as leaders in the promotion of sports where we come from? The Sabiny have agreed and accepted that this is a business. The Government has appreciated their efforts by constructing a national high- altitude training centre. In Kyegegwa, it is true - I accepted to come to Kyegegwa and I will come because I go to every part of Uganda.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am called Dr Joseph Ryonga, representing people of the Hoima West in Hoima City. I am the Chairperson Committee on Health. Greetings from Bunyoro. They request that the next sitting be held in the beautiful Hoima Oil City. Thank you.

13965 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 AUGUST 2024 for coming in late because of other duties. I was in Hoima this morning. Mr Speaker, Uganda sent a total of 25 athletes to the 33 rd Olympic Games in Paris, France from 26 th July - 11 August 2024, comprising 21 athletic teams, one rower, one cyclist, and two swimmers. Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues, Uganda celebrated its 12 th and 13 th medals in the 10,000 meters and 3,000 meters Women’s steeplechase final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games that remains one of the golden moments for Uganda. Mr Speaker, Uganda finished 55 th out of 206 countries that participated in the Olympic Games, and in Africa, Uganda is ranked sixth after Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Algeria, and Egypt. Out of the 206 countries that participated in the Olympic Games 2024, only 84 countries got medals. Uganda’s individual athletes performed exceedingly well, registering season best, personal best and setting national records which should be appreciated because many reached semi and finals of their competitions, which was an invaluable experience that will be important in the preparations for the next Olympic Games to be hosted in Los Angeles in the United States of America. Honourable colleagues, Joshua Cheptegei reinstated himself as Uganda’s greatest sportsman of all time, winning 10,000 metres gold medal and setting new Olympics gold record. He is now the world record holder with 26.43.1.4 microseconds and Peruth Chemutai won a silver medal but also registered a personal best and a national record after crossing the line with 8.53.34. (Applause) Peruth Chemutai has become the third Ugandan to win medals at the 2024 Olympic Games, and the second Ugandan to win gold and silver at the second edition of the World’s biggest games. She is the first and only Ugandan woman so far in the history of the Olympics to win medals. (Applause) The composition of Uganda’s team is as follows; Athletics: Women 1. Halima Nakaayi - 800m 2. Winnie Nanyondo - 1500m 3. Peruth Chemutai - 3000m 4. Joy Cheptoyet - 5000m 5. Esther Chebet - 5000m 6. Belinda Chemutai - 5000m 7. Sarah Chelangat - 10,000m 8. Annet Chemengich Chelangat - 10,000m 9. Rebecca Cheptegei - Marathon 10. Stella Chesang - Marathon 11. Mercyline Chelangat - Marathon Honourable colleagues, I request that we clap for our daughters. (Applause )

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. In Kyankwanzi, two roads were worked on by UNRA but they were not completed and UNRA moved away. They did not install culverts on these roads. When it rains heavily, water floods all over the roads; these are the Bukwiri-Kyankwanzi and Bukwiri-Ntwetwe. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, I called the manager of UNRA in Hoima to come and install culverts in Bukwiri, Kyankwanzi, since the culverts are along the round, but he did come. My question is, why can’t UNRA come back and install the culverts in these two roads? Otherwise, the roads are impassable when it rains heavily.

Mr Speaker, first of all, it is important that I thank the entire House for the support they have always given to the sports sector; it is the reason we are beginning to see fruits. We are beginning to work for the Commonwealth Games which are going to take place in Australia. We are also going to plan for the next Olympics which are going to take place in Los Angeles. As far as the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is concerned, I confirm - Rt Hon. Prime Minister - this morning I came from Hoima directly to the House. Finally, the first grader has already kicked the ground to construct the Hoima City Stadium. I also inform the House about the Akii Bua Stadium, that the contract has been cleared by the Attorney-General. The senior minister will preside over that process with the contractor However, the information for the House is that in our bid to motivate our athletes, who won the gold medal, the Minister of Education and Sports had earlier on budgeted and planned to give a gold medallist Shs 100 million, Shs 50 million for a silver medallist and Shs 30 million for a bronze medallist. (Applause) I confirm that we are going to give this money to the two who have won the medals, because it was within our budget. Thank you, Mr Speaker, and the Government, for always supporting us in terms of motivating our athletes. I call upon all of you not only to talk about “ Che- Che” , it is our responsibility to mobilise our children to begin competing and participating in sports. I thank you.

Thank you so much. Hon. Kakembo talked about the new cities. That new cities were created and approved by the Tenth Parliament. There is need to operationalise these cities to enable us prepare for the forthcoming general elections and demarcation of constituencies. He asked, when will we operationalise Entebbe City? My response, Mr Speaker, is that the Government in April 2020, created 15 cities in Uganda to be operationalised in a phased manner. The 10 cities of Arua, Mbarara, Gulu, Jinja, Fort Portal, Mbale, Masaka, Hoima, Lira, and Soroti, took effect on 1 July 2020. These were to be followed by the five cities of; Entebbe, Moroto, Nakasongola, Kabale and Wakiso, meant to be operationalised as follows: On 1 July 2022, it was supposed to be Entebbe City. 1 July 2023, it was supposed to be Moroto, Nakasongola, Kabale, and Wakiso cities. However, in August 2020, the law (The Local Governments Act Cap 138) was amended, and midterm operationalisation of administrative units and local governments abolished. The newly created administrative units and local governments can only take effect six months before the general elections, and this amendment affected the next phase of the five cities. The Ministry of Local Government is currently carrying out the technical studies and consultations with stakeholders in the five cities, to prepare them for the operationalisation of 1 July 2025, subject to the guidance by Cabinet. Question number 6 is still from Hon. Ojok, Member of Parliament, Omoro County. His prayer is; what is the status of Government intervention in realisation of transitional justice law, to address the question of war reparations in Acholi Subregion? My response is that on 17 June 2019, Cabinet under Minute 239 (CT-2019), (Cabinet Memorandum CT (2018)38), approved the National Transitional Justice Policy as follows: a) Noted the key aspects of the National Transitional Justice Policy. b) Approved the National Transitional Justice Policy. c) Approved the wide dissemination and publication of the National Transitional Justice Policy. d) Approved the fast-tracking of the legislation on the National Transitional Justice Policy. e) Directed the ministers of Internal Affairs and Justice and Constitutional Affairs, to provide a transitional period between the implementation of the National Transitional Justice Policy, and the enactment of the relevant laws on the transitional justice to give the Government ample time to identify the most sustainable source of funding for the undertaking. The National Transitional Justice Policy is an overreaching framework of the Government of Uganda designed to address peace, justice, accountability and reconciliation needs of post conflict Uganda. Mr Speaker, it is therefore, seeking to engage with all parts of the country that have been affected by civil strife, conflict, and not only the Acholi Subregion. Since the approval of the policy, it has been disseminated and efforts are being undertaken to present principles for a proposed Transitional Justice Law. It should be noted that the principles for the policy were withdrawn from the Cabinet in February 2023, to enable the responsible ministries to harmonise certain issues, including administrative arrangements for the law.

Mr Speaker, the report is not big but I draw the attention of the Members to page 8. Economic returns of the project According to the feasibility Study Report, if implemented under two lots, the project presents a positive economic internal rate of return of 15.2 per cent and an economic net present value of $18.18 million, according to an economic analysis carried out in July 2017, for upgrading the road pavement standard with asphalt, concrete and surfacing. Mr Speaker, on page 9, one of the planned budget outputs under the Ministerial Policy statement for Integrated transport infrastructure and Services programme for Financial Year 2024 /2025 under UNRA in project 1176: Hoima-Wanseko Road, is 15 kilometres equivalent to construct on Package 4; which is Lusalira-Nkonge-Lumegere-Sembabule Road, which is 97 Kilometres. Otherwise, once this loan request is approved by Parliament without renegotiation of the financing terms presented by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Vote’s externally financed budget will be expended in relation to this project. Additionally, the debt servicing obligations for this loan present high debt servicing costs compared to other commercial loans that have previously been taken on by the Government of Uganda and would, therefore, reduce the fiscal space available for discretionary spending. It is also important to note that if at all the Government does not honour its counterpart obligations, the project shall be exposed to project execution delays, which could lead to delayed disbursements and further increase the cost of debt servicing, especially in form of increased commitment fees. Observations and recommendations 11.1 The committee noted that the total project inclusive of VAT is estimated at Shs 627.309 billion. The project financing terms are non- concessional and this contradicts the NDP III

When will operationalization of Entebbe City take effect? RESPONSE: Rt. Hon. Speaker and Honorable colleagues, Government in April 2O2O Created 15 Cities in Uganda to be operationalized in a phased manner. The 10 Cities of Arua, Mbarara, Gulu, Jinja, Fortportal, Mbale, Masaka, Hoima, Lira and Soroti took effect on l"t July 2O2O. These were to be followed by 5 Cities of Entebbe, Moroto, Nakasongola, Kabale and Wakiso meant to be to be operationalized as follows: l"t July 2O22-Entebbe City l"t July 2023- Moroto, Nakasongola, Kabale, Wakiso lities. However August 2O2O, the Law (The Local Governments Act Cap 138) was amended and midterm operationalisation of Administrative Units and Local Governments abolished. The Newly created Administrative Units and Local Governments can only take effect six months before the General elections. This amendment alfected the next phase of 5 Cities. The Ministry of Local Government is currently carrying out the Technical Studies and consultations with stakeholders in the 5 Cities to prepare them for operationalization on l"t July 2025, subject to the guidance by Cabinet. 11

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

Hon. Stephen, this is a matter we extensively handled on Thursday, because it is not only your area. It is countrywide, and the minister exactly the way you stated your case - I think it was Hoima - it was Hon. Patrick Isingoma from Hoima City who raised this matter, which is exactly like yours. It is countrywide and the minister said they are handling it.

13756 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT post-harvest handling inputs through the e-voucher system, capacity building for target beneficiaries, and farmer organizations and development of agricultural input markets. The farmers were supposed to register and the Government was co-funding 70 per cent and the farmers 30 per cent and it was in all these areas. E-Voucher The e-voucher is a component that involves support towards the intensification of this program through the provision of subsidised inputs, as I had stated. The project had provided 67 per cent, 50 per cent, and 33 per cent respectively of the total cost of the inputs during the first, second, and third seasons while the farmer contributed the difference, as I stated. The farmer is weaned off the subsidiary by the 4 th season because it is anticipated that by this time, the farmer would have known the value and adopted the use of quality agro- inputs for commercial farming. The committee learnt that most of the farmers were faced with challenges in accessing and operating the e-voucher system. In areas where there are no networks - I even saw this before I became a Member of Parliament because I participated in monitoring. The system encountered frequent breakdowns and network failures, sometimes during critical times of the cropping season, which delayed enrolment, placement of orders, and serving of farmers. The farmers asserted that the e-voucher system where inputs were to be requisitioned and delivered using the Internet, was not working, which resulted in members not receiving their inputs despite paying for them up to the time of the committee visit. Some farmers reported that they did not know how to operate and how the system works. This delayed other farmers from participating in commercial farming. Most districts reported failure of the e-voucher system, as stated above. The committee learnt that the contracted bank, that was UBA, was the service provider for the e-voucher system in some districts, but due to system failures, some farmers’ money got lost in the UBA system. This discouraged many potential farmers from getting enrolled. Mr Speaker, I was in Amuru when this happened, because UBA was not in Amuru. They would go up to Gulu. That is how the funds were lost. Mr Speaker, it was unique in Nebbi. The committee was informed that the Government had withheld the co-funding part of the e-voucher system for 11 months, hence redemption was cut off for some farmers’ money that was locked in the e-voucher system. Furthermore, there were reports of missing balances on farmers’ e-voucher accounts due to system inefficiency, which was very frustrating to the affected farmers. The committee received complaints from some farmers about the quality of some of the agricultural inputs supplied through the e-voucher system, stating that the products received through the e-voucher system were counterfeit/fake. For instance, in Kalungu, there were complaints from the farmers stating that they had received counterfeit fertilisers and seedlings that did not germinate. The committee also received complaints from Balikosa Balibona Biwere Farmers’ Cooperative Growers’ Union Limited in Bugweri District, of adulterated fertilisers. The same were alleged to have been distributed out of season. There were very many complaints, Mr Speaker, I cannot mention all. Like in Hoima, there were complaints. Recommendations 1. The committee recommends that all farmers who were supplied with counterfeit agricultural inputs through the e-voucher system should be compensated and the suppliers of those inputs blacklisted. 2. Farmers who had paid for the e-voucher services and had not received agricultural inputs through the system should be refunded. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) [Ms Auma] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

13758 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Phase III Rollout districts. This was at the procurement process for 145 road chokes spread over 487.7 km. It was at contract signing and site handover by then. Mr Speaker, in the third phase, Lira District was part of it but up to now the constructed roads have no bridges. The bridges were done in a shoddy way, and the heavy rain swept the bridges, yet it was stretching, crossing from Lira to Oyama. Substandard and wrong machinery The committee observed that most grantees were small and medium scale, where pilot projects were established at lower local government structures and levels to bring together farmers’ communities to add value to their farm produce. The committee discovered that the machinery at various grantees’ sites was inadequate and out of capacity to process high-value farm produce. The committee further noted that the machinery was devoid of complete design specification requirements to handle farm produce across the complete value chain, thereby rendering some machines meant for value addition idle because of assembling and installation. The machines were also noted to have visible signs of gradual depreciation. The committee was informed by the members of the Oturukuru Produce Dealers and Farmers Association in Kumi District that they had envisaged the installation of machines with complete value chain specifications and therefore expected the machine to hurl, sort, winnow, and package rice to market standard. This was frustrating. The committee was informed by some grantee members in the district that the district focal point person - because the ministry had allocated each focal point person at the district level, was not guiding, and did not support the procurement of the machinery, meaning that they went blindly and some procured machinery beyond their capacity, others did not have knowledge on how to operate it. The committee further observed that there was a general lack of technical support and guidance as stated in the earlier submission, and this was exacerbated by inadequate budget allocation and release for procurement of machines with requisite complete value chain specification. For example, incomplete and poor workmanship was seen in some facilities that we visited in Kalungu and Rakai districts. Two, non-functional facilities due to lack of electricity in Bugweri - three, government issues in Kole District; there were fights. Non-compatibility of machines in Pakwach, Pallisa, and Nebbi District - these all hindered the well-intended objectives of the project. Recommendation The committee recommends that the Government, through the relevant ministry, especially the Ministries of Finance Agriculture, Local Government, Energy, and Mineral Development, should collaborate to offer guidance and support to grantees to procure machinery with a complete value chain of production. Matching Grants Mr Speaker, the committee found out that some of the projects in some districts that had been constructed as a result of the matching grants were complete and functional. The investment items under this component include offices, storage facilities, shelter for hullers, guardhouses, fences, ventilated improved pit latrines, weighing scales, moisture metres, and a power extension. The committee was impressed by some of the successful groups like the Katwaniza Women Farmers’ in Hoima, Abongo Women Group in Pakwach, and Kasaali Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Kyotera, among others. [Ms Auma] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join my honourable colleagues to thank the honourable members for the valu - able comments on the report of the committee. I really liked the report of the committee; they did a good job. There is no doubt as a Gov - ernment, we shall implement the recommenda - tions therein. I have taken a big note about the issues of local government. Local governments were involved because at each district, we had a district coordination team chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), with the secretary, the production officer; mainly the agriculture officer and the other heads of departments. We also had extension workers involved and it was our role to supervise and so on. Indeed, there were some successes, as he has said. If you look at page 15, there were successes in the e-voucher system in Kyotera and other areas. On page 19 of the report, there were functional agricultural processing facilities in Hoima and other areas. On page 17, roads were rehabilitated in some districts like Kalungu and Nebbi at 98 per cent. It is not that the entire project did not - I am looking at the pages in the report. We had challenges as local governments which were certainly beyond the districts. For example, delays in the release of funds. You cannot blame this on the districts. Look at system failures, including banks which were far from some of these areas. There are inadequate extension workers. The minister has pointed out that. We actually have a gap of 2,200 extension workers. In fact, we still have to come to Parliament to say, let us at least have two extension workers per subcounty. Of course, the lack of electricity for some of these APFs as a result of poor identification. Mr Speaker, I think the recommendations made by Members here remain extremely valid. I have picked two or three. SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, about two weeks ago, I received a delegation of over 20 members of staff from Hoima Referral Hospital. They reported to me that at the moment, they have about 65 members of staff who have been deleted from the payroll unjustifiably. This happened in March of this year. Since then, these people have not been earning. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, you know very well the central role played by this hospital in our region. It is a catchment area for about four hospitals; Kiryandongo, Hoima, Kiboga, Kagadi, and some parts of Mubende. So, I think this kind of dispensation is very unfortunate, and we need to move quickly to address it before it escalates.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity. And I thank the honourable Member of Parliament from Hoima City for this question. Since March, the Auditor-General embarked on the validation exercise of our public servants and found out that there were people who were employed in Government but who did not have the required documents, while some of them were ghosts. They, therefore, ordered for deletion. When they ordered for deletion, the Ministry of Public Service went for the second validation and discovered that some people had documents that were mixed up, which were corrected immediately, and some people have been reinstated on the payroll. Even yesterday, other people were being reinstated on confirmation from their employers that they were employed by that entity. We are going ahead to do more reinstatement according to what is brought to the Ministry of Public Service. However, around 7,000 people will be deleted from the payroll. That is definite, and that is why the validation exercise was done. For Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, I personally went there, and we agreed that they should be patient until they are owned by their employers. Some of them will be reinstated but others will not be, according to what was required. Therefore, I beg for patience; we will come and give a report when everything is concluded. I beg to submit.

Madam Chairperson, I present the justification for reinstating the funds that were reallocated by Parliament on the Budget for Financial Year 2024/2025. Specifically, under Vote 008, there was transfer to other Government units; Specifically, the capitalisation of Uganda Development Bank (UDB)- Shs 30 billion. Justification To reinstate this is that UDB is still under- capitalised. By the end of December 2023, UDB’s pipeline of approved projects was worth Shs 1 trillion to be invested in the key priorities of wealth creation, agroprocessing, value addition, manufacturing, tourism and mineral beneficiation. It will also support youth-led enterprises, manufacturers and provide working capital for exporters and those involved in import substitution. Another area of reduction was transfer to other Government units, capitalisation of agricultural credit facilities, Shs 20 billion. Justification for the reinstatement is that the agricultural credit facility is under-capitalised and yet it is supporting the agro-industrialisation programme. The funds required to finance the approved pipeline loans at Bank of Uganda amounting to Shs 154 billion against the cash of Shs 79 billion. The Agricultural Credit Facility extra account in the BoU is, therefore, in a deficit of Shs 74 billion. The Agricultural Credit Facility supports agricultural projects to access patient capital for commercial, on-farm investment, post-harvest management, agro-processing and trade in agricultural produce. Under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, there was an amount cut from Liquefied Petroleum Gas supply and infrastructure intervention of Shs 25 billion. These funds are required to meet ongoing contractual obligations for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) promotion, service providers, and other LPG interventions such as Hoima LPG storage terminal land. There is also Shs 6.8 billion, under Namanve Thermal Power, and these funds are required for capacity payments for the operations of Namanve Thermal Power plant for energy security. There is also Shs 4 billion, reduced from the Mineral Regulation Infrastructure Project,

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.

Thank you. Honourable members, first of all, I thank Hon. John Baptist for the leadership. In a very special way, I thank Hon. Jonathan Odur; he has been guiding the process - Whether you want to hear it or not, he has done it. I assure this House that there is no problem between the Executive and the Legislature. We have been involved - and listen to this – Hon. Alum - the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary have been involved in the meetings of the budget- plus Finance. In the last two financial years, we have been having meetings before the Budget comes to the Floor. Today, we had an informal meeting. We agreed that we should have a meeting with His Excellency and agree on the working methods so that before the Budget comes to the House, we should be able to scrutinise the Budget together with His Excellency so that we make sure that the national priorities are catered for. We want to do that with the Executive. I do not want you to say this Budget was made- the corrigenda, for instance, if we are to talk about tobacco, it is us who brought it as a priority. When you talk about Akii Bua Stadium, it is Parliament that brought it in the meeting. When you talk about – ROKO, we do not know. (Laughter) When you talk about Hoima Stadium, it was the Parliament that raised it. All those other things that have been coming on the Floor whenever Members are raising issues - One thing I also want to assure you is that - and I thank the chairman that at least you cleared the perception that the money was taken by Members. You cleared that wrong perception. Honourable Members - yes.

13483 Wednesday, 19 June 2024 the Opposition, but I think he was busy. He did not pick the call. It was unfortunate. The Leader of the Opposition was doing his oversight role. The Opposition is supposed to check what the Government is doing. The Leader of the Opposition had gone to do his oversight role on Hoima Road, in Nansana, and his team was tear-gassed. That was unfortunate. Much as we are not supposed to interfere with the enforcement bodies like National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), by the time somebody starts construction, settles in a place for years and NEMA does not know that this is a gazetted area, then there is a problem. We have malls that are built in wetlands. If somebody has gone to check and see the people in that area and you tear-gas them, where shall we ever get refuge? I would like to hear that from the Government because it was not called for. Honourable members, our work is to support the citizens. In support of our citizens, we are supposed to understand and know what they are going through. In the process of us knowing and understanding what they are going through, allow us to do our work. I thank you for going to check on that team. At the same time, we should not be tear-gassed because we are doing our work as legislators. The Parliamentary Pension Scheme has organised a half-day training for Members of Parliament for retirement planning. The meeting will be on 21 June 2024. Kindly attend. IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament FOURTH SESSION - 3RD SITTING - 1ST MEETING Parliament met at 10.00 a.m. in Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

13454 PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET SPEECH FY 2024/2025 of Excellence for Cardiovascular Care at the Uganda Heart Institute located in Naguru and fast-tracking the completion of the East African Centre of Excellence for Oncology in Kampala and associated regional centres in Gulu, Mbarara, Arua and Mbale . (Applause) Iyii, engalo ezo nga si z’amaanyi; they do not encourage me. (Laughter); ii) Under the Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) Programme, 371 health centres II were planned for construction and upgrade to health centres III status. So far, 261 health centres II have been upgraded to health centres III and are fully operational. I hope the Minister of Health can certify this. An additional 110 are ongoing at different stages. Meanwhile, 11 hospitals were rehabilitated in Busolwe, Kapchorwa, Kambuga, Buwenge, Koboko, Amuria, Kotido, Kaberamaido, Kawolo and Kitgum Districts; iii) Three regional blood banks in Arua, Soroti and Hoima have been completed; iv) The Government distributed a total of 25 million long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito bed nets countrywide for the prevention of malaria; and v) The Government also provided 116 new ambulances to 100 constituencies, another 10 ambulances for the regional referral hospitals and six for the Command Centre at Naguru, among others. Madam Speaker, to further enhance the health of Ugandans, a total of Shs 2.946 trillion has been provided for the next Financial Year 2024/2025. The following interventions will be prioritised; i) Promotion and implementation of interventions for the disease prevention and health education initiatives against communicable, non-communicable and neglected tropical diseases and injuries. ii) Provision of essential medicines where an additional Shs 100 billion has been provided; iii) Improvement of the welfare of the health workers including medical interns and doctors designated as senior house officers. I have provided more wage allocations to facilitate the recruitment of staff for the upgraded health centres III; iv) Construction and rehabilitation of more health infrastructure and provision of medical equipment to improve quality of care and provision of specialised healthcare. These include, among others, the Uganda Cancer Institute and Regional Cancer Centres, the Uganda Heart Institute, Intensive Care Units and an imaging centre for referral hospitals; v) Digitisation of the national health system to facilitate service delivery and tracking of medical supplies and health workers’ performance; vi) Construction, rehabilitation and equipping of dilapidated hospitals across the country including the Kampala Metropolitan Area; vii) Strengthening of the network of medical reference laboratories including the establishment of the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Virology at the Uganda Virus Research Institute and the National Public Health Institute in Uganda; and viii) Establishment of a pharmaceutical industrial park and strengthening the National Drug Authority Regulatory Framework. Education The Government considers education as a key opportunity equaliser for all Ugandans, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required for productive employment as well as enabling them to live longer, happier and affluent lives. For this reason, the following

