Masaka City

I am a colleague. Thank you, Mr Speaker. In 2024, Rt Hon. Prime Minister, you launched the rehabilitation of the Masaka-Kyotera- Mutukula Road. This is a border road that carries heavy traffic in and outside Uganda. However, the work is very slow. Too much dust has become a problem for the men and women who reside and transact business along that road and accidents are rampant. My prayer is that you send a team on the ground to engage the company; CHICO, to ensure compliance of watering the road to avoid too much dust and by putting in place speed humps in the busy centres. Mr Speaker, there are too many accidents that arise due to over speeding. Your team should ensure the quality of that road. This is because it is an important road and it is needed as soon as yesterday. Thank you so much.

Mr Speaker, my name is Steven Shyaka Gashaija, Member of Parliament for Entebbe Municipality. I would like to say that I am privileged to have the President in my constituency. We usually have a cup of tea and discuss such matters. (Laughter) So, I pity those who stay far from Entebbe. We commend the President’s speech. However, for some of you who have used Uganda Airlines and Emirates, when you land in Entebbe, there is a road that runs along the airport. It is a snake road, a dirt road. Do you know it? That road is called Buku Road. Entebbe is the image of this nation. Mr Speaker, I want the Minister of Works and Transport to ensure that the Buku Road project is completed. Our people in Kigungu are dying of dust. The hospital bills are over the roof. It is a matter of urgency. Entebbe must be beautified. It is the gateway of Uganda. Two, we have the Nakiwogo-Buwaya Bridge. We want to open Entebbe to go to Masaka. When we open Entebbe, there will be civilisation. The road will go to Masaka and Mpigi. So we need a bridge installed there. That way, Entebbe will be near. People can come and see the airport. We want this bridge to be completed for some of you from constituencies far from Entebbe. Mr Speaker, we ask the Minister of Works and Transport to prioritise all the roads in Entebbe, which is a beautiful city. Members of Parliament come and invest; that is where the President stays; it is safe. You are most welcome. Thank you, I so submit.

297 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 09 JULY 2026 can resolve them accordingly. Many of them have been ongoing for a while. The previous administration keeps mentioning them, but the physical engagement on the ground sometimes does not come to light. So, honourable members, you are going to hear from us officially. For some who had already communicated to us before today’s communication, the senior minister is on the ground, besides resolving issues of corruption, also engaging with and addressing boundary disputes. We actually have a meeting tomorrow for the Bugisu subregion, at 2:00 p.m., and part of the agenda is boundary disputes. On the issue of politicians intimidating candidates from other political parties, which my good friend, the Haji from Luwero, raised, I would decry that as well. Personally, as the Minister of State for Local Government and Woman MP for Masaka City, I have about five paid announcements on CBS. The announcements are clearly telling people, “Go and vote for good citizens to be your LCI chairpersons, no matter the political party.” That is what my announcements are saying, yet I am a member of the NRM and even a woman MP on the NRM ticket. Therefore, if the Minister of State for Local Government can encourage people to embrace good Ugandans, whether they are from other political parties, I do not think any other politician should be intimidating our people that, as a must, by hook or crook, they must vote members of a given political party. I kindly urge the honourable member who raised this matter, this is a serious matter bordering on crime, to provide us with that evidence so that we can engage the political leader who is intimidating people. It is a crime. Mr Speaker, the honourable Woman MP of Wakiso raised the issue of men with more than one wife regarding exactly where they would vote. With more than one wife, like Hon. Nsamba is saying, living in different LCs, he is probably an authority on the topic. These men will have to choose exactly where to live. In law, the Attorney-General could back that up, but I think in law we have what they call a principal holding. So, the Haji will have to decide, okay, even if it is a Christian who has many wives, they will have to decide – (Interjections)- the Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs is saying the men should choose the younger wife. She is probably the younger wife in her arrangement. The issue on the elections of LC I majorly surrounds the factor of residence. Where do you live? Where is your residence? If that husband chooses his principal holding or residence, he will have to be registered in that area. The Attorney-General will expound on what the law says about those who might want to vote in more than one area, but I suppose that is criminal. He will expound on it. Mr Speaker, we have a major issue that I even heard Ugandans debating on the radio, and I welcome the Members of Parliament who have brought it to light in this House. The issue is villages with schools located in those areas, especially in the urban centres. Now, we do not want a situation where a candidate is going to use the numerical strength of schools to unfairly overpower a genuine leader, an organic leader from the village. For example, I intervened in an issue in Kumbu, Masaka, where someone wanted to register students from a certain university so they could come and vote for that particular chairman. However, some of these students come from far as Tanzania, Kampala, and Mbarara to study at that university. In one or two years, those students will be gone, and the village will be stuck with a bad candidate as a result of unfair numerical strength from aliens. Therefore, the village chairperson and the village leadership shall be voted for strictly by residents of that village. Members of Parliament and honourable colleagues, I kindly request that in case this august House permits a time for recess or a break, please use it to pass on this information that the people who are going to vote for the

Thank you. Mr Speaker, on road accidents, the Ministry of Works and Transport must come out and correct the errors on the roads. On Masaka Road, Sinotrucks have the biggest hooting on the roads, and many people have died because of the hooting. There are rules governing the use of vehicles. Secondly, what type of roads do we have, Honourable Minister for Transport? We cannot have roads without the infrastructure – no painting, no road signs! How do we run a country where you tarmac roads and they remain dusty?

161 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 11 JUNE 2026 come. Maracha, people are – I do not know what happened there. I was in Bukwo or Kween, I think it was Kween, and it was the same problem. Here in Kampala, Kawempe and Buwambo, PDM money was being stolen. What is the Member of Parliament doing? Even the Opposition ones. The ones of the NRM, I will struggle with them, but even the Opposition ones, as long as you are getting an allowance from Parliament and you do not go to check what is happening, I will ask the Attorney-General to see how I can deal with you. If you do not want to monitor, do not take the allowances. Say so. Go to the Clerk - But then why should you get a salary in the first place? It seems I have got a legal basis where to demand performance from both the NRM and also the Opposition. As long as you are getting money from the Government, you must check, because some of the Opposition say – they do it maliciously. They say, let the programmes not work so that the NRM is blamed. That is not good enough for you because these programmes are not for NRM; they are for your own people. Therefore, this service delivery: the drugs in the health centres, justice, corruption, security, law and order. The infrastructure of leadership is there. Member of Parliament for every constituency, LC III for every subcounty. Those are paid. The ones who are not paid, like the LC II, I do not want to blame them so much. However, the LC III, the Members of Parliament, the councillors are all paid people, and they have to monitor. Local government must monitor – the Chief Administrative Officer. That is why I put in local government – some people have been saying they are cantankerous, quarrelsome, like Hon. Barugahara and Hon. Nameere. Hon. Nameere is famous for quarrelling, so you go and quarrel with - ( Laughter ) When I went to Masaka to defend Hon. Nameere, because I had to go there, they said, “ Oyo omwana oba bamukuza batya, talina mpisa .” I said that if the lack of mpisa is to - because in Uganda, if you see a thief and call them a thief, they say tolina mpisa. They say you should have kept quiet. They call that mpisa . This is how you are going to destroy the country. Please, both for the economy but also for service delivery, the leaders must do their work. Fortunately, apart from this money which Hon. Musasizi is getting from all those taxes, we are going to get oil money. Government will be getting an extra $1.5 billion per year as its share of Government money. I will discuss with you how to save this money, first of all, to create a sovereign fund so that it can earn money because that is how some countries like Norway have used their money well. Instead of using it to buy perfumes and whiskies, they put their money somewhere and it gains interest. We need to use some of it to do the crucial infrastructure like the railway. We need to have the railway with Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, South Sudan and Rwanda, the ones near us, so that all heavy cargo moves from the road to the railway. Then the petroleum products move from the road to the pipeline. That will leave only the light cargo and passengers on the road. The economics there - you heard Hon. Musasizi telling you that it will bring down the cost of transport of cargo from 3,000 to something much less. I am saying all this so that we harmonise and do not have to waste time arguing, because sometimes we waste time. We have done well, but we can do much better. Uganda is a rich country. Finally, I will get time and talk about the environment and the trade order where we had to remove some of our people from the road sides and all that chaos, which was here. I want you people to support this. Do not go on with the cheap politics of misleading our people because a country is like a human body. This human body has got many systems, which must work in the way God designed them. There are whole systems aiding how you breathe, blood gets circulated, seeing, eating and hearing. Each system is separate but coordinated by the command post; the brain. The systems are diverse, specialised, but coordinated.

To cut the story of Apio short - she had been married for 20 years, and she has got adult children, like 18 and so on, teenagers, but she had never handled Shs 1 million in her life. She did not have land. When she got the land, when she got the Shs 1 million, she did not have her own land. She had to go and hire three acres from somebody else, grow maize, sell the maize, put some of the money back into agriculture, and then buy those sheep the ones you saw. When I was there during campaigns, she told me she had now 60 sheep. For me I did not know about sheep. Who buys sheep? She is the one who told me that, “No, South Sudanese like sheep, they buy.” Therefore, our people are clever when supported. They even know things we do not know. I did not know anything about sheep. Even in my dreams, I cannot dream about sheep, but she knew that sheep have a market in South Sudan. Nabutono, I do not know who buys Ssekkokko. I have no idea. But they know. So what they lack is support. Therefore, I want the Kisozi model. I do not want to live in a parish with poor people. That is what I told them. N’abe Kikisozi nabagamba nti sagaala kulirana baavu. Njagala kugenda mu ggulu (I want to go to heaven.) I do not want the angels to block me, saying, “ You were in Kisozi, you had neighboring poor people, and you kept quiet.” I must tell you - I told them. Now, you saw the house of Lule - let us watch that video with that man - show it to us again, his house and the coffee plantation. ( A video presentation was made.) - The man of Kisozi - see the house, car, coffee - that is how they are now. Therefore, leadership is not for ego, but for the people and the country. In agriculture, it is possible to have a Pan-Ugandan rural transformation. In the Kisozi area, I have nine villages with 2,048 homesteads now. As of today, all 2,048 homesteads have joined the money economy with coffee, bananas, dairy farming, goat rearing, and poultry. You did not show us the video with my manager at Kisozi, Nalwanga. Don’t you have her video? I have got a girl whom I have educated from P2. She went to Ndejje, and she is the one managing - Nalwanga - these people do not like my useful people. Nalwanga tebamwagala wano . In the cattle corridor, most of the original families have joined the money economy through dairy farming. In order to stabilise agriculture, we are addressing the issue of irrigation. Apart from the big irrigation schemes such as Mobuku, Doho, etc., we are developing many micro solar-powered irrigation schemes, working with a British group known as Nexus Green. As we speak, they have worked with the Government to put solar-powered irrigation schemes in Ngora, Serere, Bukedea, Amolatar, Kwania, Apac, Kassanda, Masaka, Mukono. Those are some of the irrigation schemes. In conclusion, however, the two residual problems with the peasantry are, as I pointed out above, some of them still rely on okusetura , free range, which underutilises the land. A square mile of a well-cleared farm, no bushes, no muteete , no shrubs, no acacia, will cater for 300 long-horn cattle, including the calves. With pasture growing and zero grazing, a square mile will cater for 6,000 cattle.

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

103. Ruhindi Fredrick Nakawa Division East Kampala NRM 104. Taban Aate Sharifah Woman Representative Koboko Independent 105. Ouma Willy Namayingo South County Namayingo Independent 106. Orone Derrick Gogonyo County Pallisa NRM 107. Tete Chelengat Everline Woman Representative Bukwo NRM 108. Tibyaze Peace Woman Representative Jinja NRM 109. Tom Aliti Candia Maracha East County Maracha NRM 110. Rwakimari Beatrice Ruhaama County Ntungamo NRM 111. Tumuramye Genensio Kashongi County Kiruhura NRM 112. Tumusiime John Bosco Kashari South County Mbarara NRM 113. Teira John Bugabula County North Kamuli NRM 114. Oryema Simon Peter Adum Chua West County Kitgum NRM 115. Turyahikayo Kebirungi Mary Paula Woman Representative Rukungiri NRM 116. Sebamala Richard Bukoto County Central Masaka DP 117. Tiyo William Taylor Odaa Ayivu Division East Arua City NRM 118. Ssebbugga-Kimeze Berunado Budyepo County Nakasongola NRM 119. Tayebwa Thomas Ruhinda North County Mitooma NRM 120. Otto Edward Makmot Agago County Agago NRM 121. Rwamirama Bright Kanyontore (Lt Col Rtd) Isingiro County North Isingiro NRM 122. Tebandeke Charles Bbaale County Kayunga NUP 123. Tukahirwa James Byenjuru Hunter Kajara County Ntungamo NRM 124. Tumukunde Henry Kakurugu (Lt Gen. Rtd) Rukungiri Municipality Rukungiri NRM 125. Tumwesigye Anthony Isingiro West County Isingiro Independent 126. Ssenyonyi Joel Basekezi Nakawa Division West Kampala NUP 127. Osoru Mourine Woman Representative Arua City NRM 128. Ossiya Solomon Alemu Toroma County Katakwi NRM 129. Shyam Jay Tanna Tororo Municipality Tororo Independent 130. Twalla Fadil Tingey County Kapchorwa NRM 131. Waluswaka James Bunyole West County Butaleja NRM 132. Tumwebaze Mwine Youth Representative Western NRM 133. Twinomujuni Francis Kazini Buhaguzi County Kikuube NRM 134. Otafiire Kahinda (Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Ruhinda County Mitooma NRM 135. Silwany Solomon Bukooli County Central Bugiri NRM 136. Otim Bernard Maruzi North County Apac NRM 137. Waiswa Joel Azalwa Busiki County Namutumba Independent 138. Ssemwanga Gyaviira Buyamba County Rakai NRM 139. Wakida Patrick Godfrey Kabweri County Kibuku NRM 140. Walyomu Moses Muwanika Kagoma County Jinja Independent 141. Wandera John Paul Samia Bugwe County North Busia Independent 142. Saazi Godfrey Gomba East County Gomba NUP 143. Wanyenya Shafiga Bungokho County North Mbale NRM 144. Twesige Stephen Buyaga East County Kagadi NRM 145. Twinamasiko Onesimus Bugangaizi East County Kakumiro NRM 146. Wandera Sadala Bugweri County Bugweri NRM 147. Tayebwa Didas Kabumbuza Kooki County Rakai NRM 148. Wanyama Judas Thadeo Youth Representative Eastern NRM 149. Sserukenya David Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality Wakiso NUP 150. Sekindi Aisha Woman Representative Kalungu Independent

3 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 2026 57. Alum Santa Sandra Ogwang District Woman Representative Oyam UPC 58. Akoth Angella Nzokire District Woman Representative Tororo Independent 59. Alero Tom Aza West Moyo County Moyo NRM 60. Anywar Ricky Richard Agago West County Agago NRM 61. Aogon Silas Kumi Municipality Kumi Independent 62. Aol Betty Ocan City Woman Representative Gulu City PFF 63. Arinaitwe Jeniva District Woman Representative Rubirizi NRM 64. Arinaitwe Rwakajara Katambuka Workers Representative N/A NRM 65. Aseera Stephen Buhaguzi East County Kikuube NRM 66. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki District Woman Representative Masindi NRM 67. Attan Okia Moses Soroti East County Soroti City FDC 68. Kiconco Katabaazi Patrick Rukiga County Rukiga NRM 69. Atuhwereire Arthur Kazoora Ruhinda South County Mitooma NRM 70. Atukunda Rebecca Mubangizi District Woman Representative Kassanda NRM 71. Atuto Jacinta District Woman Representative Kapelebyong NRM 72. Atwijukire Boaz Katerera County Rubirizi Independent 73. Alupo Jessica Rose Epel District Woman Representative Katakwi NRM 74. Atwijukire Dan Kimosho Kazo County Kazo NRM 75. Acora Nancy Odonga District Woman Representative Lamwo NRM 76. Atyang Stella District Woman Representative Moroto NRM 77. Auma Janet District Woman Representative Amolatar UPC 78. Auma Kenny District Woman Representative Kwania UPC 79. Avako Melsa Naima Gule District Woman Representative Yumbe NRM 80. Anyango Janet Hope District Woman Representative Busia NRM 81. Ayagalachi Jamali Bukooli County Bugiri NUP 82. Achia Remigio Pian County Nabilatuk NRM 83. Ayepa Michael Labwor County Abim NRM 84. Ayoo Janeth Phoebe Obol District Woman Representative Gulu NRM 85. Apolot Christine District Woman Representative Kumi Independent 86. Ayume Charles Koboko Municipality Koboko NRM 87. Avur Jane Pacuto District Woman Representative Pakwach NRM 88. Atugonza Allan Buliisa County Buliisa NRM 89. Baatom Ben Koryang Dodoth West County Karenga NRM 90. Babirye Kityo Sarah Bukoto County East Masaka NRM 91. Babirye Milly Babalanda Budiope West County Buyende NRM 92. Ariko Herbert Edmund Okworo Gweri County Soroti NRM 93. Kakooza James Older Persons Representative Central NRM 94. Awor Betty Engola District Woman Representative Apac NRM 95. Engola Sam Erute County South Lira NRM 96. Baryomunsi Chris Kinkizi County East Kanungu NRM 97. Nabbanja Robinah District Woman Representative Kakumiro NRM (The House was suspended at 11.38 a.m.) (On resumption at 1.29 p.m., the Clerk presiding.) 98. Auma Linda Agnes District Woman Representative Lira NRM 99. Babanga Wilfred Erima Terego East County Terego NRM 100. Babula Noel Kataike Matilda District Woman Representative Budaka NRM 101. Bahireira Sylivia Tumwekwase District Woman Representative Kamwenge NRM 102. Bakireke Nambooze Betty Mukono Municipality Mukono NUP

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)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. From the onset, I want to state that I fully adopt the motion moved by the Rt Hon. Prime Minister and the Leader of Government Business. I also strongly associate myself with the submissions of the Leader of the Opposition and the motion for amendment made by the honourable minister of sports. Madam Speaker, when I was a member of the local government accounts committee in the 10 th Parliament, I first saw Hon. Nakimuli when we met a delegation from Kalangala who had appeared before us in Masaka. When she joined Parliament, I had the privilege of serving with her in the shadow cabinet , and I fully agree with many of her attributes that have been mentioned here. By way of paying tribute to her, I want to share a short story of what transpired between her and I. Our dear friend outside this House, Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo, invited me courteously to watch a game at Namboole Stadium. As a friend, the same invitation was extended to

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, allow me to register my heartfelt and deepest condolences to you, the august House, the Leader of the Opposition, the people of Kalangala, Greater Masaka, and the entire Uganda. Madam Speaker, because of time, I want to inform this august House that Hon. Helen Nakimuli was all-round. In fact, she was a member of the Opposition, but you could not believe that she was indeed in the Opposition. However, she stood on the principles of her party. There are colleagues from the Opposition side who do not want to associate with ministers of the Government, even when their people yearn for development. (Applause) However, Hon. Nakimuli would not do that. I remember a day when I went to Kalangala. I was received by Hon. Nakimuli and Hon. Kabuusu, and we spent two days there. I received their requests and I worked on them. There are colleagues who have approached me and asked, can you give me this in private? Hon. Nakimuli was exceptional. Madam Speaker, allow me to also ask for one important thing from the Leader of the Opposition and my colleagues. Hon. Nakimuli deserves a decent send-off. Tomorrow, we are all ready to go to Luweero. However, this business of Ugandans trying to threaten the mourners – (Interjection) - yes, because I witnessed this in Kalangala Town Council yesterday when you attempted to stop the Resident District Commissioner from delivering his message.

18713 Tuesday, 21 April 2026 be taken to the funeral home this evening upon arrival from Kalangala via Masaka. On Wednesday, the body will be moved to Parliament for public viewing. The body will be here at 10.00 a.m. Please come and join us to receive our beloved friend, sister, and colleague. I have always said today it is her, tomorrow it is somebody else. At 2.00 p.m., we shall have a session in the House. The body will be moved to Namungoona thereafter. On its way, it will pass via the NUP offices. On 23 rd April, Thursday, there will be a funeral service at Namungoona Orthodox Church, and burial will take place at their ancestral home in Luwero District. The Parliament of Uganda stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and the people of Kalangala District. We honour the legacy of the dedicated legislator and the tireless advocacy for her people. Last Thursday, she was here submitting. None of us knew that she would be gone too early like that. May her soul rest in eternal peace. May we stand up and observe a moment of silence. (Members rose and observed a moment of silence.)

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.

18634 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 Madam Speaker, we still grapple with the backlog of cases in this country. The Judiciary plans to increase the case disposal rate from 58 per cent in Financial Year 2024/2025 to 60.6 per cent in Financial Year 2026/2027. This will reduce the backlog from 24.2 per cent to 22.2 per cent and dispose of 291,544 cases by the end of 2026, hence the need for an additional Shs 20.12 billion in case backlog reduction strategies, such as special court sessions. The committee, however, noted that a significant number of cases committed to the High Court remained unheard for years alongside infrequent court appearances and extended intervals between hearings. Additionally, the committee is concerned that the Judiciary’s projected plan to reduce the backlog is not satisfactory due to the minimal percentage. The committee has recommended that the funding requested by the Judiciary to tackle the issue of case backlog be deferred temporarily until a comprehensive plan is provided. Implementation of the legal representation at the expense of the state in capital offences in line with the Judiciary Legal Representation at the Expense of the State The committee noted that Article 28(3) of the Constitution requires that every person who is charged with a criminal offence that carries a sentence of death or imprisonment for life is entitled to legal representation at the expense of the state. Similarly, the Judicature (Legal Representation at the Expense of the State) Rules, 2022 have revised the rates upwards for facilitation of advocates on state briefs. To be able to fulfil this mandate, the Judiciary requires an additional Shs 31.97 billion. The committee recommends that Shs 31.97 billion be provided to the Judiciary to facilitate advocates to hold these cases on a State brief. Automation of courts to eliminate delays in the management of cases The committee was informed that the Judiciary plans to roll out the Electronic Case Management System, ECMIS, to an additional 20 court stations, which include, among others: i) Masaka High Court; ii) Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court; iii) Kalangala Chief Magistrate’s Court; iv) Sembabule Chief Magistrate’s Court; v) Kalungu/Lukaya Grade One Court; vi) Mpigi High Court; vii) Mpigi Chief Magistrate’s Court; viii) Gomba Chief Magistrate’s Court; ix) Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court; x) Nsangi Chief Magistrate’s Court; xi) Masindi High Court; xii) Masindi Chief Magistrate’s Court; xiii) Kiryandongo Chief Magistrate’s Court; xiv) Buliisa Chief Magistrate’s Court; xv) Kigumba Chief Magistrate’s Court; xvi) Mubende High Court; xvii) Mubende Chief Magistrate’s Court; xviii) Mityana Chief Magistrate’s Court; xix) Kassanda Chief Magistrate’s Court; and xx) Kyegegwa Chief Magistrate’s Court. Madam Speaker, I have read all of them to show the balanced nature throughout the country. The committee recommends that Shs 13.739 billion be provided during the Financial Year 2026/2027 to enable the Judiciary to automate case management business processes, thereby quickening adjudication and reducing person- to-person interactions, thereby mitigating corruption incidents. Budget increase and misalignment The Judiciary’s proposed budget for the Financial Year 2026/2027 stands at Shs 633.97 billion, representing a 43.7 per cent increase from the Financial Year 2025/2026 approved budget of Shs 44.223 billion. The committee noted a 103.5 per cent increase in the travel budget of the Judiciary from Shs 43.79 billion to Shs 89.154 billion, with the Ministerial Policy Statement (MPS) showing extensive travel inland provisions totalling Shs 77.0 billion and travel abroad to Shs 12.2

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.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank the chairperson and his committee for this report. However, my interest is on page 36, about the Resident State Attorneys. Through you, Madam Speaker, to the minister, whether you like it or not, the money you are spending on feeding prisoners now, who could be given bail through having Resident State Attorneys in the grade one magistrate courts, would be less than what you need here. You are spending over Shs 8 billion on people who can be bailed out but because there are no Resident State Attorneys - in districts like Kalungu District, we have a Resident State Attorney in charge of Masaka, Bukomansimbi -

18645 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 APRIL 2026 As I conclude, you discussed the chief magisterial areas that will be funded. This instrument was passed, meaning that all cases from Kalungu District, for example, being handled in Masaka are under the wrong jurisdiction.