13463 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 13 JUNE 2024 v. The planned 60,000 barrels per day refinery in Kabaale, Kikuube District, is progressing very well. The land for the project sites and associated terminal has already been acquired by the Government. Technical designs for the project are ready. The Government is working with Alpha MBM Investments from the United Arab Emirates to build the refinery; vi. The Government enforcement of the national content policy has ensured that up to 93 per cent of the jobs in the oil and the gas sector go to Ugandans. A total of 13,607 jobs have, so far, been given; and vii. In addition, the companies investing in the oil and gas sector are contracting locally. Since 2021, contracts worth $1.796 billion have been awarded to Ugandan companies out of the total contract investment of $7.162 billion. Madam Speaker, in a bid to ensure the security of supply of petroleum products, Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC), in partnership with the private sector, will commence the importation of all our petroleum products beginning in the first week of July this year – which is near. Madam Speaker, next financial year, I have provided Shs 920.86 billion for the oil and gas sector to prioritise the following: i. Development of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline hub in Tanga; ii. Continued construction of the EACOP, including the necessary infrastructure to facilitate adherence to high-quality environmental standards; iii. Procurement and dissemination of the 57,000 liquefied petroleum gas cylinders to promote clean cooking; iv. Establishment of petroleum geoscience laboratory; and v. Equity contribution for the refinery. Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Services Madam Speaker, a total of 205 kilometres was added to the paved network during Financial Year 2023/2024, increasing the total paved national road network to 6,338 kilometres, representing over 30 per cent of the national road network. The following roads were completed during the financial year: Atiak-Laropi (66 kilometres); Masindi-Biiso, Hohwa- Nyairongo-Kyarusheesha-Butoole and Kabaale-Kiziranfumbi Road (97 kilometres); Moroto-Lokitanyala (42 kilometres); Rukungiri- Kihihi-Ishasha/Kanungu (78.5 kilometres); Kapchorwa-Suam (73 kilometres); and Masindi Park Junction and Tangi Junctions- Para-Buliisa roads (159 kilometres). In addition, three bridges were completed and construction of 36 critical strategic bridges is ongoing. The completed bridges are: i) Kampala Flyover and road upgrading; ii) Lugogo Bridge connecting Nakasongola District and Ngoma in Nakaseke, via Kasozi; and iii) Saaka Swamp crossing in Pallisa. With regard to air transport, the following were accomplished during the year we are talking about: i) Ninety per cent completion of Kabalega International Airport in Hoima. The remaining 10 per cent comprises critical air navigation, meteorological communication and airport operational facilities; ii) Ninety per cent completion of the expansion and rehabilitation of Entebbe International Airport, including modernisation of the departures and arrival areas of the terminal building; and

13465 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 13 JUNE 2024 vii. Rehabilitation of over 10,000 km of national and community access roads in various parts of the country. This will be in addition to routine maintenance under the Uganda Road Fund; viii. Commencing the reconstruction works for Masaka-Kyotera-Mutukula Road and the rehabilitation of the Nyendo-Villa Maria Road and access roads; and ix. Continuing with the ongoing construction of up to 30 bridges and structures on the national roads including: Alla-(Anzuu)- Gazi (Rhino Camp), Aca (Rhino Camp), Lugogo Swamp Crossing, Nabukhaya, Nambola, Nametsimeri, Sahana and Khamitsaru bridges; Rubongi Bridge, Maziba, Kiruruma, Rwembyo and Kajwenge bridges; Kamirwa, Nyakambu, Kochi, Osu, Odrua, Dunga, Mahoma, Mpanga, Nabuswa (Nyabuswa) and Perepa bridges, among others. Development of Water Ferries Madam Speaker, the construction of two Lake Bunyonyi Ferries is currently underway, and will be completed next financial year. Air Transport Madam Speaker, Shs 162 billion has been provided for the completion and operationalisation of Kabalega International Airport in Hoima; and plans are underway to acquire at least two mid-range aircraft and two cargo aircraft to facilitate exports in the medium term. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Madam Speaker, during the financial year we are concluding, the following have been achieved in the ICT sector: i. A total of 4,354 Km of optic fibre cable have been laid across the country connecting 1,523 key Government service delivery units to the National Backbone Infrastructure; ii. The internet penetration in the country has increased to 64 per cent from 25 per cent, in 2017, and the share of Government services provided online is now at 40 per cent, up from 20 per cent registered in 2017; and iii. A Parish Development Model Information System has been developed and rolled out in all the 10,585 parishes across the country. Madam Speaker, next financial year I have provided over Shs 246 billion to continue developing the ICT and digital transformation through the following interventions: i. Further expansion of internet connectivity and digital infrastructure across the country; ii. Continuing the rollout of digital services across the Government to improve the efficiency of service delivery, transparency and accountability; iii. Leveraging Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and ICT to create employment opportunities for the young people; iv. Digital skilling to increase adoption of the digital services; and v. Cyber security, data protection, and privacy. Energy development Madam Speaker, the country’s power generation capacity has increased by 600MW, from 1,378.7MW to 1,978.1MW, following the connection of Karuma Hydropower Dam to the national grid. The electricity transmission capacity has now increased to 4,218 km of high voltage from 3,500 km in 2020. In the next financial year, I have provided Shs 982.56 billion to undertake the following: i. Increase access to electricity through grid expansion and connectivity projects; ii. More investment in the construction of transmission and distribution networks targeting load centres to promote value addition;

13467 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 13 JUNE 2024 things we aspire to achieve. It is the bedrock for socio-economic transformation, democracy, and all the human rights and freedoms we all cherish. Accordingly, as we have done before, the Government will continue to prioritise peace, security, and the rule of law. Next financial year, I have provided a total of Shs 9.588 trillion, of which Shs 481.4 billion will be for the administration of justice to ensure that Uganda remains a peaceful and accountable country with law-abiding citizens. Some of the priorities in these programs include: Security of person and property i. Strengthening the capacity of security agencies to address emerging security threats and ensuring combat readiness of security agencies to protect life and property; ii. Enhancing military capacity through the acquisition of various assets and strengthening the surveillance infrastructure; iii. Supporting joint military operations in the region; iv. Building an effective crime response system targeting sophisticated crimes such as terrorism, other transnational crimes, arms proliferation, illegal entry into our country, money laundering, cybercrime, espionage, smuggling of contraband, human trafficking, and others; v. Supporting the civil authorities in combating threats as well as managing the refugees in line with our refugee policy; and vi. Improving the welfare of the military, police, prisons, ISO, and ESO personnel through salary enhancement. Justice Law and Order Strengthening justice, law, and order service delivery systems by: i. Recruiting 10 more High Court judges in commercial and land divisions to enhance adjudication of commercial and land cases to eliminate the backlog; ii. Recruiting five more justices of Court of Appeal in line with the Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024; iii. More investment in court automation to cover an additional 10 courts to enhance efficiency, reduce human contact, and by extension reduce incidents of corruption; iv. Promotion of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism to complement the formal adjudication of cases; v. Starting construction of regional Courts of Appeal in Mbarara and Gulu; High Courts in Hoima and Masindi; Chief Magistrate Courts in Amolatar, Bubulo, Rakai and Katine; and Magistrates Grade I Courts in Busembatia, Nyarushanje, Rubuguri and Adwari; vi. Promoting the use of scientific evidence in the investigation and prosecution of cases, including the construction of the National DNA Data Bank at the Government Analytical Laboratories at Wandegeya; vii. Mass enrolment for and renewal of national IDs and the automation of immigration and business registration services; and viii. Reforming laws and due processes to ensure faster and expeditious resolution of disputes, among others. Natural Disaster Response and Management Madam Speaker, I am about to close. During the Financial Year 2023/2024, the Government supported 53,930 households with relief food

13336 THE EXCISE D UTY ( AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR today, the supplementary to be laid on the Table is based on AFCON. We need money to start the construction of a stadium in Hoima. We are going to do all the work today, including appropriation. Today, we shall do appropriation and after that, we shall prorogue the House. Therefore, in the process of proroguing and waiting for the next session, work must start. Therefore, I humbly request this House that we do whatever it takes to ensure works in Hoima start so that we can host AFCON. Based on that, we will have a supplementary budget presented first after the laying of the papers. I would like to thank you so much, for coming this morning. Yes, Ag. Leader of the Opposition (LOP).

Madam Chairperson, I have something to state; at least listen to me. Listen to me - (Interjections) - yes, at least listen. Do not deny me the right to tell you something. You might object to it, but listen. Thank you. The honourable member from Hoima is insisting that no, but I have no problem with him. Madam Chairperson, since you have allowed me, when we talk about financial payment services – (Interruption)

13377 THE ELEVENTH P ARLIAMENT O F UGANDA T HURSDAY , 16 MAY 2024 Development Bank (UDB) and Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Agriculture Credit Facility, support to tourism and support to skilling projects. 5. Investing in the people of Uganda through the social sector spending in education. We shall support the construction of Hoima and Akii-Bua Stadia in preparation for AFCON 2027; health, water and social protection. 6. Manufacturing. 7. Oil and gas. 8. Support science, technology and innovation and research to pathogenic economy, Kiira Motors and vaccines. Madam Speaker, the five growth areas that have been prioritised under the overall strategy of growing the economy ten-fold to be implemented starting the Financial Year 2024/2025 is outlined below: 1. Tourism development; 2. Agro-industrialisation; 3. Mineral-based industrial development; 4. Oil and gas development, including petrochemical industries; and 5. The knowledge economy. Madam Speaker, cognisant of the complementarity of other Government programmes to the attainment of the above growth targets, the Government will continue to support other key interventions and priorities under the NDP programme. With this justification, I wish to appeal and seek support of this House to consider and approve the Budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025. I beg to move.

13390 THE EXCISE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 feed at the Aquaculture Research and Development Centre in Kajjansi; establish and/or upgrade seed storage, threshing and drying facilities to ensure sustainable supply of quality seed under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries - Shs 134 billion. Transport infrastructure development The Government plans as follows: 1. Start construction of the SGR and continue implementing preparatory activities for SGR; that is update of feasibility studies for the western and eastern routes, and undertaking environment, social, economic impact assessments; acquisition of right of way for SGR (206 acres) of land are already acquired in seven districts. That is Tororo to Mayuge, among others – Shs 2.221 trillion; 2. Maintenance of 13 aerodromes; that is Arua, Gulu, Pakuba, Masindi, Lira, Kidepo, Moroto, Soroti, Tororo, Jinja, Mbarara, Kasese and Kisoro – Shs 3 billion; 3. Construction and upgrade of national roads and bridges – Shs 1.27 trillion. Some of these include – (Interjections) - colleagues, this is on roads. The Government plans to spend Shs 1.27 trillion and I will mention some of the roads: a) Hoima-Wanseko Road – Shs 141.1 billion; b) Kampala Flyover – Shs 69.8 billion; c) Construction of 66 selected bridges – Shs 54.2 billion; d) Rwenkunye-Apac-Lira-Acholibur Road – Shs 238 billion; e) Kisoro-Mgahinga National Park Headquarters Road – Shs 83.26 billion; f) Moyo-Yumbe-Koboko Road – Shs 180.6 billion; g) Upgrading of Kyenjojo-Kiruhura-Bwizi- Rwamwanja-Kahunge, Mpara-Bwizi – Shs 50 billion; and 4. Upgrading of Jinja-Mbulamuti-Kamuli- Bukungu Road from gravel to paved standard – Shs 34.5 billion. Continuation of the rehabilitation of over 450 kilometres of national roads. Some of those roads include: a) Kampala-Jinja Highway – Shs 20 billion; b) Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima – Shs 25.05 billion; c) Mityana-Mubende Road and Mityana Town Roads inclusive – Shs 42.38 billion; d) Alwii-Nebbi road and upgrading of Pakwach and Nebbi Town Council roads in total – Shs 17 billion; e) Rehabilitation of Karuma-Pakwach Road – Shs 20.05 billion; and f) Reconstruction of Matugga-Semuto- Kapeeka Road – Shs 61.12 billion; 5. Rehabilitation of district, urban and community access roads will continue under the Ministry of Works and Transport. There is Shs 142.3 billion; and 6. Shs 1 billion to each district, city and municipality for road grading, murram and compacting. In total, Shs 176 billion has been allocated for this purpose; Colleagues, in the last financial year, they are roads that the Ministry of Works signed contracts for and work has started. Those ones are worth Shs 33 billion, but they are not yet completed and not even paid. There are those where contracts have been signed but work has not commenced. They are worth Shs 33 billion. There is a whole list in the annex. There are also roads where the contracts have been procured but have not been signed, worth about Shs 13 billion. In the last cash release, the Government gave this particular vote Shs 19 billion, whereas the total requirement is Shs 79 billion. So, the budget at base is Shs 26 billion. We must recommend Shs 34 billion to cover those roads. The list of those roads covers the whole country. 7. The following ferries development/ construction will be undertaken. The total for this ferry is Shs 11.8 billion. That is: a) Substantial completion of two Bukungu- Kagwara-Kaberamaido (BKK) ferries and their landing sites; SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT [Mr Achia]

-+, ,L'{ r Anount (OOO') Description Vote L2,19t,793 405 Gulu Hospital tt,309,247 406 Hoima Hospital t8,467,606 Jinia Hospital 407 tt,o77,oto 408 Kabale Hospital 10,487,888 409 Masaka Hospital t7,694,t3t Mbale Hospital 410 9,79t,927 411 Soroti Hospital t5,682,495 4t2 Lira Hospital 16,559,583 4t3 Mbarara Regional Hospital 12,256,956 4L4 Mubende Regional Referral Hospital 10,943,300 415 Moroto Regional Referral Hospital LL,824,457 4t6 Naguru Referral Hospital 25,160,483 Kimddu Referral Hospital 4t7 22,589,r92 t 418 Kawempe Referral Hospital 13,062,585 419 Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital 27,646,183 420 Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital 12,368,354 Kayunga Referral Hospital 42r tr,429,3t7 422 Yumbe Referral Hospital 292,789,423 Sub total -Referral Hospltds Missions Abroad 20,806,699 Uganda Mission at the United Nations, New York 501 Uganda High Commission in the United Kingdom 1t,840,947 502 5,955,050 Uganda High Commission in Canada , Ottawa 503 7,677,777 504 Uganda High Commission in India, New Delhi 5,341,493 505 Uganda High Commission in Kenya ,Nairobi 9,273,94t Uganda High Commission in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam s06 4,023,569 507 Uganda High Commission in Nigeria , Abuia i .i +.- . t,' :,' r Il-, ,I -4 M\L 9 I ,l \.. . .!: # i\r.i I I '11 .t --.ts----- \

ait r [.' ,, .K .m- lir 2 I { ,&- .2 4l=# . '.t t. li ,',) .\ ,Lt Amount (OOO'I Descrlption Vote 2,006,435 313 Mountains of the Moon Universi 12,339,276 Mulago National Referral Hospital 401 2,262,036 402 Butabika Hospital 14,973,335,870 Sub total -Central Votes ( Drcl. Referrals and Mlsslonsf Referral Hospltals 108,000 Arua Hospital 403 109,81 1 404 Fort Portal Hospital 108,0o0 405 Gulu Hospital 108,000 Hoima Hospital 406 tt6,276 407 Jinja Hospital 108,000 Kabale Hospital 408 108,000 409 Masaka Hospital 5,109,39s 4LO Mbale Hospital 108,000 Soroti Hospital 4tl 108,000 4t2 Lira Hospital I 108,000 Mbarara Regional Hospital 4t3 L42,LO2 4t4 Mubende Regional Referral Hospital 108,000 415 Moroto Regional Referral Hospital 216,OOO \ 416 Naguru Referral Hospital l,377,OOO \+rz Kiruddu Referral Hospital 810,000 Kawempe Referral Hospital 418 810,000 4t9 Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital 2,O4t,200 420 Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital 11,7o3,784 Sub total -Referral Hospltds Mlssions Abroad Uganda Mission at the United Nations, New York 501 2,90t,9r8 502 Uganda High Commission in the United Kingdom 9,700,000 503 Uganda High Commission in Canada , Ottawa Uganda High Commission in India, New Delhi 504 I , li , '.'; I i l, --l-l t ./' \1,. \: Ii \ ,,- H 4:-

'Bi -fu* {4+-. ll Y \**--= -X +.- #, w i i- t,'l'-- i 1' 23 #-- =--(.\, K Amount (OOO'I Descrlptlon Vote 10 790 oo0 Uganda EmbassY in United Ara b Emirates Abudhabi s28 490 o00 Uganda Embassy in Burun di, Bu umbura 529 t4 043 680 Uganda Consulate in China, Guan u 530 Uganda Embassy in TurkeY, Ankara 531 2 771 r64 Uganda EmbassY in Somalia, Mo shu 532 Uganda Embassy in MalaYsia, Kuala Lum 533 4 390 000 534 Uganda Consulate in KenYa, Mombasa Uganda EmbassY in Algeria, 535 390 000 da Embas 1n U tar Doha 536 537 U da Mission in Havana Cuba 1a U Mission in Luanda An 538 63 389 068 Sub total -Misslons Abroad l.ocal Governmclta 4 257 839 601 Arua ci 6 334 764 Fort-Portal ci 602 6 o22 534 Gulu ci 603 4 472 429 Hoima ci 604 7 884 358 Jin acl 60s 4 615 413 Lira ci 606 10 038 947 Masaka ci 607 6 140 296 608 Mbale ci t4 436 983 Mbarara ci 609 2 971 183 Soroti ci 610 5 371 776 A Munici al Council 701 673 734 702 Munici Council B 847 966 703 Bushenyi- Ishaka MuniciPal Council 2 360 688 Council Busia Munici 704 11 360 922 705 Council Entebbe Munici 1 o47 7tr Ibanda Munici al Council 706 \: . !.1 f;- l\ lr I r

13164 SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE NO.2 FOR FY 2023/2024 as annexure 9 to the committee that no funds would be disbursed to the company until the evaluation process is completed and the Government’s stake in the company is formally established. In addition, the Attorney-General provided to the committee an affirmation that his office will take the lead in ensuring that the Government acquires the equity in the company, which is equivalent to the money expended to the company by the Government of Uganda and that at all times, due regard will be for the public interest. A copy of the letter of the Attorney-General is attached as annexure 10. Lastly, Madam Speaker, the committee received a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Uganda and DEI Biopharma Ltd concerning the acquisition by the Government of Uganda of equity in DEI Biopharma Ltd and a copy of the MOU is attached as an annexure 11. Therefore, the committee recommends as follows; Subject to the aforementioned undertakings and commitments by the Government, the committee recommends approval of Shs 578.4 billion to Vote 167 - Science, Technology and Innovation to support the strategic acquisition of equity under DEI Biopharma Ltd. Vote 406 - Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Shs 115.657 million is Ugandan Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer (UGIFT) this is an unspent balance for the construction and equipping of the blood bank at the hospital, that was returned to the Uganda Consolidated Fund at the end of the last Financial Year. The committee recommends approval of Shs 115.657 million to vote 406 - Hoima Regional Referral Hospital for UGIFT programme to unspent balances for construction and equipping of the blood bank. Vote 407 - Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Shs 30.785 million is external financing under Government-to-Government financing from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to cater for the procurement of ICT equipment. The committee recommends approval of Shs 30.785 million to Vote 407 - Jinja Referral Hospital for external financing under the Government to Government financing from USAID to cater for the procurement of ICT equipment. Vote 421 - Kayunga Referral Hospital. Shs 579.5 million is an unspent balance to support the hospital during the transitional period from a general hospital to a regional referral hospital that was returned to the Uganda Consolidated Fund at the end of the Financial Year 2022/2023. The committee recommends approval of Shs 579.5 million to Vote 421 - Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital for unspent balances to support the hospital during the transition period from a general hospital to a regional referral hospital that was returned to the Uganda Consolidated Fund at the end of the Financial Year 2022/2023. Vote 537 - Uganda Mission in Havana, Cuba. Shs 380 million is unspent balances from the Financial Year 2022/2023 to furnish and equip the official residence of the ambassador. The embassy was not allocated a development budget for 2023/2024. The committee recommends approval of Shs 380 million to vote 537 - Uganda Mission in Havana, Cuba, for unspent balances from Financial Year 2022/2023 to furnish and equip the official residence of the ambassador. Vote 600 - Local Governments. Shs 43.060 billion is being provided to cater for the following; i) Shs 40.445 billion is external financing for Uganda’s Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development(USMID), to be utilised by local governments to meet their outstanding contractual obligations related to urban road construction projects funded by the World Bank. Madam Speaker, the details are in Annex 4 attached. ii) Shs 2.615 billion is additional UGIFT unspent balances that were returned to the Uganda Consolidated Fund at the end of the

13104 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT The total requirement for the requisite road equipment units for this purpose is $70 million, which we hope can be funded through debt financing using the same scheme under which we got the 1,115 units in 2017. My ministry is in the process of procuring road construction equipment for the new districts, as I have said, but we need another Shs 29 billion for the vibro rollers, tippers and water bowsers. These were not included in the tranche which you gave us last time. We shall continue engaging through both the Budget Committee, Committee on Physical Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to avail Shs 29 billion so that we can complete the purchase. Zonal equipment centres Madam Speaker, the zonal equipment centres are currently housed within the premises of the regional mechanical workshops. The ministry had planned to create nine zonal centres in Moroto, Mbale, Jinja, Gulu, Arua, Luweero, Hoima, Mbarara, and Kabale at an estimated cost of Shs 45 billion. We shall continue engaging the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on this endeavour. The zonal equipment centres operate shared road equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoe loaders, self-loaders and low beds. While the shared equipment is insufficient to cater for the requirements of the entire country, its availability has been greatly reduced due to insufficient maintenance funding. That is a requirement for additional money. Mechanical Engineering Training and Advisory Centre (METRAC) Madam Speaker, since 2017 when the ministry acquired the new equipment, the ministry has implemented several regional training sessions for district operators. While this training format was not sustainable, it was the only option given the circumstances. In 20l8, the Government of Japan, through the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), gave a grant of $2.3 million to the Government of Uganda for the construction of the Mechanical Engineering Training and Advisory Centre in Luwero. Phase I of the project, comprising a gatehouse, classroom block, maintenance block, and administration block, have been completed and the project has been handed over. It is just a few kilometres from Luweero town. Here, we shall train and retrain operators so that we have - because the machine performance will be as good as the man behind the operation. If we have a bad operator – and, in most cases, what we have seen is that people have drivers, not operators. In this centre, we are going to train operators and we are working with the Ministry of Education and Sports so that they can also be tested under the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) and given certificates of equivalent so that they can be able to be employed outside. Madam Speaker, phase 2 of METRAC requires Shs 9.8 billion, which began this financial year. So far, the Government has availed Shs 1 billion for the construction of a few of the amenities. Mt Elgon Labour-Based Training Centre Madam Speaker, Mt Elgon Labour-based Training Centre (MELTC) is a national training centre under the Ministry of Works and Transport for applying labour-based technology (LBT) in the rehabilitation and maintenance of national, district, urban and community access roads. The training centre is located 20km from Mbale City, along the Mbale-Budadiri Road and adjacent to Uganda Technical College, Elgon. Madam Speaker, MELTC provides training and capacity building in developing, maintaining, and utilising critical road infrastructure assets in the District, Urban, and Community Access Road (DUCAR). Its contribution to the DUCAR network includes:

(Members rose_) Seconded by Hon. Wanda, the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Elwelu, Hon. Yusuf, Hon. Avur, Hon. Noeline, Hon. Namujju, Hon. Cissy, Member for Hoima, Minister for Education, Hon. Kibalya, Hon. Margaret, Hon. Mamawi, Hon. Edakasi, Hon. Flora, Member for Sheema, Elders representative, Hon. Wilson, Member for Aruu, Member for Zombo, Hon. Oulanyah - I think you just do not like Kibale.

Is the motion seconded? (Members rose_) It is seconded by the Deputy Attorney-General, the Chairperson Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Lt Gen. Elwelu, Hon. Olobo, Hon. Solomon, Member for Nakasongola, Workers’ Representative, Hon. Gabriel, Member for Aruu, Hon. Faith, Hon. Xavier, Member for Hoima, Hon. Kahonda, Hon. Amooti, Hon. John Faith, the minister for Karamoja, minister for Bunyoro – it is supported by the majority. Would you like to speak to your motion, honourable minister?

Is the motion seconded? Okay, it is seconded by Hon. Acon, Hon. Linda, Hon. Alanyo, Hon. Naboth, Hon. Felix, Hon. Derrick, Hon. Frank, Hon. Kivumbi, Hon. Christine, Hon. Xavier, Hon. Jenipher, Hon. Nathan, Hon. Ojok, Hon. Cissy Namujju, Hon. Wilson, Hon. Yona, Hon. Emmanuel, honourable member of the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. “ Ssabakurisito ” and the Members of Parliament from Hoima, Sheema, Karamoja, Moroto, Arua, Kakumiro, Nakawa and Masaka. Would you like to speak to your Bill – Hon. Alanyo, I was told your uniform is made out of cotton.

Is the Bill seconded? Seconded by Hon. Peter, Hon. Solomon, Hon. Wandwasi, Hon. Isaac, Hon. Melsa – Hon. Osoru, are you seconding because I am seeing you on the phone? ( Laughter ) - by Member for Hoima, Hon. Kinobere, Hon. Richard, Member for Budaka, and Hon. Bhoka. Would you like to speak to it?