If you created a Chief Magistrate Area for Kalungu District, why do we still have matters going to Masaka? And as a result, you have a case backlog because you have refused to create the chief magisterial area in the created districts. Kindly give it attention.

18647 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 APRIL 2026 Luwero, Nakasongola as well as water supply schemes in districts such as Terego, Moyo, Lamwo, Zombo, Agago, Pader, Namutumba, Mayuge, Ssembabule, Mityana, Isingiro, Kazo, Kyenjojo, Bukedea, Kanungu, Moroto, Kakumiro and Abim, among others. Colleagues, I can see that some of you are trying to keep pace. I jumped into the executive summary, which is on page, Page 3. However, the committee also notes material implementation constraints, particularly funding gaps, delayed counterpart funding, stalled contractor obligations, weak operation and maintenance financing, land acquisition delays, environmental compliance burdens, and institutional capacity limitations, which, if not addressed, will undermine the political credibility of the budget. Madam Speaker, the context of this report is that sectors and Votes under the committee’s purview are central to the Government’s broader economic growth for various reasons. First, energy powers production and industry, while the extractives are expected to create fiscal space and employment. On the other hand, water supports life and production, while environmental management protects the natural resource base on which the growth ultimately depends. The committee notes that the significance of these Votes is not abstract. In many constituencies, the Government is judged by whether power reaches the households, trading centres and industrial parks; whether piped water reaches institutions, towns and villages; whether boreholes and small schemes remain functional; whether the first oil is obtained and is properly regulated; and whether wetlands, forests and the fragile landscapes are actually protected for the benefit of all. This means that the budget scrutiny in these sectors must go beyond the aggregate figures and focus squarely on whether planned projects are financed, implemented, and sustained in actual locations where Ugandans live and work. Madam Speaker, I will go straight to Item 7.0: Programme budget allocations for Financial Year 2026/2027. Analysis of Vote 017 Vote 017: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development contributes to the sustainable energy development programme and a sustainable extractives industry development programme of the National Development Plan IV (NDPIV), with policy priorities covering electricity generation, transmission, distribution, clean cooking, petroleum infrastructure, minerals development, geothermal development, and strategic industrial energy investments. Madam Speaker, the committee notes, from the updated submissions of the budget estimates, that the total budget allocation for vote 017 rises from Shs 1.844 billion, in the Financial Year 2025/2026, to Shs 2.282 billion, in Financial Year 2026/2027, representing an increase of Shs 438.11 billion. Table two thereby gives you, colleagues , an overview of how these resources have been allocated. The committee further notes that the ministry’s functional allocation reflects a major emphasis on transmission, distribution, petroleum, and administration-related land acquisition and institutional costs, alongside continued support to generation, minerals, and clean cooking. Colleagues, table 4 gives us an allocation of resources by major functional areas. Madam Speaker, the committee notes that the ministry has identified substantial project outlay for Financial Year 2026/2027, and the medium term, and many of these projects are location-specific and visible. Colleagues, the major planned projects under Vote 017 represent the following, which I believe is a point of critical concern to most of us here. There is a project of Mutundwe-Buloba- Kabulasoke-Masaka and Kabulasoke-Nkonge-

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.

18651 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 APRIL 2026 intended for Laropi and Lefori in Moyo, Akoro and Pangila, and Padibe West in Lamwo. The institutional water supply and sanitation project This one is intended to supply the Arocha prison in Apac and the Iceme health centre and surrounding areas in Oyam. The rural growth centre schemes in Ewanga in Madi-Okollo, Edrayo in Terego, Rodo and Nyori in Yumbe. The gravity and piped water schemes are intended for Ambe GFS in Zombo, the Ogili water supply and sanitation scheme in Agago, as well as Pader. The solar-powered schemes for Achukudu solar RGC in Napak. Colleagues, I am sure that the Hon Faith Nakut is now going to give me a bit- Table 12, in the Eastern region. There are rural growth centre piped water projects that are intended for Bulange in Namutumba, Nango in Mayuge, Bubugo- Itanda in Jinja, and Kagumba in Kamuli. Additional rural growth centre schemes, one intended for Oyama RGC in Kaberamaido. The institutional water supply and sanitation schemes in Ivukula prisons and the surrounding areas in Namutumba. The public sanitation facilities are intended for Mulatsi S.S. in Mbale and Lubani SSS in Jinja. The urban and small town water system schemes under the Water and Sanitation Development Facility East. In Manafwa, Bulangira, Bukumi, Kaproron, Kadungulu, Iyolwa, Mukura, Atutur and Mbale Industrial Park. Central region The ministry intends to undertake piped water schemes in Nankondo in Ssembabule, Moone in Nakasongola and Bulera in Mityana. The institutional water and sanitation schemes - Masaka Army Barracks. The solar-powered water schemes in Kyegegwa, Rakai, Namayingo and Buvuma districts. Then the other additional schemes and extensions are intended for Ngoma, Nyanseke, Busaale, Lunya, Kapeeka Industrial Park extension and Kikuube. In Western and Southwestern regions The major towns and cluster water systems. In Nyakashaka and Rubaya in Buhweju and Mbarara, Mabira, Bukiro, and Nyabisirira, Ntungamo Industrial Park, among others. The integrated water management and development schemes Kaliro-Namungalwe and Kyegegwa-Mpara- Ruyonza-Kabagore. This is the learned DAGs area. Isingiro water and sanitation scheme That is for the Isingiro District. Institutional water schemes in Butanda Secondary School in Kabale, Rugazi Health Centre IV in Rubirizi, and Ishekye School of the Handicapped in Sheema. The rural growth schemes Kyampangara and Nyamushojwa in Kazo, Kasaba in Kyenjojo, Rwentuha in Kyegegwa and Buhanda in Mubende. The solar-powered scheme Bikone and Isule-Katebenyangorongo in Kasese; Kagunga Iremera 1, Iremera 2 in Kisoro; and the Rubanda extension scheme.

18652 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 The gravity-piped water schemes are intended for Mbunga-Nyakazinga and Bughema in Kasese, and Mpunga in Kanungu. The climate-span smart wash clusters for Rwere in Kateretere, Bugarama-Karweru and Kagarama-Bushura-Kibuzigye in Rubanda, Kabale and Kisoro areas. Karamoja region schemes Under the institutional water schemes, Nadunget SS in Moroto, Amita Prisons in Abim. Public sanitation facilities There shall be two institutions in Karenga and one in Ngora. Additional water schemes in Kalapata, Lorengedwat, Tokora, Kathile listed under the broader solar and service expansion. The committee notes that the ministry’s water for production portfolio is particularly important in the drought-prone and livestock- dependent areas for expanding irrigation agriculture. Colleagues, we have selected water for production projects, which you will all see. I want to allow you to see them by yourselves. Under table 16, in Isingiro, Kanungu, and then those in Karamoja. Another area that will be covered is Agule in Kalaki, Soroti District, Bulusambu in Mbale, Biduku in Nakaseke, Kiryandongo, Masaka, Oyam, Gulu, Nwoya, among others. There will be solar-powered irrigation water systems also cited in the numerous areas across Central, Eastern, Northern, Karamoja, and Southwestern regions. Colleagues, the other aspects are those that I believe we will go through. I just would like to invite you to the aspect of the unfunded priority under Vote 019. Madam Speaker, the committee notes that under the project 2041- this is 7.6 colleagues: 100 per cent Service Coverage Acceleration project, (SCAP 100, Umbrellas Phase II), the Ministry of Water and Environment has identified critical financing gaps for targeted investments in water pipeline extensions, power extensions to pump stations, off-grid solar installations, and pump stations and drilling of production wells in small towns, rural growth centers, and the six umbrella and water and sanitation projects countrywide. Colleagues, in totality, the SCAP 100 project was in response to His Excellency, the President’s promise that every village in Uganda should have at least one clean water source. So, SCAP 100 was intended to ensure that water sources are placed in districts and in administrative units such as sub-counties, so as to distribute water using piped water systems. So SCAP 100 is crucial because it responds to the Government’s undertaking to the citizens. Here, the committee identified a funding gap of Shs 35.85 billion for Financial Year 26/27, which would support the undertaking of rehabilitation of water supply and sanitation skip schemes, as well as extend 5,000 kilometers of pipeline water to provide for 5,000 new water connections in the various communities of the country. The committee further notes an unfunded requirement under the water and sanitation development facilities that are responsible for the design, construction, and setting up of infrastructure for rural water supply. Colleagues, the unfunded priorities under Vote 019 are provided for under table 18. Madam Speaker, permit me to conclude with National Water and Sewerage Corporation. National Water and Sewerage Corporation remains central to urban water service delivery and to several other sectors, most visible investments in towns and municipalities. The committee notes that National Water and Sewerage Corporation medium-term financial and investment plan covers five projects currently supported by government

Madam Speaker, we have seen that the country is experiencing a shock. From Masaka all the way to Kampala, road users and motor vehicle owners who use Total petrol stations cannot get petrol there. For some of the Members who use diesel, the prices have skyrocketed because before, out of Shs 100,000, one could get 20 litres, but you can now get only 18.5 litres. I do not see a solution in the near future. We know that Uganda uses 240 million barrels of fuel per month. [The Speaker] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

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.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. As the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) who has been left behind, I would like to thank the minister for his presentation and the chairperson of the committee. However, I have a humble prayer before I look at the issues. Honourable minister, when you look at the minority report, it is now four years since Masaka Road was closed at Mpigi. There is no work going on the Busega Express-way. Can I make a humble plea, through the Speaker, that since there is no work going on, kindly open this road for a time being? When you resume work then business will go back to what you want. Imagine, for four years we are going through Mpigi. The tarmac within Mpigi will not be given consideration when the road is worked on. What do we lose? They have put permanent fixtures on the road and vehicles which have had accidents are placed there. Within your powers and the Ministry of Works and Transport, sit and agree and open for us this road. Otherwise, the traffic jam we are facing is too much. Mr Speaker, since the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the shadow Minister of Finance, Hon. Ssemujju Nganda agree on some of the areas in the minority report, why don’t you sit and agree on some of the issues raised in the minority report? The moment you do that, you will solve the problems of this institution. It is very painful that budget proposals are brought here but after passing the budget, nothing is implemented. The challenge goes to the Members of Parliament saying they did not support the budget yet as an Arm of Government, we give you all the support you want. What makes you fail to get counter funding? Is it Parliament or the weakness is on your side? That question is between you, your office and the ministry for finance. I do not know how much I can talk about borrowing and non-performing loans. I am very interested in talking about teachers and their salaries with the commitment given by the Government. However, should I come on the Floor and say we should also borrow money for financing salaries? It should not be me in this suit I am wearing. Mr Speaker, I do not have more to say about the minority report. It is the duty of the Ministry for

18326 MOTION Finance and your team. Look at what is in the minority report and what Members have raised so that we avoid going for supplementary budgets every time, yet the planning is on your side. That is what I can say. Mr Speaker, on the issue of Masaka Road, since both of us use it, there is nothing wrong with opening it up for a time being. When you resume working on it, you will close it as you work -

18235 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2025 One, thank you for that update on the biometric voter verification kits. We did raise - I specifically raised that matter here, and my concern was twofold. Number one, that even as legislators, as stakeholders, participants in the electoral process, we are not too sure about the whole modus operandi of these kits. How do they get to operate? Who does what? What happens when they are non-functional, as has been the case in the last election, during the census thereafter, network issues, operational issues, all these being very critical concerns, and it is important that they get addressed. It is good that the Electoral Commission interacts with legislators as part of its stakeholder engagement. Beyond that, I think there are questions which need to be answered. Last time we met with the Attorney-General, some answers have not yet come through regarding the legalese. Are we saying these biometric voter verification kits will be mandatory? And what that means, as I have heard one of the presidential candidates say, is that where the kit does not work, voting shall not take place at that polling station. The concern is what happens in areas where there will be network issues, failures of these kits to operate, power outages, and so on. We have had that challenge. Let us be mindful of that reality. When you mention that where the kit fails, voting does not occur, we will face a crisis that impacts both sides of the aisle. Even in your constituency, you may find many areas where you believe you have majority support or whatever the case may be. So, if the machine fails, voting doesn’t happen, and then what? I think it is important that the Government provides us with clarity. Are we saying these biometric voter verification kits will be used? If so, what if they fail? As was the case the other time, are we referring to the voters’ register? Or are we saying that where it fails, voting does not happen - so that there is clarity, we know exactly what we are dealing with. Aside from that, Mr Speaker, two other quick issues, again related to the goings-on. This House is tasked with making laws. It is important that when laws are broken, this House shows particular interest. On the 3rd of December this year, Rev. Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira, a priest of Masaka Diocese, was abducted by armed men using a regular vehicle. For days, everyone was asking about his whereabouts. We kept asking the police, saying, “You are responsible for arresting him. Where is this reverend father?” Police issued a statement saying, “We don’t know about his arrest; we don’t have him.” That became even more concerning. Days later, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) issued a statement, which I would like to share here. It was authored by Chris Magezi, who stated that security forces detained Rev. Fr Deusdedit Sekabira for involvement in subversive activities and is, according to Magezi, in lawful custody. The concern is twofold: lawful custody presupposes that someone is held in a gazetted detention facility accessible to lawyers, loved ones, and doctors when needed. As we speak today, Mr Speaker, it is two weeks since this man was abducted. The army has finally acknowledged that they have him, but where are they holding him? Why has he not been produced in court? The law, which was passed in this House, provides for a 48-hour period during which you can hold someone in a gazetted facility. After 48 hours, you have two options: release him or her or produce him in court. Why has he not been produced in court? That is a big worry. It is not enough to say you have him and then claim he is in lawful custody. How is it lawful when his loved ones and lawyers cannot access him, and they do not know where he is? Mr Speaker, we recently experienced a similar incident. Two Kenyan citizens were abducted in a comparable manner within this country, and it is reasonable to acknowledge that we have Kenyan legislators like Bob Njagi

Mr Speaker, first of all, allow me to wish His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala a happy 99th birthday, and I think that birthday is commendable for us, the Catholic Church and everybody in Uganda. Through you, Mr Speaker, to the Attorney- General, yes, what you are saying is correct. He is a learned friend - he is the head of the Bar, and practises through our laws, which he knows very well. When you are summoning Members of Parliament, the summonses go through the Office of the Speaker and indeed, even the priest in Masaka, Fr Ssekabira, has the Vicar-General and the Bishop of Masaka Diocese. What I am seeking from the Attorney- General is going back to the grand norms of the country, that there are procedures for arresting somebody. This is a priest who is running a parish, and his place of work is known but the business of arresting and holding him incommunicado is not proper. Mr Speaker, Masaka’s history is not good about priests. We had a priest, Fr Clement Kiggundu, who disappeared like that. In the letter written by our bishop, he highlighted the same, and that was 1972. Here we are; it has been over two weeks, and the UPDF comes out directly to say that they have the priest but have not produced him before the court. That is not fair on our Catholic side, and it is not fair even on your side of the Government, because I can assure you, we are going to win votes against you because of that priest, since not everybody is happy. Mr Attorney-General, as Article 119 states, that is your duty now. How do you advise the Government on the mess they are making in carrying out arrests of that nature because somebody has not run away? He is around. Summon him and let him appear before the court, and then you can detain him. Mr Speaker, to date, the priest has not been produced before the courts. The Attorney- General currently holds two positions: he is the sitting Attorney-General and is also acting as the Leader of Government Business. However, he is not providing a direct answer regarding our priest. Mr Speaker, people want to receive sacraments from the priest - I also need to receive sacraments from him. We are going for Christmas - I do not know, but Colonel here is a Catholic. She knows what is happening now that we are in a period of Advent, and our Speaker is also aware of that. Can you kindly do the needful? Mr Speaker, can the priest be brought before the courts of law? If he is to be bailed out, it will be done. If he is to be kept on remand, let it be known. That will solve challenges and a lot of words being said in Masaka Diocese. Mr Speaker, that is what I wanted to say to the Attorney-General. Otherwise, the Leader of the Opposition has said the same thing - (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. When they gave us the notice for this sitting, I dressed very smartly and appeared here, without hesitation, and I have remained seated, in support of these motions. Why can’t the finance minister procedurally create anything for Kalungu or Masaka, so that I can also follow suit in supporting the motion?

Madam Speaker, during the financial year under review, an overall budget of Shs 61.6 trillion, out of which Shs 11 trillion was allocated for the implementation of various projects by different Votes. In the scheme of things, where you had a budget of Shs 61.6 trillion, Shs 11 trillion of this money was in projects. That is how big it is. It is for the first time, and I must thank Members that a committee of PAC has found the time and space to look at audit reports of projects. We just did a sample because the projects are so many. An institution like Makerere University has 61 projects, the Ministry of Water and Environment has 28. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has so many projects. However, be as it may, the committee observed that the project implementation had faced a lot of challenges, which had led to a lot of – there are figures I have left that are important. We had Shs 11 trillion under projects. Out of the Shs 11 trillion allocated for the project, Shs 7.9 trillion was through borrowed money; through loans. Another Shs 3.09 trillion was from grants; money given to Uganda. I will explain to you that money given to Uganda in the financial year, Shs trillion, how much are we able to use? It is money given, not even borrowed. Be as it may, the committee observed that project implementation had faced a lot of challenges, which led to a lot of wastage and abuse in their implementation. This is because of poor conceptualisation, poor planning, misalignment of priorities in a project component, and as a result, many projects are behind schedule, which almost doubles the initial overhead costs. The committee identified the following challenges in the project implementation by the Government: i) Undispatched loan funds and grants; ii) Misaligned priorities in the project component; iii) Exorbitant costs per unit; iv) High costs of consultancy fees; v) High commitment fees on debt servicing; vi) Incomplete projects despite receiving and utilising all project funds; and vii) Foreign exchange loss, among others. Undispatched loans and grants Madam Speaker, the Auditor-General reported that the Government secured loans and grants from partners worth 7.9 trillion, almost Shs 8 trillion, of which Shs 3.9 trillion respectively was a grant. However - (Interjection) – Hon. Omara, can you listen? This will interest you. Out of the Shs 11 trillion, only Shs 3.8, 48 per cent of the loan money, was spent, and on the grant money of Shs 3 trillion, only Shs 788 billion, 25 per cent of the grant, had been drawn to support specific projects. How do we fail to utilise grants, yet we are averaging 26 per cent? That is on grants; money given to us free of charge. Out of Shs 3 trillion, you only use this and you are here saying that we borrow. This leaves a huge undispatched loan of Shs 4.143 trillion and a grant of Shs 2.29 trillion lying idle in the Bank of Uganda. Loans The Auditor-General in the Consolidated Report Account sampled and analysed 17 Government loans extracted from the Debt Management and Financial Analysis System from June 2022 to December 2024 and noted an obnoxiously low disbursement performance of different loans as shown in the table below. This table was put by the Auditor-General and I have extracted it from the Auditor- General’s report. That tells you, for example, the Mbarara-Masaka transition line had a loan amount of $35 million. Only $122,000 had been utilised, which is 0.03 per cent.

17900 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT On the Agago-Gulu transmission line, there was a loan of €40 million, which is a huge amount of money; undispatched is 18 per cent and undispatched is 21 per cent. The Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation loan amount is of €224 million. Dispatched stood at 58. Then, 169 undispatched, and you can go on and on - Project per project to 16. The committee observed that most of the loans will not be absorbed by the end of their tenure. For example, Mbarara-Masaka had performed at only 3 per cent. Luwero-Butalanga Road had performed at 23 per cent. Madam Speaker, I sympathise with the President. You find him at the State of Nation Address reading about roads saying, these are done, these are going to be done. Money will be borrowed but remains on the account. Some of the grants are not being done, and you are busy on a budget day, reading all kinds of roads, power lines, water for money that will not be dispatched, and my sympathy goes to the old man. Generally, the committee observed that the average undispatched loan performance stands at 37 per cent, far below average, indicating significant under performance in project deliverables, and yet those undispatched loans continue to attract commitment charges, which increase the cost of debt servicing. Review of the Auditor-General’s report by the committee revealed an increase in undispatched funds of Shs 1.90 trillion at the end of June 2024, from Shs 14.6 trillion in the financial year to Shs 16.49 trillion. Of the money which you, Madam Speaker, defied all odds to ensure you pass to these government offices, Shs 16 trillion of this money remains undispatched out there. You have done your part, cleared them to go and implement but every day, this Parliament is approving loans for which - you cannot feed an animal that cannot consume the food you feed it. That is why, Madam Speaker, you should at least be cautious in placing those questions because they have no absorption capacity, representing a 22 per cent increment. Also, commitment fees –

17907 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 support the Uganda Prisons Service’s efforts in constructing the accommodation space. Also, as a sector of Justice, Law and Order, we must enhance efficiency systems to hasten the administration of justice. This would free up space in prisons. Overstay on remand Analysis of prisoners’ statistics revealed that prisoners on remand make 48 per cent of the total prisoner population so this should be taken note of. We have so many inmates in prison and the ratio is simply too high. Honourable colleagues, take note of the high ratio of custodial staff to prisoners. The Auditor-General noted that as of 30 June 2024, the staffing levels at Uganda prisons were at 14,145 staff against the approved structure of 42,724 staff, leaving 28,579 positions vacant. The number of custodial staff was at 11,576, serving a population of 79,757 prisoners, resulting in a high average custodial staff to prisoner ratio of 1:7 instead of the recommended ratio of 1:3, meaning that every staff of prison looks after seven prisoners. When you look at the table detailed down, for example, when it comes to Kampala, the prisoner to staff ratio is 1:17 in some areas. In some areas like Masaka, it is 1:12. In some areas, like Masindi, it is 1:16, meaning that the prison staff are overworked. Long distances between prisons and courts Honourable colleagues, you should note that the Auditor-General noted that the long distances between prisons and court locations, with some prisons located more than 20 kilometres from the nearest courts that prisoners need to attend. This table shows the distances between prisons and the courts. Honourable colleagues, as we read, we must pay attention to this sector of Justice, Law and Order. Operationalisation of the Prisoners Management Information System also has a lot of challenges. Under budgeting for domestic arrears The Auditor-General reviewed the approved estimates for the year and noted that Shs 9.7 billion was provided and released to settle domestic arrears. However, domestic arrears brought forward from the previous year were Shs 182 billion. The arrears were Shs 182.35 billion versus a budget that was provided of Shs 9.7 billion, causing a shortfall of Shs 172 billion in arrears versus the budget that was provided. There is a serious challenge of under-budgeting for domestic arrears. The same entity faces challenges of accumulation of domestic arrears. Inadequacy in disposing of civil and criminal cases We still have a challenge of delay in the disposal of civil and criminal cases. The table shows the delays in the prison sector. Accumulation of bail fees An analysis of refunds revealed that the percentage of bail refunds relative to the bail balance remains below 30 per cent, with only 10 per cent refunded in the Financial Years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. To date, we have an outstanding balance on bail funds of Shs 24.291 billion, meaning those who pay bail fees do not get an opportunity to receive that money back. The committee recommends that the accounting officer should consider restructuring the bail refund process through digitalisation. This would reduce the long bureaucracy and other administrative delays to improve accessibility and ensure timely restitution to litigants. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs This one has long outstanding court awards and compensation, honourable colleagues. This is the only matter among others that is so important under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where the Auditor-