12732 THE KARAMOJA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (REPEAL) BILL, 2024 [The Speaker] Yesterday, I went on a fact-finding visit after getting an invitation from the contractor who was in the House, and that is Hon. Oboth Oboth. He wanted us to see what was happening, especially after receiving the money, which they had requisitioned for. Prior to that, I sent a Parliamentary Commissioner, Hon. Mpuuga, to attend the first meeting and we will get the proceedings of the meeting. Yesterday, I took almost half a day in Namboole and most of the concerns that Members raised had either been fixed or were being fixed. Therefore, they are in the process and we are almost good to go. The works accomplished so far are very impressive and I must thank the UPDF Engineering Brigade which has done a good job. Where they could not do whatever is required, they have been able to outsource and bring people who are competent enough, which is a very good thing because we are promoting Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU). Previously, the contractor had asked for one month to conclude the works due to lack of funds, but the fact that the funds were released and they have received them, we gave them two weeks. They also asked us for privacy within the two weeks to finish up what is supposed to be finished. Thereafter, we can be free to go there so long as we do not step on the grass. Any of us who wants to go and visit Mandela National Stadium will be free to go and see what is happening there within two weeks. We shall seek the status update and report from the Parliamentary Commissioner who was at the site, especially on the scrap buses which are on the ground because the scrap buses cannot give vacant possession for the contractor to organise the parking area. That is what is at stake. There are other sports infrastructural commitments which the Government made and, progressively, works should start. I remember the minister said that the works for Akii Bua Stadium were going to start and this has raised a lot of issues. We need to find out from the minister how far he has gone with the Egyptians that he took to Akii Bua Stadium. We need to know when the construction of Akii Bua will start. When does the one of Hoima start? When does the one of Buhinga start? When does the construction of all the training grounds start? He committed to this House and it is only sports that bring unity, irrespective of your party, religion, and all other things. We, therefore, need to embrace sports. As legislators, in embracing sports, we must appropriate money for all these facilities – and there are priority facilities. The priority facilities that we have include Akii Bua, which was a presidential directive in memory of the late Akii Bua. (Applause) We also have Hoima and Buhinga stadiums. Most of the training grounds are within Kampala and they also need to work on those training grounds for us to be able to host AFCON. We have also asked the minister that after what was raised by the CHAN team has been corrected, he should write back to CHAN to come and re-inspect Namboole to see its suitability for hosting the games. I do not want you people to knock your heads over these things of the stadiums. They will all be worked on. I see that the Akii Bua team is really in bitter fights because of the stadium. They are going to be worked on. Do not attack the committee chairperson. We have already made a provision for that money. We are going to work on those stadiums. When we start complaining, what will the rest of the people say? Let us be patient enough. We are in appropriation. Let us work on making sure that the money is available. At the same time, when we tell these ministers to solve the issue of the traders down there, the ministers must go and solve them. Do not wait for us to come and discuss them in the House. (Applause) Assuming people close their shops – and they have closed – what do you want us to do, as Members of Parliament? COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Madam Speaker, I would like to, first and foremost, thank you for adding your voice and commitment to the issue of the pending stadiums to be constructed outside Kampala, specifically Akii Bua and Buhinga in Hoima. By adding your voice, Madam Speaker, like we saw with Namboole, we have hope that in the budgeting process, we shall provide funds because as it stands, the committee reported that Akii Bua and Buhinga stadiums are unfunded priority. During budgeting, I would be happy to see that they are provided for. The procedural matter I would like to raise is: when we raised the issue of Namboole, our concerns were specifically in the immediate; the ability for this country to host the next schedule of games on 3 rd and 10 th June against Botswana and Algeria. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had indicated that those next rounds of games would not be hosted because the stadium is not ready. I have read through the rules and regulations of the CAF Stadium Regulations 2022. In Article 4, on the approvals, any request by the host nation for the stadium to host the games must go at least 75 days prior to the match day. Madam Speaker, 3 rd June is about 35 days away from now. That means that the next schedule of games would not be hosted here. Remember, Madam Speaker, you had also indicated that one of our opponents in Algeria registered an objection regarding the country that had offered to host us, that is, Morocco. The procedural matter that I now want to raise is, can the minister responsible come and confirm to us where we shall host the next schedule of games which are on the 3 rd and the 10 th of June? These are our home games. Where we are going to play those games? Madam Speaker, you had already directed that the Auditor-General does a forensic audit on Namboole, but from your communication today and I also followed on TV, you appear to be satisfied with the work they are doing -

12770 THE KARAMOJA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (REPEAL) BILL, 2024 sister from Hoima said that in Hoima, there is nothing like rugby, but there are different kinds of sports that we can promote and help our children to excel. Thank you.

12603 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 12 APRIL 2024 Vote 151: Uganda Blood Transfusion Services The committee recommends that Shs 2.6 billion be provided to Uganda Blood Transfusion Services for purchase of eight centrifuge machines and Shs 600 million for assorted blood collection and IT equipment to equip the regional blood banks in Arua, Gulu, Fort Portal, Mbale, Masaka, and Mbarara. Three regional blood banks are more than 90 per cent complete. That is Soroti, Arua and Hoima. They were built with funds from the Uganda COVID-19 Response and Emergency Preparedness Project (UCREPP), meaning there will be a need for money for wage and operationalisation. The committee recommends that Shs 12.276 billion required by Uganda Blood Transfusion Services to recruit 164 staff be provided. This will raise the staffing levels to 41 per cent and solve the challenge of heavy reliance on voluntary services. Vote 418: Kawempe National Refinery Hospital Kawempe National Referral Hospital, the issues are self-explanatory, but the major challenge is: 1. Inadequate staffing levels This hospital delivers 60 to 100 mothers daily and 27 Caesarean sections with a staffing of 37.4 per cent. The committee recommends that Shs 6.1 billion be provided for the recruitment of additional staff to enable Kawempe National Refinery Hospital to reach the 68 per cent staffing level. 2. Overhaul and remodelling of the hospital plumbing system This is an issue the committee has noted in the hospitals of Kawempe, Kiruddu, Naguru and Entebbe. These hospitals are as old as 10 years but the plumbing has given way. We need to take an interest in value for money because plumbing giving way after 10 years is very unacceptable. Vote 417: Kiruddu National Referral Hospital 1) Inadequate wage for recruitment of health workers which is the same as Kawempe. 2) Inadequate funding for the burns and surgery unit. The committee recommends that Shs 2 billion be provided to mitigate the shortfall because patients under plastic surgery and burns require a lot of specialised attention and treatment. 3) Purchase of land The committee reiterates its recommendation that Shs 5 billion be provided to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital for the purchase of 5 acres of land to enable expansion services, namely wards for burns and plastic surgery, ophthalmology, general dialysis and ward expansion. To underscore that point, Naguru, Kiruddu and Kawempe were health centre IV on a one-acre piece of land. The Government built upwards of seven stories. There is a need for land for the expansion of these hospitals. Vote 401: Mulago National Referral Hospital 1) Staffing in Mulago National Referral Hospital can be underscored by the intensive care unit. The hospital was expanded and increased to 44 ICU beds, but 21 are working. In the adult ICU of the 27 beds, only 14 are working. The committee recommends that an additional Shs 529 million be provided to Mulago National Referral Hospital for priority recruitment of 10 ICU critical staff. That is the annual cost. 7) Incomplete renovation of Lower Mulago Hospital The committee recommends that Shs 15.5 billion be provided to Mulago National Referral Hospital to complete civil, electrical, plumbing and IT works to ensure full functionalising of the hospital.

Madam Speaker, the next point is where the report mentions the Government discharging a very good job in investing in hardware, infrastructural developments and the health care service delivery. However, what is appalling, is when we are having serious staffing gaps, especially critical human resource and yet a huge sum of money – I think my memory may not serve me well but it is about Shs 250 billion, which has been allocated to enhance the wage bill but up to now, such funds are still lying unutilised. Moreover, we need specialists like anaesthetists and other consultants because they are very few. That is a grave concern that this House should condemn in the strongest terms possible. Mbale Regional Referral Hospital is central and serves many regions, including Kenya but it is disturbing, especially if you see the deplorable state of where the works had reached on the surgical complex and the corruption that has even caused the funds that had been allocated to be withdrawn, or rather withheld, or both. Up to now, the oxygen plant, which was meant for that referral hospital was diverted to another region. Look at the challenges that regional referral hospitals are grappling with, especially water and sewerage. Of those districts that have been mentioned and are beneficiaries of the allocation to address those challenges of water and sewerage, Mbale is conspicuously missing. I do not begrudge Entebbe, Masaka or even Hoima but why on earth would you leave out Mbale Regional Referral Hospital? I would implore the committee to reconsider having Mbale included among the beneficiaries of this fund –(Interjection) - Information? No, hold on. (Laughter) This is to address the challenge of water and sewerage.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Unfortunately, I did not get time to talk about my issues. I am seeking clarification from the committee chairperson. On page 14, they have observed – but they did not give us any recommendation – that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is making variations on the wage pay for local governments in anticipation of the payroll audit. We are getting a number of complaints from districts. People with slips, who have been verified, have already been knocked off the payroll. Districts of Kiryandongo, Hoima and Kiboga – I have received from a number of districts. You have not made any recommendation, yet the ministry is going to stop this money. We want to find a solution and the minister is here; she should commit herself.

The stadia are going to be ready. What we want to get ready first is Namboole to host the games and then the other ones - I already have a letter here, a blue letter on Summa, that is for Hoima Stadium and then the other one will be for Akii Bua Stadium. Do you want to say something? Honourable minister of - the contractor who subcontracts.

Honourable minister, we do not have time. We have an issue with Namboole. We are losing out on AFCON because of it. That is why the two ministers got out of the House to go and sort it out. Unless you are telling me that you want some few minutes to go out with the three ministers to check what happened and then come back. The owners of that docket are those two ministers - for finance and sports. The contractor is there saying, “Give me space.” I can let the four of you go out, then come back after 30 minutes and report. THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON, COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE (Mr Tonny Ayoo): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to start by thanking and congratulating you for the brilliant strategy that you have used to have the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development click the “hard trigger” that had failed to provide Shs 17.5 billion for the renovation of Namboole Stadium. I pray and believe that you will still use the same brilliant strategy to enable the Government to provide funds for the construction of Akii-Bua and Hoima stadia for hosting A FCON . As you are aware, we are behind time and that same strategy should work. Madam Speaker, I beg to present the report of the Committee on Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance on the ministerial policy statements and Budget estimates for the Financial Year 2024/2025. I invite you to page 8, where we have provided the budget performance for Vote 020: Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. I believe Members can go through that. I wish to also invite you to page 10, where we have provided challenges faced during the budget implementation of the Vote. I would like to read through the ICT challenges facing the country: (i) Automation of Government systems or processes is still very low among MDAs in the country. Many stand-alone ICT systems in government are not in sync or synchronised, but mostly operate in silos – independently – yet they are supposed to work as a system; (ii) Low levels of civic consciousness/ responsibility/responsiveness to spur effective participation in the political socio-economic transformation in the country; (iii) There is inadequate ICT uptake across the country; (iv) Community mobilisation and mindset change function in the Government is heavily segmented across sectors, which implies that if the Government does not consolidate resources for community mobilisation and mindset change, the function will continue to be weakened; and (v) There is over-taxation in the ICT sector, including on value-added services. Findings, observations and recommendations Strengthening communication of government programmes and national guidance outreach (i) The committee recommends that the Government collectively aligns all its ICT application development and mandates to the ministry to clear all ICT procurements in one single entry for purposes of standardisation and interoperability as provided for by the national ICT Act; and (ii) The Government should allocate Shs 2.2 billion for the development of local ICT applications for the delivery of e-government services for the Financial Year 2024/2025.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I would like to join my colleagues in appreciating the Committee on Presidential Affairs for the good report. On donations, they had a budget of Shs 83 billion, but what was provided was Shs 53 billion. My question is: of the Shs 83 billion, do they have a list of the presidential pledges? I am asking this because the President came to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters in Hoima about two or three years ago and pledged a vehicle for the district khadi; he still asks me up to now. If it is not on the list, I can follow it up so that it can be included. I beg to submit.

As a Member of Parliament of Hoima, have you reminded the State House Comptroller about the pledge that the President made and it was not responded to?

The accounting officer for that Vote is the State House Comptroller. When the President moves everywhere and makes a pledge that “I am going to give you a car,” somebody takes note. What you need to do, as a leader of that area, is to write and say, “When you came to Hoima on such and such a day, you made a presidential pledge of A, B, C and D. It is our request that it be fulfilled.”

12717 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 12 APRIL 2024 (vii) Constructing and equipping E-assessment and digital centre and enhancing ICT infrastructure The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits an additional Shs 8 billion in the next financial year for the phased construction of E-assessment digital centre. An additional Shs 8.6 billion be committed for ICT systems, re-engineering, integration and security enhancement, revamping and upgrading of the core hardware security and business continuity and disaster recovery activities, which need to be undertaken. Other entities a) Vote 166: National Council of Sports i) Payment of commitment fees This is for AFCON. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits additional funding of US$ 30 million, which is Shs 114 billion for commitment fees for Uganda hosting the AFCON East African PAMOJA Bid, 2027. ii) Construction of Hoima Stadium for AFCON 2027 The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits Shs 380 billion to the National Council of Sports for construction of Hoima Stadium. iii) Construction of Lira Akii-Bua and Buhinga Stadia The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits an additional Shs 100 billion to the National Council of Sports to facilitate the construction of Buhinga in Kabarole District and Akii-Bua in Lira District. iv) Construction of 11 training grounds for AFCON 2027 The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits Shs 110 billion to National Council of Sports for construction of 11 training grounds for AFCON 2027. (v) Redevelopment of Lugogo Sports Complex The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development provides an additional Shs 790 billion to the National Council of Sports for redevelopment of Lugogo Sports Complex in a phased manner. (vi) National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development provides additional Shs 3.0 billion to National Council of Sports as subvention to the National Anti-Doping Organisation. (vii) Relocation of Lugogo Cricket Oval and Tennis Courts The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance commits an additional Shs 0.36 billion to the National Council for relocation and hire of office space for the National Council of Sports during the National Council of Sports redevelopment of Lugogo Sports Complex; including Lugogo Cricket Oval and Tennis Courts. (viii) Non-Wage Recurrent

(9) Concluded round one of the various trade protocols under AfCFTA and COMESA including RoO, Trade in goods, Trade in services, Investments. (10) Published and printed 650 Copies of the draft Competition Bill and submitted them to Parliament (11) Finalized the draft Consumer Protection Bill in engagements with the First Parliamentary Counsel. (12) Finalized proposals for introduction of Tobacco Cess and access of competition merger fees competition commission NTR from coMESA in Consultation with MoFpED and MoJCA. (13) A draft Trade Licensing Rates and Grades for the new Cities were developed in consultation with key stakeholders. (14) Finalization of the development of the Grain Trade policy Implementation strategr and the National MSMEs Implementation stratery (15) Mobilized 180 MSME in Mbale, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Mbarara and Kampala to participate in the stakeholder consultations for the formulation of branding and packaging strategr. (161 522 MSMES Mobitized, vetted, registered and participated in the 22na EAC Exhibition in Uganda to show case their innovations and discuss business with their counterparts from other countries from 8th to 18th December 2022. (l7l 245 MSMEs trained on making Business Plans, Financial Literacy, Resource Mobilization, Business Negotiations and Record the following Districts. A{V! *a. ,C l; t M' ,i'['r

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Part of my question has been answered, about rural electrification. We are training and tutoring the youth, but some of the tools they are using, like the tailoring and welding machines, require power. Secondly, some people paid the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and they were promised to be connected as far as 2018/2019. They have their certificates and receipts. I am asking the honourable minister, for those connections which are meant for - I hope Hoima is there - are they going to be given priority? Thank you.

I request the Member to tell me who the representative was. This is because what I know is that we, together with you Members of Parliament, agreed that in order to rehabilitate the roads and maintain them, each district was given Shs 1 billion. Then the ministry, for Uganda National Roads Authority roads, or those trunk roads, was also given support. We gave emergency funding. Maybe they heard the emergency funding which we proposed to give the Ministry of Works and Transport, to work on the bridges that were washed away by floods in Mbale, Kigezi, Kasese, and other areas in the country. Remember the districts of Pakwach - I remember that place, and Hoima, Kafu River, and many others. Therefore, Mr Speaker, the Shs 200 billion we talked about in the Cabinet was for the Ministry of Works and Transport for the entire country, and not for Mbale.

12241 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 2 APRIL 2024 has already zeroed in on a contractor from Egypt while for the stadium to be constructed in Hoima, the Government has zeroed in on a contractor from Turkey. Both of them, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has been directed through Cabinet to ensure that the requirements including the question of funding them through pre-financing be finalised. Mr Speaker that is the brief I can give. Otherwise, as the Government, we are on the right trajectory supported by this Parliament and I know the issue of Akii-Bua and the stadium in Hoima will be before this Parliament when we are considering the budget for the next financial year through pre-financing. I beg to report. Thank you.

?.2 TEA GROIIIING IN UGANDA Tea was first cultivated in Uganda in the early years of the 2oft century at the botanical gardens in Entebbe. The crop was a success and commercial cultivation started in the 1920s. Unfortunately, Uganda's tea industry was decimated by political upheaval in the 197Os. It was revived in the early 1990s due to availability of Commonwealth development funds, foreign expertise, and investment by Indian owned companies (Ahmed Tea London, 2or9l. In the FY 2022123, tea was Uganda's fourth largest agricultural export after coffee, fish and maize, earning the country over USD 90 million. This represented a 5.3% increase compared to FY 2O2l122. Tea has generated an average of 3.60/o of Uganda's export earnings over the last five years and is recognizsed to have a higher potential to contribute more to national revenue, employment and environmental conservation (NAADS, 2021). Over the past eight (8) years, tea has been fetching average earnings of USD 76 million for the country, having apexes at USD 94 million 2018. Tea estates produce about 54o/o of the tea in the country while the small holder tea growers contribute about 460/o of the total average. The industry employs close to 8O,OOO farmer households and supports 150,000 skilled and unskilled workers with about one million people directly deriving their velihoods from tea growing (NAADS, 2021). The traditional tea-growing districts in Uganda are: Mukono, Buikwe, Mubende, Mityana, Masaka in the central region; Kyenjojo, Kibale, Hoima and Kabarole in the western region; Bushenyi, Buhweju, Kanungu and Kabale in south-western Uganda. Recently, tea growing has expanded to new districts like Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukungiri, Sheema, Nebbi, Zombo, Isingiro, Ntungamo, Mitooma, Ru 2O2Ol. Kamwenge and Mbarara (NAADS, .l ffit^-- t "# ffili, -\ l. 2 --- j=.r t\S'rr '.i'-5r a 1 hk h

Is it seconded? Okay, it is seconded by Hon. Fox, Hon. Herbert, Hon. Bwiire, Hon. Esenu, Hon. Peter, Isingiro, foreign affairs minister, health minister, Hoima and Busia. Thank you. It is referred to the Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development. BILLS FIRST READING THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2023

Honourable mem - bers, I have the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Association(FUFA) who knows the playing grounds. The stadia that I know are: Akii-Bua and Hoima. Akii-Bua has already been visited by the contractors. The contract is already being made by the Attor - ney-General. Therefore, we want to know, which places are going to be worked on locally. Can we hear from him?

I get surprised when I hear Hon. Asinansi saying “No” when Hoima is one of the beneficiaries. Yes, minister?

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I thank the chairperson of the committee for the report. The findings of the committee are very touching. The day when the chairperson was presenting this report, I was seated near Dr Ruyonga from Hoima and he actually shared with me what they found on the ground during the visit. It is very sad. I remember that during the presentation of this report, the chairperson kept emphasising that it is the “nodding syndrome” and not disease. That is my point of concern; a nexus of symptoms and not the disease. For almost every financial year, we normally appropriate funds for scientific research and considering the state of these symptoms, this is an area that should be given priority. My question to the Minister of Science and Technology, the Prime Minister and the Government therefore is as to whether they have considered studies in this area or we are simply looking at symptoms without actually getting the real cause of these symptoms and therefore establishing the disease. Simply looking at the symptoms implies that the situation is likely to prolong and considering the sad state in which these people are. Have we made any efforts to study this area so that we get an everlasting solution to the syndrome?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Hoima Regional Referral Hospital continues to grapple with the problem of lack of a radiologist. As you will recall, honourable members, the Government installed CT scans in all regional referral hospitals - about 11. However, to-date, the Government is yet to deploy a radiologist to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. The radiographer who is there is incapable, as you all know, of interpreting all the images coming out of the CT scans. Therefore, these images have to be sent to Kampala, privately, to radiologists to interpret and send back, at the cost of the patient. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, when are we deploying radiologists to the regional referral hospitals where we have installed CT scans?

Mr Speaker, the President has always emphasised science. The reason we do not have radiologists in all our hospitals is basically because we do not have that cadre or discipline in our country. Therefore, I request that we continue to encourage our people to take science courses. Thank you. We are also looking at the option of digitalising our systems such that even when you are in Hoima and a radiographer takes these images, a consultant, say, in Mulago or any other hospital, can help to read and prescribe for the patient – even when they are in Hoima, Masaka or elsewhere. That is long term. However, in the short term, we continue to advertise to attract that cadre of staff. Thank you very much.

11891 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2024 Question No.5 From Hon. Agnes Kirabo, Youth Representative, Central Region. That Mulago National Referral Hospital has started a kidney transplant. However, free services have been given to a few people. The rest of the patients have to pay over Shs 46 million, which is too expensive for an ordinary Ugandan. Prayer What is the Government’s plan to ensure this service is available for all? Response Mr Speaker, in December 2023, Mulago National Referral Hospital conducted Uganda’s first kidney transplant successfully, by a team of medical experts from Uganda with counterparts from Yashoda Hospital in India. Mr Speaker, the Government has allowed at least five patients with End-Stage Renal Failure who are on dialysis to have kidney transplants at Mulago National Referral Hospital, free of charge before the fee for the lifesaving procedure is determined for all patients to start paying. The costing of this procedure can then be deduced more accurately rather than estimating from a single or maiden renal transplant. Mr Speaker, Shs 46 million for a kidney transplant is a media-generated figure and not a Government position. The Government has not yet set the cost and our plan through, the Mulago team, is to determine the price after more transplants have been made to get the right picture of the cost implication. The cost of running specialised services is extremely expensive and such services have Ugandans over $18,000 on average, excluding costs of ticket and maintenance abroad. This cost does not include post-operative follow- up treatment which is also very expensive, especially in the first months. All investigations to prepare the patient for transplant were done in Uganda, except for Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) typing where samples were sent to South Africa through Lancet Laboratories. This was more cost effective to do for now until we scale up organ transplant services. Mr Speaker, the success story of Mulago National Referral Hospital in correcting this health condition, will save Ugandans from travelling to India and other developed countries for kidney transplant. The Government of Uganda is committed to saving the lives of Ugandans through such innovations and lessons learned from Mulago. Therefore, after thorough assessment of all that entails the entire process of kidney transplant and full recovery of a patient, a reasonable figure shall be derived and Ugandans shall be informed accordingly. Question No.6 From Hon. Dr. Abed Bwanika, Member of Parliament, Kimaanya- Kabonera Division, Masaka City. He says that on 28 April 2020, the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda approved the creation of 15 news cities and 10 became operational on 1 July 2020, including Jinja, Arua, Gulu, Lira, Soroti, Hoima, Fort portal, Mbarara, Masaka and Mbale. Section 188 of the Local Government Act, instructs that at the creation of a new local government unit, the minister shall assure the equitable sharing of property between the original and new governments. It is now three years since the operationalisation of the 10 cities without clear guidance on asset sharing. The Ministry of Local Government continues to handle ad hoc by engaging case by case, which has caused a lot of confusion and not desirable. This has negatively affected service delivery in the affected local governments. Some district leadership continue to insist on compensation out of the transfer of assets despite that these are public properties held in trust.