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

17729 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 7 AUGUST 2025 a standard fee of Shs 150,000 was set across all tests, while in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Shs 180,000 was charged for non- contrast procedures and Shs 250,000 for contrast procedures. The committee established that in some cases, hospitals gave waivers to selected patients after thorough scrutiny and under exceptional circumstances. The committee was also informed that the charges for CT scan services were a result of the guidelines on the users’ fees provided by the Ministry of Health, after taking into consideration the input and maintenance costs of the equipment. See Annex 7. The committee further found out that in some regional referral hospitals, the infrastructure housing newly installed CT scan machines was not available and lacked trained medical personnel to operate the machines. This compromised the functionality of the equipment and the safety of the patients as well as the personnel operating the equipment. One such case was in Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. The equipment was installed in an improvised room, lacked specialised medical personnel to operate it, and had already broken down by the time we visited. The committee observed that: i) In some regional referral hospitals, the infrastructure housing the newly installed CT scan machines was not appropriate. This exposed the equipment to a gross risk of damage. ii) There were variations in the fees charged to access CT scan services, as already mentioned. iii) The user fees charged to access the CT scan services were a hindrance to the uptake of the CT scan services, especially among low-income patients. iv) There was a general lack of qualified staff to operate the newly installed CT scan machines. The committee therefore recommends that: i) The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should prioritise the release of funds, Shs 8.7 billion as budgeted for in the Financial Year 2024/2025, for the construction and remodelling of the appropriate infrastructure to house the CT scan machines in all the regional referral hospitals. ii) The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should provide adequate funds to all regional referral hospitals in the budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025 to cater for the routine maintenance of the CT scanner equipment, to ensure their sustained functionality. We looked at the installation of the ICU bed equipment While the Ministry of Health reported that the Government procured and delivered 143 ICU bed units in 14 regional referral hospitals, five selected national referral hospitals, and Bombo Military General Hospital (Annex 7), the committee established that most of the ICU bed units delivered in regional referral hospitals were still boxed and kept in stores, due to lack of standard ICU infrastructure at the respective regional referral hospitals. That means they are not deployed for use. In other cases, the regional referral hospital administration had put some of the ICU equipment to other use. For instance, in Mbale and Masaka Regional Referral Hospitals, the ICU bed equipment that the Ministry of Health delivered was still kept in the stores, because works on the surgical complexes meant to house the new 10-bed capacity ICU had stalled due to a lack of funds. Similarly, in Buhinga and the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospitals, some ICU Bed equipment was still in the stores because they lacked adequate space to accommodate them. The Government had not provided for any future infrastructural development to cater for standard ICUs. Jinja Regional Referral Hospital The committee established that a new 20- bed Intensive Care Unit was still under

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

17731 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 7 AUGUST 2 0 2 5 Government had provided only Shs 2.2 billion in June 2023 to functionalise five out of 20 plants, leaving a funding requirement/gap of Shs 11.5 billion for power requirements to run the remaining 15 plants. In addition, at the time of the committee’s oversight visit, the already existing (old) oxygen plants at various regional referral hospitals had been out of use for several weeks. For example, in Masaka and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, the old oxygen plants had broken down. Similarly, Buhinga Regional Referral Hospital did not have a functional oxygen plant at the time of the committee’s oversight visit. The committee established that the delays in repairs were due to a lack of the necessary expertise and funds from the officials at respective regional referral hospitals. The committee also noted that high costs of electricity and maintenance were a major factor affecting the smooth operation of the existing oxygen plants. For instance, at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, the existing oxygen plant was reported to consume an average of Shs 20 million monthly, a cost way above what the hospital budget can accommodate. The absence of functional facility-based oxygen plants has forced regional referral hospitals to seek oxygen supplies from external sources. In Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, the administration had opted to procure oxygen from Roofings in Namanve. Mbale Regional Referral Hospital relied on Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for over 500 additional oxygen cylinders to supplement its oxygen supplies from the National Medical Stores (NMS). Buhinga Regional Referral Hospital was entirely relying on oxygen supplies from the NMS. The committee observed that: 1. The Ministry of Health procured new oxygen plants without putting in place the necessary infrastructure. 2. The newly procured oxygen plants cannot run on the current low-voltage power transformers in regional referral hospitals. 3. The current budgets for the regional referral hospitals cannot sustain the smooth operations of the new and existing oxygen plants in the regional referral hospitals. 4. The Government’s assurance to install new oxygen plants in regional referral hospitals had not yet been met. The committee recommends that: 1. The Ministry of Health should ensure completion of the required infrastructure and installation of newly procured oxygen plants in all regional referral hospitals within six months from the tine this report is adopted. 2. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should provide funds amounting to Shs 11.5 billion in the budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025 to facilitate the upgrade of the transformers and voltage stabilisers to a capacity sufficient to run oxygen plants in all the regional referral hospitals. 3. The Government should provide adequate funds to regional referral hospitals in the budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026 to specifically cater for increased recurrent expenditure resulting from the installation of the new oxygen plants. Madam Speaker, we looked at the rehabilitation of Busolwe General Hospital, and I would like to go straight to the committee observations. The honourable members will read the other narrative. The committee observed that: i. The project works were behind schedule, and work had not been completed. ii. The UPDF Engineering Brigade did not have any Bills of Quantity, nor other documents available for verification by the committee. iii. Renovation work for staff quarters under the UPDF Engineering Brigade had not yet been done. iv. The UPDF Engineering Brigade was adamant and declined the supervision of the district leadership, but instead got guidance directly from the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs; and

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is a good report. I just wanted to provide clarity on Kilembe Mines Hospital. When I chaired the Committee on Health, we visited Kilembe Mines Hospital, following the instructions of the Rt Hon. Speaker, to assess the damage by River Nyamwamba. We came back and reported to this House that the hospital is irreparable. The advice we gave was that a new hospital is built in a place called Rukoki, which would be a Health Centre IV. Therefore, I would like to underscore the fact that the current Kilembe Mines Hospital is irreparable and it is in the flood path of River Nyamwamba. Madam Speaker, on the issue of ICU equipment, the ICU equipment was procured as an emergency procurement during COVID-19. The next step was to build the structures where the equipment was going to be housed. I am on record on this Floor for two financial years for saying that Masaka Regional Referral Hospital only needed Shs 680 million to complete the ICU equipment, which was stashed somewhere in a store. Therefore, I think this money should be provided, and these ICUs will be functional. Finally, the task is on us as Parliament –

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace. Madam Speaker, the Committee on Physical Infrastructure should take more interest in the roads. As we talk now, one of the major challenges we have on most highways is that the roads are not marked, and we need to take a keen interest in that. I do not know whether the Ministry of Works and Transport is contracting anyone to work on that. Here in Kampala, they have introduced traffic lights, but the boda boda cyclists do not respect them at all. We cannot remain in this kind of situation. What is happening in Kampala now is that pedestrians have no right of way; you struggle to walk. All the citizens in the country, whether you are a pedestrian or are driving, in other countries, give more attention to pedestrians than to those driving vehicles. What is happening on our roads is pathetic. I raised that matter here one time. Along Masaka road, we have spent four years diverted through Mpigi to go to Masaka, yet the diversion was temporary because they were trying to work on the road. We do not know what is happening. On road markings in Uganda, even when you are charging traffic offence fines, you must be showing road signs on the road. I do not know what the traffic police use to determine that someone has committed an offence on the road when the roads are not marked. It is very painful to lose many people because of negligence. When you are driving at night, the markings and paintings on the road will inform someone that they are driving on this side, and the light will show the one coming from the other side how they travel using the markings. The Ministry of Works and Transport should come and explain this. Thank you.

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.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Before I inform the House about the releases, I want to share my concerns about the state of our roads. Recently, while I was campaigning in Rubanda, I drove on a 27-kilometre road, the Ruhija-Butogota Road. It took me one and a half hours to get to where I was going. So, I had to apologise on behalf of the government, saying that we will look for the money to pay for the road because the road condition was bad. I now come to the money. In this financial year, our budget allocation for road interventions is approximately Shs 3.1 trillion, out of which Shs 1.14 trillion has been released for quarter one. Out of this release, only Shs 123.7 billion is already available to the Ministry of Works and Transport for spending. The rest, we await the Ministry of Works and Transport to request it from us for spending. As you may note from the directives from the President and a number of meetings we have held with the Ministry of Works and Transport, because we work closely together, this budget is inadequate to meet the demand for rehabilitation and construction of new roads. What is the commitment? As the Minister of Works and Transport stated, we have decided to continue working with the Ministry of Works and Transport to find the money and push for the ongoing works. Since I have had a chance to speak at this microphone, I am happy with the work being done on Masaka Road compared to the previous four or five months.

Thank you Madam Speaker. Allow me to thank the Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala. Sincerely, he knows all the roads of cuff, but the issue is about money. Some of us come from smaller districts. Hon. Gen. Katumba, Kalungu District’s main road is less than 65 kilometres from Bukalasa to Lwabenge. You talked of the Katonga Bridge, which has two parts which broke. For the bridge in Lwabenge, there is no work going on. Honourable minister, let me inform you, as you are write - the Speaker has given me some time - Madam Speaker, what I was telling the minister is that some of us come from small districts. As for my district, the main road of the district is less than 65 kilometres from where it starts from Bukalasa Seminary to Lwabenge; that is the subcounty. We are not anywhere in any NDP. We are not known. However, we have the Katonga Bridge, which broke, that was connecting Gomba and Masaka, and a very useful road, but that bridge has not been worked on. Lastly, honourable minister, when you talk about a station being active to Members of Parliament, it is I, the Member of Parliament, calling the station manager about the broken roads to come and do routine maintenance. Failure of that, nothing is going on. We have called the ministry of works several times, but they say they have no money. I know you are doing a good job. As a minister, you have to take collective responsibility, but as Parliament, Madam Speaker, we must push money to this ministry. Thank you. We need to push for money; we must give you money to work on our roads.

Thank you, Masaka. Is that Masaka City?

17701 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 6 AUGUST 2025 everywhere in this country. However, when you go to Makerere, they do not have a single equipment. They do not train on any equipment. We cannot maintain roads based on foreign maintenance contracts. We need to develop our capacity as a nation so that we can maintain our roads. Secondly, honourable minister of works, why did you omit Masaka City from the National Railway Network? I have seen your master plan. You have networked all other cities. The railway goes to Mbarara, and it does not go to Masaka. We are 89 kilometres from the Mutukula border, which is another very important entry point for trade in this country. However, you omitted us in your master plan. What is the problem?

17708 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT that the roads we are doing are resilient to the environmental changes. Of course, it is a big challenge because, as you can see, it is unpredictable. I think you saw what happened in Texas recently. Within 45 minutes, things had changed. However, we have ESIA in all the projects which we do. Hon. Ssewungu, your road. I can bet with you that we can go and see the progress of the bridge on Upper Katonga. It is being done by a company called Rodo. Even as I leave here, I can give you their contact and you can check with them. They have done some work. They have now put up the pillars and are now doing the box culverts for relief. So, the two bridges are being done concurrently; the bridge downstream and the bridge upstream. (Interjections) The tarmacking may come later. (Laughter) Bobi-Iceme-Corner Aboke-Corner Ayer That road is under the AFCON project. Yes, it is under the AFCON project and we hope to do it together with Gulu Airport, which is going to be expanded. AFCON is planning to use Akii Bua Stadium, which is being done. We think that if they land in Gulu, they can drive shortly through Bobi-Iceme-Corner Aboke to Lira. It will be a faster movement. Training of operators and maintenance team Madam Speaker, we have established a training centre, again, with the assistance of JICA and the Japanese Government at Luweero and the centre is called the Mechanical Engineering Training and Advisory Centre (METRAC). This is where we are going to train operators and maintenance teams for our machines. It will be useless for us to keep buying machines if we cannot maintain them properly. They will not last. Therefore, we have that being done. We are also working with the National Council for Higher Education so that the people trained there can have certified certificates and they can be able to work anywhere within East Africa. Kitgum-Palabek-Lagoro, I talked about that. Iganga-Bulopa-Luuka The contractor who has now been identified for that role is Arab Contractors, the one who did Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi-Kamonkoli Road. He is going to be on site by the end of September to start setting. This time, the equipment will not walk away (Laughter) -(Interjections) – the railway to Masaka - good thought. I think we will think about it. There are a number of things we have been thinking about; how to link Masaka, including developing ports like Bukakata Port and Lambu Port and the bridge to Kalangala. (Interjections) - Yes, I have not yet promised that, but it is something we are investigating. Yes. (Laughter) Kyegegwa-Hapuyo-Kakumiro This is the road which is commonly known as the Liberation Road. It starts all the way from Kazo to Kabogole, Kyegegwa through Hapuyo to Kakumiro up to Kisiita - (Interjections) - Yes, it has been earmarked for tarmacking, but I am not sure whether we shall be able to do it in National Development Plan (NDP) IV. However, we are going to maintain it as good murram. Rescue Centres Yes, we have established the rescue centres. In Misonzi, we had a challenge because there was over-flooding and we could not put the - and when we got the contractor, he did not measure up and so we stopped him. We are re-engaging a new contractor. We had another site at Mwena, but we could not also work at Mwena because of the rising of the lake. However, the rescue centres are now functional. I agree with you that we need to mark the lake, but we are having a project under East Africa because, as you appreciate, Lake Victoria is an East African facility. It is for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Therefore, working with our partners, we have moved and also convinced the African Development Bank, which is supporting the

17709 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 6 AUGUST 2025 rescue centres that we need to start marking the lake and also carry out a detailed survey and update of the lake to ensure that the lanes and lines are properly marked. Land titles I have now instructed my team under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development that they now put the land titles project by project. Identify, for example, the land titles on Kiboga Road, the land titles on the Kampala-Jinja Expressway (KJE), the land titles on Masaka-Sembabule Road, so that we can hand them back to the owners, and we will be communicating that. Luweero-Butalangu Road This road is progressing. It may be slow, but one of the challenges was, of course, land compensation. You know, some of the challenges we had, even with some of the local judges who are refusing us access to land. On that issue, they are progressing but Butalangu to Ngoma is not within this NDP, but I know that we need to connect that, and I know that we need to connect Butalangu to Kapeeka to Kituuma, but those connections are not within this NDP. However, I can assure you that Luweero to Butalangu will be finished. Madam Speaker, Kyabakuza-Matete road, we shall maintain. It was instructed that we have to do up to Mbirizi. We need to do that road because it is a shortcut to someone going to Mbarara if you go through Sembabule. But again, “omutaaka” the challenge is the funding. Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, our scope covered 10 areas, which I am going to go through in summary form. We looked at the legal and regulatory framework of these cities. On 28 April 2020, the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, tabled a Motion seeking Parliament’s approval of the proposal to create new cities, which Parliament approved on 28 April 2020. The new cities were to be operationalised in clusters beginning 1 July 2020 to July 2023 with Jinja, Mbarara, Gulu, Mbale, Arua, Fort Portal and Masaka, taking effect with the new Financial Year 2020/2021. Madam Speaker, I beg to go to the observations and recommendations. 1. The Legal and the Regulatory Framework The committee observed that despite the fact that the Attorney-General provided his opinion, the minister failed to present regulations to address contradictions between cities and districts. The regulations are intended to streamline the operation of the Local Government Act Section 175(1). Section 175(1) requires the minister to make regulations for effecting the provision of the Act. 2. Whereas the creation of the new cities does not violate any provision of the Constitution of Uganda, their management and administration need to be harmonised. The committee recommends that the Government should introduce an appropriate Bill to govern cities in their uniqueness in operation, structure, and service delivery. Alternatively, the Government should amend the Local Government Act to incorporate administrative and governance legal frameworks for cities. The Ministry of Local Government should come up with regulations on the governance of cities and table them before Parliament within three months from the time this report is adopted. The physical development plans of these cities Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government classifies gazetted cities, municipalities, and town councils as urban areas. The Local Government Act Cap. 243 empowers the ministry to declare an area urban if it satisfies the following criteria; a. Has a minimum of 25,000 people for a town council, 100,000 people for municipality, and 500,000 people for a city. b. Has a master plan for land use. c. Has available water sources and can meet the cost of providing services. d. Preparation of urban physical plans. Madam Speaker, again, allow me to go to the observations. The committee observed that whereas the cities have approved physical plans, developments are not guided by those plans. The ministry has not yet provided funding for new cities to develop physical development plans. For those that have plans, funding was provided by development partners. The majority of the residents in these new cities live in unplanned areas and, as a result, experience development problems that put more strain on the already existing infrastructure. According to the Building Control Act Section 28(3), the chairperson for the planning and development committee of the district council shall be the chairperson of the district building committee. Subsection (5) provides that the chairperson of the urban planning and development committee of the urban council

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank the chairperson of the committee who came in after I was the vice chairperson. I also had the time to visit these cities when I was the vice chairperson, carrying out the same job. However, your report is stronger than mine. Thank you very much, Hon. Abed Bwanika. The issue of land in the new cities, honourable minister, through the Speaker, must be given a lot of attention. In Fort Portal, the old district was in control of the land against the new city, and they were fighting each other. So, who takes control of land? What is the process of taking over assets between the old district and the new city? Properties in Mbarara - they were complaining. The mother district was in control of the offices within the city, while the administrators of the new city did not have where to sit. Could those assets be taken over by the new city because they are within its jurisdiction now? And what happens to the new districts? Honourable minister, concerning the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID), you are making very good roads in these new cities, even in Masaka, we have them, but what kind of contract did you sign with USMID? This is because after the construction of these roads, there must be equipment to do the routine maintenance. As we talk, Madam Speaker, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation is digging out some areas. After digging out parts of those new roads, nobody repairs them; there is no equipment in place to work on those roads after they are handed over to the Government. Places taken over from different annexed areas - in Kalungu, where I come from - Masaka was in a battle, when it came to taking over some parishes from Kalungu District - Kibisi and Kasanje. But from the time they were taken over by the city, they have not changed. There is still dust. You have put some night lights there, but they are all filled with dust. People need to see the difference, but what is happening is that you are putting strict laws in these new areas, stopping people from building the type of houses they are used to before they became part of the cities. Could we see that change take place, honourable minister? Lastly, on governance structures, we need these leaders in those other cities to resemble those in Kampala City. When you talk about the Lord Mayor of Kampala, you notice that he has an official vehicle with the number plates reading “Lord Mayor.” Then in Masaka, Mbale and other areas, the mayors are still looking like the LC V chairman of where I came from, with an old double cabin. As I enter Masaka or Mbale City and any other city, I want to feel that pinch, interest, love, beauty of Kampala and my mayor should also be in that kind of status –

The capital city - Masaka City - I am just looking at the difference between Masaka and Kampala Capital City.

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.

Like it is with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), because as a former councillor at KCCA, this helped us so much, and it is still helping others there to manage the city better. The Ministry of Local Government seems to be overwhelmed by too much work in supervising all the local governments in this country. These are cities, and we need to see a change. We need to see something looking better like how Hon. Ssewungu said that when we go to other cities in other countries, not necessarily capital cities - when you go to Cape Town and Mombasa, you see at least some change in management, rather than when we go our cities like Masaka; it still looks like a local council or as a district.

Local council or local government of Masaka -

Why are you trying to demean Masaka? Masaka is a city.

No, Member of Parliament from Masaka -

Madam Speaker, I would like to invite Hon. Ssewanyana to Masaka City. Ever since it was awarded city status, Masaka has grown into a growth centre for the entire region. (Applause) You need to come and see the road network and the businesses there. This Parliament gave us money for a new stadium, and we are constructing it. (Applause) It is not true that Masaka has not changed; it is growing. I invite you – I will even pay for your accommodation, honourable member – (Laughter) - so that you enjoy Masaka.

The last time Hon. Ssewanyana was in Masaka, he was in – (Laughter) - so, he did not see how beautiful the city is.

We also want to ask you, the young leaders, to support the kingdom in its development and growth. Yes, Member from Masaka?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We want to appreciate your message as we celebrate the 32 years of the reign of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi. We also want to appreciate you so much; you as the Speaker, I have seen you a number of times, visiting the seat of Mengo, coming with full support. I know the many times that you have been there, you have represented this Parliament. The reign of Kabaka Mutebi, for us who come from the Masaka area, which is Greater Buddu, has added value to us. He has ably contributed to the health sector. Recently, he built for us a health centre in Nyendo-Mukungwe, Masaka City, and has built others in Mityana and other parts of the Buganda region. His Highness Kabaka Mutebi has been very instrumental in his leadership in promoting coffee farming. You know that the Buganda Subregion is one of the major subregions in terms of coffee production in this country. His Highness Kabaka Mutebi and his administration have been very instrumental in the education sector. In Masaka city, we host one of the biggest campuses for Muteesa Royal University. We want to join the entire nation and the Kingdom of Buganda to celebrate his reign. Long live Kabaka Mutebi.

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, Madam Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, the Government borrowed money to improve the connectivity of electricity to our people. We mobilised our people, they did the wiring for their Houses, they paid the dues, but when they go to the electricity offices, they are asked for an additional Shs 100,000. This is obtaining everywhere in Masaka area. I am asking the Prime Minister, and I know the minister is here; why are the people in

Madam Speaker, I would wish to start from where you ended. This requires a comprehensive report which will take us – I have actually tried inviting the Members of Parliament and I tell them what is planned for their districts. We usually give what lines have been done in your district, what lines have been planned and where we have surveyed but do not have money. It will be very difficult to bring that huge report here. But I have always given Members of Parliament, when they come to office, a comprehensive submission for their districts, except for vandalism because this is unpredictable. It is a crime and we are fighting that vice. However, for cases which happened a long time ago, we have asked UEDCL to intervene in those areas. For example, Kelim can be covered under UEDCL because we got some little money during the time of the Umeme buyout where we can rectify some of those critical areas, especially where there are transformers. On transformers, they come out in two forms. There is rapid development in our country. For example, in Masaka, the demand for electricity - because of mushrooming structures everywhere, yet the transformers are

There is the money that the President talked about; money which was meant for Mbarara, Kakyeka Stadium. We want an explanation on what happened to that money of Kakyeka. I also know that we gave money to Masaka. We also want an explanation on what happened. Can we go to the next item? Thank you, honourable minister. II) THE STATUS OF PREPAREDNESS FOR ELECTRONIC VOTING IN THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS

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.