11892 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT Prayers: 1. When is the Minister of Local Government concluding on the guidelines for asset sharing and laying the same on the Table in the Parliament of Uganda? 2. How much provision has the Government provided to support establishment of new headquarters for districts that were affected by the creation of new cities? Mr Speaker, my response is that funding to finance the settlement of 10 districts of Masaka, Mbarara, Hoima, Arua, Gulu, Lira, Mbale, Fort portal, Soroti and Jinja that gave birth to cities was requested for by the Ministry of Local Government during the budgeting period for the current Financial Year 2023/2024. However, funds were not allocated and this remained as an unfunded priority. The matter has been presented to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for consideration in the next Financial year 2024/2025 Budget Call Circular. Prayer 2: When are the subcounties that host new district headquarters going to be gazetted as town councils as part of the Local Governments Act? The Ministry of Local Governments has compiled the necessary data from the eight district local governments which have already determined their new locations. We are still waiting for submission from two district local governments. Town councils will be gazetted once the Ministry of Local Governments has received all the information from the two remaining local governments. Prayer 3 That since there are lacunas in the Local Governments Act about the governance of new cities, when is government coming up with a Bill on governance of new cities? My response is that the proposed Amendment Bill for Local Governments Act, Cap 243 has been prepared and will soon be submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval, and then be brought here for approval. Mr Speaker, I beg to submit. (Applause)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, as you are aware, the Kafu Bridge along Hoima-Kampala Road was washed away in the recent heavy rains, and the Government was fully notified. The UNRA team came, and they promised to rehabilitate that bridge when the water levels subsided. When the water levels subsided, the team came, and what they did was simply makeshift rehabilitation. On the roadsides, there are no guard rails and have wide gullies. Motorists cannot overtake because there is just a narrow part of the road that is being used currently. I am worried that –

11705 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2024 that they should have left the forest yesterday. (Applause) I went to Bugoma, Hoima Sugar has cleared hectares and hectares of natural forest. I walked through and found a tree, which no equipment can dare to cut into logs of timber. If they brought the log itself and carried it here on a truck, we would not have where to sit if they placed it inside here. That particular tree, in estimation of the many years it has lived, could have lived for about 600 years. If we are going to cut trees and natural forests that have spent 600 years, are we being just to this country? We are not. (Applause) I pray that we implement the recommendations of the committee to the latter. (Applause)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I start by thanking the committee who went to carry out an assessment on the situation of Karamoja and came up with the report. I agree with them that that is the situation in Karamoja; that is how desperate it is. I want to comment on the issue of famine. It is true that for the last three years, there has been persistent drought and poor harvest due to drought and erratic rainfall. At the moment, there are districts in the region that did not have a total harvest last year. For example, Moroto did not have a harvest last year, and apparently, they are facing famine. The lack of harvest is actually the reason many Karamojong people are going to other areas in search of survival. That is why you find street children in Kampala, some of them in Hoima, Kitgum, Acholi area, and many of them in Teso. This has brought a lot of disasters because whereas they are looking for a source of survival, they are instead suffering. Some of the children that are sent are actually losing touch with their parents. This calls for the Government, first of all, to take relief food to save these people from acute malnutrition and death due to lack of food. On the need of improvement of harvest, we have always asked for water for production, especially irrigation. If Government would actually invest money in irrigation schemes for Karamoja to provide Karamojong with food, I think many of the challenges in Karamoja would be reduced, including the current insecurity. Much as it is said to be economical, part of it is just because - it is a way of survival. So, if food is there, many things would be resolved. It is true that the Government has planned and actually put some money for water but that water is more for animal watering, and they have never put efforts in terms of promoting irrigation schemes. There is also un-streamlined planning between the ministries in Government in relation to planning for Karamoja. I want to give an example of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), and the Ministry of Water and Environment. They had actually planned for water production for Karamoja, on the same site. The MAAIF goes and starts to put the mega dam, and then the Ministry of Water and Environment also comes and claims to be wanting to put money there. So, there comes conflict and at the end of the day, it is left to one ministry. But where the money for the other ministry; the Ministry of Water and Environment went, is what is special. We advised them to put another dam somewhere [Ms Ababiku] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

11581 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 1 FEBRUARY 2024 Introduction Mr Speaker, FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects all cloven-hoofed (two hoofed) animals. These include cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and wild animals such as buffaloes, deers and antelopes. The disease spreads very fast, through close contact between infected and non-infected animals. The disease is transmitted through aerosols (fluid droplets) breathed out by infected animals and contact with affected surfaces. The aerosols can be transported by wind to far areas. The affected animals get wounds in the mouth, feet and teats in female animals. FMD is the most dreaded disease in international trade of animals and animal products. Countries that have eradicated the disease do not allow trade with affected countries, or those that control the disease by vaccination. The disease causes significant economic losses to the farmers and to the country due to disruption in animal production, productivity and in trade of animal and animal products. Scientists and economists have estimated the economic cost of FMD to a farmer per unit livestock to be $20 per infection. The cost can be higher with repeated infections. Our target, therefore, as Government, is to not only control the disease but eradicate it. Mr Speaker, the ideal situation that enables any livestock producing country to fully control and eradicate FMD requires the following interventions: i) Undertaking a bi-annual compulsory vaccination exercise of the entire susceptible animal herd in the country (all two hoofed animals; cattle, sheep, goats and pigs). For purposes of universal coverage, compliance and bio-security considerations (since vaccines are live organisms), governments normally offer the vaccines as a public good. This, however, varies from country to country, depending on the number of animals and the budget implications for buying the vaccines recurrently. ii) Another control and eradication approach is the “test and slaughter” followed by safe disposal of the carcasses (burning and/or burying). When the veterinary authorities confirm the outbreak, they determine the affected animals and those at risk for destruction. This, however, is followed with compensation by the government, which is a very expensive practice. This is the practice in developed livestock-producing countries like the United Kingdom, among others. You kill or destroy, but compensate the farmer. iii) In addition to the above, movement control restrictions (quarantine) are always imposed either in part or as a whole in the affected geographical location depending on the epidemiological assessment by the competent authorities. The competent authorities, Mr Speaker, are veterinary authorities. These animal movement restrictions, however, are temporary measures to disrupt transmission but their duration depends on the discipline and compliance of the different stakeholders (farmers, traders, processors and enforcement agencies) and also on the country’s ability to implement interventions (i) and (ii) above. Current situation in the country Mr Speaker, there are 36 districts currently affected and under quarantine. These are; Budaka, Bukedea, Bukomansimbi, Bunyangabu, Butaleja, Fort Portal City, Gomba, Ibanda, Isingiro, Kabarole, Kassanda, Kayunga, Kazo, Kiboga, Kibuku, Kiruhura, Kumi, Kyankwanzi, Kyegegwa, Kyotera, Luuka, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Mbarara, Mbarara City, Mityana, Mpigi, Mubende, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Namisindwa, Ngora, Ntungamo, Rakai, Rwampara and Ssembabule. All districts neighbouring the aforementioned districts are at high risk, under strict surveillance and the authorities are advised to remain vigilant. These include; Apac, Amolatar, Bugiri, Bushenyi, Butaleja, Hoima, Iganga, Jinja, Kabale, Kaberamaido, Kaliro, Kamuli,

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise under rule 220 to request the Ministry of Public Service to give us a report on whether they intend to lift the ban on recruitment. I represent a city, Hoima, and work is at a standstill. In all cities and district local governments, work is at standstill. The Ministry of Public Service is to blame because they have instituted a ban, which is never ending. I see the minister here. There were two – I do not see the senior minister, but the state minister is here. Can we get a report on when the Ministry of Public Service will lift the ban so that work so that work can resume in our areas?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I want to thank the Budget Committee, particularly on the issue of buying road equipment for the new districts. I would not want to mince my words here. Much as colleagues are saying they are all districts and they do not have the equipment, this is not fair to the new district. Roads of Terego have now become gullies and valleys. Let us be there for each other. I would think with the meagre resources in this country, we should start with the new districts, because we can no longer borrow from the old districts. They do not want to give us the equipment as if they are their personal property. We have fuel but we cannot work on our roads. In December, we were set to receive this new equipment but up to now, it has gone to the Budget Framework Paper. I hope this time it will not be words or writings, but it will materialise. Secondly, I want to thank you for the issue of police in prisons. Honestly, we need to allocate more resources to these entities. If you go to the remand homes, you will cry. I do not know whether they are now remand homes or they have also been turned into prisons. Food for prisons is not enough. Police are going through hell. Uniforms have grown so old. We need more allocation to those entities. Then to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, we have street children. We have been trying to rehabilitate these street children, but the funding allocated is so meagre and they now go and they come back to the streets. We need to increase the money in that sector and we need to be able to give more money to recruitment or probation offices. I hope as we put money in batches, we have not forgotten the tobacco farmers of West Nile. Honestly, if we can compensate for the Hoima Region, why have you neglected the West Nile? We have had several meetings with you, and we have talked about this, unless you do not want us the MPs of West Nile to come back, we are sitting on a time bomb and we are part of this House. We want this issue of West Nile tobacco farmers set aside in this current budget. If not, then we will need to - (Member timed out.)

11450 THE NATIONAL BUDGET FRAMEWORK PAPER FOR THE FY s 2024/2025 - 2028/2029 Vote 157: National Forestry Authority Government should provide Shs 1.5 billion for resurveying and demarcation of forest boundaries and Shs 3.1 billion for protection of forests in the coming financial year. Inadequate budget for the provision of tree seedlings We have recommended, as a committee, that Shs 5 billion be provided for tree seedlings and Shs 3 billion for industrial forest plantations. Vote 302: Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) The committee recommends that the Government should provide Shs 7 billion under UNMA for the unfunded priorities. Vote 013: Ministry of Education and Sports The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits an additional Shs 30.6 billion to the Ministry of Education and Sports for grant- aiding both primary and secondary schools. Finalising the Higher Education Policy The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development gets an additional Shs 500 million for finalising the Higher Education Policy. Facilitation for Secondary School Games The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development gives Shs 23.304 billion to facilitate secondary school games. Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) Mr Speaker, we know how you are passionate about education in Uganda and equity. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development provides an additional Shs 6.75 billion to provide loans for a total of 6,180 students on top of the Shs 21 billion provided for. Mr Speaker, this was your passion with what you did in this Parliament recently. Vote 165: Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) We have provided money for Uganda Business and Technical Examination Board and money has been provided for the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) and an additional Shs 6.5 billion is needed. Conducting Transitional Examinations The committee recommends that Shs 8.6 billion be provided. Securing accommodation for hosting marking and enhancing marking examinations in the new curriculum The committee recommends that an additional Shs 6.5 billion be given to UNEB. Enhancing marking fees for examinations The committee recommends that another Shs 4.6 billion be given. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits additional Shs 8.5 billion to cater for travel in-land and Shs 2.9 billion to provide extra security for examinations. Vote 166: National Council of Sports The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits Shs 380 billion for the construction of Hoima Stadium - Shs 180 billion; Akii Bua Stadium, Shs 100 billion; and Buhinga Stadium, Shs 100 billion. That is the split and recommendation of the committee for the construction of all those beautiful stadia – Akii Bua, Buhinga, and Hoima. Therefore, Shs 380 billion will be split. (Applause)

11454 THE NATIONAL BUDGET FRAMEWORK PAPER FOR THE FY s 2024/2025 - 2028/2029 The committee retreats its earlier recommendation that an additional Shs 4 billion be provided to NMS for procurement of a kit of glucometers, BP machines and thermometers for 3000 health workers across the country. Uganda Virus Research Institute - money has been provided to a tune of Shs 2.6 billion. Health Service Commission for recruitment – Shs 500 million, Uganda Blood Transfusion Shs 2.4 billion - we need blood in this country. Kawempe Regional Referral Hospital requested an additional Shs 6.1 billion for the recruitment of additional staff and also a funding gap of 0.87 be provided to Kawempe for maintenance of equipment. Kiruddu Hospital funds have been provided and the details are in the report. Mulago National Referral Hospital money was provided. Mr Speaker, generally, all the hospitals’ money was provided for including all the regional referral hospitals of Soroti, Jinja, Masaka, Fort Portal, Hoima, Mubende, Lira, Entebbe, Naguru, Kawempe, Yumbe, Kiruddu and Moroto. All these have been provided for, Mr Speaker. Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry, page 180 The committee recommends that the Government should expedite the appointment of the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) and allocate an additional budget of Shs 9.4 billion to develop exports and discover new markets for Uganda in view of the worsening trading imbalances recently noticed after AGOA. Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) should be supported to support our export sector with an additional resource. In conclusion, Mr Speaker, we have Annex 2, which provides a summary of the funding requirements to cater for critical Government programmes. Therefore, in accordance with Section 9(8) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 and Rule 145 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, the committee recommends that the proposed National Budget Framework Paper of the Financial Year 2024/2025 to the Financial Year 2028/2029 be approved by this Parliament with amendments as per the committee’s recommendations. I beg to report, Mr Speaker. (Applause)

Madam Speaker, I beg to designate the following honourable members to the Standing Committee on Government Assurance and Implementation as members: 1. Hon. Ibrahim Kyoto Mululi - Budiope West County; 2. Hon. Enock Nyongore - Nakaseke North County; 3. Hon. Noah Mutebi Wanzala - Nakasongola County; 4. Hon. Pauline Kemirembe Kyaka – Lyantonde; 5. Hon. Patrick Bingi Nyanzi - Butemba County; 6. Hon. Richard Oseku Oriebo - Kibale County; 7. Hon. Sam Otukol - Pallisa County; 8. Hon. Emmanuel Otaala Otiam - West Budama County South; 9. Hon. Robert Wandwasi - Bungokho County South; 10. Hon. Apollo Masika - Namisindwa County; 11. Hon. Emma Rose Cherukut – Kween County; 12. Hon. Cosmas Elotu - Dakabela County; 13. Hon. Richard Ricky Anywar - Agago West County; 14. Hon. Tom Alero Alero - West Moyo County; 15. Hon. Sulaiman Hashim - Nebbi Municipality; 16. Hon. Noeline Kisembo Basemera – Kibaale; 17. Hon. Harriet Businge – Hoima; 18. Hon. Clare Mugumya – Isingiro; 19. Hon. Eddie Kwizera Wa Gahungu - Bukimbiri County; and 20. Hon. Bright Tom Amooti - Kyaka Central County. I beg to designate.

11335 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2023 The Kampala-Jinja Express Highway (KJE) was at procurement stage seven years after the project started and by June 2022, it had attracted commission fees amounting to Shs 3 billion according to the Auditor-General’s Report for the Financial Year ending June 2022 and between July and December 2022, Shs 1.1 billion was spent on commission fees. The committee was informed that the delay in the implementation is partly attributed to the Cabinet and Parliament’s loan approval conditions that delayed the project by 18 months, as well as delayed procurement of the project implementation unit due to lack of readily available skills in the region. The committee recommends that UNRA should ensure that externally financed projects are only secured - we reiterated the earlier recommendation. Further, for the Government of Uganda projects, UNRA should ensure the timely implementation to create the much-needed fiscal space that shall be required in two years, now that this loan has to be cleared within two years after implementation. The Whistle-blowers’ Protection Act, 2010 should be amended to provide for timeliness of procurement-related complaints as it is in the PPDA Act. We mentioned earlier the issue of inadequate counterpart funding. The committee observed that the budget for land acquisition under this project, is not enough. Some projects had to stall as contractors had to wait for when the sections of the road would be acquired so as to access full possession of the site. For instance, civil works for Kigumba-Bulima, under the Kigumba-Masindi-Hoima-Kabwoya Road Project, commenced works a year after contract signature due to lack of adequate right of way, which was attributed to inadequate funding for land acquisition. The committee recommends that the budget for land acquisition under UNRA should be enhanced to ensure the smooth implementation of various projects with Government commitments. In addition, UNRA should prioritise counterpart funding for this project under the land acquisition project to ensure its timely implementation, leaving no room for blame on Government for any delays. Currency breakdown of pre-financed projects The committee recommends that UNRA should consider negotiating for better currency breakdown in the various contracts – because, Madam Speaker, the breakdown was 80 per cent US dollars and 20 per cent Uganda Shillings – so as to minimise on the foreign exchange risk associated with foreign currency to preferably, a ratio of 50:50. In conclusion, the committee recommends that the proposal to pre-finance the reconstruction of Masaka-Mutukula Road (89.5kilometres) and rehabilitation of Nyendo-Villa Maria (11kilometres); the upgrading of 3.5 kilometres access road to Uganda People’s Defence Forces barracks in Masaka, 3.5kilometres access road to Masaka Industrial Park; and an additional scope of 28.5kilometres for Kikagati-Kafunzo Road at a total cost of Shs 691,680,000,000, be approved subject to the observations and recommendations herein. Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Then two, since Kabalega Airport is going to be in Hoima, that is where they are putting part of the money. We are reducing what was there. The letter is written to the Rt Hon. Speaker, what is important is accepting the letter to be part of the record of these proceedings. (Question put and agreed to.)

When we process a Bill, the person who assents to it is the President of the Republic of Uganda. It does not go through the Office of the President, but it goes directly to His Excellency, the President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Hence, the Vice-President may not be aware of the Bill that we sent. However, the person to respond to that should be the Attorney-General because he is the Legal Advisor of the country. LAYING OF PAPERS REPORT OF THE OPENING UP OF NEW AREAS (LAKE KYOGA, HOIMA AND KADAM-MOROTO BASINS) FOR PETROLEUM ACTIVITIES

Madam Speaker, if I make this statement, those airplanes are usual airplanes. They go to do reconnaissance; to find out using aerial surveys, to see the ground and see what would be available so that we are ready for future development. Having said that, I have to lay these papers on the Table. The purpose of this statement is to submit to Parliament a detailed report on Lake Kyoga, Hoima and Moroto-Kadam Frontier Basins and report on evaluation and impact assessment studies undertaken in areas to be opened for petroleum activities. The report is on what those airplanes were looking for. This submission is in accordance with sections 47(5) and 47(6) of the Petroleum Exploration Development and Production Act, 2013, also referred to as the Upstream Act. At this sitting of Parliament, I hereby lay on the Floor three evaluation reports on the areas; that is Lake Kyoga, Hoima and Moroto-Kadam Frontier Basins to be opened up for petroleum activities. If any of you wants to go and do some activity there, such as exploration, you should apply; you are free to go. These are three reports of impact assessments and studies and a detailed report on areas to be opened. These reports are not simple to lay. I have to carry them almost on my head. I beg to lay. (Laughter)

I beg to lay. The other one is, An Impact Assessment of the New Basins Proposed for Petroleum Activities; Lake Kyoga Basin. I beg to lay. This big one is, An Impact Assessment of the New Basin Proposed for Petroleum Activities; Hoima Basin. I beg to lay. These are reports of the valuation in the same area.

These are: i. Valuation of Preliminary Data and the Hydrocarbon Potential of the Kyoga Basin. ii. Valuation of the Preliminary Data and Hydrocarbon Potential for the Hoima Basin. [The Speaker] LAYING OF PAPERS

Honourable minister, as you have that hope that you will be able to handle this, that is one more reason why we need to know the needs of each place. We need to know the needs of Hoima, Ntoroko, Soroti and Kamwenge so that we know what we are going to spend on. You will find that even Serere, where the minister comes from, is also asking - We need to know all the needs so that we are able to budget properly, now that there is a loan there and we are going into the budgeting process. We need to have that information.

I thank the chairperson of the committee for the detailed report. To go straight to the point, I would like to put it that when you look at most of the regions like the mountainous areas, for example; Sebei, Kabale and Hoima, I guess the greatest challenge is to do with money. I would like to support the idea of the introduction of mobile banking that the Rt Hon. Speaker has put forward. I know that it will help the old, the people who cannot speak English. If services are brought closer, the queues at the bank will be reduced. For the district that I come from, that is Kween, we do not have a bank. I would be the number one person to request that mobile banking systems are put in place so that the PDM can be an effective project tomorrow. Asante sana.

Thank you very much. I do not know who is responding to that. Your little brother- Honourable minister Ogwang. Honourable minister, yesterday, we had a hot issue here - when you presented a report last time, you said it is going to be either or; Hoima or Akii-Bua and I am happy Dr Acuti is here and something of the sort - it is going to be Akii-Bua and –

Madam Speaker, on that day, when the Minister of State for Education and Sports in charge of Sports read that statement signed by the senior minister, it stated clearly that the Government will construct Akii- Bua Stadium, and either Buhinga or another stadium in Hoima. Implying Akii-Bua, plus one; either Buhinga or Hoima – that is to the best of my recollection. Thank you. (Applause)

Madam Speaker, I will be happy if you give me up to – because on Tuesday, I will be looking at what is in this bid for the purpose of training grounds in Kampala. On Monday, I will be in Hoima to look at what is in this bid. That is it - (Interjections)- no, on Monday, I will have a meeting with MPs. On Tuesday, I will be in Kampala. On Wednesday, I will be in Hoima. I thank you for specifically addressing areas that are in that bid. I request, Madam Speaker, that I bring the statement on Thursday. Thank you.

10911 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT O F U G ANDA WEDNESDAY, 15 N O V EMBER 2 023 patching only where they think visitors are going to pass. The biggest visitors in this country are us. (Applause) First start with us because all of us come from outside Kampala. We are visitors in this city. Patch up everywhere since we have given you money - not only for a road going to Munyonyo. We know that there are a lot of inconveniences that happen when a road is being worked on; there is a diversion and you cannot pass. We also currently have too much rain. I request KCCA to consider all Ugandans as visitors as we wait for the others who are coming. We want a beautiful city; we do not have to segregate. We do not work on our house only when we know that there are visitors coming. We gave out money and it is for the whole city. Honourable members, this morning - and I am saying this painfully. I should not have said it, especially when the chairperson of Lango Parliamentary Group is my very good friend. I saw a press conference where the Lango Parliamentary Group was addressing the nation. I have also seen T-shirts and a number of posts on social media saying “No Akii-Bua, no AFCON; no Akii-Bua, no vote.” I would like us to distinguish between presidential pledges and what was put in the AFCON bid. The bid had requirements that have to be fulfilled whereas a presidential pledge also has to be fulfilled. There is Akii-Bua and Buhinga, which must be fulfilled. Let us not jeopardise our bid for AFCON. This is an international bid; let us not localise it. (Applause) I also come from a different subregion; do you want us also on Sunday to say, “No Soroti/ Bukedea Stadium, no vote”? There was a decision by Parliament that – Dr Chris, do you remember the decision of Parliament on putting up stadia all over the country? You will give it to us. We are not going to tolerate this. Why didn’t you make that noise when we were bidding? Because we were on tension when we were bidding for AFCON. Please love your country. The fact is that Akii- Bua must get its stadium at whatever cost. Buhinga will get it. It was a presidential pledge. That is why I am not asking for it in Bukedea because it was not pledged there. I want us to desist from that and look at what is good for our country. That kind of cheap politics will not take us anywhere. Let us love this country. I will only need to hear from the minister on the position of the Cabinet on that issue. For you to have the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), you needed to have an airfield in your area; that is when they would use your stadium, and the only places that qualified were Hoima and Kampala. Therefore, for us who do not have – (Laughter) - honourable members, let us accept that we do not have them. It is not until they are put there that we can have it. Let us first host this one and not attach politics to it – no vote! Vote for who? I hope you have votes for yourself, first. Honourable members, let us desist from such because if these people of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) hear that, it is bad publicity for this country. I believe the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Cabinet and the Government are going to do the right thing, following what was in the bid and the presidential pledge. Let us differentiate between presidential pledges and what is in the bid. The checklist is in the bid – what was put there. That is why places like Nakivubo and Namboole are going to host matches. There is going to be a stadium put up in Arua, but not for AFCON. I would like to thank you very much and request that as you enter and later exit, please, clock in and out. Today is the second day – I started counting yesterday. I am checking the list every day, of people who attend the House.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Allow me to raise my voice and congratulate you for being a Nalongo. Congratulations from the people of Buyaga East. Madam Speaker, you have given very thorough communication about how Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is doing great work on patching up these potholes within the city. Given that we have serious rains disrupting us, and given that we also have issues to do with environmental challenges and changes in weather patterns, our roads are impassable. When we go to rural areas, the local person is having challenges. When you go to our constituencies, honourable members, you will agree with me, that most of the swampy areas are now a problem to our communities. Madam Speaker, it would be very well if the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) would interest itself in ascertaining the number of bridges that have broken down. For example, now, you may have difficulty connecting to Hoima because River Kafu is completely broken and the people surrounding the river are in dire need. That is only in Kafu, but we have several areas that have murram roads. Madam Speaker, you also remember that heavy rains come with several challenges, including diseases, cholera, malaria, and typhoid. We would like to interest UNRA and the Ministry of Works and Transport to intervene and mitigate the problem. Thank you.

10915 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2023 One of the commitments was to construct two additional stadia, and it specifically mentioned Akii-Bua and Buhinga or Hoima Stadium. We had a very lengthy discussion and the impression that was understood at that time was that Akii-Bua would be part and parcel of this bid. The sudden change is what has created a lot of outcry and concern. I request that we sit and see how best to harmonise this. As I speak now, 29 out of 30 Members of Parliament have come up with this resolution. It is our humble plea - you are our Mama; you are our min rudi. (Laughter) We request that you help your Members to see how best to handle this because there is a lot of pressure from the 2.4 million people in Lango.

Thank you, very much, Madam Speaker; Akiiki. I congratulate you for giving us twins and becoming a Nalongo. The people of Toro are very happy and they love you. Madam Speaker, you mentioned something very interesting in your opening remarks. This was about the children going back for holidays. When we did our study, we found out that the country lacks sports facilities. So, the issue of sports facilities that should occupy our young children and nurture their talents is a must, because in any country, the Government plans for the younger population. These issues of the stadia are an obligation of the State and I think we do not need to demand something which the Government must plan for. When we made our prayer to the President as the people of Toro for Buhinga Stadium, he came and even laid the foundation stone. He promised the people of Toro to have the stadium. Luckily enough, the AFCON came on board. Madam Speaker, I would like to draw your attention to something: When we were going to host the Commonwealth meeting, the Government suffocated other budget lines and ensured that the required infrastructure for the Commonwealth meeting to take course was built, and it took us a lot of money. I implore you kindly, Madam Speaker, that in the same spirit – after learning the conditions of the AFCON, Government should direct resources to specifically fulfil those requirements because this will boost the economy of this country. Instead of tagging ourselves only to the three stadia which are already - and maybe Hoima being at an advantage, we could say, “Government, this is the chance. This is the opportunity. What is missing in Lango? What is missing in Toro? Let us fix it,” so that we can have this stadium in place.

Honourable members, as I said, let us not discuss issues of AFCON. It is an agreed fact that we will have a number of stadia in different areas. It is also a fact that in the bid, there are specific issues and items that were raised; you must have five-star hotels, an airfield; number of things were put in the checklist. When people say Hoima is getting - maybe Fort Portal will also put up five-star hotels tomorrow. Maybe Hon. Okot-Ogong is planning to put up a five-star hotel in Lira - 2027 is far. Do not make the noise now. That will be sorted. Hon. Biraaro?

10783 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2023 Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is leading the formulation of a comprehensive National Petroleum Policy following the review of the National Oil and Gas Policy, 2008 and Energy Policy, 2002 to address the entire petroleum value chain and emerging issues. The new policy will create a conducive environment for faster and efficient exploration, development, production and commercialisation of discovered resources and utilisation of petroleum products in the country while acknowledging the energy transition initiatives. We plan to conclude the policy before the end of this financial year. Exploration In an effort to increase our resource base, we issued exploration licences to Armour Energy Ltd over the Kanyawataba area, Oranto Petroleum Ltd over the Ngassa Shallow and Deep in 2017 and, more recently (2023), we issued exploration licence to UNOC over the Kasurubani Block and DGR Global over the Turaco Block. My ministry is also increasing efforts to explore more petroleum areas in new basins such as the Kadam-Moroto basin where oil seeps have been identified on the surface as well as Kyoga and Hoima basins. We still have potential in those areas. Development and production Mr Speaker, the drilling of development and production wells was launched on 24 January 2023 at the Kingfisher field by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, witnessed by H.E. the Vice-President, among others. Development and production drilling for the Tilenga project also commenced in June 2023. A total of 11 wells have been drilled, eight in the Tilenga and three in the Kingfisher area. These wells are being drilled using three rigs in the Tilenga project and one rig in the Kingfisher project. At peak production, all fields mentioned above will produce 230,000 barrels of oil per day for five years. The Tilenga project will produce 190,000 barrels of oil per day at peak, while the Kingfisher field will produce 40,000 barrels of oil per day at peak. In total, the above production will require a total of 457 wells and 35 well pads. Mr Speaker, out of the 457 wells, 426 will be for Tilenga, while 31 will be for Kingfisher. Construction of the central processing facilities both at Kingfisher and Tilenga is ongoing, and on schedule to be ready by 2025. The central processing facilities do the primary processing before crude oil is subjected either to the refinery or for export through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.

10784 STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS It is expected that 80 kilotonnes and 20 kilotonnes per year of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will be produced from the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects, respectively. This will enable the country to reduce deforestation and hence, save us from any climate change impact. (Applause) Refinery project Mr Speaker, Government is taking forward the development of the 60,000 barrels per day oil refinery in Kabaale, Hoima District. I will be announcing the winning bidder for the refinery project soon after the Project Framework Agreement with Albertine Graben Energy Consortium expires in June 2023. The next one is to announce the winning bidder. Regarding the refined products pipeline project that traverses six districts, over a distance of 213 kilometres from Hoima to Mpigi, the land acquisition process is currently ongoing and is at 74 per cent. (Applause) East African Crude Oil Pipeline Mr Speaker, in January 2023, Government issued a permit to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline company to construct the pipeline. The progress for a detailed design for the EACOP pipeline and attendant facilities being undertaken by Worley in London and Dar es Salaam stands at 66 per cent. Construction of the thermal insulation Plant in Tanzania is at 95 per cent, together with the installation of equipment for two coating trains is ongoing. In Uganda, civil works commenced in August and this will be followed by works at the other camps. The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for affected persons within the 10 districts where the East African Crude Oil Pipeline crosses is ongoing. Approximately 94 per cent of the affected persons have consented and signed documents, while 88 per cent of the affected persons who opted for cash payment have been cleared and paid. The ministry, companies and key stakeholders are attending to grievances associated with the land acquisition process. In conclusion, Government and its partners are working tirelessly and I am happy to report that we are on track to have the first oil by the end of 2025. I thank you, honourable colleagues, for your continued support. I would like to invite the Rt Hon. Speaker and honourable colleagues to come on the ground and see what I have presented in this document. You will always be welcome. Thank you very much. (Applause)

10787 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2023 Finally, the refined products pipeline – Refining the petroleum products in Hoima and transporting those refined products to Mpigi and again re-transporting them using trucks back to the western part of the country seems not to be a well-thought-out plan. Therefore, I wonder whether this could still be modified so that some refined products are left to go to the western part of the country, other than being transported to Mpigi and then taken back. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am going to talk about fuel prices. Whenever I watch the news, I see that the kings of the world mobilising for war, not peace, and this is not about to end. It is going to continue for some time, maybe up to when we end up burning this world. (Laughter) I want you to listen seriously because it is a serious matter. As national leaders, we must watch these events with a serious understanding. Mr Speaker, the prices of fuel may not come down very soon. In fact, time may come when we have the money, but cannot buy fuel because it will not be there. The moment the Persian Gulf – and other areas – are on fire, I do not think you will be able to see the fuel you are talking about. (Interjections) Where will your Hoima go? First of all, the money you are using to try and get fuel out of Hoima is not your money; it is borrowed money. If the owner says, “We also have problems,” what are you going to say? I would like us to start thinking about – if for example, you do not know how to ride a bicycle, start learning how to ride a bicycle.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Between July and August 2023, the Uganda National Oil Company Limited invited applications for undergraduate scholarship programmes for students who had obtained admission from a number of universities. According to this company, this was part of the initiative to support the oil districts. The idea was that this would be in the interest of promoting national participation. However, Mr Speaker, the call to this application was restricted to the districts of Hoima, Masindi and Buliisa. I do not have a problem with those districts benefiting, but Mr Speaker, you are aware that Nwoya District is one of the oil districts and it is actually considered the district with the largest deposit of oil and gas. Nwoya has three known oil wells and those are Lyec, Jobi and Jobi East. Unfortunately, Nwoya District has never been considered in any of the programmes as far as support to oil districts is concerned. Mr Speaker, it is, therefore, my prayer that the Prime Minister calls UNOC to order so that they begin to treat all the oil districts equally. The question of equity is key. Secondly, I think there is need for the Rt Hon. Prime Minister to have discussions with leaders from the oil districts and that should include Nwoya and any other district that is involved in oil and gas. Thank you very much.

Mr Speaker, this is a ministerial statement about incidents involving security officials, the National Unity Platform (NUP) President and some NUP Members of Parliament in the Kampala Metropolitan Police Area and Kayunga on 5 and 9 October 2023. Introduction Mr Speaker, you directed that a statement be made by the Government in response to the incidents of Thursday, 5 October 2023 in Entebbe and in Kampala, as well as on Independence Day, Monday, 9 October 2023 in Kampala Metropolitan Police Area and Kayunga District, involving NUP party leaders and some party supporters respectively. Background In the months of August and September 2023, we witnessed nationwide mobilisation tours, and opening of party offices by the NUP party president in the various parts of the country. These tours were punctuated with some incidents of public disorder, damage to property, fatal and serious traffic incidents, as was the case in Hoima on 11 September 2023, as well as inciting violence and uttering defamatory statements against the person of the President of the Republic of Uganda. Our country is governed under the law that creates rights and obligations for all manner of people including the citizens as well as the law enforcement agencies. That is why, consequent to the stated infractions, the police sought a commitment from the NUP organisers of these activities to avoid the repetition of these breaches and to ensure orderly and regulated conduct going forward.

10561 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF U GANDA THURSDAY, 12 OCTOBER 2023 Background In the months of August and September 2023, we witnessed nationwide mobilisation tours and the opening of party offices by the NUP party President in various parts of the country. These tours were punctuated with some incidents of public disorder, damage to property through malicious damage, fatal and serious traffic accidents, as was the case in Hoima on 11 September 2023, as well as inciting violence and uttering defamatory statements against the person of the President of the Republic of Uganda –(Interruptions)

Member for Kyankwanzi, Member for Kibaale, Member for Hoima, Member for Gomba, Member for Ntungamo, Hon. Okeyoh, Hon. Kazini, Hon. Kahonda, Hon. Enoch, Member for Kiruhura. Member for Buhweju, were you here yesterday? The Member for Buhweju was here. I know those who were here.

Thank you. Member for Hoima and then Member for Gomba.

When I retire, that is where I am going. So, I need to fight for the sector. (Laughter) Honourable colleagues, many of you will join me. Hon. Oguzu Lee had suggested something to me; that when they appear before the committee, they should appear in the regions so that it is not just a Kampala affair. I will detail that in the terms of reference when I am forwarding the petition. Thank you. Honourable colleagues, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have Speakers from some of the western region districts. They include the Speakers of Rwampara, Kiruhura, Kazo, Ntungamo, Sheema, Ibanda, Hoima, Bundibugyo, Buhweju, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Rukiga, Mbarara, Kikuube and Kasese. They have come to observe how we are running the House and they will be advising the Deputy Speaker, later on, on how to run the House better. Thank you for coming, friends.

10335 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA W EDNESDAY, 4 OCTOBER 2023 that there are some teachers who work part- time in five schools and are secondary school teachers, something which a primary school teacher cannot do? There are some teachers in secondary schools who supply the schools with stationery. A primary school teacher cannot. Unfortunately, there are those who are earning Shs 550,000, honourable minister. Many of them are earning that. There is a school, Mr Speaker, in your constituency, called Kibungo Primary School. The head teacher has a small mattress and sleeps in the office. I was there last year. Lastly, there is a big challenge – I am actually bringing a petition. I have already talked to the Minister of Public Service. When I was still a teacher, I would get my per diem; out- of-station allowance. But now, twice, there are schools in my constituency, which have been taking children for music, dance and drama (MDD). Last year, they were in Kyotera. This year, they were in Hoima for seven days; five teachers, but they received not even a single coin. I am the one who gave them some money for supper. I am bringing a petition – let these people have out-of-station allowance, because I used to get it. Teachers are all teachers; let us not discriminate against primary school teachers. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to also appreciate the Committee on Government Assurance and the minister for trying to explain what is happening about the fuel prices in this country. In this Parliament, we complained about the raising of school fees in private and public schools, but we did not try to analyse the causes. Now, it is coming up here that the prices are still very high and there is no way the private schools can reduce the school fees. However, we have fuel reserves, but there is no stock. If we do not plan, we shall continue having this problem. Those fuel reserves which are in Jinja should always be stocked with fuel. And I think those people dealing in fuel are doing very good business because whenever I go to Hoima, in almost every year, they are constructing a new petrol station. In other words, we have fuel in plenty, but we are failing to control the prices. I beg to submit.

10267 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2023 states since the inception of AFCON in 1957, in Sudan. It will be also the first time the East and Central Africa (CECAFA) football zone will host AFCON 2027 in 47 years since Ethiopia last hosted it in 1976. The AFCON has been to the Western, Southern and Northern African regions, but not the East African region. As a country and the East African region as a whole, we are blessed with this good news and the opportunity to host the AFCON 2027 football competition. This is a great milestone in fostering the spirit of cooperation in the East African community. While the decision to pull resources and effort was strategic, indeed, three countries are still faced with challenges including infrastructure, sports infrastructure and funding against other competing priorities. The AFCON 2027 requires a substantial investment in infrastructure for the games, accommodation, and air, water and road transport accessibility. These are expected to yield significant dividends in the short, medium and long terms. We note that in March 2017, Uganda was able to host a one-day World Athletic Championship in Kampala. The report from the sports consultancy firm that undertook the research shows that the direct economic impact stood at $2,622,000 overall. Furthermore, we also know that $1.3 million out of the total expenditure of $1.96 million was spent on local suppliers among others. The AFCON 2027 is not just about football, but it is also an opportunity to showcase the beauty of East Africa to the rest of the world. Many tourists are expected to flock the region known for its diversity in culture, landscape, wildlife and vibrant cities, to mention, but a few. Mr Speaker, Uganda made a commitment to the Confederation of African Football to undertake and ensure the following are implemented: 1. Execution of Government’s guarantees to host AFCON 2027 submitted to CAF; 2. Sign off and the submission of the host agreement after CAF bids declaration; 3. Payment of the hosting fees amounting to $30 million to CAF before February 2025. Each country is supposed to pay $30 million, which totals to $90 million as a requirement for CAF; 4. The construction of two additional stadia to host AFCON namely; Akii Bua Stadium in Lira and Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal or Hoima City Stadium in Hoima; 5. The completion of the renovation and upgrading of the Mandela National Stadium; and 6. Securing all required funding for smooth logistical operations and delivery of the game. Honourable members, the Ministry of Education and Sports is committed to the realisation and delivery of AFCON 2027 to showcase the potential of our country, while developing the infrastructure required to leave behind an existing legacy for the country. I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, to extend my appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, the President of the Republic of Kenya, and Her Excellency the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. We also extend our gratitude to Cabinet, the Rt Hon. Speaker of Parliament, the Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the Minister of State for Education and Sports – myself – and the technical teams at the Ministry of Education and Sports, the National Council of Sports, the Federation of Uganda Football Association and others. Honourable colleagues, friends of East Africa, I am proud to be among those who have made history –

He is still nice-looking. First of all, the people of Fort Portal and Tooro at large, have been, for many years, yearning to have Buhinga Stadium constructed by Government. The President of the Republic of Uganda came to Fort Portal and pledged before tens of thousands of the people in Tooro. Honourable minister, from your statement, I have seen you talk of Akii Bua, then you said “Buhinga or Hoima.” I would like you to improve that statement by saying - you know we are like Siamese twins with Akii Bua, because we have worked together with Akii Bua right from the word go. Everything has been worked on. It is only the money and awarding the contract for Akii Bua and Buhinga stadia. So, if you are pleased to add Hoima, that is another bonus. Otherwise, please, I request you kindly, not to tag us to Hoima. Buhinga or Hoima, that will be disastrous for –(Member timed out.)

10275 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2023 considered. Therefore, developing a stadium in Hoima would be very appropriate for this country, if we are to achieve the best. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. First, I congratulate the Government and FUFA. However, I would like to implore the Ministry of Education and Sports – my colleague has talked about Hoima. It is not only about stadia hosting such events, but we should also talk about the hospitality in this country. Now, when you talk about hospitality in this country, apart from Kampala, Mbarara is second. Aware that this is a Pamoja bid, you are talking about northern Tanzania, but those people to come to Kampala, it may not be very easy. However, with the good infrastructure we have – the Isingiro Road, up to the border – we can capture attention of some people in northern Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. It is my humble request, Mr Speaker, to the Ministry of Education and Sports to consider Mbarara hosting some of the matches. I beg to move.

10278 COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR want to thank God for blessing Uganda with the opportunity of hosting the AFCON. I also thank the President and his counterparts for allowing their countries to host this important tournament. It is really an achievement for our country and I must thank Ugandans because they have been praying for it. However, Mr Speaker, I want to say that Uganda cannot be complete without Bunyoro and Bunyoro has got its history. I therefore request that the honourable minister does whatever it takes to ensure that Hoima Stadium is considered because of its historical background. King Kabalega was a historical king and every Ugandan who studied history knows it. I therefore pray that we consider all the stadiums stated in the statement; Akii Bua, Buhinga and Bunyoro. I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I also thank the minister for the good statement he has made which includes the construction of Hoima Stadium. I would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution to the successful bid of this tournament, particularly the sports fraternity, the President, your office, Mr Speaker and the Office of the Minister of the East Africa Community Affairs, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga. All these show us where we should put our energies, as leaders of this country. We need to invest more time in leadership, cooperation, integration and ensuring that we stop being just Uganda, but rather East Africa and Africa so that we are stronger. Mr Speaker, as we prepare for this tournament, let us also prepare for the negatives that are likely to come with it. My mind was drawn to an event that happened at the World Cup where one country flew in with a plane carrying the flag promoting homosexuality. They had to return, remove the flag and come back. We must be prepared, as a country, to put our stamp on the ground that we shall not allow such activities here. Warn the participating countries and even those coming to watch that this will not be tolerated in this country. Terrorism –(Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I wanted to give Hon. Kabanda information concerning Ugandans such as Mabirizi. Much obliged, thank you so much and let us stand together. United we stand and win as Uganda. We have already qualified to participate and I know Uganda may even take the African Cup of Nations, insha-Allah. MR MAURICE KIBALYA (NRM, Bugabula County South, Kamuli: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I add my voice to whoever has congratulated those that participated in the bid to have Uganda host the AFCON 2027. There is no international gathering or conference that can pull crowds like when we host games. In 2027, I am very sure Uganda is going to host people that it has never hosted before. It is going to have a population that will disorganise the whole set up of Uganda. This is the time and we have three years to prepare for this. Mr Speaker, I have heard colleagues suggesting that the stadium should be in Fort Portal, Hoima or somewhere. This is not an event for Kampala, Fort Portal or Hoima alone. It is for Uganda as a whole. We need to see the Ministry of Education and Sports coming to do some renovation work at Bugembe Stadium so that when a participating country comes, they can go for training in Jinja and stay there for two days as they prepare to come and play at Namboole or Nakivubo stadia. We should not have all countries in Kampala alone as if Mbale or Jinja are not waiting. This is an opportunity for every region to benefit. Let it not be centralised in Kampala as if they have only come to visit Kampala. We want every region to benefit in whichever formula. We have seen countries jetting in five days, a week or eight days in advance. Take them to Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara so that they train from there. Those people will benefit from the different sectors -(Member timed out.)

Mr Speaker, first of all, I would like to begin by thanking all honourable colleagues who have given comments in support of the statement and motion which has been moved here. Like the Leader of the Opposition said, sports is a unifier and for that purpose, I would like to inform you that Uganda and Pamoja bid will not fail. We will do what it takes to make sure that Uganda and East Africa produce the best tournament of this kind in the history of the African Cup of Nations. The following are my observations: One, as the Minister of Education and Sports, we have a plan to construct regional stadiums. There is one of us who has asked here: can we walk the talk? When the time for appropriation comes, give us the money. Most times we talk, but when time for giving money comes, the priorities get lost. Mr Speaker, you have just stated the solution here; we need to look at having a sports fund. How do we tax these betting companies? Like you correctly said, it is happening in Kenya. This will help us to raise money to develop infrastructure across the country. Regarding the question of Buhinga versus Hoima versus Akii Bua, we have a plan as a Ministry of Education and Sports to fulfil the presidential pledges. Buhinga and Akii-Bua are priority number one for our Ministry of Education and Sports and for that matter, let us not “eat ourselves”. We will work on those projects as time goes on. The other issue which was also pertinent here was the question of Barifa Stadium. During the time we were making the sports law here, there was an issue about these specific facilities. One of the colleagues from West Nile stood here and said that Barifa Stadium land belonged to the National Forestry Authority. It is on record, yes, I am speaking with authority and I know what I am talking about. For that purpose, I would like to request you for two things. I am aware that West Nile, as the President of FUFA has said, is one of those regions that we really need to take into consideration, based on the fan base. However, can we avail land which has no encumbrance? That is the most important thing which we must discuss. The other issue that has come up is the question of timely execution of projects. Friends, the construction of a stadium is not an activity that you can give any other company to do. Like the President of FUFA said here, we have companies that have proven experience to construct stadiums within the required timeline and that company is already in Uganda. I would like to commit that the Indoor Arena of Lugogo will be constructed by that company called Summa. It is a Turkish company. For that purpose, if they request to help us construct the two facilities that we want the Government to undertake, in my considered opinion, let us not waste time on issues of procurement because as of now, we are time bad to execute this project. It is important that we handle that at that time. Last, but not least is the issue of Nakivubo. Friends, there is the Nakivubo War Memorial Act -

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you, for the opportunity and also invite you to ask Hon. Kabanda from Kasambya to keep quiet. On behalf of the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government), permit me to present the reports after scrutinising the report of the Auditor-General in respect of the health sector and particularly the following institutions - there are quite a number, but as you guided me, I have prepared an executive summary and the reports have been uploaded onto the Members’ iPads. But before I proceed, permit me to lay, on the Table, the minutes as required by the rules in respect of all the proceedings of the committee. I humbly do so. Permit me also to lay, on the Table, as a matter of procedure and constitutional requirement, one of the annexures to the committee report. It is a report of the CID as tasked by the committee in respect to the existence of coffee shops established by the Office of the Prime Minister and a private partner, Inspire Africa Limited, in selected districts; which the committee established to be non-existent despite the expenditure of Shs 20 billion. I lay the report of the CID on the Table. With respect to the regional referral hospitals and other specialised health votes. I now proceed with the summary as guided. Article 163(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda mandates the Auditor- General to submit to Parliament an annual report on all accounts audited by him for the financial year immediately preceding. The Constitution further, under Article 163(5), requires Parliament to debate and consider the report and take appropriate action within six months after the submission of the report by the Auditor-General. The report of the Auditor-General on regional and national referral hospitals for the F iscal Y ear 2021/2022 was presented to the House on the 19th of February and referred to the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) for consideration. In accordance with Rule 174 of the Rules of Procedure of the House, the Committee considered these reports and proceeded to satisfy itself, among others, that – (a) the monies appropriated by Parliament and disbursed were legally available for, and applicable to, the service or purpose for which they have been applied and charged; (b) the expenditure conforms to the authority, which governs it; and (c) re-appropriation has been made in accordance with the provisions of the rules of a competent authority; and (d) the intended value of the expended monies was attained. Scope The report covers audit queries contained in the report of the Auditor-General for the period ended 30th June 2022, in respect of the national and regional referral hospitals, namely: 1) Mulago National Referral Hospital; 2) Mulago National Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital; 3) Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital; and 4) Kawempe, Kiruddu, and China-Uganda Friendship Hospitals. Others include; Entebbe Hospital, Mubende, Kabale, Jinja, Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Arua and Hoima Regional Referral Hospitals. In addition, the report further covers findings on other specialised health-related institutions and votes, as well as programs such as the Uganda Cancer Institute and the Uganda Virus Research Institute.