Yes, Shs 888 million per kilometre. If not implemented, these roads degrade and instead require rehabilitation, which costs up to Shs 2.59 billion per kilometre. Again, if this is not done, the deterioration of the 1,993 kilometres due for periodical maintenance further into rehabilitation would result in A preventable fiscal loss of up to Shs 850 billion. This, however, does not even include the direct costs for road users, such as vehicle maintenance and accidents, which happen as a result. If roads already earmarked for rehabilitation are neglected further, they transition into the reconstruction category, just like what we are doing on Masaka-Mutukula Road, which costs Shs3.70 billion per kilometre from Shs 888 for not being attended to in time. Consequently, failure to address 100 kilometres of rehabilitation-ready roads could impose an additional burden of Shs 111 billion to the Government. Further, the national asset value of Uganda’s paved network has dropped from Shs 37.4 trillion to Shs 26.9 trillion, a depreciation of about Shs 10.5 trillion largely due to underfunding and deferred maintenance. This, therefore, calls for an urgent need to provide funding to attend to the maintenance backlog. Madam Speaker, this may not be in the statement; we have had discussions on this matter of maintenance, not once, not twice - even within my committee, the Committee of Parliament on Physical Infrastructure, and

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

17559 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 29 JULY 2025 me because my yellow movement shirt was splattered with the blood of Fred Ssembusi. It is agonising that you cannot sleep to know you would not be here, you would be dead. You cannot be sure you would be here. I knew I would be dead once you realise the circumstances of Fred Ssembusi’s death, but most painful, the culprit, Lt Zziwa, who came aboard that truck and was commanding – at first, he did not have the rifle in his hands. He moved and picked one from one of the soldiers. He came and held it under his armpit, and he turned and released the bullet that shot Ssembusi. The issue of the killer soldier, Lt Zziwa, maintained his barracks at Lwemiyaga. He continues there, and today he is in Lwemiyaga. He is the same Zziwa who shot at us on the 17 th while we were having NRM primaries, shattering the glass of my vehicle. The same person is untouchable. I remember at the burial of Ssembusi, the Commandant of the Mechanised Division Masaka, Maj. Gen. Sunday assured the mourners that Lt Zziwa was being held by the army for interrogation. It was a lie. He is still around. He shot at me on the 17 th again. Even in the chairman’s elections, he was still there commanding the operations. Those who know the President’s intolerance of the use of a gun, how did we arrive at this? For a person to kill, injure an MP, but also there is another, Moses Tebingana, who had eight stitches on his head. He was lucky that the bullet went through the skin of his head. It is his vein that got ruptured. It bled for two days, but now he is okay. How come the guns that are supposed to be protecting civilians are being turned against the people? Madam Speaker, when all this is said and done, the level of impunity, the soldiers who retired to command, they were not merely opponents, but they took command of the UPDF. There is Gen. Phinehas Katirima, and he is the one who abducted the polling officials and removed the election materials – But the last one, Madam Speaker, before the last election, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Abbas Byakagaba, came to Ssembabule and assured all of us that the President of Uganda, His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, had taken a decision to withdraw the army and allow the police to take the lead but what we witnessed was the total reverse. The army came back with vengeance. I remember when they were shooting at us, the police ran away. They abandoned us, and wherever the army could appear, the police would somehow find their way out and drive away. We have generals, Gen. Phinehas Katirima, Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande, who is a candidate, but has turned into commanding the UPDF. He is the one who ordered Zziwa to go and clear us, and when the officer reported back to him, he said, “I thought you had killed someone, you killed a dog”. That Ssekikubo was never killed because somebody else was killed –

17544 BUDGET SPEECH are there – the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is there but is quiet, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) is there, the Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) are there – I will go for them and they will have to answer. (Applause) If the Shs 1.3 billion is not enough, tell us, because the feeder roads are very crucial. I found out that in the case of Bunyangabu, they were mixing up issues: The Shs 1.3 billion is to maintain the roads which are already made, but they were saying, “Oh, we want to make bridges across swamps.” No, you cannot do that with the Shs 1.3 billion. That is new money for a new project. Maintain the present roads the way they are, so that you have the murram there and gravel, they are compacted, drainage – this is a must. I will check and if I find – there will be casualties among the Local Government people there, even the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs). Why should this be the case when all these people are there? Now for the voters – that is why you need to vote for people who care, not the ones who give you money. On the issue of the implementation, so much money has already been availed for so many roads; I have a whole list here. Masaka-Mutukula, the money is there. The money for Lusalira-Kasambya- Nkonge-Lumegere. Roads like; Moyo-Afoji, Katuna-Muko-Kamuganguzi, Kumi-Ngora- Serere-Kagwara, Kampala-Malaba metre gauge, Kitgum-Kidepo, Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area roads. The MPs should follow up on this money which is already provided. I have a long list here of the money already provided, some of it from loans – even for education and health – all this money is here. Now, finally, you get misinformation. For instance, the other day I was in Lyantonde and some of the Luweero veterans were talking about some issues but when I checked, we had already provided Shs 218 billion or something like that for the a kasiimo and the a kasiimo was supposed to be Shs 5 million for each of the leaders and Shs 1 million for supporters. Now, Shs 218 billion, which has already been provided, is too much money. So, what happened? Who took this money? And yet I heard some of them were complaining – we are going to dig up the whole thing. Then you get the cattle compensation for Teso, Lango, Acholi. We have already spent Shs 200 billion on that. Who got this money? And we have now budgeted for another Shs 80 billion. You heard it being read here. So, you, the leaders should follow up on this money. Of course, I will also follow up now that I am involved. Then, you have things like the stadiums. Quite a bit of money has been sent to some of these stadiums. So, the National Council of Sports needs to explain to us. I hear some money has gone to stadiums like Kakyeka – a number of them, to do this and that. Others are going to be done massively, like Akii-Bua et cetera. So, the National Council of Sports should also come and brief Mama about all this money. Finally, I saw some issue about the digital number plates of vehicles – about fines, fines, fines – that people are being fined for I-do-not-know-what. But the issue about the number plates is not fines but rather anti-crime. I would like my people to put on the projector a picture I saw in today’s newspaper – put that picture, if you have it. (A photo was displayed on the screen.)

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.

We used to communicate with Ms Kagina and station managers in Masaka about the weaknesses and the challenges on our roads. They would have come out very fast to work on those roads, but as we speak – I have taken a month communicating with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, because he is the immediate person we can communicate with about these roads but it seems he does not know the roads he is supposed to work on. Lastly, Madam Speaker, as you talked last time, Masaka Road has a challenge. It has been four years since the road was diverted to go through Mpigi. You make diversions when you’re trying to work on the road as quickly as possible. We want to know from the Ministry of Works and Transport; has Mpigi Road become the permanent Masaka Road or must [The Speaker] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

17455 THE ELEVENTH P A RLIAMENT OF U G A NDA T H U RSDAY , 2 9 MAY 2 0 2 5 it remain as it was before? What are they doing on Masaka Road that they have failed to clear the area they had closed for four years now? The road is closed and we do not know what is taking place, but accidents are occurring every day. Lastly, whenever they divert roads, those roads where they divert to are not worked on. They leave them as they used to be. When Katonga Bridge broke down, they were using Kalungu- Villa Maria Road to Nyendo. The road was spoiled –

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

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to join you in passing on my commiserations to the catholic community in Uganda and the world at large on the passing of Pope Francis and also congratulate you and the catholic community on the attainment of a new Pope, Pope Leo XIV. We will discuss some more when we are paying tribute. I am glad you have varied the Order Paper for that to happen. I have a quick procedural matter that I seek your indulgence on, to help us deal with certain matters. This Parliament, where we sit, passes laws - the Parliament that you, Madam Speaker, head. We are pretty much the custodians of the Constitution, which was passed by Parliament and the laws attendant to that. Madam Speaker, Article 21 of the Constitution of Uganda provides that nobody is above the law. We are all equal under the law. Article 28 of that same Constitution provides for a right to a speedy hearing before a court of competent jurisdiction when anybody is suspected of having committed any crime. My challenge is that we continuously see people in Government offices operating as if they are above the law. That is problematic, and this is a matter we have raised here. You have commented about it, but it seems like it continues unabated, which bothers me. On the 27 th of April, a gentleman called Edward Sebuufu - many people know him as Eddie Mutwe, was abducted from Mukono where he had gone for a function and was missing for a couple of days. We went to file a matter before the police, but they said they did not know him and the Spokesperson of Uganda Police Force said that they did not know where that person was. A few days later, the Chief of Defence Forces of this country, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, spoke about this matter and said, “I have got this person, I am teaching him Runyankore, I am disciplining him…” and so many other things that he said. He displayed a picture of him naked with bruises. Meanwhile, we were continuously, together with the family of this man and lawyers, looking for where this person was. However, somebody said he had him in his basement. Eight days later, he was produced at the Masaka Court, which we were happy about because we were saying that if he had committed any offence, produce him in a court of law. He was produced in court, limping with bruises. Police, which should have ideally been holding him only for 48 hours, did not know where this person was.

She is ahead of me. May we be guided – especially now that the two senior ministers, the learned Attorney-General and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs are in the House – on how can we bring to bear the desire then to amend the same law to which I was not lucky to have precedence, that I was heard either on the Floor or in the committee to have these sought amendments to the Act considered so that I do not go back to Masaka and tell my voters that indeed the Speaker never heard me. May I be guided procedurally on how to bring to bear those amendments?

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Honourable minister, I am going to talk about the Mpigi-Busega Express. That road caused the diversion of the Masaka- Highway, so that all cars going to Masaka- Mbarara go through the Mpigi Town Council. The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) had requested only six months, but it is now almost one and a half years. Surprisingly, there is no work going on the Mpigi-Busega Express. We are worried because the traffic is too much, causing congestion and accidents in the Mpigi Town Council, and the road itself in Mpigi Town Council has been damaged, yet UNRA is no longer there. The second is on what we spend on the delay of the Mpigi-Busega Express. Colleagues, we spend almost Shs 75 million daily taking care of these delays. We spend almost Shs 2.3 billion monthly, care of the delay for the Mpigi- Busega Express. How are we going to handle this? What are we doing about it since we are in the budgeting process? Is this road abandoned? Nothing is taking place, honourable minister, and the Ministry seems comfortable. Lastly, there is the Bujuko-Katende Road. It was part of the maintenance program by the Mpigi-Busega Express contractors. Since they are no more, the road is in - (Member timed out.)

My pleasure, Mr Speaker. Let me hope the minister is not overwhelmed. My focus is on the Kibuye- Masaka Road. I have severally invited the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) to bear witness on the sorry state in which the road is and how my residents are dissatisfied with the supervision that the Minister of Works and Transport undertakes.

17146 BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR THE FY 2025/2026 I will also put my focus on the Nateete- Nakawuka road. Currently, it is blocked after Nateete traffic lights, putting my residents and traders around that area in a state where their businesses are stalled. My advice is that we should cease installing these cylindrical or round culverts, which sometimes lead to faster clogging of the drainage systems, and resort to these box or structurally constructed culverts when they are being earthed. This is the root cause of floods along the Masaka-Kibuye Road. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

Honourable member, please listen to the presiding officer. Because where you are going - you are not on a procedural matter. Procedural matters are for issues inside here - no, I do not go through that - a procedural matter should be about what is going on here. So, when you take me to Masaka, no please –

Mr Speaker, thank you for the guidance. In your communication, you alluded to the fact that we are processing ministerial policy statements and they are on the Order Paper - the procedural matter I am raising is that last week we adopted the report of the Committee on Public Service and Local Government – while we are adopting these committee reports, the ministers responsible for these different entities are not doing what they are supposed to do. The Hon. Raphael Magyezi came to Masaka and overturned a decision, which had been taken by the council - (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I appreciate the funds allocated to the National Medical Stores to procure drugs for our hospitals. Last week but one, I was in Masaka Regional Referral Hospital with a patient, but the situation I found there was alarming. Patients are asked to buy drugs from private pharmacies, which is too costly for them. Masaka Regional Referral Hospital is struggling with drug stock-outs due to the high number of people getting services from this hospital. We are in the budgeting process; can we get a commitment from the minister that in this coming financial year, all hospitals, especially Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, will get enough drugs to save our people? Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thank you, committee chairperson, for the report. My concern from the report is financing and upgrading lower health facilities. It is a good proposal. We have Kyabagoma Health Centre II with one room where everything is done. The challenge is that we try, as Members of Parliament, like me – I took the initiative to buy the land for the hospital, but the ministry. We wrote letters, and we have not yet received any response, but it accommodates about 5,000 patients. We, therefore, need to look into that. Secondly, when you look at upgrading, we have subcounties with no health centres in Bukomansimbi like Butenga, yet we resolved that each subcounty has to have a health centre. So, we have to look at sub-counties with no health centres. Lastly Mr Speaker, if we are upgrading, let us focus on some factors like the population. We have Butenga Health Centre IV which helps people from four districts in Greater Masaka. We also have one regional referral hospital – Masaka. If we are to upgrade, we have been here praying for the Government to upgrade Butenga Health Centre IV to a hospital. Thank you.

16835 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 9 APRIL 2025 On the overall performance of the budget under the UPF, we recommend reallocating funds from the assistance to Uganda Police Force projects to critical UPF areas. Uganda Police Force must create a comprehensive successor project for nationwide investments. The second recommendation is that the Uganda Police Force should expedite the preparation and approval processes of the CCTV Phase III Project to ensure its inclusion in the national plan budget. We reviewed the traffic and road safety and, therefore, recommend as follows: 1. An additional Shs 7.577 billion for transport equipment be provided; 2. Shs 1 billion for an IOV inspection lane and certification centre to be provided; 3. Shs 18 billion for 10 mobile inspection stations for IOV to be provided; 4. Uganda Police Force should link the EPS to the NIRA database; and 5. Uganda’s driver licensing system should be adjusted to capture details of foreigners who commit traffic offences. On police accommodation and the ongoing construction projects, we note that 74 per cent of the police officers lack institutional accommodation. However, the Uganda Police Force is working on a police accommodation project. This project is excluded from PIP. The Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to build 69,000 housing units for the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service, and the DCIC, through a PPP arrangement. We, therefore, recommend that the Uganda Police Force accelerates the completion of the accommodation project to comprehensively address police accommodation challenges in the year 2025/2026. On the subcounty policing model – this is a flagship security solution to the country, initiated by His Excellency, the President, and it is now under implementation. The model aims to use limited resources in subcounties to improve policing services for communities, including establishing a police station in each area, following: 1. Deployment of a minimum of 18 personnel; 2. Two motorcycles per police station; 3. A counter phone and radio communication; 4. An office; and 5. Staff accommodation for at least 18 personnel. The Uganda Police Force has tested this model in Greater Masaka in the Financial Year 2023/2024, establishing 892, which is 41 per cent of the 2,190 subcounties, nationwide. In the Financial Year 2025/2026, Shs 5 billion is allocated for the construction of 30 model police stations and completing 11 in greater Masaka, along with acquiring 333 motorcycles and communication equipment. However, there is a funding gap of Shs 557 billion. We, therefore, recommend that Shs 587 billion be provided for the nationwide rollout of the subcounty policing model. On crime management, we recommend that Shs 17 billion be provided for CIID investigations and Shs 2.3 billion for crime intelligence in the Financial Year 2025/2026. On the Canine Unit, we see that expanding the Canine units to 36 locations of Budaka, Bukomansimbi, Butambala, Zombo, Adjumani, Madi-Okollo, Pakwach, Vurra, Kaberamaido, Koboko, Terego, Maracha, Moyo, Ayivuni, Buyende, Kaliro, Namutumba, Ngora, Hima, Namisindwa, Kwania, Agago, Nwoya, Amuru, Kyankwanzi, Apac, Kole, aerodromes and border points of Jinja, Soroti, Arua, Mbarara, Kisoro, Mpondwe, Katuna and Mirama Hills nationwide, requires an additional Shs 2.259 billion. The unit faces challenges with unreliable transport for sniffer dogs to crime scenes. Reliable transport is needed at the district stations, requiring Shs 28.44 billion for equipment in 29 regions.

16771 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2025 Vote 409: Masaka Hospital – Shs 600 million The committee was informed that this hospital required Shs 600 million for running the regional equipment maintenance workshop which repairs and services medical equipment for referral hospitals and health facilities in Greater Masaka. So, the committee recommends Shs 600 million to Vote 409. Vote 417: Kiruddu National Referral Hospital – Shs 2 billion This money is needed to enable the hospital to procure dialysis consumables to cater for the increased number of patients and also support other satellite sites in Lira, Mbale and Mbarara hospitals. The committee recommends the approval of Shs 2 billion to Vote 417. Vote 505: Uganda High Commission in Kenya – Shs 1.8 billion The Uganda High Commission in Kenya provided Shs 1.8 billion as funding that will be used for remedial works on the restoration of Uganda House, which was destroyed during protests in Nairobi to avoid deterioration of the building. The committee was further informed that these funds arose from a saving from tax exemption on building materials and appreciation of Uganda shillings against the Kenya shillings. The committee, therefore, recommends approval of Shs 1.8 billion to Vote 505. Vote 600: Local Governments – Shs 9.536 billion The committee was informed that this money was provided to various local governments for additional local revenue to local governments that are projecting to collect more local revenue for the financial year. The local governments are listed in annex 1. Therefore, the committee recommends Shs 9.536 billion to various local governments, as provided in the annex. Vote 808: Amuru District – Shs 1.271 billion The committee was informed that Amuru District required Shs 1.271 billion to cover the shortfall on the verified wage bill. The committee recommends the approval of Shs 1.271 billion to Vote 808: Amuru district to cover the verified wage bill. Vote 837: Isingiro District – Shs 2.348 billion The committee was informed that Isingiro District required Shs 2.348 billion to cover the shortfall on the verified wage bill. The committee recommends approval of Shs 2.348 billion to Vote 808: Isingiro District to cover the shortfall on the verified wage bill. Conclusion Madam Speaker, I request that the House approves the supplementary expenditures under Schedule No.3 for Financial Year 2024/2025, totalling to Shs 4,254.968 billion, as outlined in table 3 and detailed by Vote in the supply schedules of the proposed supply schedules. I beg to report. (Applause)

16785 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2025 time we give you a schedule, we know that you know how to read. 1. Vote 144 - Uganda Police Force – Shs 62,969,000,500; 2. Vote 166 - National Council of Sports – Shs 68,894,694,780; 3. Vote 167 – Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation – Shs 60,000,000,000; 4. Vote 301 – Makerere University – Shs 5,000,000,000; 5. Vote 302 - Mbarara University – Shs 3,997,829,950; 6. Vote 409 – Masaka Hospital – Shs 600,000,000; 7. Vote 415 – Moroto Regional Referral Hospital – Shs 481,000,000; 8. Vote 417 – Kiruddu National Referral Hospital – Shs 2,000,000,000; 9. Vote 505 - Uganda High Commission in Kenya, Nairobi – Shs 1,800,000,000; 10. Vote 506 – Uganda High Commission in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam – Shs 749,000,000; 11. Vote 512 - Uganda Embassy in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa - Shs 2,000,000,000; 12. Vote 513 - Uganda Embassy in China, Beijing - Shs 219,000,000; 13. Vote 515 - Uganda Embassy in Japan, Tokyo – Shs 1,500,000,000; 14. Vote 516 - Uganda Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh – Shs 273,000,000; 15. Vote 517 - Uganda Embassy in Denmark, Copenhagen – Shs 904,000,000; 16. Vote 523 - Uganda Embassy in Germany, Berlin – Shs 2,959,000,000; and 17. Vote 524 - Uganda Embassy in Iran, Tehran – Shs 1,038,000,000; and 18. Vote 537 - Uganda mission in Havana, Cuba – Shs 314,000,000. Sub-total (Central Government) – Shs 2,489,823,488,735.

16677 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 11 MARCH 2025 Mr Speaker, for us in the Kalungu and Masaka area, power is off every day and during peak hours when people want to cut their hair or prepare food. Honourable Minister of Public Service, you cannot come before this Parliament and tell us that RAPEX is stopping people using ferries from going to their islands. That is very irregular and you deserve a punishment before this House from the Speaker. (Laughter) Thank you.

We used to attend workshops in Masaka and Jinja. They used to take us to Mbarara in Pelican Hotel. So, I would like all of us to take this as our responsibility and sensitise our communities to avoid these accidents.

Mr Speaker, I want to give the evidence of Jean Longo, a Community Development Officer (CDO) in Arua; Apai Babiku (blind), a Town Agent in Koboko; Amina Namukasa (blind), a CDO in Masaka; Stephen Kiyimba (blind), a rehabilitation officer in Wakiso; and Margret Nazziwa (blind), a CDO in Wakiso. Mr Speaker, these people, despite the Act that is there, are not being assisted. My prayer is that the Minister of Public Service tells us why this Act is not being enforced. I thank you.

16612 THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY MEDIATION AGREEMENT BILL,2024 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION [Mr Migadde] and analysis of the labour market needs for the health sector and the development of the East African Community non-communicable disease registry. Component three is project implementation which will involve providing resources to ensure effective project management at the country level. Under this component, additional financial resources will be used for effective projects at UCI and other public partner institutions for training and research, including Makerere University of Health Sciences, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Gulu University. As the minister has already highlighted, the loan is concessional. Allow me to proceed with observations and recommendations. One is an increase in the number of additional financing requests. The Committee notes that of late, the Government has tabled before Parliament a number of proposals requiring additional financing to the already ongoing projects. A case in point is the Laropi-Moyo-Afoji- Katuna-Muko- Kamuganguzi Road Project, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Project loan, Masaka-Mutukula Road Project; addition to this one and the Masaka-Mutukula Road Project, in addition to this. This has been attributed to delays in the implementation of the projects, lack of adequate planning and preparedness for these projects, and variations in the scope of work, among others. These lead to cost overruns resulting in requests for additional funds, ultimately increasing the financial burden on the Government. The committee, therefore, recommends that the Government should minimise variations in, therefore, recommends that Government should minimise variations in projects except in unavoidable circumstances, such as changes in scope or design, which may necessitate requests for additional funding. A case in point, in terms of infrastructure, the scope changed by 80 per cent for this project. The plan was not to build a new structure so they ended up building a new one. Two, the performance of the projects in the health sector. The committee noted that most of the ongoing projects in the health sector have faced slow progress and this is attributed to low disbursement rates. Delays in the procurement process, incomplete or errors in designs, and compensation issues that make sites inaccessible. Bureaucracy, delayed payment due to lack of funding mostly brought by conditions precedent to disbursement, among others. Delays in implementing or executing critical health projects have a significant impact on service delivery. The committee recommends that for efficient and effective implementation of this project, the implementing agency should ensure adequate identification and evaluation of risks that occur throughout the project cycle so that they are adequately mitigated to avoid further delays. As the committee was considering this request, we toured the Mulago Cancer Institute, we saw the situation there with patients on the floor, in the corridors and everywhere. Based on that, in addition to what the minister highlighted, as noted, the Government’s efforts to improve health outcomes in the country and in the East African community, at the regional level, the proposed projects provide a vehicle for implementing key disease control strategic priorities of regional level, the proposed projects provide a vehicle for implementing key disease control strategic priorities of regional institutions. Mr Speaker, the committee, therefore, supports and recommends to this House to approve the Government’s request to borrow up to

Yes. Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to welcome my people to Parliament. Thank you very much for leading this House with distinction. We are so proud of you, Madam Speaker. I want to take this opportunity to also remind the House that in 1997, Ssembabule was carved out of Masaka. All these years, I am proud to say that under the NRM Government, the people of Ssembabule are patriots; they have participated in Pan- Africanism; they have benefited socially and economically; and they are reaping the benefits of supporting the NRM Government. I pray that we continue in this spirit. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

You will do it when you reach that clause. Is the motion that we go to the committee stage seconded? The motion is seconded by Hon. Pius, Hon. Milton, Hon. Ekanya, Hon. CPA Masaka, and the Leader of Government Business, my uncle from Karamoja, Hon. Shartsi, and Hon. Margaret and by the whole House. Thank you. I now put the question that the Employment (Amendment) Bill, 2023 as returned by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda in accordance with Article 93(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 143 of the Rules of Procedure, be reconsidered by this honourable House. (Question put and agreed to.) BILLS COMMITTEE STAGE THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2023 AS RETURNED BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT Clause 1

16372 MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS their businesses closed down and seals put on them by URA. I believe you when you say they probably do not have the information on where to go, and we probably could have done more to alert our people that there is an avenue of waiver. However, today, all businesses in Uganda are struggling — in fact, if we stated that today, you would probably see a queue of people from here up to Masaka. The reason would be that nearly all businesses are struggling because of the heavy burden of taxes. Therefore, the issue we should box ourselves into is whether it is still tenable to operate under this tax regime and whether we have survival businesses to see their third or fifth birthdays because businesses are going under as a result of the burden on taxes. It is expensive to access capital, as you know. At the end of the day, you compete with people in the name of investors, which is okay, who are given tax exemptions as the ordinary Ugandan borrows heavily at a high cost and meets all taxes. I do not say that these people do not deserve it; they indeed do, just like other Ugandans who are struggling with their businesses, deserve this. The best thing we should do, ladies and gentlemen, as legislators, as people who are responsible for taxation, now that we have realised that it pinches us, just like the way it pinches the ordinary people, why don’t we sit down and realise that for someone to pay those high taxes, they might never see business growth and we sit here and agree with the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to lower the taxes so that businesses survive? In any case, we can also agree to waive penalties because very many people are struggling with penalties, including the committee chairperson. If we can waive penalties for this financial year and the next financial year, we might save many businesses – (Interruption)

16088 SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE NO.2 FOR FY 2024/2025 it as you wish. We are even proposing body cameras so that whatever goes on at a polling station can be on record. Concerning the question of boundaries, under section 120 onwards, these boundaries are the exclusive duty of the Electoral Commission. On the question of whether the security officials are meddling, that is a matter that we have to deal with because for long, we have insisted that the Electoral Commission must be seen to be in charge and not be ousted by anybody or authority. Now, let me state the position of the law. A national ID is a prima facie evidence of citizenship so no one can again start asking questions. If somebody says that the national ID was obtained fraudulently, that is another matter but on account of disenfranchising somebody, you cannot start raising a lot of issues. Hon. Ababiku talked about Apaa. I would like to state here that this matter remains contentious but as far as I am concerned, it is not a question of where Apaa is located. It is a matter of Ugandans having the right to vote. So, we should not mix up the contentions of the people about where Apaa belongs, whose land it is and so on, with the question of voting. I am not here to talk about the contention on Apaa but to guarantee that anybody who feels like voting in Apaa can go and vote, in the same way that I can go and change my polling station to Kololo tomorrow. I can change my polling station to Masaka in hon. Mathias Mpuuga’s polling station, provided that I can prove that I have a banana plantation there. (Laughter) That will allow me to vote. In one election, I was registered in Omoro County because I have a garden there. The grounds on which you can change your polling station are in the law. So, the question of Apaa is a subject of the commission of inquiry and I believe they will deal with it. I would like to assure Members that the Electoral Commission will speak for itself. There are ways in which we can influence the work of the Electoral Commission. We have the National Consultative Forum (NCF) for political parties, which is chaired by the NRM and the Deputy Chairperson is from the National Unity Platform. I request that, that forum discusses some of these issues because the players in this election are the political parties and they do not have to raise all the issues on the Floor of Parliament. It is possible for them to face the Electoral Commission and if need be, they can even challenge any decision that would disenfranchise somebody in the court. I had to go to court in order to be put back on the voters’ register. On the question of the census, it is not about the census; it is about who is qualified to vote. I want to state here, Mr Speaker, that I was not counted in the last census but I am on the voters’ register and I am going to vote. We should not mix up the issue of the census; that somebody is using the census to raise issues. I do not think there is a census book where Ugandans who were 18 years after 2014 will be told that “you will not be registered because you are not on the 2014 data.” That is not the basis for registering voters. The basis for registering voters is the data captured by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). Once NIRA has you on their database, the Electoral Commission works with NIRA to put your name on the national voters’ register and it has nothing to do with whether you were counted or not. Finally, Hon. Odur has misled all of us here that there is likely to be a council which has five members. Obviously, he was quoting the law, but I do not think he is very well acquainted with it because under section 124, the law says that no council shall have less than 10 members. So, where do you get this fiction, apart from a novel? (Laughter) [Mr Mao] MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Like a colleague has said, the budget should speak to the people and it should be people-centred. Mr Speaker, the budget does not specify, show or include the money to fund fuel for ambulances on the lake. We are grateful we got boat ambulances to help our people in all the islands – Buvuma, Namayingo and Kalangala. Unfortunately, they have not been funded in terms of fuel. A boat cannot consume water to take somebody from one island to the next or to Entebbe or a main hospital. I do not know what these people were thinking by procuring ambulances without fuel. We were even thinking that they should give them to some of us to use them as maybe tourism boats or leisure boats. What are they doing there? They are just parked somewhere and they are not helping our people. Actually, the Government should think of giving island districts hospitals. If you buy an ambulance and this ambulance has to take people from Kalangala to Entebbe to access a hospital and you have not given us fuel, it means you would rather construct hospitals for these island districts. Mr Speaker, Kalangala District is next to Masaka and one of the main means of transport from Bukakata is a ferry, but that place is a very short distance; the Government should construct a bridge. Mr Musasizi, what are you thinking about that? Can’t you, in your – you know. Can’t we - [Mr Kiryowa Kiwanuka: “Order.”]- Mr Speaker, I need protection from –(Laughter)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I want to build on Hon. Mujungu’s submission. Earlier, Hon. Fox Odoi had talked of policy and Hon. Mujungu has brought it out – the 2009 policy. He has also raised the issue of cut-offs. In 1979, Mbarara was razed to the ground. Masaka, which is Masaka City now – (Interjections) - Mr Speaker, I beg for your protection. Masaka town was razed to the ground and so was Mbarara town. During the war of 1979, the Western Axis led by His Excellency, Gen. Yoweri Museveni, and then the Axis through Mutukula led by Gen. Oyite-Ojok - Saba Saba razed down those two towns. When you go to - because Kasese was not being talked about as people who suffered, the good thing is it has now been brought out very well by Hon. Mujungu. In 1979, West Nile suffered during the liberation. Then in 1980, during the general elections, West Nile was invaded by the Government forces, and the people were chased to Congo. All the MPs from the UPC political party came unopposed because there were no people to vote; the West Nile area had been razed down. Therefore, when we talk about cut-off points, let us go to Independence and then verify what level of damage was done in each area. Even in Kampala here, some of the buildings were flattened and the owners have not been talked about. I beg that the Attorney-General goes back - we have a cut-off point and then see who lost what during these various wars since Independence.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the time you have given us. How I wish the discussions in this 11 th Parliament would take this direction. This is the best I have seen ever since I joined this House. We have discussed this matter in a non-partisan way. How I wish all matters that are pro-people are handled this away, no matter the political party that you come from. When you look at all the areas that we are handling, almost every one of us suffered this. My brother asked the Attorney-General, “Namugga, what are you going to say?” but Masaka suffered. Kabonera, where I come from, suffered. In the 1979 war, even 1985, we did suffer, but I have a solution. Mr Speaker, you have seen that, starting in 2021/2022, we are giving piecemeal, even according to the budget. The funds are reduced every year. Honourable colleagues, we should appreciate that the resources have been depleted; you have no money. You will make recommendations here but you have no money to the extent that you cannot even offer basic services to our people.

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.

15675 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 22 JANUARY 2025 Generally, the features of the facilities visited fall short of the characterisation of a modern abattoir. With the exception of the new facility under construction, that is, Kyentale Ward in Hoima City, nearly all the facilities visited had poor equipment and infrastructure establishment, which is typical of local and traditional slaughterhouses, with old-fashioned means of operation. A modern abattoir should have at least automated systems such as cold rooms for storage, pulleys for hoisting carcasses, reliable water and electricity as opposed to manual operations, which cause delays and compromise the meat quality. Abattoirs can be a source of zoonotic diseases, that is, diseases transmitted from animals to humans, and may expose workers to harmful pathogens. We go to the recommendations. i. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) should develop standard designs for the slaughter facilities at different levels, that will also cater for various categories of livestock. ii. The Government should construct more slaughterhouses and equip them with the necessary facilities. Throughout the oversight visits, the majority of the facilities were privately-owned, while the few government facilities were under the public-private partnership. iii. The Government should also undertake renovations and expansion of the dilapidated slaughterhouses to ensure that they comply with the required standards. iv. Also, the Government should equip the slaughterhouses with modern equipment for meat handling and processing. This includes equipment for cold storage, hoisting, laboratory, and transportation. v. The Government should provide incentives to abattoir owners to upgrade their infrastructure. vi. The district, municipal, and city authorities should ensure that the tenders for the slaughterhouses provide for the tenderer to operate and maintain the facility. vii. The Government should establish a public health and veterinary laboratory in line with the “One Health Approach” in the slaughterhouses to support slaughterhouses in examining the carcasses, organs, testing of drug residues, meat handlers, and other necessary tests. viii. The Ministry of Local Government’s approvals of new administrative units, for example, town councils, municipalities, cities and districts, should be premised on the availability of designated locations for abattoirs and environmentally-sensitive enterprises. Let us now go to functionality. We looked at utilities and one of them was water. Most of our cities do not have running tap water. Some are not connected to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. Some facilities such as Mbarara City and Soroti City abattoirs had water harvesting tanks. The Fort Portal facility had reserve water tanks, while others such as Jinja had extra water facilities such as boreholes. The rest such as Masaka Pig Slaughter Space, and Hoima City Abattoir, depend on water ferried using jerrycans. Some of those with connections reported intermittent connection breakdowns, for instance, in Masaka City Abattoir, where the staff reported using jerrycans when the National Water and Sewerage Corporation water is off. Other facilities such as Jinja City Abattoir, had been disconnected by National Water and Sewerage Corporation due to accumulated arrears. For electricity, the committee noted that out of all facilities visited, about 21 per cent were connected to the national power grid. These include Masaka City Abattoir, Mbarara City Modern Abattoir, Kibimba City Council Abattoir, Kalerwe City Abattoir and Jinja.

15676 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT The majority of the facilities were operating without power services because of a lack of connection to the power grid, while others such as Mbale City abattoir were disconnected due to unpaid power bills. Sanitary Facilities The major sanitation facility was VIP latrines. Out of the l9 facilities visited, only nine (that is 47 per cent) had VIP latrines. The condition of the latrines, however, was very poor, manifested by lack water supply, dilapidated structures, smelly and many lacked demarcations for the male and female staff. Some facilities such as the Hoima City abattoir did not have a latrine facility while others such as City Abattoir, Kalerwe, and Mukono had a shared facility with the market vendors. Functionality of the waste management and disposal processes The facilities visited lacked proper waste disposal systems. By the nature of their operations, slaughterhouses generate a lot of solid and liquid waste such as rumen, dung, blood, and condemned internal organs, among others. The poor disposal poses significant environmental concerns such as pollution, operational hygiene and sanitary conditions in and around the slaughter facilities. Waste segregation and storage With the exception of the Mbarara new City Abattoir, nearly all the facilities lacked a waste storage management system. What was common in all the facilities was that the waste was cast in open spaces but segregated according to type. For example, Masaka and Mbarara city abattoirs had segregated spaces for keeping hooves and cow dung. In Mbarara, the segregated liquid was, for instance, channelled into a fish pond which was built for the purpose of consuming waste from the abattoir while the excess was channelled into the lagoon. Disposal Only three (16 per cent) of the facilities visited had drainage systems. Some of the facilities which had drainage systems and lagoons to which liquid waste was disposed include Masaka City abattoir, Mbarara City modern abattoir, Jinja City abattoir and the Pork Master Ricks in Masaka. The drainage systems for other facilities were in a poor status. The City Abattoir drainage runs into Nakivubo Channel while the drainage systems of Masaka, Kalerwe, Masindi were stagnant and visibly too old to provide appropriate drainage which caused stenches and pollution. Availability of incinerators and records The majority of the facilities had no functional incinerators to destroy condemned internal body organs, carcasses, and condemned animals unfit for human consumption. Only Iganga Municipal abattoir, KCCA, and Kalerwe had smal1 incinerators which were visibly less functional and inadequate. Considering the huge traffic of cattle, especially at the City Abattoir, the need for a modern and functioning incinerator is important for taking care of the condemned animals and inedible carcasses. Other facilities such as Iganga, Lira, and Mbale destroyed solid waste and condemned parts by burning, causing unnecessary environmental pollution. Lagoons The slaughtering process involves bleeding, skinning, dressing, and postmortem inspection. At this stage blood, urine, faecal matter, and other secretions are produced. Inadequate sanitary and hygiene conditions can lead to direct meat contamination and further expose the workers to various diseases and antibiotic- resistant strains of bacteria. Improper waste disposal and non-compliant effluent discharge can further result in water and air pollution and water-borne diseases.

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

Now, honourable colleagues, these issues that we are talking about, there are two things that I have been told. One, I was told that when you get fresh fish tie it on the front of your car, and drive from Masaka up to Mitooma, where you have to do around 60 kilometres of dust – I am told you are just collecting all the waste, all the faeces, the bitumen, the wires and everything onto the fish. And, even if you cook - that is what I see many people doing as if it is fashionable. Then, they host us, and we eat. Number two, on the issue of condemned meat, I also got a bad story that most of this minced meat is condemned meat. This is the meat, I am told, they use in the samosas, in sausages - that is what I was told; I do not have evidence – but, because it is crushed, you will not know. Yeah! Even these calves – I am told these guys do not leave behind anything. They just put it in, mince it – for us who own dogs, that is the one they would give; minced meat is the cheapest for dogs. Then, for these people who make samosas and sausages, that is what they go and - So, because of that, I do not take those sausages and samosas and all that. (Laughter) I have shared the story that I heard. Engineer?

'Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 2 TERMS OF REFERENCE: 3 METHODOLOGY 4 STANDARDS OF AN ABAT'TOIR/SLAUGHTER HOUSES..,.,. 5 GENERAL CATEGORIZATION OF ABATTOIRS/SLAUGHTER HOUSES IS AS FOLLOWS: 4 5 5 6 5.1 Categorization of Abattoirs/Slaughter houses according to size: .... g 5.2 Standard requirements of an abattoir/slaughter house Error! 6.1 Ceutral and Western Uganda Error! Bookmark not defined. 8 6.3 Masaka Pork Slaughter Housc: The pork Master Ricks 10 6.4 Mbarara City 1l 6.5 Mbarara City Modern Abatto 11 6.6 Kakoba Slaughter House.......,... .... ........1I 6.7 Fort Portal Ci 12 6.8 Kibimba City Council Abattoir ..............12 6.9 Kitumba Slaughter House........... 6,1O Hoima city.............. 6. 11 Masindi District 6.14 IgangaMunicipality l5 6.15 Mbale City ......................16 6.16 Soroti City Council ........tT 6.17 Lira City t2 1a I4 17 6.18 Kampala Capital City.............. 6.18.1 city /KCCA Abattoir ..................... t8 6.19 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE STATUS OF ABATTOIRS:....20 6. 19.1 Functionality and suitability of the Infrastructure: ..............20 2 Nf-3

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

6 FINDINGS: According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), animals are slaughtered in different spaces, namely: a) Slaughter slabs: there are 1,003 slaughter slabs spread in 93 districts. b) Slaughter houses: Central (23), Eastern (7), Northern (7), Western (7) and Karamoja (1). Table 1: Distribution of Slaughter Facilities in the country Region Specie (cattlel Swine Poultry Central 6 5 T2 Eastern 2 3 2 Western J I J Northern a 2 c Karamoia 1 0 0 Source: MAAIF The findings ofthe oversight are provided according to regions and the details for the abattoirs are provided on a case-by-case for each facility in the district, municipality and city visited. This section of the report presents hndings of tl:e oversight visit to abattoirs/ slaughter houses where nine cities and four district local government were covered. These included; Masaka City, Mbarara City, Fort Portal City, Hoima City, Masindi District, Jinja, Mbale, Lira and Kampala City. 6.1 Masaka City In Masaka, the committee visited the Masaka city Abattoir and Masaka city Pork Slaughter house. k W 9 FLC

al Masaka City Abattoir: Masaka city Abattoir facility is located in Kirumba Katwe in Katwe-Butego Division of Masaka city. The faciliby was constructed by the colonial government and its current infrastructure establishment is visibly old. The facility sits on an approximate iand area of 2.5 Acres and it serves the entire Masaka City, slaughtering 25 to 30 cattle and l2 to 15 goats per day. Generally, the Masaka city Abattoir was not in a good state and falls short of the requirements for a modern abattoir, characterized by lack of automation, old walls, small size and needs to be improved through refurbishing, repair of broken systems and at least a complete overhaul to a modern city abattoir. The poor circumstances of the Masaka slaughter house are attributed to; i. Lack of commitment by the Masaka City leadership towards improving the facrlity. According to information obtained, the Tenderer pays at least 2.3 million shillings per month, making it one of the revenue sources yet poorly cared for. ii. Lack of designated funding to develop the facility. The Committee noted that the Masaka City facility generates local revenue, which is sent to the central treasury but the facility is allocated nearly nothing for capital development. b) Masaka Pork Slaughter House: The pork Master Ricks The Masaka city Pork slaughter house is a government facility, gazetted for pork business. The structure was incomplete, the committee was informed that this is due to lack of funding which was initially done under the public private partnership. Due to the incomplete structure, the facility currently operates under a small shade erected using poles and a few iron sheets. s.3 10

Recommenddtlons Masaka Citg authorities should expedite the completlon of the Pork Master Ricks to achieae at least, the modest stand.c,rds oJ a modern slaughter house. 6.2 Mbarara City Mbarara City has four slaughter house facilities but only two facitities (a private and a government owned facility) were visited by the Committee. a) Mbarara City Modern Abattoir: The Mbarara Modern Abattoir is a Private establishment and is currently the major service provider for slaughter house services to Mbarara City. It slaughters between 20 to 30 cattle and about 30 goats daily and employs between 80 to 100 workers. The facility was generally in a good condition and manifests characteristics ofa fair to good abattoir house structure. The good conditions of the facility were attributed to the proper management by the facility owners. The Managers of the facility informed the Committee that people are hesitant to bring animals to the abattoir because of fees and costs involved, a farmer is charged 8,000 Ugx per cattle. Notwithstanding the costs involved per animal, the culture of non-use of the abattoir by some farmers was seen as dangerous because it exposes the public to consumption of meat from unknown sources and standards. b| Kakoba Slaughter House The Kakoba slaughter house is the only government facitity located in Kakoba Division in Mbarara City. The facility is small but sits on an approximate land size of 10 acres. The facility was generally in very bad state surrounded by bushes, poor drainage and waste dis posal. The poor ff-g

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

below the standards of a modern abattoir. Taken together, only 21 percent of the facilities had identifiable slaughter spaces, namely Masaka and Mbarara (Central and Western Uganda), Jinja and Iganga (Eastern Uganda) City abattoir in Kampala. However, the slaughter spaces were very small, lacked concrete and hard slabs. Generally, the features of the facilities visited fall short of the characlerization of a modern abattoir. with exception of the new facility under construction; Kyentale Ward in Hoima City, nearly all the facilities visited had poor equipment and infrastructure establishment which is typical of local and traditional slaughter houses with old fashion means of operation. A modern city abattoir should have at least automated systems such as cold rooms for storage, pulleys for hoisting carcass, reliable water and electricity as opposed to the manual operations which cause delays and compromise the meat quality. Further, a modern facility should have a laboratory for testing animal health and the meat products. This includes diagnosing and confirming the suspicious cases to maintain public health measures. In the current form of the abattoirs, animals and the carcass are examined on the basis of physical characteristics which may not be sufficient to make empirical conclusions. A mini veterinary laboratory will be vital for diagnosing blood and meat to confirm the suspicious cases and maintain public health measures. Abattoirs can be a source of zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans) and may expose workers to harmful pathogens. Further, none of the slaughter houses had specific structures for birds (poultry) and goats and only few had slaughter structures for pigs, these were in Masaka (Pork Master Ricks) Soroti and Mukono Municipalify, but all had small shelters with roofs erected on poles. Ei 21

6.L3,2 Functionality of Utilities The utilities under this section inciuded water, electricity and sanitary facilities such as ventilated improved pit latrines (VIPs). 6.13.2.1 Water Of all the facilities visited, only 6 (31%) had running (tap) water, connected to the NWSC. Some of the facilities such as Mbarara city and Soroti abattoir had water harvest tanks, Fort Portal facility had reserve water tanks while others such as Jinja had extra water facilities such as borehole. The rest such as the Masaka Pig slaughter space, Hoima City Abattoir depend on water ferried using jerricans. Some of those with water connections reported intermittent connection breakdowns, for instance, in Masaka City Abattoir, where the staff reported using jerricans when the NWSC water is off. Other facilities such as Jinja City abattoir had been disconnected by the NWSC due to accumulated arrears for water bills. 6.13.2.2 Electricitg The Committee noted that out of all the facilities visited about 21 percent were connected to the national power grid. These include Masaka City Abattoir, Mbarara City Modern Abattoir, Kibimba City Council Abattoir, Kalerwe, City Abattoir, City Abattoir and Jinja. Majority of the facilities were operating without power services because of lack of connection to the power grid while others such as Mbale City abattoir were disconnected due to unpaid power bills. The Committee observed that the lack of power connection stifles the functionality of the facilities especially during late and early morning hours where the staff are compelled to use alternative lighting facilities such as torches. The situation is made worse during busy seasons such as holidays which require slaughtering more animals than usual. The slaughtering of 23 NLJ

animals at night against existing provisional laws and regulations jeopardizes the safety of the meat products. 6.13.2,3 Sanitary Facilities The major sanitation facility was VIP latrines. out of the l9 facilities visited, only 9 (47o/ol had VIP latrines. The conditions of the latringJhowever, was poor, manifested by lack water supply, dilapidated structures, smelly and many lacked demarcations for the male and female staff. Some facilities such as the Hoima City abattoir did not have the latrine facility while others such as City Abattoir, Kalerwe and Mukono had a shared facility with the market vendors. The latrine at Kalerwe had a huge crack underground posing a risk to users. 6.13.3 Functionality of the wastc managenent aud disposal processes. The facilities visited lacked a proper waste disposal systems. By nature of their operations, slaughter houses generate a lot of solid and liquid waste such as rumen, blood, dung, blood, condemned interna-l organs, cow dung, among others. It is concerning that these are improperly disposed. The poor disposal poses significant environmental concerns such as pollution, operational hygiene and sanitary conditions in and around the slaughter facilities. 6.13.3.1 Waste segregation and. storage with the exception of the Mbarara new city abattoir, nearly a1l the facilities Iacked a waste storage management system. What was common in all the facilities is that the waste was cast in open spaces but segregated according to types. For example, Masaka and Mbarara city abattoirs had segregated space for keeping hooves and cow dung. In Mbarara, the segregated liquid was, for instance channeled into a fish pond which was built for the purpose of consuming waste from the abattoir while the excess were ch eled into the lagoon. EJ

5,73.3.2 Dtsposcl Only 3 (16%) of the facilities visited had drainage systems. Some of the facilities which had drainage system and lagoons to which 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. The city Abattoir drainage runs into Nakivubo channel while drainage system of Masaka, Kalerwe, Masindi were stagnant and visibly old to provide appropriate drainage which caused stenches and pollution. The solid waste such as cow dung, hooves, skins and hides, horns and inedible meat parts were dumped in open spaces. with exception of cow dung which was reportedly collected by farmers for processing manure for banana pla,tations, the rest of the solid waste was poorly attended too due to lack of disposal management systems. In this case, the use of cow-dung by farmers is arguably the most sustainable means of disposing it off and reducing the magnitude of the problem. Further, other facilities openly burn the solid waste such as horns and other inedible meat and other solid waste. During the oversight visit to Iganga Slaughter House, horns were being burnt and this causes a lot of pollution accompanied by a very irritable smell. 6.l4Availability of iucinerators and records Majority of the facilities had no functional incinerators to destroy condemned internal body organs, carcass and condemned animals unfit for human consumption. only Iganga Municipal abattoir, KCCA and Kalerwe had smal1 incinerators which were visibly less functional and inadequate. considering the huge traffic of cattle especially at the city Abattoir, the need for a modern and functioning incinerator is important for taking care of the condemned animals and inedible carcass. Other faciiities as Iganga, 25 FI.,i

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

Abattoir, sometimes the staff use jerricans when the NWSC water goes o[f. 7 Availability electricity of I Only of 4(219/o) of the facilities were connected to the national power grid. These include Masaka City Abattoir, Mbarara City Modern Abattoir, Kibimba City Council Abattoir, Kalerwe, City Abattior and Jinja. 8 PPEs a There was good use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) the sta-ff at most facilities. 9 Government Public Health Measures a The facilities were supervised by District, City and Municipal Veterinary Officers which do the animal examination, carcass inspection and approval for public consumption. 10 Processes at Facility, holding, isolation area I Only 3 (16%) of the 19 facilities had established processes from reception. These include Masaka and Mbarara, Jinja in, City Abattoir. Most of the facilities had no adequate holding areas for livestock and while some did not have separate spaces for holding cattle and goats and most did not isolation spaces. l1 Equipment/mac hinery I With exception of the new facility (under construction), all the facilities visited lacked the required equipment for meat processing. For instance, none of them had a cold room for meat storage, functional pulleys for hoisting meat. AII the activities at the facilities are malually done. t2 ICEs o None of the facilities had visible information, communication and education materials or signposts on the dos and don'ts at the facility.