10212 STANDIN G C O M M I T T E E R E PORT So, they would mingle in order to avoid the accumulation of pension arrears, the hospitals paid pension from the gratuity budget. The committee observed that misclassification is diversion of funds, and most of the diversions were affected by statutory expenditure lines of salary, pension and gratuity. For example, Lira, Kawempe, and Jinja hospitals registered mischarges amounting to Shs 105 million, Shs 47.1 million and Shs 75 million respectively. It was also noted that, in some instances, the accounting officers over-budgeted and concealed funds under statutory items yet they were over and above the actual requirement. The committee further observed that diversion of funds is not only contrary to the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, but negatively affects the delivery of services, and negates the purpose of budgeting by distorting approved plans. We recommend, therefore, that the affected accounting officers be reprimanded by the PS/ ST for diverting funds from one expenditure item without seeking authority and a report be given to Parliament within six months. The committee further recommends that the accounting officers should utilise the PFMA, 2015, which gives guidance on the virement and reallocation of funds within a Vote, should need arise. Unauthorised loan deductions Madam Speaker, this is a matter that keeps recurring year after year. The Auditor-General noted that in most regional referral hospitals, there were unauthorised loan deductions from employees’ salaries without letters of undertaking from the responsible officers. Accounting officers explained that this mainly arose from the staff transferred to new stations without their personnel files. In such cases, employees would have active deduction accounts without complete records at new stations. In some cases, non-transferred staff faced similar predicaments, thus attracting the attention of the Auditor-General. Accounting officers further informed the committee that problematic loans were contracted before Payroll Consults Africa came into existence and were being granted at the Ministry of Public Service level. However, currently, all loans are forwarded and granted, basing on a letter of undertaking by the accounting officer. Indeed, Madam Speaker, we have raised similar concerns of loan deductions, on behalf of the affected civil servants. We have also passed resolutions about this vice, but it continues. In Lira Hospital, for example, audit established that UCLA/UBA deducted Shs 12,591,781 from 15 staff without approval of the accounting officer from the payroll deduction management system (PDMS). The 15 staff were not in the “my approval report” but in the “active deduction report.” At Hoima Referral Hospital, the same group deducted Shs 21,015,298 from eight staff without the approval of the accounting officer from the PDMS. The committee observed thus: 1) Government continues to maintain manual staff files, which are not easily movable upon transfer of the affected staff; and 2) That the practice poses a risk of causing deduction without liability, thus depriving staff of their hard-earned funds. This may also expose the Government to litigation and, in some cases, industrial action. Further, the committee is cognisant of clauses 2.1.2 and 2.1.4 of the public service agreement between the Ministry of Public Service and the Uganda Consumers Lenders Association/ Uganda Bankers Association, which requires a letter of undertaking for each Government employee before making employee reservation on the PDMS. Therefore, under the said clauses, only deductions consented to by employees, in writing, should be submitted to the Ministry of Public Service for timely monthly payroll

10238 STANDIN G C O M M I T T E E R E PORT During our interaction with the Ministry of Local Government, the committee was informed that the budget provision for ex- gratia and honoraria for local government leaders has fallen short over the last five years and that is from Financial Year 2018/2019 to FY 2022/2023 leading to an outstanding amount of Shs 9,074,258,232. These are the monies that should be paid and these leaders are struggling but they are not receiving that money. (ii) The committee also noted that in the current Financial Year 2023/2024, no provision or IPF was sent to the local governments on ex-gratia and honoraria, amounting to Uganda Shs 48.19 billion as required for the ex-gratia and on honoraria amounting to Shs 48.19 billion as required for the ex-gratia and honoraria. We have given a breakdown, you can look through page six where you will find we have 70,500 LCI and 10,585 LCII - they need this financial year Shs 9.7 billion for their payment and it is not catered for. You will look through and it gives you a total of Shs 48 billion we have provided the details in the table. The committee also looked at the arrears; we have given a breakdown on page seven and the breakdown we have provided covers only the cities and the districts that we visited, but when you look at the annex, you will find a detailed breakdown of how much money was not sent to which entity, giving the total of the Shs 9 billion I talked about. Madam Speaker, we made observations on page 8 that you will look through, and the observations, if I may just run through very quickly: (i) There were figures that were not correlating with the figures provided by the minutes of local government and what we found in the field. (ii) We also received a list of the arrears from the Ministry of Local Government that were submitted. The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development received this list and committed that they would include this in the 3 per cent supplementary since they had not included it in the budget which is a big mistake. (iii) The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development also acknowledged the omission of ex-gratia and honoraria in the budget for 2023- 2024. Recommendation (i) The Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and the affected local government entities should harmonise the arrears for ex-gratia and honoraria; and (ii) The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to expedite the verification process of the ex-gratia arrears and honoraria to ensure that the requisite funds are provided for in the supplementary budget in line with Section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act. Terms of reference two and three, I will just give a summary. Here, our intention as a committee was to establish the availability of land in the different districts from where the cities were created and also to look at their level of preparedness as far as the relocation is concerned. We went to Soroti District where we found they prepared a council resolution; it is important to inform Members that Soroti had gone a step ahead and started construction after they received Shs 1 billion from the Ministry of Finance and this financial year they expected to receive an additional Shs 800 million. However, the other nine districts of Gulu, Arua, Masaka, Mbarara, Hoima, Jinja, Mbale, and Kabarole: all these are the cities which were created apart from Soroti. All the others have [Mr Mapenduzi] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

First of all, we need to find out what happened to our reserves in Jinja, Hoima and others. Do we have fuel in them? If you do, that should be the immediate buffer that we have.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for your communication. As we debate this afternoon, my constituency, the entire Kagadi District plus Kyenjojo, was gripped with grief last weekend when an accident happened in Kangombe Forest in a village called Karalike. A trailer, which was carrying fish – I do not know from where - it could have either been to Congo or around Lake Albert – knocked head on a taxi, which had 18 occupants. They were coming from a burial of one of their friends. It crashed the taxi, killing all passengers. Other than the loss of our people, we had difficulties particularly with police trying to retrieve the bodies in the wreckage. They did not have the means to pull off the trailer. It attracted very many people trying to push to remove the trailer manually. Police sensed chaos because people started rioting. Those of you who watched the news could have seen that people blocked the road because they were dissatisfied - that they could have such a nasty accident and Government was not coming to their rescue. Madam Speaker, it took an entire day - the accident happened at 8.00 p.m. on Sunday. The whole of yesterday, this truck was still lying on some bodies and Government had not mobilised any minister from Hoima to remove the wreckage from the dead bodies. My prayer is that in such circumstances, Government should respond quickly. The area of the accident scene used to have two roads while it was still a murram road; we used to call it “Ku-bbiri”. However, when they tarmacked it, they removed the two roads and created one road; it still remained with a very sharp corner, to an extent that somebody driving from up the hill cannot see whatever is coming from down the hill. It is in a forest and I did not see any sense why they remained with that corner because this is Government land. If they were worried about compensation, they would sort out themselves by cutting off that corner; unless they have engineering reasons. I pray that corner –

Is the motion seconded? (Members rose_) It is seconded by Hon. Nyamutoro, Hon. Pius Wakabi, Hon. Emely Kugonza, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister, Member for Hoima, Member for Ntungamo, Member for Bundibugyo, Hon. Okabe, Hon. Linda Irene – and the whole House. Honourable member, would you like to speak to the motion?

Is the motion seconded? (Members rose_) It is seconded by Hon. Nyamutoro, Hon. Pius Wakabi, Hon. Emely Kugonza, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister, Member for Hoima, Member for Ntungamo, Member for Bundibugyo, Hon. Okabe, Hon. Linda Irene – and the whole House. Honourable member, would you like to speak to the motion?

I am sorry that I could not be in the House on time. And I will try to be as brief as possible. Madam Speaker, kindly allow me to start with the issue of blood. Honourable members, you are aware that from time to time we continue to have challenges of blood availability because we need over 400,000 units of blood on an annual basis, but we are not yet able to collect that amount. The highest we have collected is 300,000. Madam Speaker, we still have blood in our blood banks. And I have statistics in regard to that that I will quickly read. We have: Nakasero - 2,400 units; Masaka – 535 units; Mbarara – 390 units; Hoima – 200 units; Jinja – 150 units; Mbale – 400 units; Gulu – 250 units; Mengo – 100 units; Lira – 300 units; Soroti – 300 units; Arua – 200 units; Nebbi – 50 units; Kabale – 270 units; Rukungiri – 172 units; Fort Portal – 317 units; and Kitovu – 350 units, giving us a total of 6,284 units available at this point in time. PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

9123 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 2023 broad-band sites have been upgraded to 3G, providing services to over 700,000 Ugandans. Free Wi-Fi hotspots have been established at nine border posts namely; Lwakhakha, Mpondwe, Mutukula – (Interjection) - no, I am still very fine. Sorry, he has interrupted me. Free Wi-Fi hotspots have been established at nine border posts namely; Lwakhakha, Mpondwe, Mutukula, Busia, Vurra, Katuna and Elegu. (Applause) Next year, Wi-Fi will be deployed to 820 locations targeting schools, hospitals and markets in selected sub-regions. The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Network will be upgraded to monitor service provision over the national backbone infrastructure. (Applause) We will also digitally transform public service delivery by connecting all essential services such as schools, hospitals, tourism sites and the police to the national backbone. Madam Speaker, an allocation of Shs 192 billion has been provided to accelerate digital transformation. (Applause) Expediting strategic initiatives The development of oil and gas, the beneficiation of minerals and investment in science innovation and research are key strategic initiatives that will significantly support that socio-economic transformation. Oil and gas The final investment decision for the development of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline was taken on 2 February 2022. We are fast-tracking the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the National Oil Refinery. In addition, the right- of-way for the Kabaale (Hoima) – Buloba refined products pipeline, and the financing for the refinery and associated infrastructure will be concluded. Preparatory work for the development of a petrochemical industry at the Kabaale Petro-based Industrial Park will also be expedited. I have allocated Shs 447 billion to fast-track the development of petroleum resources next financial year. Science, Innovation and Research Madam Speaker, Government is supporting several innovation and scientific research initiatives that will propel Uganda industry into the high-technology economy. These include; 1. Vaccines research and development, including therapeutics and diagnostics to enable Uganda to enter into the pathogen economy; 2. Automotive industry technology development, and 3. Chipset and robotics manufacturing. During this year, we enhanced the salaries for scientists by Shs 508 billion. We shall continue to support scientists and innovators to undertake the process of Intellectual Property registration, train and sensitise stakeholders on Intellectual Property. We have provided Shs 257 billion to support Science, Innovation and Technology development. Mineral beneficiation In order for Uganda to reap the benefits of mineral resources, Uganda’s mineral deposits will be quantified to ascertain their value before beneficiation. We shall also operationalise the recently approved mineral legislation to regulate Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASMs). For the development of minerals, an allocation of Shs 54.3 billion has been provided. Maintaining security, good governance and the rule of law Security, good governance and the rule of law are the bedrock for the success of our socio- economic interventions. In order to guarantee the security of persons and property, the capacity of security and intelligence agencies will be strengthened to address any security threats and build national defence capability.

Is it seconded? (Members rose_) It is seconded by the Attorney- General, Hon. Kirumira, Hon. Mayanja, Hon. Komakech, Hon. Nsereko, Hon. Olanya, Member for Hoima, Hon. Angura and Prof. Mushemeza. Honourable colleagues, I now put the question that the Competition Bill, 2022 be read the second time. (Question put and agreed to.) BILLS COMMITTEE STAGE THE COMPETITION BILL, 2022 Clause 1

I put the question that Shs 13,600,351,000 be provided for under Vote 405: Gulu Regional Referral Hospital as recurrent expenditure for Financial Year 2023/2024. (Question put and agreed to.) Vote 406: Hoima Regional Referral Hospital

I put the question that Shs 11,385,655,000 be provided for under Vote 406: Hoima Regional Referral Hospital as recurrent expenditure for Financial Year 2023/2024. (Question put and agreed to.) Vote 407: Jinja Regional Referral Hospital

Honourable mem - bers, the point has been taken. Let us proceed with referral hospitals. 1. Vote 405: Gulu Hospital - Shs 120,000,000 2. Vote 406: Hoima Hospital - Shs 2,620,000,000 3. Vote 407: Jinja Hospital - Shs 3,642,471,000 4. Vote 408: Kabale Hospital - Shs 120,000,000 5. Vote 409: Masaka Hospital - Shs 120,000,000 6. Vote 410: Mbale Hospital - Shs 120,000,000 7. Vote 411: Soroti Hospital - Shs 4,120,000,000

Madam Speaker, I will start with the introduction. You guided that a statement be presented by the Government - that was supposed to be yesterday. In response to the incident of Thursday, 27 April, 2023 in Kampala and those before it, in some parts of the country. However, I could not present the Government statement yesterday because of the Cabinet meeting that took place on the same day. I would like to thank you for allowing me to present these statements today. Madam Speaker, let me give the background. In the recent past, we have witnessed confrontations between security personnel and political actors in various parts of the country, including Hoima, Mityana, and Kasese and recently at Parliament and Soroti. These confrontations resulted in the incident of 27 th April in Kampala, which involved 11 Members of Parliament and the police. Madam Speaker, our country is governed by the rule of law. Our rules create rights as well as obligations for all people, including citizens as well as for law and order enforcement officers. Following the incident of last Thursday, investigations into that matter, and all the previous ones were started to establish the circumstances under which they happened. These investigations will enable the Government to gather evidence surrounding these incidents and take appropriate action. In addition, this will help ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the way they did, or in the unlikely event that they do happen, they are managed better by security. A summary of these incidents, which is limited to the extent that will not jeopardise investigations is as follows: Kasese The Forum for Democratic Change, on 3 April 2023, held a leaders’ meeting successfully at Bellevue Equator Guest House in Kasese. Before the meeting started, there was confusion as the organisers had not notified Police about it, resulting in a standoff with the police authorities. However, upon notifying the police, the organisers of the meeting were immediately provided with security and the event took place smoothly. Soroti On 14 th April, Soroti City planned to hold Women’s Day celebrations. However, due to limited resources and other unavoidable circumstances, the event was rescheduled to another date yet to be confirmed. Hon. Joan Alobo, the Woman Member of Parliament for Soroti City, reportedly continued to mobilise people for the function in spite of the resolution of 13 th April in a meeting by Soroti City authorities, which postponed the event. Hon. Joan reportedly declined to attend this meeting. The tension that followed was, however, well managed by the police and the situation returned to normal. Buvuma On 19 April 2023 at around 4.00 p.m., the District Police Commander, Buvuma, briefed police officers at the Central Police Station about the unlawful assembly organised by Hon. Suzan Nakaziba the Woman Member of Parliament for that district.

Madam Speaker, the bottom line here is this: to avoid fighting, I told RDC: “You will be the RDC of Terego, but you will not be the Woman Member of Parliament.” I have had meetings with my colleagues from the Opposition and I told them that two wrongs do not make a right. You can break your bones. It was wrong, Madam Speaker, for my sister from Hoima to take a hand and kickbox. Honestly, I want to be on record: that was wrong. I condemn it – (Member rose_)- I have not given you permission; go and sit down. Madam Speaker, our armed men are not paid well; our armed men are provoked. If they stop you, why do you go and beat them? You are wrong. Madam Speaker, it was wrong.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. When you only talked about my colleague, Hon. Francis Mwijukye, as the one representing the gold miners, I wondered why you were leaving out Busia yet the Gold we have in Busia is equivalent to the oil from Hoima. (Laughter) Having said that, Mr Speaker, I wonder why the minister is saying that Gold miners are being exempted from paying taxes. Go to Busia at the moment, we have too much Gold but when you look at the state of Busia town, there is nothing like corporate social responsibility.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thank you chairperson of the committee. The chairperson of the committee talked about the rehabilitation of KCCA roads. However, I want to bring to his attention that recently, we lost our beloved District Chairperson for Hoima in an accident due to potholes on Hoima-Busunju Road. I, therefore, beg that before we lose other important people – Mr Chairperson, you also use the same road -

Thank you, for the correction, Mr Speaker. Before we lose more Ugandans, including you, Mr Chairperson, because you use the same road, I beg that you also consider Hoima-Busunju Road for rehabilitation. Secondly, you talked about the critical roads - you know we have a very important road that connects from Kabwooya to the oil fields of Buhuka - you all know that oil is now the backbone of this country. I beg that you also allocate it a budget such that we move at par because we need that oil. I thank you, Mr Speaker.

The commlttcc observes that thc council expenence hugc budget cuts w'lth their budgct for FY2O23|24 rcductng by 640/o compared to FY2O22 /23 from UShs 4?.tbn to an allocation of l?.387ba n fY2O23124, this budget cut is hkcly to affect a numbcr of planned activities under the Council such as preparatlonr quahficatrons and participation of Team Uganda in the 2O23 All Africa Games in Accra Ghana and thc 2O24 Paris, France Olympic and Paralympic games a.rnong others The Council seeks an additional Uahr 3O.42 bn in order to Eupport 5l reglst-ered National Fcdcrations and other activlttcs. The Councrl requires a dcvclopment budgct of UEhr t4.OSbn for the rcfurbishment and renovatton of Sports facilities at Lugogo Sports Complex and UShe 2o2bn nceded to facrlitate the refurbishment of various National Stadra regionally; Akibua Olymprc Stadium (Lira), Buhinga (Fort Portal crty)' Kakycka (Mbarara), Barifa (Arua), Pece (Gulu). Bugembe /lGkindu(Jrnja), Mbale Municipal Stadium (Mbalcl, Masaka Recrcattonal Grounds (Masaka)\, Ihbale Stadium (Kabale), Soroti Stadium (Soroti), King George Stadium(Tororo), Hoima (Boma Cround) and Masindi Stadium. Recomma,'datlons The commlttce recp,mmcnd,s f,hd:t: i. MFPED rclrwtatea that [ntdgct' of lfi$fot rZ2(ngf24 b U$rts4?.abn ll. MPPBL cualls llES a dcr*lopmeat hrdgct ol UShs Sobrt to klck scaft thc dcoclopma,I.C ol ttt ,Ib rt clrlmplcx/rrrNrna at Lugogo atd U*hs 2O2bt tor the Nat"lolnal ,tadla rcglotallg la thc medlut,za tctlra. FUBLIC T'N'IVERIIITIESI Gcacrd Obrcnatioar ead rccornnctr&tlont af Uadontafllag rnd hlgh rtrtl turnovcr: The Commrttec obscrves that most Public Universities are grossly understalled, with stafflng levels as low as 3O7o in some Universities/Colleges especially the s1

8139 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 19 APRIL 2023 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. Secondly, there are properties that are in rural areas, especially in Hoima, and they are idle. Actually, you find goats playing around in their compounds; they should utilise them using their resources because they are their properties. Because the Government has spoon-fed them especially UBC, they are now like babies; they want to be helped in everything. I would request that the ministry and UBC, learn to be self-sufficient and work for themselves. They can have other businesses other than asking to be baby-sited all the time. I thank you.

8198 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENTS & BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR THE FY 2023/2024 was overhauled. The committee reiterates its earlier recommendation that Shs 1 billion be provided for the total overhaul of the plumbing system. Inadequate budget for essential medicines and supplies The committee recommends that an additional Shs 1 billion be provided. Lack of budget for extension of medical gases The committee recommends that Shs 420 million be provided to Kawempe Regional Referral Hospital for maintenance of equipment and extension of oxygen to the wards. Vote 417: Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. Inadequate funding to the burns and surgery unit Mr Speaker, Kiruddu acts as the national referral centre for burns and surgery. The committee recommends that Shs 1 billion be availed to mitigate the shortfall for Financial Year 2023/2024. Insufficient budget for essential medicines The committee recommends an extra Shs 1 billion to be provided for essential medicines. Inadequate funds for decentralisation of dialysis services Mr Speaker, I would like to thank Parliament and the Committee on Budget that last year, Shs 2 billion was allocated for decentralisation of dialysis. I am happy to say that in Lira, the dialysis is functional; we are rolling out to Hoima. This financial year, the committee recommends that Shs 4 billion be provided to Kiruddu to decentralise dialysis to Arua, Kabale and Mbale. Vote 401: Mulago National Referral Hospital Inadequate funding for essential medicines and health supplies, non-communicable disease services and specialised services Under this, the committee recommends that an additional Shs 8 billion be provided for specialised units like maxillofacial, endocrine, neurology, gastroenterology and so forth, and another Shs 10 billion be provided towards the provision of essential medicines and health supplies, and non-communicable disease commodities. It is quite common to go to Mulago these days and you are asked to buy these. Inadequate staff accommodation The committee agrees that 50 units should be completed immediately to house critical care workers and the remaining two blocks of 50 units each, be completed in the subsequent financial years. The Committee recommends that an additional Shs 8.5 billion should be provided in the Financial Year 2023/2024 to complete at least one block of 50 units. Lack of funds for commencement of kidney transplant services On this, the committee recommends that Shs 1.5 billion should be provided to the national referral hospitals to start kidney transplant services in the Financial Year 2023/2024. Inadequate funds for maintenance The committee recommends that an additional Shs 7 billion be provided for maintenance. You saw the headline screaming in Monday’s Daily Monitor newspaper. Mr Speaker, I would like to draw your attention to page 47, bullet 6.4 on incomplete civil plumbing and sewerage ICT and electric works; ROKO did not complete the work for several reasons.

I{o. Requlrcncnt Budget Justlflcatloa increasing demand for these training given the number of new exporters that emerge every year. There are also a number of emerging issues especially in the market. UEPB is seeking for an increase in the exporter training budget to meet this requirement, This in tum will enhance the efhciency of these exporters and thus lead to an increase in their exporter turnover. 6 Opening Regional Export Information and Support Centres o Arua o Gulu o Mbale o Entebbe o Mbarara o Hoima 4.15 UEPB was in FY2O2O/21 cleared to establish up to fifteen ( 15) satellite information and support centers by 2025. The purpose of these centers was to bring services closer to the people - especially the producers. The centres would amongst other business development services provide guidance and information to the producers on ?roducing for Export'; support export business in upcountry locations; directly link producers with exporters and foreign buyers; and coordinate export development activities in upcountry locations. Efforts to establish and operationalize the first six (6) centres in Arua, Gulu, Mbale, Entebbe, Hoima and Mbarara were delayed due to the impending restructuring of MDAs. This should be established during the next fY 2023/24. i o (l 't 64

7921 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 6 APRIL 2023 His prayer was: what are the necessary measures that the Government is undertaking to ensure consistent power supply in Busia Municipal Council? Mr Speaker, in July last year, Umeme Limited commenced refurbishment works on the Busia 33KV feeder, which feeds both Busia Municipality and Samia Bugwe Central, to improve the performance of the feeder. The scope of works included poles replacement, conductor upgrades, installation of line switches and isolation devices as well as re- installation and the fitting of transformers. As this was being done, outages were planned and communicated to happen three times in a week, from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. to have works completed over the shortest practical time. The works were completed in January this year and the power supply is now normal in Busia. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato, the Woman Representative, Hoima City, raised a concern about regular load shedding, which she said had adversely affected service delivery in Hoima City. Her prayer was: what are the necessary measures that the Government is undertaking to ensure consistent power supply in Hoima City? Mr Speaker, my response is that in Hoima City, a feeder fault analysis had been undertaken that showed two faults on the Hoima Town 11KV line that caused an electricity blackout, lasting a combined 1.5 hours. One was due to a broken jumper/wire and the other was a brief variation in electricity voltage caused by tree branches touching the wire. However, power supply has been restored and the people of Hoima are enjoying the power supply constantly. Hon. Teddy Nambooze, the Woman Representative, Mpigi, raised the issue of unpleasant working conditions and low pay – that is, poor welfare – of journalists in Uganda. Her prayer was: can the Government inform the House about the strategies in place to improve the working conditions and salary/wages of journalists in Uganda? Mr Speaker, I wish to acknowledge the concerns raised by the honourable member regarding the conditions under which our media personnel work. Indeed, the Government is equally concerned that most members of the fourth estate, who play a critical role in informing, educating and entertaining the public continue to work in unpleasant conditions. As Members are aware, the regulation of journalists in Uganda is partly through the Press and Journalist Act, Cap. 105 while issues of remuneration for all Ugandans are under the Employment Act, 2006. Under the current legal framework, neither the Government nor the regulators namely, the Uganda Media Council, and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) can legally force media owners to give journalists a specified amount of salary. Journalists, like other workers in the country, independently negotiate with their employers to ensure that they are paid reasonable salaries to support their well-being. Mr Speaker, the Press and Journalist Act, Cap. 105, under Part Six, empowers the Media Council to regulate media practice through the regulation of journalists and issuance of practising certificates among other interventions. Section 8 of the same Act further mandates the Uganda Media Council to exercise disciplinary control over the media: arbitrate disputes between the public and the media for public viewing. In that regard, the Council developed a media regulation strategy in 2016 to place all media practices and practitioners under effective control of the law. Through that strategy, the Government would know the quality and quantity of players in the sector, including issues of the welfare of journalists and how to address them.