Honourable colleagues, we have started a political year — a year of campaigns, yet our mandate still runs. We still have statutory obligations and obligations to our constituents. This is a year where we wish you all the best because our prayer is to see each one of us back. That is what we pray for. Although, I have had situations where colleagues have come saying, “So-and-so is in my constituency disturbing me” – a colleague disturbing another colleague - campaigning for other people in the constituency. Some of them use names, especially - colleagues, if you have friends, your name will be associated with many cases: “So and so is standing against me; you are the one funding them.” That will be coming about soon. I request that we maintain cohesion and that when we go – it is an unwritten policy here that when you go to a colleague’s constituency, you support that colleague and then you leave it to the voters. If you cannot support them, do not talk against them either. Just leave it at that because after that, we come here and we are a family. As the leadership of the House, we are going to design our programme in such a way that we give you time to be able to engage the constituents while at the same time being able to do your work. A very good example is when we have – like in the budgeting period, we will give you enough time to handle committees but then also give you a break. We will, therefore, be giving you intermittent breaks so that you are able to go back and engage your constituents. Otherwise, you might be here when they are finishing you on the ground yet people will not remember that. We shall ensure that we try to accommodate most of these issues without missing our critical function that we are supposed to be delivering here. There is a comment I wanted to make when we are receiving the Auditor-General’s report but I would best make it now. Honourable colleagues, I received the Auditor- General’s report last week, and I am happy that the meeting we had with the Auditor-General has helped us to widen the scope of what we can cover when interrogating the report. Together with the few chairpersons who managed to join me in the meeting with the Auditor-General sometime back, we agreed that doing only financial audits will not help us or enable us do our work efficiently. That is why you could hear that “I have an unqualified opinion,” but then the report and the details from the public are totally different. There was always a mismatch between the opinions of the Auditor-General and what we were getting. We agreed that the Auditor- General should do a combined report that has a value-for-money and special audits in one report where we are able to go beyond just financial audits, but to also go for value for money. Now, he has done that ably well, and I hope that this time, the scope of the accountability committees will be much wider and more detailed so that we do not just look at mischarge and all that, but we also go, especially, value for money. If you said you did one kilometre-per- kilometre lane at Shs 1 billion in Masaka, how come the neighbouring district of Lyantonde is doing it at Shs 500 million with the same landscape and conditions, yet this side is not getting value, and the other side is getting value. I hope that the accountability committees are now going to squeeze in much deeper. What was worrying, honourable colleagues, is that, according to the Auditor-General, only 31 per cent of the recommendations from Parliament, when adopting the report, were fully implemented in the last financial year. Thirty- five per cent were partially implemented and 34 per cent were not implemented at all. Now, this brings us to how we handle the issue of the treasury memoranda, which we discussed and agreed on here.

15587 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 10 JANUARY 2025 Hon. Ssegirinya first gained public attention through his participation in Kampala-based radio talk shows. His frequent spirited calls to these shows earned him recognition as Ssegirinya, eddoboozi lya Kyebando , translating to Ssegirinya, the voice of Kyebando. During these radio engagements, he would refer to himself as MP-to-be. Each time he would call, he would say, “Ssegirinya Muhammad, eddoboozi lya Kyebando , MP-to-be.” This was in the early 2000s, over 15 years, before he would eventually become a legislator. This speaks of the fact that when one is resilient and steadfast, it is possible to achieve one’s aspirations. In 2016, he was elected as the Lord Councillor for Kawempe North in KCCA. He used this position and platform to advocate for social justice and community development. His vibrant personality and commitment to grassroots issues endeared him to many people. During the 2021 elections, Hon. Ssegirinya contested for the parliamentary seat of Kawempe North, under NUP, and won overwhelmingly. He set out to serve his people in various ways, especially health care, filling the gaps that were created by Government, things that we do as Members of Parliament, which should be done by Government: buying ambulances, building health care centres, fundraisings - colleagues normally call us for fundraisings, both on the Opposition and the Government side, for a Government health centre, fundraising for this and that. However, here we are, and Hon. Ssegirinya was filling those gaps as a Member of Parliament. Unfortunately, not long after he had joined this August House, he was arrested and jailed for a long period of time over the Bijambiya Panga attacks on the population of Masaka region, which saw the killing of many Ugandans. To date, Madam Speaker, justice eludes the bereaved families because the question of who killed their loved ones has never been answered. While in prison, Hon. Ssegirinya got severely sick and his condition kept deteriorating by the day. He was constantly denied bail, as we all saw, even though his condition was worrisome. Even when Government doctors recommended specialised treatment for him that warranted him to be granted bail, the judge still sent him back to prison where he continued to worsen, each passing day. His lawyers made a plea and produced before court, medical records signed by Government doctors, saying this man should be released on bail to get specialised treatment. The judge said, “No, go back to jail.” After a while, Hon. Ssegirinya was granted bail only for him to be abducted outside Kigo Prison by gun-wielding men in plain clothes, in total violation of our country’s laws. This disregard for the rule of law continues unabated in our country, and as we have witnessed, it affects all of us, including colleagues on the Government side, as you have seen very recently. We must jointly castigate this and call for its end. Many Ugandans have been abducted in a similar manner, and to-date, they are still missing. All this is in a country, which prides itself in following constitutionalism. We should be ashamed of these acts. Madam Speaker, the denial of bail to Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya feeds into the recent narrative by Gen. Yoweri Museveni, lately. He has called for denial of bail and even police bond, something which is not in tandem with our constitutional order. While bail and police bond may not be mandatory, directing judicial officers and police officers not to give it to those before them is unbecoming, and should be condemned by us all because we are all potential victims. As we send off Hon. Ssegirinya, may we commit to respect the rule of law, because he suffered due to the disregard for the rule of law. Of late, we have seen threats from our country’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, threatening our neighbouring countries, including Kenya, South Sudan, DRC, and the threats have extended to his colleagues in the military, and even leaders in this country. He, for example, threatened

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. My condolences to the family, the people of Kawempe, this Parliament, the people of Masaka and Uganda as a whole. Hon. Ssegirinya has spent a very short time in this House. Yesterday, when I was watching NTV, it was more of a documentary, watching his works and the short time that he was actually in this House. I kept wondering; supposing Hon. Ssegirinya had not been in prison, what kind of person would he have been? What more would we have seen? What could he have done beyond what we have watched in just this short time? It saddened me that the people who elected him did not see much of what he would have done for them. I applaud and thank him for his dedication and support to the women. In putting up that health facility at Kawempe, he also ensured that every mother that gave birth at the facility went home with a savings box – “Ssegi Bob” – I believe with some start- up capital; that was support for a woman. I also thank him -

… in paying tribute to our departed brother and comrade, Hon. Ssegirinya. I extend my sympathies and those of the people of Masaka to the family – children and the mother, in a special way, because she had this special attachment to her son that I witnessed and touched over time. I thought I would say much here but then, on reflection, I thought it is not necessary anyway. I am going to just make a few remarks in recognition of the legacy of this gentleman lying before us. We do not choose the time we bow out; it is not in our space. I have been scanning through the commentaries relating to his demise and you can tell that there is not a single phrase, statement or word that would afford him a fitting epitaph. Probably, his life has been a cocktail. It was a short life. We could not muster exactly where his journey could end but, like I said, we do not choose when we bow out. He never chose this. I closely followed, on behalf of Parliament then, as the Leader of the Opposition, when he was arrested. I followed him and his brother, Hon. Ssewanyana, through the challenges in prison, falling sick and the troubles we went through to secure clearance from the Medical Board for his treatment away from that in prison and from within the country. I want to thank you, Madam Speaker, for the effort. At one stage, the Speaker had to do a manhunt for members of the Medical Board to convene and clear the treatment of Hon. Ssegirinya; it was tough - (Applause) - and we were losing time and he had to be driven to the tarmac for emergency treatment. Certainly, his illness and eventual demise exposed our systems. The state system is weak and porous, incapable of a coherent investigation to give a decent man justice and decent prosecution. The entire exercise in which he was being prosecuted was tainted with a lot of inconsistencies and you could feel a sense of, you know, revenge and retribution with this whole thing – and, for me, that should not be part of our life. I am glad that the honourable minister for the youth has made a commitment. I want to see you follow through with that commitment that – Madam Speaker, I beg your pardon that I make this statement - the hunting and hounding of the Opposition must cease. Hon. Ssegirinya had many friends and I want to thank those who stood with him in prison and hospital. Even when he left prison – and some friends were questioning how he was released, yet they knew he was very sick. That, for me, was inhuman. Secondly, I would like to thank the medical team at Nsambya Hospital – Dr Ssekitoleko and team as well as the team at Rubaga Hospital – Sr Dr Grace Nanyondo and team. They did a great job – and, of course, the team at Aga Khan Hospital.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to, first of all, appreciate Hon. Ssegirinya’s mother and his brother, Kasagga. When someone faces challenges, many times, even your family can abandon you. Hon. Ssegirinya and Hon. Ssewanyana were incarcerated. I went to Masaka, where they were brought to court; I went to Luzira; I went to Kigo; he began to fall sick, and I went to Nsambya Hospital; I went to Nairobi and Lubaga Hospital, and those two were a constant. Thank you so much for being there for Hon. Ssegirinya. (Applause) Madam Speaker, I met Ssegirinya when I was still a journalist, and this is what I wanted to say about Ssegirinya. Hon. Ssegirinya was very authentic, he was real, and he was genuine and honest even in times of need. When I met him – he used to call in on radio stations as “ Edoboozi lye Kyebando ” and one time when I was doing a story about those radio phone callers, I spoke to him, Makolo Kavuma and Luba Kyoya. He was demonstrating to me what they used to do to get through – because I was asking them: how come you people are so constant on the radio stations? He showed me about eight phones; he would call at the same time, and whichever went through first, he would speak. That was Ssegirinya. I remember the time he used to be with Dr Kiiza Besigye. In fact, it is very sad that Col (Rtd) Kiiza Besigye is in prison because Ssegirinya was always with Dr Kiiza Besigye. Then he would come to me - at a certain point, I was an editor of a television station, so he would come to me and beg – (Member timed out.)

Thank you very much. Honourable members, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, “Mr Update”, has fought a good fight. He has served humanity; he has been there for everybody and he rose from grass to grace. If he told you how he came from Masaka and how he boarded a matooke truck, you would not believe it. Hon. Ssegirinya has come from very far, but we must thank God that he at least achieved what he wanted. His humility speaks volumes. If we could learn something from the late Hon. Ssegirinya, it would make a change in all of us. When you hear that within those few months, he made an impact in Kawempe, this community and this country, then you must learn something. I want to put the question – (Hon. Aisha Kabanda rose_) Yes? Honourable members - and you are a Muslim. You are the same person who is going to blame me for delaying the body here.

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Hon. Otaala from Tororo to the North, Bunyoro. Everybody is crying. Those who are crying loudest so far are from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) side –(Interjection) - I am raising a procedural issue, if you can wait. I was born in Masaka so I usually go home. That bridge in Katonga, which was swept away now more than three years ago, has not been fixed, so are many others before you raise the new one. Madam Speaker, you listed disasters in your communication and forgot one disaster that befell this country; the disaster of the NRM, 38 years in power. Therefore, the procedural issue I am raising is whether -

I thank you for your indulgence, Madam Speaker. I also want to take this opportunity to welcome the executive members of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to Parliament. This is a mode of parliament, which is only in four hospitals: Moroto; Gulu; Lira; and Masaka. These are representatives of the workers in the hospital. They include heads of departments, the in-charge and top management. The only thing they do not do is to make laws. However, they do oversight, debate and also represent their members. Madam Speaker, they have also told me to thank you and the entire Parliament for the appropriation that Parliament has done because Kabale Regional Referral Hospital now has a modern CT scan. Through your appropriation, Members, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital also has a modern ICU under construction. On top of that, I also want to thank you, Members, for your appropriation, which has enabled Kabale Hospital to have three oxygen plants. (Applause) However, they still have challenges and one of the top challenges is the staff structure. Under the new structure, Kabale Hospital always comes lowest. Its staffing level is at 22 per cent. Since we have started the budgeting process, my prayer is that, at least, Kabale Hospital gets the budget to raise its staffing level, at least, to 50 per cent, such that it can be at the level of other hospitals. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

15270 THE NATIONAL TEACHERS’ BILL, 2024 Condition number three is about the project’s operation manual. It has been prepared and adopted by the Government and the project implementing entity in the form and substance acceptable to IDA, and this has been done. I also provide information on progress toward the legal covenants of the PAD and show the activities like the activity of recruiting the project management implementation unit, the various specialists who have already been recruited to implement the project. The table also shows the other activity of establishing and maintaining a project steering committee and technical committee, the responses are in the third column. All the required preliminary activities, like preparing and furnishing the World Bank with the annual work plans and budgets, have been done. I think the honourable members can read that table to see the various activities and what has been done. Under this project, we are also going to procure laptops to facilitate digital transformation. The status is that the process was going on but the individual who had tendered was dissatisfied with the decision. He appealed to PPDA and the Tribunal. And the Tribunal found merit in the appeal. Now, NITA-U has appealed to court, so there is a court process regarding that procurement. This is common in this country, where people always seek court redress and appeals. This is part of the delays that occasion most of these procurements. That is where we are in terms of the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP). UDAP, like I have said, has three components: building digital infrastructure, strengthening e-government systems, and addressing digital inclusion for the refugee-hosting communities. The other project in the National Backbone Infrastructure(NBI)Phase 5 project is the optic fibre extension, which is supported by the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China, to the tune of $150 million. This is a key Government project that seeks to further expand the NBI across underserved areas of Uganda. As I said earlier, this is Phase 5, funded to the tune of $150 million. We expect to extend this internet fibre to the rest of the country so that communities that are not yet hooked on this NBI can get connected. Under Phase 5 of the NBI/EGI, the following activities will be undertaken. a. Expansion of the backbone. We intend to extend and build up to 5,845.75 kilometres of optical fibre cable, covering an additional 63 districts across the country. There are other districts which will be covered by the other World Bank supported up to 20 and when you add what is already covered, we should be able to cover the whole country. b. We shall also build 21 NBI transmission sites across the country. c. We also do what we call last-mile connections. Last-mile connections mean that you have the main transmission routes, like, say, Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara; that is the main transmission route. But there are roads that lead to districts and communities. We shall be building the main transmission optic fibre but also do last-mile connections to districts, health facilities, schools, and other public installations. d. We shall extend connectivity to all sub- counties across the country and e. Expand the Wi-Fi coverage by an additional 1,754 public Wi-Fi sites across the country and also install solar power in all the new NBI transmission sites as an alternative source of power, upgrade the network monitoring system and environmental management system for the entire network. f. We shall also build a data centre in Namanve, so that we upgrade the existing data centre, MINISTERIAL STATEMENT [Dr Baryomunsi]

Thank you, Madam Speaker. One of the brightest people in the army during that time is Hon. Bright Rwamirama here. If you check the history, you will notice that when they captured Masaka, one of the resources they used to win the war was coffee. You took coffee by signatures made by Gen. Elly Tumwine – may his soul rest in peace - and Leyland vehicles. That was the Coffee Marketing Board. Later on, you killed the coffee after taking the Government. People fought their battle using the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) to come back. Bugolobi is nowhere. All the cooperatives are nowhere. People have started growing their coffee and UCDA has given them support - why do you fear people becoming rich? Why do you fear people having money? Statistics in our constituencies show that because of coffee and UCDA giving them seedlings, people have got money. They are paying fees for their children. They are taking them to St Mary’s College. They are even paying money in Government Universal Secondary Education schools where you are not giving enough funds. But here you are trying to bring Pinetti by meandering back to the system. Hon. Bright Rwamirama, kindly go to Isingiro where you come from. You know the bananas being grown there. Were they there at that time? What have you done to the horticulture? President Obote left the Coffee Marketing Board, and Lint Marketing Board and Produce, for all other agro-products –

Madam Speaker, allow me in a sentence to conclude. I represent the people of Masaka. We are a coffee-growing area. I want to request the Members that when an honourable Member of Parliament is presenting, we should be calm and listen. I want to remind you that we came here by our own right – (Interjections) - nobody should ever think that I can come on a microphone and you intimidate me.

14907 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2024 Secondly, if you look at motorsports within the country – I have been participating in some of them – it is one of the biggest sports, which is able to mobilise local business tourism within an area, where they go, to a tune of almost Shs 6 billion. I have witnessed it in Masaka, Jinja and Iganga. The impact is enormous because people come in big numbers and they also mobilise other companies to come on board. From the side of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I would like to say that it is true that the budget was approved by this House. However, the challenge, which I am facing as the minister responsible for sports, is on the release of these funds. This is because, at the end of the day – I can state without fear of contradiction that for this quarter, I have been given Shs 2 billion to give to 51 federations. How do you expect me to operate? So, sometimes our hands are entirely tied. It is an area where it is not my problem, but the problem of – (Interjection) - not a bad government. (Laughter) It is the problem of the finance ministry not accepting to release money as per what is approved.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have two brief issues. One is to inform the honourable minister that the land in Masaka was offered. We are still hunting rats, it is there. Come and clear it for investment. The second issue - I have a direct pecuniary interest under rule 94. The minister is aware that local investors are mistreated. In Namanve, I have a citizen who has over 10 acres because there is both Governmental and private land. The so-called investors have parcelled out the land –

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

I will mention some in my city; Masaka, because I am talking from an informed point of view. In our city, we require - We want help from the Government to investigate because I am not talking out of the blue. In Masaka City, we are missing titles for the city properties. We need a serious investigation into these cartels so that the properties of the Government can be secure. Titles are missing and at the end of the day, you find that they have grabbed the land and the properties fraudulently. I call upon you, Madam Speaker, that in our resolution, the issue of auditing should come out clearly.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The night that made yesterday, passengers aboard a cargo transport boat were traveling from Lujabwa Island to Bukakata in Masaka but capsized and only three people survived. Six people have been identified dead and it is a known custom among us fishermen that when a boat capsizes, on the third day the search for bodies starts. The prayer I would like to make is that the Uganda Police, this time, helps my people to search for their bodies. They have been leaving it to the people making it hard for us. They would say, “Leaders, you have not helped to look for the bodies and take them for burial.” The Government of Uganda should help in search for these bodies. I also pray that the Minister of Works and Transport comes up with a plan. My constituency does not have a ship, a ferry, or any Government facility for transport. At least for once – I have been a Member of Parliament; this is the second time within a span of 10 years in between. It is now 20 years; I have not persuaded the Government to buy a ship or ferry for my people. At least, I should note that after the next election, I should pledge that I will ask Government to buy a ferry. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I want to thank the mover of this motion. These days, we are used to being given seeds to take to our farmers. Now they are all out crying that they need seeds. Not that they do not know how to store these seeds, but they cannot be replanted. The so-called improved seeds - Most of the plants like the maize, to some extent, you have to spray. This is because the new improved seeds are prone to pests. Due to poor storage, our people are used to the old kind of storage and because they store them the way they used to, you find that these seeds are prone to aflatoxins due to the storage. I want us to also interest ourselves in this. We are talking about these seeds, but I always use Masaka Road, and there are some sponges along the road. I use those local sponges, but you cannot use them for a week. Yet, with our indigenous seeds, you would have those sponges for some time. I see everything is really deteriorating.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the Chairperson and members of the committee for such a wonderful report. It clearly shows the variance in the Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) as in, what is submitted, and in some hospitals like, Masaka, submitting less to the Treasury compared to what they collect. The other issue is that the medicines in the stores are always delivered very late. Something must be done about this. I wonder when they have prescribed somebody medicine and then it comes after six months, what is the intention of the suppliers - Ministry of Health needs to caution them. The other thing I noticed in the report, which should be worked on is that of the stores being

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the committee for their report. On the issue of Non-Tax Revenue (NTR), the ceiling set by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is low yet most of these regional hospitals and the national referral hospitals have the potential to collect above and beyond. So, my humble request is that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development increases the targets for NTR but also allows some of that NTR to be spent at source for maintenance and motivating some of these health workers. Mr Speaker, if the rules permitted me, I would have knelt to say that specialised services in this country cannot be free. Our neighbours rely predominantly on our services. We shall run down our heart and cancer services if we think that in the spirit of Pan-Africanism, our health care system, especially the super specialised services, can be entirely free. As I conclude, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago, 28 beds, 14 as he had said in his report, are working and our ICU services are Shs 2 million per week at Mulago Hospital but when you go to the private sector, it is Shs 4 million per day and sometimes members are in a queue. You are spending on private services yet you are trying to get space in Mulago. It is my humble request that we find that money - Shs 580 million - to recruit the requisite staff so that the other 14 beds can be operational. Finally, I will insist that Masaka Regional Referral Hospital needs Shs 590 million for its ICU to be operational. If we can find that money, we will have saved lives because we know that highway is a death trap. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I appreciate the committee for the good report. My submission is in two areas. One is on National Medical Stores’ (NMS) delayed delivery of drugs to hospitals. Whereas, we know that the delivery of drugs to hospitals is a very big problem in this country, we should not only look at NMS as the only problem because there are other different factors. In this case, we noticed that some hospitals would receive drugs after six months and beyond. As the Government, we also need to check ourselves: how is this issue of release of funds to this entity? What is the process of procurement? We should not ignore the time prior to market authorisation and a chain of other factors that may cause delay. We should not crucify NMS single-handedly, but check out the issues, like delays from national and regional approval, value assessment processes and quality of drugs. All those factors lead to the delay of drugs being delivered to hospitals. Some of these drugs that are delivered to hospitals are no longer of quality. For example, malaria drugs. I find that people do not get cured by one dose of malaria these days. You either have to take two or three. Ministry of Health, what does this imply? The other one is on NTR; collecting money and not remitting it to the Consolidated Fund is affecting the service delivery by these hospitals. We also noticed that Masaka Regional Referral Hospital has three hospitals receiving money but with three accounts not remitting money to

14413 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2024 Mr Speaker, I will go to the performance of NTR in regional referral hospitals. The Government expected regional referral hospitals and other specialised institutions to collect a total of Shs 34.556 billion, as NTR, from the 22 referral hospitals as per the table below. However, there are 22 referral hospitals. We were expected to collect Shs 34.556 billion. However, only Shs 28.094 billion, which is 82 per cent, was collected, leaving a variance of Shs 5.962 billion. Out of the NTR collection of Shs 28.094 billion, Shs 26.972 billion was transferred to the Treasury, leaving a balance of Shs 1.122 billion not transferred to the Treasury. These funds are expected to be collected to support the Government of Uganda’s budget thus the collected amount are supposed to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund for appropriation by Parliament as prescribed under Section 30 of the Public Finance Management Act. So, they are entities that collected money and never transferred it to the Consolidated Fund to the tune of Shs 1.122 billion. I will not conclude in the report, but that is illegal. Absolutely illegal to collect money and you fail to transfer. On the table I have put down, Masaka Hospital had budgeted to collect Shs 472 million. It collected Shs 698 million, a variance that is the difference of Shs 226 million over and above what was budgeted. It transferred Shs 389 to the Treasury and remained with Shs 309 million, which was not transferred, contrary to the law. Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital - this is a bit confusing - had budgeted to collect Shs 1 billion but it collected Shs 681 million, which is a variance of Shs 319 million. It transferred Shs 679 million, which was lower than what it collected. Mbale Regional Referral Hospital budgeted to collect Shs 35 million. It collected it all and transferred it all. Naguru budgeted to collect Shs 36 million. It collected Shs 233 million and transferred Shs 232 million. Naguru Hospital - (Interjection)- is supposed to be Shs 360 million but not billions; it collected Shs 233 million with a variance of Shs 127 million and transferred Shs 232, which was less by only Shs 1 million. Jinja budgeted to collect Shs 886 million. It collected Shs 424 million with a variance of Shs 462 million and transferred all the money. Mubende planned to collect Shs 150 million. It collected Shs 151 million and transferred Shs 150 million. Fort Portal -

That is a good sample. So, from that table, you can see the monies as they were collected and transferred. What is noted is at the very end where Shs 1,122,000,000 was collected and not transferred. It should also be noted that the monies that were not transferred to the Treasury, the accounting officers could not still account for them. When you read the main report, you will find the responses of the accounting officers. Basically, the Shs 1,122,000,000, for example, in Masaka Hospital, which had five accounts where they were keeping public money, most likely, all that money was embezzled. The committee noted that seven hospitals over performed. Accounting officers attributed the over performance of Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) to improved services, and low targets set by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development because sometimes it would set them the targets - they set low targets and increased patient numbers to the hospitals. Mr Speaker, there is something - you will get it in the main report, for those of you who read it; that part of the increase of NTR in public

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 so much, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, there are very many accidents on the roads. Although we are talking about the two generals, it is important to point out that accidents on these roads have increased. On very many roads; Masaka Road, Jinja Road, Tororo Road, Busia Road, Entebbe Road – there is a spot on Entebbe Road, I think around Nkumba, that has claimed very many people; at the university stage. We have seen buses of students - even in town here. Last year, in July - I think it was the 13 th of July - this matter came in this very House and the Rt Hon. Speaker then convened a meeting between Minister of Works and Transport, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), the LOP, I think there was Minister of Internal Affairs - Mr Speaker, I have a copy of the Hansard here. After that meeting, very many interventions were agreed upon in the immediate, medium, and long-term. Mr Speaker, some of these interventions were to do with: 1. Initiating pop-up messages by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance; 2. Replacing the missing road infrastructure; 3. Towing abandoned vehicles; 4. Immediate removal of roadside markets; 5. Compliance with the right-of-way and use of lead cars; [Mr Ruhunda] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

When she came in, from my little experience of being a minister of state in her position, I thought we needed to dedicate somebody to do the direct supervision of the construction of the Military Referral Hospital. I delegated that assignment to her fully through the TMC. She made her last report last week; a report full of wisdom and way forward, as if she was going to die. She wrote what she wanted to be done. We never saw this coming. I looked forward to discussing her report with her and then with the TMC. We segmented the ministry in a way that, for ease of supervision and shared responsibilities, I assigned her to monitor and supervise all Engineering Brigade Construction Projects from Masaka to Kisoro and Hon. Huda from Luwero to Arua. Of course, omugabi teyesera - I also took this other side of the East. (Laughter ) We were working as a team. This Government has lost a committed and selfless minister. In the six months or so, there was no single scandal that we could attach to her name. (Applause) Either defrauding fuel or doing what - in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, it is obvious the consequences would be very dire. The person we are paying tribute to, if we gave her an opportunity to be here, would have loved to hear that she knew God in a personal way. (Applause)

I am the one who removed that one. (Laughter) But it does not answer why it has been delayed all this time. You get somebody from - the one who is answering for UDC to answer in the coming days when you are still here. Now, I would like to appeal to my people in northern Uganda to get out of the hangover of the war because many parts of Uganda have gone through war. Masaka town was destroyed completely. There was not a single building left standing in Masaka during the war with Idi Amin and so was Mbarara; every building was knocked down. In Luweero, we had a very bad and vicious war which lasted five years. Some of these members of the Cabinet were with me when we went to Ngoma, which was part of Luweero. It is now quite recovered.

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

Thank you. Take note of that. Honourable members, now you see the beauty of this sitting. In the northern region, we are going to discuss issues pertaining to the North. When we go to sit in Masaka, we will discuss issues pertaining to that particular region and they must be resolved before we leave. Please go ahead.

13964 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME At country level, vaccination against the NCD and IBD is undertaken, especially in commercial poultry units and we always encourage our poultry farmers to vaccinate regularly. Vaccination against the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is not undertaken since the disease does not occur in the country with endemic status. Therefore, HPAI is the poultry disease that is dreaded, which can cause mas death in poultry. Tests were, therefore, undertaken to check NCD, IBD and the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which was suspected in the specimen that were collected from Masaka District. Mr Speaker, investigations were undertaken by Masaka City veterinary officers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB) veterinary teams. The following were the findings: Mr Speaker, the findings of these teams were consistent and similar, indicating that only one farm suffered a loss of more than 3,500 poultry of the same age. The number of poultry dumped in four sites was consistent with age and numbers that died on the farm. The farm is located in Kalagala village, Nyendo- Mukungwe subcounty, Masaka District. The other farms visited reported normal mortalities consistent with poultry farming. The post-mortem reports indicate that the chickens developed bacterial pneumonia and had foreign bodies in their lung tissues. These issues were caused by overcrowding in dusty and poorly-ventilated housing conditions where poultry was being reared, leading to respiratory problems. Laboratory findings revealed that the specimens were negative for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Newcastle disease, and Infectious Bursal Disease (lBD). In conclusion, the birds that were dumped in four sites in Masaka were of the same age and from the same farm. Therefore, the condition is localised and not widespread. The cause of mass deaths on the farm was diagnosed as a respiratory system infection exacerbated by congestion and dust in the poultry houses. The farmer has been advised on the stocking rate and housing structure with adequate ventilation, seeking veterinary services to improve production and productivity on his farm. The ministry also issued a press release on Thursday, 1 August 2024 to clarify on the situation and allay public fears over the persistent threat to the poultry industry. Thank you, Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues for listening to me.

Masaka?

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for this chance. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, this Parliament, in March, passed a resolution to construct the road from Kafunzo through Kitwe to Isingiro under a pre- financing arrangement with the China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO). The one of Masaka-Mutukula has started because it was under the same arrangement but the other one has not started. I want to know when the Government is starting on that work.

Mr Speaker, what I know is that CHICO is working on Masaka to Villa Maria, then Masaka to Mutukula. I also know that CHICO and the Government of Uganda worked on a pre-financing arrangement. I will find out and see whether the road that my brother is talking about is part of this arrangement. If it is part of this arrangement, then we shall see whether they are working in phases, like starting with Masaka-Mutukula. Otherwise, Mutukula is an international road. It connects our country to Tanzania. That might have been the arrangement but I do not want to - Maybe I will also have that question recorded by my staff and I will come back here next week and talk about it.

13873 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 13 AUGUST 2024 The trucks that carry garbage from Kampala are may be supposed to be carrying firewood but they go dropping garbage from every point. Hon. Abdallah Kiwanuka said that he does not want garbage taken, but they will pass through my constituency; we will also stop you because we do not want to be turned into another site. By the time these trucks reach Kiteezi, they have dropped 10 per cent of the garbage along the way. (Laughter) That is why that whole area smells. The road from Gayaza goes through my constituency to Mukono North. Please find another way; maybe you can ask the President to offer his chopper because we will not allow you to use our villages on your way to Mukono. I have visited two sites of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. They process and turn faeces into fertiliser. What stops you from acquiring equipment to process this garbage that you go and deposit there? That is all that you are doing. Mr Speaker, finally, this disaster that Hon. Muwada has reported here, even when I was the MP for the whole area before it was subdivided, I came here and cried. The World Bank, as early –(Interjections)- yeah, for us, we can only cry; we are not in the Government. I am only surprised that even the Government people cry. (Laughter) It is understandable. Hon. Muwada can cry, but when the minister for Kampala joins him in crying, then you wonder who is in charge. So, the World Bank that sponsored that dump site recommended in a report written more than five years ago that, please, decommission. The minister says, “We have also been saying the same thing”. I do not know where we should go. The point I am making, finally, Mr Speaker, is that, first, I do not think it makes sense to transport garbage from Kyengera, Entebbe – from everywhere – and move in one direction. We need to start – because we do not have a landfill. My proposal would be to spread them – to decentralise this service – such that people on Masaka Road can find a place there and people on Mityana Road can also find a place there. Otherwise, this disaster has killed people, but you do not know how many people are now diseased as a result of the dropping of garbage from almost every point from Kampala to Kiteezi. We may not have done research – maybe that needs to be done. I should have appealed to the Government to do something, but I do not know who I should ask there because they are also crying. (Laughter) Maybe, Mr Speaker, you will be the one to go and speak to the one person who runs this country, on our behalf. It is not only garbage, but everything. This is because once it comes to the time for decommissioning and you do not decommission, it becomes a problem. Even the NRM itself, I think the time to decommission it came long ago. (Laughter) These problems that we are seeing now are as a result of not decommissioning NRM at the right time. We are now paying the price. This is just one illustration, Mr Speaker. I thank you very much.

13875 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 13 AUGUST 2024 Someone should guide the President on what to contribute because when they hear that in Masaka it was 10 and in another place, it was 20, they will think about what you based on to give them Shs 5 million. I want to implore that that be revisited; there should be some guidelines.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. My condolences to the families that lost their dear ones. I do not know whether the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs knows what waste management means. I picked up an interest in waste management three years back when my daughter was in year four and had a home assignment on waste management. I think waste management starts with waste collection, then transportation, and treatment. I want to thank the Attorney-General, for the information he has just given, that the Government has already approved the project for generating electricity in the area. My humble request - we have a problem; rescue those who are still down there yet we already have challenges of resources. We do not have resources because of corruption in the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Therefore, my prayer is: can Parliament be exemplary? You have a budget to move around this country to hold regional parliamentary sittings. I am told though yet to confirm - I know it is very difficult even now, for us as Members of Parliament, to know the budget of this Parliament because we do not have access to it. I am told you have a budget to host regional parliamentary sittings in Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, and Masaka. My prayer is: can we be exemplary and sacrifice that money to rescue the people in Hon. Muwada’s constituency? That is my humble prayer. 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.

Thank you. Honourable colleagues, I encouraged you some time back to go to YouTube and watch Britain’s Prime Minister’s time. I remember in the one we had in the Tenth Parliament and the previous Parliaments, you would stand up, ask questions, and Members complained about it. Then rules were amended to bring these structured answers. That time you complained about the quality of answers you were getting. Someone comes up with a question and however brilliant you are, you need to go back and consult with the technical people, but you expected the Prime Minister to respond in one minute. That is why we have a mix of these structured and oral questions. We usually push harder to take more and more questions. We shall keep improving every day. Next item. MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT TO APPROVE THE ADDENDUM TO THE PROPOSAL FOR CHINA CHINGQING INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION (CICO) UGANDA LTD TO PRE- FINANCE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MASAKA-MUTUKULA ROAD AND REHABILITATION OF NYENDO-VILLA MARIA (11 KM), UPGRADING OF 3.5KM ACCESS ROAD TO UGANDA PEOPLE’S DEFENCE FORCES BARRACKS IN MASAKA, 3.5KM ACCESS ROAD TO MASAKA INDUSTRIAL PARK AND THE UPGRADE OF 28.5KM FOR KIKAGATI- KAFUNZO ROAD

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Pursuant to Article 159 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, and Sections 36 and 23 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 as amended, and Rule 155 of the Rules of Procedure, I beg to move a motion for a resolution of Parliament to approve the addendum to the proposal for China Chingqing International Construction Corporation Uganda Ltd to pre-finance the reconstruction of Masaka-Mutukula road and rehabilitation of Nyendo-Villa Maria, upgrading of the 3.5km access road to Uganda People’s Defence Forces barracks in Masaka, and access road to Masaka Industrial Park and the additional scope of 28.5 km for the upgrading of the Kikagati-Kafunzo road. I beg to move.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We are proposing to introduce an addendum to the motion that Parliament approved earlier to include an additional cost of Shs 64,779,400,239 to cater for the Sinosure insurance component, which was initially not included in the cost estimates for the reconstruction of the Masaka- Mutukula and Nyendo-Villa Maria and other branches, which I stated earlier. The justification is that the costs the Government incurs while borrowing money commercially include; commitment fees, interest on money borrowed, insurance fees, arrangement fees, and a margin. For this specific pre-financing, the contractor has clarified that they will borrow the funds and pay all other costs except the insurance. Honourable colleagues, the Sinosure insurance fee component is a requirement for all equity and debt investments made by Chinese enterprises in projects outside China, with the aim that if the Government faces difficulties with payments, Sinosure will have the obligation of ensuring that the contractor is availed with the funds to continue with the execution of the project up to the point of completion without any interruption. Paying the China Export Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE) insurance component is advantageous because it will guarantee constant flow of funds to the contractor to undertake and complete the project without any interruptions. Mr Speaker, in the interest of time, we presented this proposal to the Committee on National Economy and it has done a very good analysis. I beg your indulgence to allow the committee to present the report and then I will come back to clarify if there are a few things that Members would wish me to clarify. Thank you.

Mr Speaker, whereas I am a beneficiary of the Nyendo-Villa Maria-, however, when this loan was brought on this very Floor, I raised issues about that road, of why not include Nyendo-Villa Maria- Kyamulibwa-Kabulasoke. The reasons that I gave here were that when Katonga bridge broke, people were driving 228 Kilometres from Kampala to Masaka through Ssembabule. And yet, when you drive from Kampala through Kalungu from Nyendo to Kabulasoke it is only 48 kilometres. People were going an extra 60 kilometres because of the breakage yet the shortest distance to Masaka is that road, which is part of Nyendo-Villa Maria. I wrote a letter to the Committee on National Economy and Hon. Migadde will bear me witness. I would like to know whether they have paid attention because Nyendo-Villa- Maria Road is tarmacked but it broke down because of the traffic incurred during the breakage of Katonga-Masaka. Mr Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to know: why leave out a road, which is a short- cut, when there are challenges on Kampala- Masaka Road which is shorter than going through Ssembabule to Masaka and then Mbarara? Fortunately, we are all beneficiaries of that road, which is very key. I did write to you but you did not invite me to justify; tell me, through the Speaker.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I read the report, allow me to lay the report of the Committee on National Economy on the addendum to the proposal for CICO Limited to pre-finance the reconstruction of Masaka-Mutukula Road, 89.5 kilometres, and rehabilitation of Nyendo-Villa Maria, 11 kilometres, upgrade of 3.5 kilometres access road to the UPDF Barracks in Masaka, 3.5 kilometres access road to Masaka Industrial Park, and the upgrade of 28.5 kilometres for Kikagati-Kafunzo Road. I beg to lay the report and the minutes of the Committee on National Economy while processing the addendum. The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has already given a background to this addendum. This loan was passed by this House in December 2023 and what we are handling as a committee is the addendum on the addition of the Sinosure insurance. You have guided that I should begin with number four. Number four is talking about the pre-financing terms and conditions. 4.1. talks about pre-financing terms and the table is

13840 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME [Mr Ikojo] already on the screen, so I do not have to go through the figures. The addendum has a few terms that have been changed, namely the project cost and the introduction of the insurance. The project cost was reduced through negotiations from Shs 691.68 billion to Shs 686.22 billion. However, Sinosure insurance of Shs 54 billion, which is equivalent to 8 per cent of the total project cost as well as VAT on that insurance of Shs 9.8 million has revised the total cost of the project from Shs 691.68 billion approved by Parliament to Shs 751.002 billion. As a share of the total project cost, the insurance cost inclusive of VAT is 9.44 per cent which translates to an equivalent of 2.36 per cent per annum cumulative over the four years. The pre-financing contract between UNRA and CICO has already been signed inclusive of the insurance amount and the condition for effectiveness have both been met, namely: a) Parties signing the contract; b) A commencement letter from the employer to the contractor. The budgetary implications The proposed addendum increases the amount the Government will have to repay the contractor for pre-financing the project. This amount of money will be reflected in the national budget estimate in the third financial year after the project commencement, that is, Financial Year 2026/2027. Consequently, the total insurance cost the Government will pay is Shs 64.7 billion . Depending on the exchange rate, should Uganda’s currency depreciate against the US Dollar, Government will have to pay more than the current amount in Uganda Shillings, since the contract provides that the currency breakdown for the entire project cost is to be 80 per cent in US Dollars and 20 per cent in Uganda Shillings. 6.0 The economic impact The economic analysis for 23 years’ period, inclusive three years of construction for the Masaka-Mutukula Road section shows that the road has an economic rate of return of 23.5 per cent, higher than the internal rate of 12 per cent used in the analysis. Since the economic rate of return is higher than Uganda’s economic opportunity cost of capital of 11 per cent, it is an indication that the project is economically viable and impactful to the whole country with both indirect and direct benefits. Mr Speaker, as at the end of December 2023, when we were approving this loan, the total debt stock stood at $24.69 billion, equivalent to Shs 93.3 trillion, increasing from $23.6 billion, which is equivalent to Shs 86.75 trillion as at the end of June 2023. Of the total public debt stock as of December 2023, external debt constituted 59.29 per cent, that is, $14.64 billion and Shs 55.3 trillion. While domestic debt constituted 40.7 per cent, Uganda’s debt remained sustainable with a nominal value of public debt to GDP of 50.37 per cent as of December 2023 compared to 47.1 per cent as of June 2023. The approval of the pre-financing and its addendum will not be reflected on our public debt records as a borrowing. However, it will increase the medium-term financial commitment of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) by reducing its future physical space in the medium-term by the figure approved by Parliament. 8.0 Observations and Recommendations 8.1 Retrospective approval of the proposed addendum The committee observed that whereas the request was submitted to Parliament in March 2024, UNRA went ahead and committed the addendum as part of the contract with CICO, and subsequently, a commencement letter was issued for the contractor to kick-start the major works in July 2024. This action contravenes Section 23 of the Public Finance Management MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

13842 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME given its strategic economic importance to the country, a commitment was made to include the insurance at 100 per cent of the project cost. The committee had discussed with the honourable Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and got assurance that Government would prioritise payment of the contractor after the two years’ grace period. With this assurance, the committee is confident Government will finance the 40 per cent of the project cost in time to avoid delays in project implementation. Since debt is a service given a priority in the available resource envelope, this means that insurance will only be on 60 per cent of the project cost, which the contractor will borrow. The committee, therefore, recommends that UNRA renegotiates the contract with Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) with a view of reducing the insurance cost by 40 per cent, thus reducing the total cost of insurance inclusive of VAT from Shs 64,779,400,239 to Shs 38,867,640,143. In conclusion, subject to the observations and recommendations herein, the committee recommended approval of an additional Shs 38,867,640,143 to cater for the Sinosure insurance component which was initially not included in the cost estimates for pre-financing the reconstruction of Masaka-Mutukula Road(89.5km), rehabilitation of Nyendo-Villa Maria (11km), upgrading of 3.5km of access road to Uganda People’s Defence Forces Barracks in Masaka, upgrading of 3.5km access road to Masaka Industrial Park and the upgrade of 28.5km for Kikagati-Kafunzo Road. I beg to submit. (Applause)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The project description is as follows. The Lusalira- Kasambya-Nkonge-Lumegere-Ssembabule Road is an existing Class A gravel road, located in the central region of Uganda that connects the districts of Ssembabule and Mubende. The road starts off the junction along the Mubende-Fort Portal Road, through a Y-junction in Lumegere, and terminates in Ssembabule, connecting to Ssembabule- Masaka Road. The road is part of the national road network that links the rest of the network to the west, by the Fort Portal Road, and the south by the Ssembabule-Masaka Road. Mr Speaker, the Government of Uganda carried out a feasibility study and a detailed engineering design of the project road, which was completed in October 2017. The road will be designed and constructed to Class II paved standard, with asphalt concrete surfacing, and a design life of 20 years. The lane width will be 3.5 metres, the carriage width will be 7.0 metres, and shoulders of 2.0 metres on either side in urban areas, and 1.5 metres on either side in rural areas. Objectives of this project Mr Speaker, at the national level, the project objectives are: i) To facilitate the efficient development and production of strategic national resources; ii) Reduce travel time and lower freight transportation costs along the national road network; and iii) Promote equal access to social and economic development across the country, and by doing so, enhance the Government’s effort to poverty eradication and economic development. At the local level, the objectives are: i) T o improve access to goods and passenger transport services; ii) Reduce transport costs along the route; and iii) Improve access to social and economic development opportunities along the route, by providing high-capacity road infrastructure. Project financing The total project cost is Shs 334.91 billion exclusive of value added tax, of which Shs 479.8 billion (approximately Euros 126.44 euros) will be funded by Citibank, and Shs 55.11 billion, 10.3 per cent of the project cost by the Government of Uganda. The Government will also be responsible for any tax that may arise under this loan. The civil works commercial contract was signed on 12 September 2022, and works are expected to commence upon signing the financing agreement. Financing terms Mr Speaker, for the loan amount, I have already stated it as Euros 126.44 million. The maturity period is 10 years including three years of a grace period. The interest rate is six months Euribor plus a margin of 5.0 per cent per annum, of which the insurance premium is 2.25 percent per annum, of which insurance premium is 2.25 per cent per annum. Insurance is provided by ATIDI, or in other words, the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance, who is covering 100 per cent of the loan. An arrangement or upfront up-front fee is 1.44 per cent calculated on the loan amount paid up-front, commitment fee is 1.75 per cent of undisbursed balances of the loan, agency fees

Mr Speaker, we all agree that considering the state of roads that we have in this country, there is need for more investment. When you look at the Masaka - Mutukula Road, no one can underscore the economic importance of that road to this country. Lusalira-Nkonge-Lumegerere Road is equally a very important road but we have to also remind ourselves of the fact that we have undisbursed loans of close to Shs 14.5 trillion. Before - (Interjections) - no, you will come in later, right? All these loans are borrowed to work on roads. So, before we approve, the minister must explain; what strategy do you have to ensure

13852 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME [Ms Namugga] MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION that we reduce the amount of loans that you borrow and fail to utilise? It is a very important issue because this is not someone’s business. This is the business of the country, where we end up paying expensively. Honourable colleagues, we are paying commitment fees of close to Shs 434 billion on top of this money that we borrow. We have so far paid Shs 5.5 billion on cancellation of loans that you have borrowed. You borrow, then you cancel. Mr Speaker, I do agree that we need to borrow but we need to bring the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to order. They borrow money but fail to utilise it. When you look at why they fail on counterpart funding, you need to convince us. Are you ready to provide counterpart funding for these roads? Otherwise, the finance ministry is becoming a very big disgrace to this country. Mr Speaker, Hon. Musasizi and his colleagues must know that Uganda is not dying tomorrow. This country is here to stay. So you must convince us. I agree that we need to borrow money but you must convince this country that you are ready to utilise the money that you borrowed. Short of that, we do not need to borrow more money or else work on the roads that we have already borrowed. Mr Speaker, I agree that for Mutukula-Masaka Road, we can borrow the money, but look at the issue of retrospective approval. Retrospective approval is not allowed. You do whatever you do, and later on, you come to Parliament. Are we here to rubber stamp? So, Mr Speaker, retrospective approval is not allowed when it comes to borrowing. Otherwise, I agree that we need the money to construct roads but we must also calculate and look at the cost-benefit analysis to this country. Hon. Musasizi, you do not have to threaten me. Mr Speaker, the way he is looking at me seems as if he wants to - (Laughter)

Honourable colleagues, I request you take your seats. You have listened to both sides. This is your decision. We cannot sleep here. I now put the question that the motion for a resolution of Parliament to approve the addendum to the proposal for China Chingqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) Uganda Limited to refinance the reconstruction of Masaka-Mutukula Road and rehabilitation of Nyendo-Villa Maria Road, upgrading of 3.5km access road to Uganda Peoples Defence Forces barracks in Masaka, 3.5km access road to Industrial Park and the upgrade of 28.5 km for Kikagati-Kafunzo road be adopted. (Question put and agreed to.) Motion adopted.