Mr Speaker, yesterday, I was with the leaders from all the districts in the country - the LC V chairpersons - and they raised this matter. The LC V Chairperson and all the mayors of the 10 cities were also present. They brought up this issue. The fact is that when I was in Masaka, I noticed they are struggling. I was in Gulu and they are also complaining. I was in Hoima and they are equally complaining. So, the issue is: since this Parliament is now in the budgeting process, we must handle this together. The Ministry of Local Government is currently meeting those leaders there. The solution is that all of us - the leaders in those cities, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development - I think I will organise a meeting to agree on how to move forward. He is talking about inducting our leaders. Mr Speaker, the turnover of our local leaders this time round was a bit high. That is why there are wars in Busia. They want to impeach - almost every district chairperson has issues. So, I request that in that meeting, we talk about it and come up with a way forward.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The people affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline – the Project- Affected Persons (PAPs) – in the districts of Hoima, Kikuube and Kakumiro have not

7876 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE NO. 1 FOR FY 2022/2023 Members, you can read page 13; the joint venture agreement and all the activities which have been done are there. On page 14, we made a recommendation: I) We recommend approval of Shs 38 billion to Vote 015: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, for the Government of Uganda’s contribution as equity shares to Speak Resort Convention Centre Joint Venture for the construction of a convention. We have declined approval of Shs 48.4 billion being a loan amount to Speke Resort Convention Centre Joint Venture pending approval of the terms and conditions of the loan from the Government of Uganda as per Article 159, subsections (5), (6) and (7) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Vote 015: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives again requests Shs 302.255 billion as follows: (i) Shs 274.11 billion to Uganda Development Corporation for the purchase of Government shares in Atiak Sugar Factory. Members, I hope we are at table two. Members will read the progress so far done. On page 17, the committee declined approval of Shs 274.11 billion to Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) for purchase of the Gov- ernment preference shares in Atiak Sugar Fac- tory. We have given the reasons why we did so; Members can read that. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooper- atives again requested for Shs 26.15 billion to UDC for purchase of Government of Uganda shares in Abubaker Technical Services and General Supplies Limited. (Interjections) This is also in line with the Government’s industri- alisation policy and in particular, to support lo- cal firms that have a proven track record. The committee observed that the Govern- ment’s support for local companies has a good track record and is commendable. Support to Abubaker Technical Services is to strengthen the company’s financial capacity in road and bridge construction. The committee recommends approval of Shs 26.15 billion to Abubaker Technical Service and General Supplies Limited. This will trans- late to 14 per cent shareholding in the company based on its value of Shs 188 billion. That is the Government’s contribution. Shs 2 billion is required to meet the operation shortfalls under Vote 015: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. We recommend ap- proval of Shs 2 billion for the trade ministry. Vote 016: Ministry of Works and Transport request of Shs 3.488 billion for completion of critical works at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo. Members can read that. The committee recommends approval of Shs 3.488 billion to the Ministry of Works and Transport to complete works at Namugongo. Vote 017: Ministry of Energy and Mineral De - velopment - Shs 103.3 billion. This will be uti- lised as follows: a. Shs 57.6 billion to cater for the out-of- court settlement to Albatros. Members, you will note that the Government of Uganda’s energy policy is to reserve 10 per cent of the country’s power genera- tion capacity in the form of thermo plants to deal with emergency situations in the event of interruption on a national grid. In line with this policy, in the Financial Year 2014/2015, Government of Uganda entered into an implementation agreement with Alba- tros to establish a 50-Megawatt thermal plant in Hoima. This was to utilise heavy fuel oils produced locally from the country’s proposed oil refinery in the Financial Year 2018/2019. Members, due to the delayed production of first oil and development of the oil refinery, the project was unable to commence as planned. It was found costly and unsustainable to provide an annual subsidy of US$ 74.5 million for the investor to use imported oils.

7880 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE NO. 1 FOR FY 2022/2023 Shs 6 billion is required for maintenance of oxygen plants. Shs 2.7 billion is requested for supervision of the International Specialised Hospital at Lubowa. Shs 3.6 billion is required as counterpart funding for Busolwe General Hospital Project. Members can read the details. We recommend as follows: A total of Shs 5.9 billion, instead of the requested Shs 6 billion, be provided as follows: a) Shs 4 billion be availed to procure eight transformers and accessories for eight regional referral hospitals namely: Masaka, Jinja, Soroti, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Kabale and Moroto. b) Shs 1.5 billion be availed for repair of oxygen plants in the regional referral hospitals. c) Shs 400 million be availed for van maintenance – for the workshop. The committee further recommends that recurrent expenditure should be incorporated in the subsequent budgets. In addition, we recommend that upon installation of the new oxygen plants, the current stock of oxygen plants should be evaluated and decommissioned since they have become more expensive to maintain. For the issue of Lubowa, the committee recommends that Shs 2.7 billion for supervision of the International Specialised Hospital at Lubowa –(Interjections)- Members, listen. We decline the approval –(Applause)– because up to now, the Ministry of Health has not given accountability for what has been given so far. For the Shs 3.6 billion counterpart funding for Busolwe General Hospital - this is a grant from the Spanish Government – we recommend the approval of Shs 3.6 billion. Vote 018: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development requested for Shs 21.6 billion for Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women (GROW) project. This project is funded by the World Bank. We recommend the approval of Shs 21.6 billion to Vote 018 for the GROW project. Vote 022: Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities made a request of Shs 1.359 billion as unspent NTR for Financial Year 2021/2022 for UWEC. We recommend the approval of Shs 1.359 billion. The same ministry is requesting for Shs 3.8 billion as non-tax revenue for emergency relocation of Uganda Hotel and Tourism Institute to rented premises and establishment of students’ accommodation facilities in Jinja to pave way for smooth construction. We recommend that Shs 3.8 billion be availed to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. Vote 120: National Citizenship and Immigration Control requested for Shs 46.784 billion for the directorate to procure more passport booklets. We observed that the demand for the booklets has increased and there is a shortage of 288,000 booklets. Once the money is given, the directorate will generate an additional Shs 65 billion in non-tax revenue. We recommend the approval of Shs 46.784 billion to Vote 120. Vote 122: Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) requested for Shs 34.446 billion as unspent balances for Financial Year 2021/2022 for the Second Kampala Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (KIIDP II) from the World Bank. We recommend that the Shs 34.446 billion be availed to KCCA.

7843 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 30 MARCH 2023 The district has designated 40 COVID-19 vaccination points and 37 Hepatitis B screening centres in all health centres in the district for six days. centres in the district for six days. The health management and response teams are handling COVID-19 as well as Hepatitis B and extending effective services to host communities and refugees. Madam Speaker, we enjoin our political leaders and other community leaders to take lead in the vaccination and screening exercise of COVID-19 and Hepatitis B so that the population embraces the exercise to save the host communities and refugees in Adjumani District. Hon. Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha, Woman Representative for Buliisa, said that many parts of the country are facing drought, which is affecting the production of food and cash crops. The farmers are entering the first season of the year and usually, it is very short with little rain. Government, over time, has been promising to support Ugandan farmers - both small and large scale - with irrigation schemes for the farmers to access water for production. However, this seems not to have taken off and many farmers are worried. Her prayers are that: I should assure this House and our farmers the extent of Government’s assurance to access water for production. When is the Government fulfilling the promise on the solar power irrigation systems? My response is that the Government has continued its efforts to invest and improve access to water for production. The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, is supervising the construction of six irrigation schemes in different parts of the country including Mubuku II, Doho II, Ngenge and Rwengaju, to mention, but a few. Construction of the irrigation schemes including Acomai in Sironko and Atari in Kween have started. The Government has supported farmers and farmer groups by installing solar-powered irrigation schemes in various sites in the districts of Ntungamo, Hoima, Mubende, Kamuli, Koboko, Kumi, Kabale, Mukono, Kiboga, Buvuma, Ssembabule, Kayunga, Yumbe, Kaberamaido, Kaliro, Buikwe, Masindi, Butambala, Bukomansimbi, Kapachorwa, Iganga, Kaabong, Rukungiri, Amolatar, Adjumani, Mbale, Pader, Rukiga, Nakaseke and Katakwi, among others. This is to promote adoption of improved and efficient water for agricultural technologies for the crops and livestock. The Government has constructed over 1,555 valley tanks with a total holding capacity of 10,840,000 cubic metres in order to address the challenge of water for animals, especially in the cattle corridor and drought prone districts. Honourable members, even Buliisa will eventually benefit. Hon. Geoffrey Macho, Member of Parliament for Busia Municipality asked that Busia Boarder Seed Secondary School is located in Mukungu B Village, Central Parish, Eastern Division in Busia Municipality. The school was started in 2019 and had an enrolment of 497 students by the close of year 2022. The school was started as a response to Government’s policy of having public secondary schools at subcounty level. It also came as a result of a Presidential pledge. Though Busia Municipality donated land of approximately 25 acres, the Government has not come up clearly to ensure that people benefit from the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Programme (USEP). His prayers are that: 1. The Ministry of Education and Sports comes out clearly on the USEP in relation to this school before term one of 20 – Madam Speaker, these questions came earlier, but since we have not had a chance – it says at the start of the term. 2. The ministry should implement the Presidential pledge.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me chance. I rise on a matter of national importance. Aware that 8 th March was Women’s Day, and like elsewhere, Ugandans celebrated it. I joined the people of Hoima Oil City to celebrate it by organising a series of activities, which included tree planting and a women’s football tournament. Madam Speaker, to my disappointment, however, the police led by the Resident District Commissioner, a one Badru Mugabi, teargased, fired live bullets and stray bullets to disperse the gatherings, which seriously affected the pregnant women, young girls, persons with disability and even myself. They even had to teargas women who had tried to set up some small businesses to earn a livelihood at that event. This led to the unceremonious end of the day’s events. Madam Speaker, if a Woman Member of Parliament cannot be allowed to celebrate with fellow women in her constituency, who will be allowed to do that? I pray that the Minister for the Presidency who is in charge of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCS), the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Minister of Internal Affairs come out and explain why security organs have continued to contravene Article 29 of the Constitution that protects freedom of expression, movement, assembly and association. I also pray that the RCC and DPC of Hoima West Division be disciplined for such an unlawful act. Finally, I pray that the cost encountered should be reimbursed so that I facilitate the organisation of a fresh ceremony. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to lay on the Table the policy statement for the health sub-programme for Financial Year 2023/2024: Vote 014 – Ministry of Health Vote 114 - Uganda Cancer Institute Vote 115 – Uganda Heart Institute Vote 116 - National Medical Stores Vote 127 - Uganda Virus Research Institute Vote 134 - Health Service Commission Vote 151 - Uganda Blood Transfusion Service Vote 401 - Mulago National Referral Hospital Vote 402 - Butabika Hospital Vote 403 - Arua Regional Referral Hospital Vote 404 - Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital Vote 405 - Gulu Regional Referral Hospital Vote 406 - Hoima Regional Referral Hospital Vote 407 - Jinja Regional Referral Hospital Vote 408 - Kabale Regional Referral Hospital Vote 409 - Masaka Regional Referral Hospital Vote 410 - Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Vote 411 - Soroti Regional Referral Hospital Vote 412 - Lira Regional Referral Hospital Vote 413 - Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Vote 414 - Mubende Regional Referral Hospital Vote 415 - Moroto Regional Referral Hospital Vote 416 - Naguru National Referral Hospital Vote 417 - Kiruddu Regional Referral Hospital Vote 418 - Kawempe Regional Referral Hospital Vote 419 - Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital Vote420 - Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital Vote 421 - Kayunga Referral Hospital Vote 422 - Yumbe Referral Hospital Vote 612 - Local Governments and the other annex attached. Madam Speaker, I beg to lay.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the case of district roads, Hoima gets Shs 380 million for a year. This is insufficient. I believe we are making a mockery of ourselves -

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am extremely disappointed. First and foremost, I presented this motion last year in February before even schools started. It has taken this committee a whole year. Secondly, I presented a document by our research department on the school fees issue. The committee visited a few schools within Kampala and ignored the critical issues that I raised in my motion. One of the issues that I raised is why these grant-aided schools charge higher fees than private schools within Kampala. (Applause) If I can pick Seeta High School as an example, the school fees is Shs 1,950,000. This proprietor has to pay fees and feed the children and they feed the children well; I have children there. In addition, they maintain the buildings, pay salaries and all that. Then you have a grant- aided school where Government puts in money and pays 70 per cent of the teachers or even if it is 60 per cent. They have capitation grant, but are charging over Shs 2,350,000. Mr Speaker, the committee ignored my issue. They are looking at tuition fees, but this is not school fees. They have development fund, church fees, admission fees and application fees. Some schools charge as high as Shs 600,000 after you have applied – (Applause) A parent sent me a pay slip of Shs 200,000 for applications then you have to pay Shs 600,000 for admission. I want to pray that this Parliament rejects the proposal by the committee to increase funding to grant-aided schools. If Government can put in money and they still charge more, what are we doing? How many seed secondary schools are out there struggling? We have schools like St Andrea Kahwa’s College in Hoima, one of the best-performing schools, charging Shs 450,000 and this is a boarding school. How are they taking care of these children in the boarding schools?

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, the people of Hoima City are thankful that we now have a fully operational CT scan within Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. However, the drugs that are supposed to operationalise the scan are not there –(Interjection)- there are special drugs that are supposed to be used for the CT scan to be properly operational. My question, therefore, is: when can we have these required drugs/reagents? Secondly, the CT scan now depends on the services of a radiographer, but I think the right person should have been a radiologist. We cannot recruit the radiologist because there is no wage provision. How do we move forward on that matter, Rt Hon. Prime Minister?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The issue of the CT Scans does not only affect Hoima, but cuts across all the 16 regional referral hospitals. I think the biggest issue we should start with is power. You are asking for consumables and human resources, but the power in the hospitals cannot run the CT scans. Mr Speaker, we have been discussing this with the committees; that the issue of power has to be addressed. The single-phase connections cannot run the CT scan. However, the issue of consumables and human resources has been captured in the coming financial year - it will be addressed.

6984 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT [The Deputy Speaker] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR Honourable colleagues, join me in congratulating His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda and the companies in the oil and gas sector, for launching oil drilling in the Hoima Graben. We are all looking forward to this and I want to take this opportunity to thank the Parliament for playing its role. Now, the bigger role we have is oversight on this, to ensure that this oil does not turn into a curse but rather an opportunity for this country. I request the committees responsible to ensure that you do your oversight role effectively. The President launched the activities yesterday in Kikuube District. Let us continue to work together so that we can have our first oil as projected by Government in 2025. Honourable colleagues, as you may all be aware, the NRA Liberation Day will be tomorrow, 26 January. It is the date when the NRA fighters led by His Excellency, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 1986, won the five-year guerilla bush war that liberated Ugandans from the tyrannical regimes at the time. The theme for this year’s celebrations is, “ Our Resolute Effort to Transform Uganda is a Promise We Shall Fulfill .” The venue for the official celebration will be at Kakeeka Playground, Kakumiro Town Council in Kakumiro District. His Excellency the President, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will be the chief guest. I implore you, colleagues, to attend. It is a public holiday. Let us all go to Kakumiro to celebrate with fellow Ugandans. Colleagues, there is a record I want to correct and that is why we have the Hansard . When compiling the Hansard and tallying the votes that each one recorded, we found a small error from what I had announced here, as the Clerk had given them to me. We do not have very clear rules, which provide for correction of such in terms of the House, apart from going through the motion. I have invoked rule 228(2) of the Rules of Procedure because under rule 282(1), the Clerk is mandated to ensure that he gets a correct record of the Hansard. Then, under subrule 2, the Clerk does it on the directive of the Speaker. Therefore, basing on that, I want to correct the record to read as follows: On advice of the Clerk, after going through the Hansard and looking at how each Member voted, the official record, after combing through the Hansard, is: The “Yes” votes - 349 The “No” votes - 4 The “Abstain” votes - 3. Therefore, I want that captured very well on the record. Colleagues, most of you are on social media. Today, after what we discussed here for a short time, I received a barrage of messages from very many parents regarding the issue of homosexuality. What I thought I knew, I am really shocked. To my shock, I received the news that Kasese Municipal Council attempted to pass a bylaw that recognises homosexuals and transgender people as minorities. It first came to me on social media. I did the verification, my office called the clerk and called the CAO, and we confirmed it. This was brought with the clearance of the Executive, brought by the Speaker of Kasese District. I want to make this very clear to all local governments in the country that there is no local government that can pass a bylaw that contravenes national laws; that is repugnant . (Applause) I have - and this is a very serious warning - I want the Minister of Local Government to train these people because it is embarrassing. I have gotten information that the council was being facilitated by an NGO called Human Rights Promotion Awareness Forum. They are

6816 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT Out of the 990 titles expected for the Kampala- Jinja Expressway project (KJE), for example, only 649 had been received by UNRA. On the other hand, out of the 23 titles on the Hoima- Wanseko Project, only nine had been received. It is a mixture of those that are not received and even with those that are received, the title is not transferred yet the title does give you information. I want to move to the observation, Madam Speaker. The delay to transfer titles is risky. Section 59 of the Registration of Titles Act provides that a certificate of title is conclusive evidence of ownership of land. Thus, without transferred titles, UNRA opens up itself to potential fraudsters. We recommend that the accounting officer should engage with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development on the required taxes or duties for the transfer of titles to UNRA and to make the necessary budget provisions in order to secure legal ownership of the land acquired for the various projects. Payables and advances I want to skip some of this information, Madam Speaker, and move to the observations. The committee cited the risk of incurring wasteful expenditure in form of interest and litigation costs arising out of unpaid certificates to contractors. People do work and they are not paid so they will go to court and so on. That is an expense for the taxpayer. The committee noted a large amount of advances, which were not explainable. We recommend as follows: i) UNRA should prioritise payables considering they cause losses to the taxpayer in terms of interest accrued; and ii) The accounting officer should come up with strategies to accelerate recovery of advances as a means of ensuring that UNRA rationalises the resources available. Loss of funds in interest on delayed payments to contractors We observe that the authority incurred nugatory expenditure to the tune of Shs 17 billion due to the delayed settlement of invoices from contractors, something that is totally unacceptable as it burdens the taxpayer unnecessarily. The interest expenditure was included as part of the annual expenditure for the year. We recommend that the accounting officer should ensure prudent financial management practices that prevent losses to the entity. Delayed valuation of infrastructure assets worth Shs 10.4 trillion We observed that failure or delayed valuation of infrastructure assets renders the financial accounts doubtful and misstated. Therefore, it does not give a correct reflection of their physical state. Our recommendation is that the accounting officer should, in a period of six months from the adoption of this report, revalue infrastructure assets in accordance with the laid down policy. The UNRA has got to know what it is worth. That is the only way you can follow up. We think that in six months this should be done so that that matter is taken care of. Delayed completion of road projects There is a litany of explanations. I will move to the observations. Delayed completion of road projects increases the administrative costs of delivering the projects. We recommend that the accounting officer comes up with clear remedies and strategies to improve and strengthen the timelines of delivery of projects. These remedies should be provided to Parliament in six months’ time. Parliament hopefully shall follow up to make sure we get this feedback.

6819 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 18 JANUARY 2023 love it, but our homes flood and we cannot use them.” Therefore, it becomes a deleterious kind of situation. We are hoping that UNRA gets to take this action immediately. The other project was upgrading of Kigumba- Bulima-Kabwoya road from gravel to bitumen standard and the details are provided. I will just move to the observations: 1. UNRA did not seek prior approval before allowing the contractor to carry out additional works in Masindi Municipality, which were not part of the initial contract. The story behind this, which is in the details, is that a contractor constructs the road and when they get to this municipality, they realise that they can do a bit more work. UNRA says, you can go ahead, but doing more work means incurring an extra cost, which was not part of the initial contract amount. Moreover, UNRA did not seek approval for this because you are committing the Government and you are not seeking approval. In our engagement with the contractors, they are actually contemplating taking UNRA to court. They are saying, we were given approval, we did more work, we want the money paid. The contractor has so far carried out approximately 85 per cent of the additional works without payment. We recommend that UNRA, together with the ministry of finance, resolve this issue of outstanding payments to the contractor within one month from the adoption of this report and report to Parliament on the same because the aspect of going to court worried us; it would mean paying a lot more than we should. The other was upgrading of Hoima-Butiaba- Wanseko road gravel to paved bitumen standards and the details are there. We observed that the works on this road supervised by UNRA appeared well done. However, there was silting at the roundabout; this is attributed to a design defect. We would like UNRA to fix the defects causing de-silting within two months from the date of adoption of this report. You cannot do a good road and then, you do not deal with the other attendant issues like de-silting. Madam Speaker, I will quickly move to general observations as I begin to wrap up. The committee made the following general observations and recommendations: 1. Presidential directives Often times, H.E the President has written to UNRA directing the authority to award contracts to particular contractors. UNRA informed the committee that whenever they get a presidential directive, they choose to go to the direction of direct bidding with only this one recommended contractor. This, they said, is because their hands get tied since they cannot disregard the directives of the President. The committee notes that there is a reason the PPDA regulations provide for open bidding. This is to ensure fair competition and to safeguard the taxpayer by getting the most qualified contractor who will ensure value for money. 2. The committee observed that disregard of the law does not augur well for legal entities like UNRA. Direct bidding cannot replace open bidding except under peculiar circumstances like emergencies and in this case, these were not emergency situations. Recommendations 1. Contracts arising out of Presidential directives should not be handed over to individual contractors without going through the process of competitive bidding. 2. UNRAshould always abide by procurement laws. Presidential directives do not replace the law and where a contractor fails to deliver, UNRA management will be held solely responsible regardless of the directives.

6761 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 17 JANUARY 2023 Madam Speaker, uncontrolled encroachment on forest land, illegal harvesting and titling renders the future generation vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Uncontrolled deforestation stands as number one of the major threatening factors against the sustainability of the environment. Deforestation de-stabilises the ecological and environmental functions (soil and water conservation) – we always attribute loss of soil fertility to very many factors, but the moment we have no forests, the deterioration of soil fertility will be high and so, the functions of trees render the areas vulnerable to externalities. We have significant encroachment on forestS like Budongo Forest, which has been encroached on by Kakira Sugar Works. Bugoma Forest has been encroached on by Hoima Sugar and Mabira Forest in Lugazi has been encroached on by Lugazi Sugar Works. Other forests that have been encroached on include: 1. Kisisita Central Forest Reserve in Ssi Subcounty; 2. Malibwe Forest in Ngogwe Subcounty in Buikwe South Constituency; 3. Namyoya and Namanve in Mukono; 4. Bajjo 5. Kiula and Wamale in Kayunga; 6. Mbarara Central Forest Reserve; 7. Mugomba and Kitubulu in Wakiso; 8. Lutoboka Central Forest Reserve in Kalangala; 9. Lira Central Forest Reserve; 10. Rwamunda and Walumanyi in Mpigi; 11. Luweero and Butebe; and 12. Other forests in Kabarole, Kiboga, Masaka and across Uganda. At the moment, there are over 1000 illegal land titles fraudulently created on central forest reserve land under the watch of the National Forest Authority (NFA) and Government is not doing anything enough to evict encroachers. Madam Speaker, we have a big problem created by licensees of the NFA who do not comply with the terms and conditions stated therein such that in the process of restoring degraded areas of the central forest reserves, they have instead cut down, destroyed and completely removed the natural forests in the central forest reserves and planted pine and eucalyptus trees on the bare forest land created. The most affected areas that we visited are Mabira National Forest Reserve, Uganda’s natural heritage that has been left along Jinja Road, while its integrity internally has been deplorably destroyed as NFA looks on. Natural forests and plantations play important roles, which are recognised locally and internationally, in terms of inter alia, biodiversity conservation, climate stability, carbon sequestration, water catchment, medicinal and the production of various forest products for livelihood improvement. Madam Speaker, when we retain pine and eucalyptus alone and do away with the rain forests, many of these functions and benefits can no longer be got from the gazetted forest reserves. A total of Shs 628 billion was approved in Financial Year 2022/2023 for actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The first activity was to resurvey and mark 6,200 square kilometres of boundary to increase the national forest cover from the current 12.4 per cent to 15 per cent and restore 850 square kilometres of wetlands and forests. The other provision in that budget was demarcating and gazetting of central forest reserves and wetlands and also eviction of encroachers on forests and wetlands. The process of cancellation of titles in wetlands had started. However, no significant funds were allocated for actual tree planting to restore significantly deforested areas. We have tree nurseries, but the dissemination of tree seedlings is left to volunteerism. The NEMA efforts to restore forests are selective in that major encroachers are side-lined as efforts are concentrated towards driving away small encroachers. Unless this is halted, we risk losing tree cover by 2040. There are some

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

6704 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION [Mr Isingoma-Mwesigwa] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR The other day, I read a letter from my CAO in Hoima and it is the same scenario. Now that we are here and the two finance ministers are here –

6654 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME For the last three weeks or so, Kiboga Hospital, which serves Kiboga and the neighbouring districts like Kyankwanzi, Nakaseke and Kassanda, has had no medicines and other essential supplies. The health of our people in that area is at risk, especially at this time when they are heading into the festive season and when the rate of accidents on the roads, especially Kiboga-Hoima Road, is on the increase. My prayer, Mr Speaker, is that the Government immediately procures drugs and mobilises medicines so that we can save the lives of our people.

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

Madam Speaker, they are not nuclear weapon documents. I have a presidential communication ordering Finance to pay their bills, dated 17 September 2022. He was probably privy. He is quoting bills in the range of Shs 44 billion. My other private document quotes over Shs 60 billion and so, we have a divergence, but he is accepting the problem. I have evidence that the UPDF is not paying, just as Uganda Police, Nebbi Hospital, Arua Hospital, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima Hospital - Madam Speaker, I visited Hoima Regional Referral Hospital a month ago and I will lay a report tomorrow. The hospital did not have water that day. They do not have money and the hospital is very sick itself. I would like to lay this evidence for the record. I have other copies, but the ministry of finance can explain what we are dealing with.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity and indeed, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister for this tribute. I would like to join other Honourable Members who have praised the works of Dr Ambrossoli. I would like to share a testimony. My father was attacked by thugs in 1971 and he got an arrow in the stomach. When he was taken to Hoima Hospital, stitched, but the operation was not very well done. In 1982, he was told that his life was in danger. He was afraid he going to die and he was referred to Kalongo Hospital. That was East Acholi that time. Indeed, the doctor that worked on him was Dr Ambrossoli. Forty years later, my father is now 85 and nothing wrong has happened to him. He has lived praising that man of God for the care he gave him. We should emulate his legacy. His life was a true testimony of a dedicated public servant, who should be emulated by all of us. Thank you.

6233 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT O F U GANDA TUESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2022 2. To analyse the type of accidents and the total admissions; 3. To conduct an in-depth analysis of the total estimated costs of road traffic accidents and to review challenges in the road safety sector in the country; and 4. To develop a policy brief and recommendation in terms of laws, training, monitoring, and specific budget allocations that policymakers can consider in addition to increasing funding. The hospitals whose data we analysed were Arua, Entebbe, Fort Portal, Gulu, Hoima, Jinja, Kabale, Masaka, Mbale, Soroti, Lira, Mbarara, Mubende, Yumbe, Moroto and Naguru regional referral hospitals, and Mulago National Referral Hospital. When coming up with a cost of treatment, we interfaced with the consultants of Mulago and asked them what it costs to treat a patient who is severely injured, moderately injured or with mild injuries. We came up with the guided figures. We also looked at documents: the Annual Health Sector Performance Report, the police accident reports, reports from regional referral hospitals and so forth. Madam Speaker, let me go to some of the results on page 13. In 2018, the total number of accidents were 12,805. Of these 3,194 were fatal. In 2019, the total number of accidents are 12,858. Of these 3,407 were fatal. In 2020, 12,249 accidents occurred; 3,269 were fatal. In 2021, we had a spike, 17,443 accidents occurred and 3,757 were fatal. Madam Speaker, if I break it down to the magnitude of the injuries, and people killed: in 2018, 3,689 people died from accidents. Those seriously injured were 9,541, and those slightly injured were 1,881. In 2019, those who died were 3,880 and those seriously Injured were 9,635. Those slightly injured were 1,175. In 2020, those who were killed were 3,663, those seriously injured were 8,370, and those slightly injured were 979. Finally, in 2021, those who died were 4,159, the seriously injured were 12,589 and those slightly injured were 1,287. Madam Speaker, I would like to draw your attention to table nine. That is comparison of fatalities by road user groups. From that table - I wish the IT man could flush it - motorcyclists accounted for the biggest number of fatalities in all the four years, followed by passengers on motorcycles, followed by pedestrians. There is clear evidence to show that motorcycles, commonly known as boda boda s, are the biggest cause of injuries but most importantly, deaths from road traffic accidents. Page 15: causes of the crashes. We had reckless or careless driving, over speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and cars in dangerous mechanical conditions; the causes are up there. I would like to draw your attention to page 21: total admissions. Table 12 on page 21 shows the highest number of cases of admissions due to motorcycles, commonly known as boda boda s. If we break it down by sex, males were certainly more affected and these were males above five years, compared to females. I think it is quite clear on the table. I would like to draw your attention to table 22: again, the problem is boda boda s. Madam Speaker, on the issue of the costs that we pay, that is page 34 - Mr IT, can you please move to page 34? - We broke it down into the costs based on critical level four, critical level three and critical level one. The overall daily cost that we spend on treating accidents is Shs 877 million monthly. It comes to Shs 26 billion and annually, it comes to Shs 315 billion. That is what the sector needs to be able to treat victims of accidents. As Chairperson of the Committee on Health, I know very well that we do not appropriate this amount of money for accidents and

6210 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME A total of 1,572 schools had been cleared by 27 September 2022. Head teachers who have challenges have also been handled differently. I want to report that there is no school that has been denied examination materials, as alleged. Madam Speaker, Secondary Science and Mathematics Teachers (SESEMAT), is a programme that started in 2005 between the Japanese Government and the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, to improve the teachers’ delivery, which would, in turn, lead to improvement in the performance of science and mathematics education. This intervention was started in 2005 and underwent three phases and thereafter, JICA phased out. For the sustainability of the programme, a fee of Shs 1,000 was levied on each student. Due to the non-commitment of the head teachers in remitting these funds, it was decided to tag the collection of UNEB materials to the certificate remittance of SESEMAT funds, as it was seen as the most suitable alternative to boost these collections because it targets both private and Government-aided schools. Because COVID-19 left schools closed and, therefore, no collections from students were made for the years 2020 and 2021. These years were waived off and the collections being demanded are for those of the current year 2022 and the arrears of 2019, if any. The Ministry of Education and Sports is engaging all head teachers in the country. Hon. Joseph Ruyonga, Member of Parliament, Hoima West, Hoima City stated that Government of Uganda has, over time, prioritised education reforms as an anchor of socio-economic transformation and development, as demonstrated in the various policy reforms, such as the Universal Primary Education (UPE) of 1997, and the Universal Secondary Education (USE) of 2007, among others. The introduction of UPE has led to increased demand for secondary education services by learners who complete the Primary Seven level. Nyarugabo Seed Secondary School, located in Nyarugabo Cell, Kiduma Ward, Busiisi Division in Hoima West started a community school in 2019. In June 2020, the Church of Uganda Bunyoro- Kitara Diocese donated 6.9 acres of land to the then Hoima Municipality and the land title was transferred to the names of Hoima Municipal Council, Nyarugabo Seed Secondary School. The school has 114 students from Senior One to Senior Four, studying from a community hall. The school was supposed to be constructed by the World Bank under the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project and all the necessary documents were submitted, including the land title. The council had been assured that the school was included in the Financial Year 2020/2021 budget. His prayer is that: can I please update this House on the status of this project? Madam Speaker, my response is that the Government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, is waiting for a no-objection from the World Bank before commencing the procurement process under the Uganda Secondary Expansion Project. Question No.6 is from Hon. Moses Kabuusu, Member of Parliament, Kyamuswa, Kalangala District. The Government of Uganda obtained a loan to construct seed secondary schools in all subcounties in the country. As a result, Nekemia Memorial Secondary School was built in Buuvu Island – I think it is Buvuma –(Interjection)- okay, let me read it as it is; Buuvu Island in Kyamuswa County in Kalangala District, in the first phase under Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer Programme (UGIFT) and was meant to be officially opened early this year, which has not happened. It is now the third term and there is no sign of the school opening. His prayer is to know when Nekemia Seed Secondary School in Buuvu Island in Kyamuswa County in Kalangala District will be opened, as there is no substantive head

6128 THE A L COHOL CONTROL BILL, 2022 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT iii) The ministry has also embarked on creating awareness among the masses. Sensitisation meetings were also undertaken by both technical and political leaders from the ministry and districts. This was intended to make sure that all stakeholders adhere to and comply with quarantine restrictions and other disease control measures to prevent the spread of FMD. Farmers and producers were also encouraged to implement biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of FMD virus. Madam Speaker, in an effort to prevent and control the spread of FMD, the ministry is facing a number of challenges and these include: i. Inadequate funding; ii. Inadequate diagnostic services at the regional and district veterinary laboratories to allow timely detection responses to disease outbreaks; iii. Inadequate disease surveillance and outbreak investigations. Surveillance provides information, which is critical in establishing early warning systems for every detected disease early enough to allow timely responses to be carried out. This is constrained by inadequate funding and logistical support. I, however, want to inform the House that in an effort to address this, we are putting up - almost completed - a diagnostics centre at Agwata Livestock Farm in Nwoya District to take care of Northern Uganda and another one at Sanga Field Station to take care of western and Midwest, while the central and eastern parts of the country continue to use Entebbe. We are also planning to put another one in Soroti and another one in Hoima in the near future. i. Abandonment of roles by local district administrators to mobilise communities to comply to quarantine restrictions by the ministry. We have had a challenge with some leaders; when we put quarantine restrictions, for them, they are interested in revenue and so, they break the quarantine restriction. Others do not report and this causes a lot of problems and actually, fuels the spread of the disease. Conclusion Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries wishes to assure the country that we are doing our best within limited resources to fight animal diseases and in particular, FMD and request the support of all honourable colleagues. I would like to urge the political leadership in this country to have a united front in creating awareness on the impact of animal diseases - revenue foregone - and the importance of adhering to the guidelines of animal disease and control provided by the veterinary- competent authority. Thank you, for your attention, Madam Speaker. (Applause)

Hon. Mwesigwa, the MP for Hoima East Division, wanted to know why the country has delayed validation and the approval of staff structures for the newly-created cities and its effect on service delivery. Mr Speaker, in January 2022, Cabinet under, Minute 21 (CT 2022) approved the 10 cities in Uganda and the structures for the 10 cities to implement. The following actions have been taken: 1. The structures were customised to enable the cities come up with individual human resource structures that address their uniqueness; 2. The customised city structures have been adopted by the respective city councils and implementation guidelines for the said structures have been prepared and disseminated to the city authorities; 3. The job descriptions and person specifications were prepared to enable the City Service Commissions place the existing staff and recruit the right people in the right jobs; Mr Speaker, validation of the existing staff, formally belonging to the respective municipalities and annexed areas from the mother districts, was also done and successfully concluded in all the 10 cities of Hoima, Masaka, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Soroti, Jinja, Mbale, Lira, Gulu and Arua.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, you remember two months ago, you visited Kikuube, specifically to monitor the road construction going on there. You gave a directive to UNRA and also to the road construction companies that are working on Buhimba-Kakumiro-Hoima-Kyenjojo Road, to give access roads to the people of Kikuube. Since then, your people cannot access their homes. They have not been given access roads. I pray that maybe you talk to them again because your people are suffering. Those with vehicles cannot –

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, you are aware that we have one road in Kyankwanzi, which is tarmacked, but it is becoming a disaster to us. Almost every day, a person is killed due to the accidents of speeding cars going to Hoima, Kikuube and sometimes going to Kakumiro. We request for humps in Kikamirambaazi and Katanabirwa. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise under Rule 220 of our Rules of Procedure, regarding a matter which my colleague, Hon. Ojara Mapenduzi, the MP for Bardege-Layibi Division, raised on the Floor of this House about a month ago. He raised a matter about the late validation of staff structures in the new cities, one of which is Hoima, which I represent in this august House. Mr Speaker, although the exercise was virtually undertaken and the validation done, there has been a lot of public outcry regarding the manner in which it was handled; there were a lot of discrepancies, and a lot of impropriety. People are crying, some staff were put -

5678 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT officers attributed this non-payment to insufficient funding from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The committee further observed some cases of complete non-payment of pension, contrary to Section 9(1) of the Pension Act, 2014. Further, the current pension system shouldered by Government is expensive and cumbersome, and causes difficulty in tracking the growth of the fund. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Public Service should fully computerise their tracking and information management systems that should enable automatic migration from salary to the pension payroll upon retirement, without further assurance. Government should develop a system of a contributory pension scheme for Government employees, as opposed to a system where Government shoulders the entire burden of providing pension. Such a system is cumbersome and does not allow growth of pension funds for the civil servants, unlike in the private social system, where the fund grows with a period of contribution and service. Delayed deletion of staff from the payroll Mr Speaker, contrary to Section B-a (12) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, 2010 that requires the payment of salary to public officers to be stopped immediately they cease rendering services to Government under whatever circumstances, including death, the Auditor-General noted that a number of entities under the health sector had delayed to delete staff who had either retired, been transferred, absconded or died. Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, for example, was reported to have paid Shs l8,438,987 to staff who could not be accounted for. Similarly, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital was reported to have paid Shs 6,149,095 to four staff who had retired. In the case of Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Shs 896,977 was paid as salaries to two staff who had retired. Many accounting officers attributed these delays to transfers of some of the affected staff after the closing dates of the IPPS. The accounting officer of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital particularly explained that the transferred staff at the entity had to be delayed from reporting to their new stations because of the critical nature of their jobs. The accounting officer could not, however, provide evidence to substantiate his assertions. The committee observed that such delays are acts of negligence of duty that can cause payments for services not rendered and, thus, could result in loss of funds to Government. The committee recommends that with the help of the internal- auditors, accounting officers should regularly examine the payroll to establish cases of near retirement, and also ensure immediate removal of transferred, absconded or dead staff as soon as the cases occur. Unauthorised loan deductions Mr Speaker, the Auditor-General noted that in most regional referral hospitals, there were unauthorised loan deductions from employee’s salaries without letters of undertaking from the responsible officers. The accounting officers explained that this mainly arose from staff transferred to new stations without their personal files. In such cases, employees would have active deduction accounts without complete records at the new station(s). In some cases, non-transferred staff faced similar predicaments, thus attracting the attention of the Auditor-General. Indeed, honourable colleagues, in this Parliament, Members have raised similar concerns of loan deductions on behalf of affected civil servants. In Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, for example, the Auditor- General noted that eight employees were not in the “my approval report”, but in the “active deduction report”. In other words, not sanctioned but deductions were going on, while 39 employees were not

5817 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2022 This model has an option of either contributing food in kind or cash for food rations. We all know that feeding is important for the health of our children and how poor learning, absenteeism and school dropout are partly caused by hunger in schools. Mr Speaker, Government started a pilot project to engage parents to start contributing towards feeding their children while at school, targeting at least one million children within Kampala Metropolitan Area – covering Entebbe, Kira, Makindye, Mukono and Nansana municipalities – and later to have it extended to the districts of Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Hoima, Kabale, Arua, Kabarole and Masaka, if well implemented. Government has secured a partnership between the Ministry of Education Sports and SNV Uganda, a Netherlands Development Organisation, which will help in subsidising the parents. As such, the parents will contribute between Shs 10,000 and Shs 20,000 each term to ensure their children are fed on milk at school. Mr Speaker, milk was chosen because it provides bone-building nutrients, specifically, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium, which are of high nutrition for both good health and development. Government has entered into partnership with processors who will design specific milk and yoghurt products for school children and distribute about 250mls (per quarter pint) of milk to each child per day for five days. Mr Speaker, the targeted level of school is pre- primary, primary and secondary school. We, therefore, urge honourable members and parents to embrace this programme for the better health of our children in schools and to improve their learning. Hon. Ronald Akugizibwe, Member of Parliament, Buruuli County, Masindi District. He said: “Census is a critical planning tool, which helps governments to plan for the future in terms of schools, hospitals, roads, urban infrastructure and more. For Vision 2020 to be achieved there is need to plan based on reliable statistics.” His prayer is that I update this august House on when Government intends to carry out a housing and population census. Mr Speaker, on Monday, 12 September 2022, Cabinet approved a plan to carry out a housing and population census, scheduled for 24 to 25 August 2023. The process is estimated to cost Shs 330 billion, which Government will mobilise in two financial years; that is, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. The census will enable Government to establish the number of houses, the people and budget accordingly, in terms of service delivery to various regions. The census will be done digitally and data uploaded directly to the central server in Kampala. Mr Speaker, this year, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, through the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, shall be procuring information technology (IT) devices, which will be used in the exercise. After the census, the smart gadgets will be used to carry out other studies such as agricultural census and administrative statistics, among others. Question No.5 came from Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, the National Female Youth MP. She said: “There are about 13 million people in urban centres in the country. Over 50 per cent of Ugandans, by the year 2050, will be in cities, yet housing is still a challenge in urban centres. Last week, His Excellency the President launched a multi-billion housing project in Lubowa, under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).” She asked: “What is the status of Solana- Lubowa Housing Project and its benefit to the people of Uganda?” My response, Mr Speaker, is that on Thursday, 8 September 2022, His Excellency the President commissioned the first phase of the Shs 1.4 trillion Solana-Lubowa Housing Project.

2442 STATEMENT ON FUEL CRISIS IN THE COUNTRY for the support you gave us in executing this task. I beg to lay the minutes and supporting documents for the report of the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry. In the interest of time, I will be referring you to the pages where most of the information is and I will be summarising a few details. Page 1 is the introduction. I will give a brief background. Fuel is a key economy driver since the factors of production depend on fuel. The fuel crisis in the country emanated from the alleged fuel scarcity in circulation at the various fuel pumps and stations. All that information is on page 1. On page 2, we have the backdrop of the committee’s oversight exercise. On page 3, we have the rationale. On page 4 – allow me to, briefly, give you the committee’s terms of reference: The committee adopted the following terms of reference; i) To ascertain the causes of fuel scarcity and the skyrocketing fuel prices in the country in general and Hoima in particular. ii) To examine the contribution of Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) as a Government enterprise in propelling Government’s agenda in stocking and maintaining fuel reserves that can make interventions in times of need when there is fuel scarcity in the country. iii) To scrutinise the utilisation of funds provided by the Government of Uganda to UNOC enterprise. iv) To propose recommendations to enable the efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of UNOC as a Government enterprise in a bid to support it and in achievement of its objectives and to ensure the creation of a positive impact on the people of Uganda. On page 5, we have the methodology: we carried out field visits to Malaba and Busia border points. We visited the Jinja Storage Terminal and Hoima District, respectively, and entered into the western part of Kenya at the Busia Border. We had meetings with key stakeholders. We had memoranda received from various stakeholders, the LCI chairperson, area Members of Parliament of Hoima and all the other leaders as stated in the report. We also had desk research and triangulation of findings. Allow me to go straight into the causes of the fuel crisis. COVID-19 testing at the border The first cause was COVID-19 testing at the border, which I believe the honourable minister stated was scrapped off. Therefore, I may not need to go deep into the detail. However, allow me to present the committee’s recommendations. The committee observed that, previously, truck drivers were allowed entry into the country based on negative results obtained elsewhere, within a 48-hour timeframe along their journey. However, with the change in the testing, truck drivers started a protest against the new fees, insisting on abandoning the process, hence causing a 10-day gridlock. This, consequently, reduced the fuel supply in the country, leading to the hiked prices. The committee notes that it is unclear as to how many of the trucks involved in the strike were fuel transport trucks. Much as this could be a cause, we were not sure how many of the trucks in that queue were fuel transport trucks. Depletion of super petrol both in Kenya and Tanzania According to One Petroleum Uganda Ltd, the fuel crisis was also further compounded by the depletion of super petrol in both Kenya and Tanzania. However, it was observed that diesel was not greatly affected since, aside from the diminished number of trucks available for reload, diesel stocks were sufficient in Kenya and only suffered from logistics. [Mr Mpaka] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

2444 STATEMENT ON FUEL CRISIS IN THE COUNTRY The committee observed that with these statistics, it is clear that fuel is getting into the country, but some fuel-importing companies and fuel stations are taking advantage of the current situation to hoard and sell fuel expensively. The country needs 6.6 million litres a day, which is an equivalent of approximately 180 trucks, to meet the daily demand and consumption. The truck averages and volumes show that the Ugandan market received more average volumes than in the last six months before the crisis, as you have seen in those graphs. During our visit to Hoima, one of the petrol station owners told us that they did not have fuel, but when we went to check his fuel tanks at the petrol station, we discovered that he had 12,0000 litres –

2447 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 3 FEBRUARY 2022 Government through UNOC to pay the consortium for storage in the facility, should they be required to store reserves at the facility. It means that even if we want to store fuel in the reserves, we now have to pay over Shs 5.5 per litre that we store there. The committee further observed that between May 2017 and August 2021, clauses 8.3 and 8.4, which were in for fulfilment of the country’s strategic reserves requirement, were continuously breached, but instead the consortium was rewarded by deleting the clauses, which would have been a fall-back position for the country during a fuel crisis. Unregulated fuel stations In Hoima, it was established that a number of smaller fuel stations without the capacity to import their own fuel were forced to purchase fuel at a retail price. When the big companies hoarded fuel, they started selling the fuel to the smaller stations at the retail price as opposed to the current wholesale price. This is probably why the fuel prices in Hoima went up to Shs 20,000 per litre in some areas under the watch of both security and local leaders who are left with no choice, but to lament. Conclusion General recommendations of the committee 1. The joint venture argument between UNOC and the consortium should be terminated with immediate effect, since the second addendum to the agreement is a fundamental deviation from the mandate of UNOC under the Petroleum Supply Act, 2003; and the handover letter of the Ministry of Energy, in which the company is supposed to ensure at all costs that it effectively runs the facility and particularly ensures that 40 per cent of the storage capacity in the facility is available and always stocked with national strategic stocks. Further still, the consortium breached the following terms in the agreement. Clause 8.3 where the consortium undertook to stock the facility with the petroleum products to its full capacity; clause 8.4, where the consortium was supposed to ensure the facility will at all times have not less than 40 per cent; clause 9.1, the second addendum where in the consortium is supposed to meet the minimum throughput. These breaches warrant termination of the agreement without causing Government financial loss. 2. Upon the termination of the joint venture agreement in the consortium and UNOC, Government should urgently prioritise and avail the necessary financial resources to UNOC, to procure fuel for their reserves, as well as development of the necessary water transport infrastructure in Lake Victoria, which would save transport companies Shs 30 per litre using water transport as opposed to road transport. It would also be less likely to be affected by road transport related challenges and inefficiencies. 3. Government should fast-track the consumer protection law; we need a consumer protection law because even now we are lamenting that fuel prices have gone up. But we do not have a law we can use to protect the consumer, which, if had been in existence, would have protected the consumer from exploitation through discriminative pricing, deceptive weights and measures where pump owners intentionally give less fuel than what is paid for at the pump and misleading fuel prices displayed at stations. This was in Hoima, where someone would display Shs 3,000, but the station attendant would charge you more than Shs 5,000. 4. The last time the country had a similar crisis was in the days of the post-election violence in Kenya 2008 when Uganda was cut off from its main supply route. Similarly, Kenya elections are due this year, which may have a repeated effect.

Member for Hoima.

Hajji - I called for the Member that comes from Hoima.

But there is Hoima Road in Kampala Central Division. (Laughter) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I heard something like Hoima Road, which is just near Bakuli and there is a fuel station called Total.

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

1146 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE JONAH LWANGA between the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and my ministry. We have started on coding all the wetlands in Uganda, as an initial gazettement process and the ministry intends to start with about 12 of them and then some of the important sites and 40 critical urban and rural wetlands to be demarcated. The NEMA, KCCA and local Governments are supposed to be in place and collect all the solid wastes and we have started on that. In collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, we are implementing the Cabinet Directive 114 (CT2014) on cancellation of land titles issued in the wetlands, as one of the measures to address the problem of wetland degradation. (Applause) We are developing a wetland atlas. We have issued some much earlier but we are going to issue another one to appraise Members with the status quo. In collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, my ministry has developed Ministry of Water and Environment Sector Refugee Response Plan to provide safe water, sanitation and wood fuel to both refugees and host communities. Recently, at the end of the previous Parliament, we were able to secure a loan from World Bank, of about $ 172 million, to help us do a lot of this, including the areas of wildlife not wondering in the communities. On the enforcement arm, I would like to say that as we speak, we have about 186 Environment Protection Police Unit personnel. However, our need is about 600. We intend to train the guides to support the enforcement arm and have it more strengthened than it is now. Achievements Allow me to elaborate on some of the achievements. We have ensured the integrated and collaborated management of the environment. Together with Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, local Governments and CSOs, we are implementing 14 integrated catchment management plans in selected environment systems. Over 83,356 hectares of forests have been planted with trees at a survival rate of 70 per cent, raising forest cover from nine per cent to 12.4 per cent. While 102,404 hectares of wetlands and river banks have been restored and we now have 20,500 hectares of wetlands maintained as wetland reserves. My ministry and Ministry of Local Government have established four functional regional technical support offices providing technical support. This is already in place. We have also developed guidelines between ministries and the OPM, NEMA and local Government, which are helping us, move forward. The NEMA and local Government have developed and implemented 12 municipal composing plants under the clean development mechanism to clean the environment yet generate income for urban authorities. The NEMA has put in place a strategy to manage hazardous waste, where all the waste generated from the oil and gas activities at the waste consolidation sites in the Albertine Graben transported, treated and disposed of at three gazetted waste treatment and disposal facilities in Hoima and Nakasongola District. This is already in place, honourable colleagues. The NEMA is also monitoring and enforcing the noise pollution control mechanism. A total of six facilities have their music equipments confiscated for violating the regulation, while the rest of the offenders have been handled. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and other line ministries and CSOs developed projects and programs to mobilise additional resources to undertake massive environmental protection and restoration countrywide by CSOs and local governments. Over Shs 43.77 billion has been STATEMENT