1. INTRODUCTION On the 28th March 2024, an addendllm to the proposal to prefinance the reconstruction of Masaka - Mutukula Road (89.5km) and Rehabilitation of Nyendo Villa Maria (11km), Upgrading of 3.5km Access Road to Uganda People's Defence Forces Barracks in Masaka, 3.5km Access Road to Masaka Industrial Park and an Additional Scope of 28.5 Kilometers for Kikagati Kafunzo Road was presented to Parliament and referred to the Committee on National Economy. Article 159 of the Constitution provides that Government may borrow from any source, and the terms and conditions of the loan shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless they have been approved by a resolution of Parliament. Section 23 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015 (amended) provides for approval of multi-year financial commitments by Parliament. In addition, section 36 and 39 of the sarne Act authorizes the Minister of Finance to raise money by loan and to issue gltarantees for and on behalf of Government. Therefore, the pre-financing request was submitted in accordance to the above legal provisions, 2.O Background In December, 2023 Parliament resolved to approve the proposal by Government to prefinance the reconstruction of Masaka - Mutukula Road (89.5km) and I Rehabilitation of Nyendo - Villa Maria (11km), Upgrading of 3.Skm Access Road to Uganda People's Defence Forces Barracks in Masaka, 3.Skm Access Road to Masaka Industrial Park and an Additional Scope of 28.5 Kilometers for - Kafunzo Road at a total cost of UGX 691.68 billion. frM Following approval by Cabinet and Parliament, UNRA initiated a process to negotiate with the single-sourced Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO). Considering the poor state of the Masaka-Mutukula Road, the company was initially requested to submit a bid for this road together with \ 1of11 Gffir)@\ t-\ s F-" t 4^ \ I

the Masaka Access Roads because by the time the approval to include the Kikagate-Kafunjo Road as part of this project was obtained, the project preparations for the Masaka-Mutukula Road were in advanced stages and therefore a decision was taken by cabinet to incorporate the Kikagate-Kafunjo Road section at a later stage in order not to delay the Masaka-Mutukula Road which is in a very poor state. 2.L Contract Price for Masaka-Mutukula Road and Masaka Town Roads The bidder returned a price of UGX 660, 151 ,069,157 f = for the Masaka- Mutukula Road as compared to the estimated cost of UGX 581,922,466,L21/:. Negotiation Minutes indicate that that negotiations were conducted with the bidder with the aim of reducing the bidder's price. During the negotiations process, it was established that the price returned by the bidder, among other items include a substantial sum associated with the Sinosure Insurance fee which is expected to be incurred by the bidder to secr-rre an insurance policy cover for the project funds. This cost was not taken care of at the time of coming up with the estimated cost for this project. Negotiation Minutes further indicate that the Bidder communicated that the Sinosure Insurance fee component is a requirement for all equity and debt investments made by Chinese Enterprises in projects outside China with the aim that in the event that Government faces difficulties with payments, Sinosure will have the obligation of ensuring that the contractor is availed with funds to continue with the execution of the project u to the point of completion without any interruption. tt\tu*J-ur-Ir,r The Committee was informed that in the process of negotiating with the bidder, some commlrnications between Government and the bidder were reviewed. These communications indicated that the bidder offered to pre-finance this project at no cost to Government and during the process of negotiations, it was found necessary to clarify this matter with the bidder. The bidder clarified that by "no cost" to Government, they implied that they will secure funds from financiers to pre-finarrce the project for two years as agreed with Government. This borrowing %E]r l'- ( ta 'fu- age 2 of 11 .AF.J I 4^

will attract interest on their side but they will not charge Government any interest during the pre-financing period of two years. They further clarified that this is different from the cost of Sinosure Insuran.ce cover which is a requirement for all equity and debt investments made hy Chinese Enterprises in projects outside China. Resulting from the negotiations process, the bidder's price was reduced from UGX 660, 151,069,L57 l: to UGX 629,873,668,4061 = inclusive of tzur as well as the Sinosure Insurance fee for the Masaka-Mutukula and Masaka Town Roads. This amount is broken down as follows; i. UGX 575,542,460, L6O 1= inclusive of ta>r but exclusive of the Sinosure Insurance fee. This amount is within the engineer's estimate and the bidder confirmed that if Government has the funds to invest in this project, they are ready to implement this project at this cost. ii. UGX 46,043,396,819 1= as a component for the SinoslJre Insurance cover. Since this amount is expected to form part of the total contract sum, it will inevitably attract Government tax (VAT at 18%) amounting to UGX 8,287,811,42U =. This will result in a total Sinosure Insurance fee of UGX 54,33 L,2O8,239 I =, all resulting in a total contract price of UGX 629,873,668,399 f : inclusive of ta;r and the Sinosu.re Insurance fee. 2.2 Contract Price for Kikagate-Kafunjo road section (28.5km| The approved cost of this road section excluding the Sinosure component is UGX 110,680,000,0007:. Since this road is also expected to be pre-financed by the same contractor under the same arrangement, the Sinosure Insurance cost is estimated to be UGX 8,854,400,000 totaling to UGX 10,448 ,192,000/=. / - plus VAT at 18% 1,593 ,792,000 l: all ffi+ \ rri 6filr6 Page 3 of 11 / f@iln \ W \

2.3 Total Cost of Sinosure Insurance The total cost for the Sinosure Insurance is UGX 6+,7791400,2391- (this includes the UGX 54,331,208,2461: for the Masaka-Mutukula road section together with the Masaka town Roads and UGX 10,448,192,000 l: for Kikagate- Kafunzo road section The Negotiation Minutes as well as the brief to Parliament indicated that the Sinosure Insurance fee component was a requirement for all equity and debt investments made by Chinese Enterprises in projects outside China with the aim that in the event that Government faces difficulties with payments, Sinosure will have the obligation of ensuring that the contractor is availed with funds to continue with the execution of the project up to the point of completion without any interruption. 3.O METHODOLOGY While considering the addendum to the proposal, the Committee held meetings with; i. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development 11 Uganda National Roads Authority ii. Report of the Committee on National Economy on the proposal by Government to aIlow China Chingqing International Construction Corporation (CICO), Uganda Ltd to Pre-finance the reconstruction of Masaka - Mutukula Road (B9.5km), rehabilitation of Nyendo - Villa Maria (1lkm), Lrpgrading of 3.5km of access road to Uganda People's Defence Forces Barracks in Masaka, upgrading of 3.5km access road to Masaka lndustrial Park and the upgrade of 28.5km for Kikagati - Kafunzo Road. iii. The contract between Uganda National Roads Authority and China Chingqing International Construction corporation; -.q, I \ N, ffir".{o1 Page 4ofLL (- @ ttrA,.g Ir pl In addition, the Committee made reference to the following documents; i. Brief to Parliament on the Addendum to the pre-financing proposal; ANNEX 2

The Pre financing contract between UNRA and CICO has already been signed inclusive of the Insu.rance arnount, and the conditions for effectiveness have both been met namely: a) Parties signing the contract b) A commencement letter from the employer to the contractor 5.O BUDGETARY IMPLICATION The proposed addendum increases the arnount Government will have to repay the contractor for pre financing the project. This amount of money will be reflected in the national budget estimates in the third financial year after the project commencement (FY 2026127lr. Consequently, the insurance cost increases the total cost Governmentwill have to pay by UGX 64.78 billion. Depending on the exchange rate, should Uganda's currency depreciate against the USD, Government will have to pay more than the current amount in UGX since the contract provides that the currency breakdown for the entire project cost is to be 8O percent in USD and 2O percent in Ugandan Shillings. 6.0 ECONOMIC IMPACT The economic analysis for 23 years' period (including 3 years of construction) for the Masaka Mutukula road section shows that the road has an economic rate of return (ERR) of 23.5 percent, higher than the interest rate of 12 percent used in the analysis. Since the ERR is higher than Uganda's Economic Opportunity Cost of Capital (EOCK) of l Lo/o, it's an indication thatthe project is economicallyviable and impactful to the whole country wi both indirect and direct benefits. ( Page 6 of 11 @,q +\ l\t .. r lf,ftF - f N t I

cost in time to avoid delays in the project implementation, since debt service is given a priority in the available resource envelope. This means that insurance will only be on the 6O% of the project cost which the contractor will borrow. The Committee therefore recommends that UNRA renegotiates the contract with Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICOI with a view of reducing the insurance cost by 4O%, thus reducing the total cost, inclusive of VAT from UGX 6,4177914Ao.,239 to UGX 38,86?,640, 143 6.0 Conclusion Subject to the obsenrations and recommendations herein, the Committee recommends approval of an additional UGX 38,867,640, 143 to cater for the Sinosure insurance component which was initially not included in the cost estimates for prefinancing the reconstruction of Masaka - Mutukula Road (89.5km), rehabilitation of Nyendo - Villa Maria (11km), upgrading of 3.5km of access road to Uganda People's Defence Forces Barracks in Masaka, upgrading of 3.5km access road to Masaka lndustrial Park and the upgrade of 28.5km for Kikagati - Kafunzo Road' 6€dq Np;:, }D (\ < /\ fifr*n a Page 10 of 11 d3^ \ B t (

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

1 Kayunga Regional Referral RRH Ka5runga Hos ital t6 Lira Regional Referral Hospital RRH Lira City 17 Masaka Hospital Regional Referral RRH Masaka City 18 Mbale Hospital Regional Referral RRH Mbale City 19 Mbarara Hospital Regional Referral RRH Mbarara ciw 20 Moroto Hospital Regional Referral RRH Moroto District 2t Mubende Hospital Regional Referral RRH Mubende District 22 Soroti Hospital Regional Referral RRH Soroti City 23 Entebbe Paediatric Specialized Hospital Surgery Specializ ed Hospital Wakiso District 24 Entebbe Hospital Regional Referral RRH Wakiso District 25 Yumbe Hospital Regional Referral RRH Yumbe District 22

2.3. Dlrbu'.cncat of Flrn& to DLtrlctr The prolcct supports rts operahons at the drstrrct levcl cvery tnancEl year. by dlsbursrng funds to the Drstnct to mplement prolect actrvrtrea through Drstnct Coordrnatron Teams A Drstnct Coordrnatron Team (DCTI ovcrscea (he ptannmg, coordrnatron and rmplementatron of prolcct actlvrtres wrthtn the drstnct tt ls chared by the Chref Admrnrstrattve Offrcer and the Drstnct Agncultural Officer IDAO)/ProJect Focal Pomt Person (FPP) m the Drstnct Productron Department whrch scrv.s as the Secreta_nat for the DCT Each Dlstnct Coordrnatron Team (DCI] compnsea the followrng Chref Admrrusfahve Officer (Chalr), Drstnct Productron Officer (DPO), Drstirct Commuruty Development Omccr (DCDOI, Drstnct Envronment Officcr - DEO, Drstrlct Agncultural Oficer - DAO (Sccretaryl. Officers reeponsrble for productron of the ACDP selccted commodltres $thrn the dlstnct, Drstnct Commercral Otrrcers (DCO|, Drstnct Engrneer (DE|, and Setuor Agncultural Engneer (SAEI Accordrng to the ProJect status rcporl of the Agnculturc Cluster Development P.olect of Jul:/, 2022, the project had drsbursed a total of UOX l9 88bn to the drstr-rcts to support the mplem.ntatron of proJect actrvrtreE The 25 dstncts rn the prlot clusters (1, 2, 6, 1l and 12) came on board at the start of the projcct rn 2O18 whercas the 32 dGtncts rn thc rollout clusters came on board rn 2020 hence the vanatron tn amounts recerved Bclor b r brcrldorn ol ttc fuadr dlrbur.cd to crch dLtrlct r! rt Jutr 2022 (.ubmtttcd by tiAllq. lfrnc Of DLtrict Kalungu Masaka Mprgr Rakar Kyotera tganga /,J s_ ff Clurtcr I 2 CEEuht&rc Dlbu.t.cnctrt (ucxl 442,S00,800 633,887,0O0 468,599,750 s 15,928.500 491.520,0O0 615,798,0O0 J'RI 6

2l 22 Yesu Drt Farmers' Cooperahve Socrcty Lrmrted --a.Fe Nebbr Drstnct q' t2 Cassava Mer Ber "A" Cooperatrve Socrety Lrmrted Cassa 2 ln Masaka Drstnct, the Commlttee rnteracted wrth thc Chref Admrtustratrve Olhcer and other dlstnct and local governmen( leaders 3 The Commrttee also held mcchngs \^'rth shkeholders rn the drstncts vrslted The stakeholders mcluded, Chlef Admmrst-ratrve Officcrs, LCV Chalrpersons, RDCa and other drstrl(t leaders, Area Members of Parhamcnt and members from drfferent larmer benefrctanea' Assocrafuons and Cooperatrves 4 Recerved a number of wnttcn memoranda from key wrtncsses 5 Analyz.d the followrng documents, o Agnculture Cluster Dcvclopment Project Status Rcport as at June, 2022 . Agnculture Cluster Development Prolcct Status Report as at July 2022 . Agnculturc Cluster Development Prolect Implementahon Progress Reports from some of the drstncta vrsrted, and 6 Carned out desk rcsea-rch rn order to back up somc of the lindrn8s wlth facts 4. T rIIIDffOA IND OBSERVATIOIIA OF tEE COUMITTEE Thc Ardhta rnd obacErtlolr of th. Corlmlttcc arc thcncd oa thc fout coallonctrtr ol thc prolcctr. 4.l.2.COf,pOI{EI{t O!fE: Buoport for lntcndncrtlon of oo-hra productlotr The oblectrve of ttus component rs to support thc rntensrficatron of on-faim productron of hve pnorrty commodrtles namely, marze cassava, beans, nce and coffee For elglbte farm households, support under tlus componcnt focuacs on prousron of subsdred productrut-v enhancrng and post-harvest handLng rnputs through the e-vouchcr system, capacrB, bu dmg for target beneficranes and farmcr orgamzatrons and dcvelopment of agncultural rnput markets S-'g' V 1l v

ROID CI|OXEAT U!&r thb coapoacrt, thcrc l r prrt lor rc6oe.l of .cholc., rlon! irrD/EraLct lccoar rordr. MAAIF report d that rehabfitauve works for road chokcs on communtty access roads aie categonzed mto 3 phascs, Phlrc I: ? Plot dt trlct. . Ongorng rehab rtahon works (254 Kml m the 7 p ot dlstncts at 98 6010 overa.tl physrcal progress Works ln l(alungu, lganga. Buguen. Amum, Nebbr. and Pakwach and 1 contract ln Ntungamo were completed and handed over to the dtstncts for marntenance The contract for thc constructron of a bndge m Nturrgarno was ongomg at 55o/o Phr.c II: 2l rollout dLtdctr . The lvorks ln these dlstncts cover 105 road chokes spread over 376 9 km . lg drstnct slgned cont!'acts of whrch 13 had commenced tvorks These rnclude, Rakal, lslngrro, Bushenyr, Kakumro. and l(abale whrch were procured loca.lly by the dlstncts and Kyotera, Masaka, Bugm, Gulu, N!r.oya, Ruloga, Maracha and Krbale procuied cent ally bI. the Mmlstr)' . The contracts for Madt-Okollo and Mplgr were recommendcd for retendenng by the Mrnrstry Contracts Commrttec and were at redesrgn stagc Phrtc m: 29 Ro[out dlrttlct. . Thc procurement process for 145 road (hokcs sprcad over 487 7km rs at contract 8rgnng and slt hand over stage . 16 contracts had bcen srgncd and wcre rn the process of stte handov.r for t.llc contractors to commence works, except for thc contracts for ButaleJa, and Tororo that were strll under constderatron bJ. MCC "ffir4" N 2....< N F .E .€_ t7

!. ,:t|c Ml^(st ! of Agricl4ltwre, A^t na,l l^dtBtry a d Dbrt",tlcs should 24Adltc t E prccess oJ canncc,tl,ng t E p?otcct to t'tw ^atto al gdd ln ordc" to cnab,, lt tcLto .rlttg oI the cqlltprrld, t th4,t rcqul". co rt]z,nt prrEr ln o"dcr to be fully operqtlo'AaL B. ROID CIIOKEA: The Commrttee leamt that the prolect Pas rntended to provlde support to drstflcts to make access roads [t focused on ehmlnaoon of key choke potnts that regularly lmpeded the rnllow and outflow of farm lnputa and produce Such choke pornts rncluded stretches of roads rn swampy areas Selectron of whlch roads was to be worked on was based on connectlons to hlgh productron areas and processrng faclhty and acccsslb lty to markets The Commrttee notes that lf thc rchablhtahon of the roads rs rndeed done as rs spccrfied, lt w l bnng down the cost of transportatlon of produce and generally rnake lfe easrer for the communrtres As reported above several drstncts werc ldcntrfied to benefit from the component by removal of chokcs along farm/market accesa roads MAAIF reported that the road chokes works u,ere ln three phas€s wrth works elther complete, ongorng or conLracts were bcrng srgncd The Mmrstry reported that works rn Kalungu, Iganga, Bugwen Amuru, Nebbr, and Pakwach and one contract rn Ntungamo were complcted ard handed over to thc dlstrlcts for malntenance The contract for thc constructron ofa bndgc rn Ntungamo was ongorng at 55o/o whrle 19 dlstncts had srgned contracts of whrch 13 had commenced works thcsc lncludc, Rakar, Ismgro, Bushenl l, Kakumro, and Kabale whrch were procured tocalty by the dlstrlcts and Kyotera, Masaka. Bugtn, . centrally by the Mlnlstry Gulu, Nwoya, Rukrga, Maracha and Krbale p rocured x M -:h 30

4.1,5 COUFOf,EI{T FOIrR: COORDIIATIOI{, UAIAGEUEI{t AIID ICT PLAAFOR The objectrvc of thrs component ls to provrdc support servrces to the thrcc tech ca.l components and rs responstble for thc coordmatron and management of the proJect at natronal, clustcr and dlstnct level Th€ component anms at - 1 Frnancrng thc rncrcmental op€ratrng costs for the prolccts 2 Undertakmg monrtorrng and evaluatlon actrvltles and tmpact evaluatron studres 3 Developrng and lmplemenhng web-based, gco-tagged ICT platforms for leamrng, knowledge management and stakeholder's fcedback UllIF rct)ortcd thrt rr rt .ruly 2C12, thct hrd undcrtrhea thc followlng: Frvc (OS) ICT systems had been developed and were at the field deptolment stage The ICT sotutrons support collcctron, storage, and drsscmlnatron of productron, chmate, rnarket, and advlsory rnformatron to Agnculture sector stakeholders Ihe servrces offered under thLrs component rncludc, ltrc e-voucher managcment system by MCash (financral rnclusron platform) MAAIF reportcd that thrs q'as berng used to supply mputs to farmcrs n seasons 20228 The e-extensron system Thls enables access to extensron adnsorres by farmers and the e-dEry componcnt ls for monrtonng ofcxtensron workers The Commlttee was rnformed by MAAIF that e-drary functlon had bccn deptoyed rn 16 drstncts The drstncts are, Kyotera, Kabale, lsrngro, Bushenyr, Krkuube, Klryandongo, Masrndr, Horma, Kagadl, Kyegegwa, Krbaale, Kassanda, Krkumuro, Mubende, KyenlonJo. Kuml, Serere, Sorou, Kapochorwa, Bukwo, Mba.le, Palhsa, Butebo, Namutumba, Iganga, Bugvren, Bugrn, Kalungu, Mprg, Masaka ttee, 36 o

13702 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT As I conclude, it is not only about paying the interns, but it is where we are going to accommodate them. Mbale Regional Referral Hospital needed Shs 590 million, the price of a V8 Land Cruiser, which the front bench buys every financial year for their ministers, but we could not provide this in the budget. Masaka Regional Referral Hospital needed Shs 600 million to complete its Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It was an unfunded priority. Therefore, it goes beyond only payment for interns, there is equipment, the consultants who are going to train these people, and so many other things. So, we need to look at it from that context. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, this is a flagship programme. I have seen very many countries come here to benchmark and I believe they are copying our formula. However, honourable colleagues, we still have issues down there, including in my district and I believe in all your districts. The other day, when I was in Masaka – Kyanamukaaka, we agreed with members of the community to see the beneficiaries. Do you know what happened? A young man, who is a coffee dealer and many others who are a bit better off, were the ones who came, yet this programme is for the poor. So, I request Members – irrespective of our political colours, this is our money. Can we go and help our constituencies to own this project? Make sure that you also involve yourself to see the list of the beneficiaries. You may find that this money is going to waste and the target population may not benefit. Therefore, I request all of you, honourable colleagues, over the weekend, to do some sampling. Go to one parish and say “I want to see all those who benefited the other time; I want to see all those who are about to benefit” and, then, guide as a leader. Thank you so much.

Mr Speaker, Katonga Bridge is 80 kilometres on Kampala-Masaka Road - (Interjections) - it is an international trade route –

This bridge is under threat. These are my prayers; 1. Can the Minister of Works and Transport explain why the site has been abandoned and why there is no deliberate effort to fix the important trade route? 2. Can the works minister give us a date when this will be fixed? 3. Can the Minister of Works and Transport pre-emptively work on a shorter route to act as an alternative during the repairs and reconstruction of this bridge? I propose the Villa-Maria-Kalungu-Masaka Road. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have heard the matter of national importance raised by Hon. Bataringaya. First of all, I want to correct the dates. The bridge was not washed away two years ago. It was washed away last year in May, so, it was not two years ago. This is what we are doing: as you have rightly said, Hon. Bataringaya, when the safety of the bridge was compromised, we did the following: 1. Created a diversion for most of the heavy trucks to go through the longer route of Mpigi, Ssembabule, Masaka and then re- join Mbarara; 2. Put a temporary crossing for light vehicles including pedestrians; and 3. Put up a bailey bridge, which serves the crossing of all trucks, including heavy trucks. A bailey bridge is not a permanent structure. That bridge was compromised because of the change in the environment – meteorological changes; the change of behaviour of Katonga River. We had to study the meteorological behaviours of that river so that we can make a new structure, which is resilient and can stand the test of time. We could not rush into re- establishing more or less the same bridge, which had been compromised. Therefore, what has been done is that a contractor has already been identified and given the contract to conduct the new design of that bridge. This was a design-and-build contract. The design was made, reviewed and passed. The construction of the bridge will start around October when everything else has been done. The contractor is not only addressing Katonga Bridge, but will also address the challenges in

You are debating in anticipation. Honourable members, as I said, I am going to read the President’s letter. The letter is addressed to the Right Honourable Speaker, Parliament of Uganda, Kampala. It is dated 22 June 2024. The Reference is: “Budget Reallocation by Parliament.” The letter reads: “The recent case of the Members of Parliament that were arrested for some alleged offences has again highlighted the mistake of Members of Parliament interfering with the constitutional mandate of the President of budgeting for the Country by reallocating monies budgeted for the core sectors of the economy. In the last four financial years, the Members of Parliament have reallocated a total of Shs 3.71 trillion. This is real sabotage. When we reconstructed the Kampala-Masaka Road, we used Shs 440 billion. Therefore, diverting Shs 3.71 trillion in four years is equivalent to aborting nine big roads of the Kampala-Masaka type, or a much larger number of smaller roads. You know very well the important roads that we have been struggling with. You have seen how much the Tirinyi-Pallisa- Kumi Road has helped the people of the area by avoiding the need to pass through Mbale City when they are travelling to Soroti. You have seen how the Musita-Mayuge- Namayingo-Busia Road has helped the people of that area. You have seen how the Mukono- Katosi-Nkokonjeru-Nyenga Road has helped the people of that area. Yet, for the Tirinyi- Palisa-Kumi Road, we used Shs 443.42 billion only. How much happier would Ugandans be, if we had tarmacked the Kumi-Ngora-Serere- Bugondo Road; the Soroti-Amuria-Acan Pii- Patongo-Abim Road; the Kanoni-Mityana Road; the Myanzi-Kassanda-BukuyaKiboga Road; the Ssembabule-Lyantonde-Rakai Road; the Luwero-Butalaangwa-Ngoma–Masindi Road; the Bwizibweera-Nsiika-Nyakabirizi Road; the Nakivaale-Rakai Road; the Fort Portal-Kijura Road, etc.? I have written on this issue - see my letter dated 28th April 2020. The Attorney-General has guided on the matter. The courts have guided, yet the practice goes on. There are three mistakes involved here and these are: (i) Indiscipline in budgeting; (ii) Sabotaging national priorities; (iii) And now the suspicion of massive corruption. I am, therefore, writing to request that this practice stops. As per Article 91(3)(c) of the Constitution of 1995, I decline to assent to the Appropriation Bill, 2024 and return it to Parliament, and request that no reshuffling of the Budget should ever happen again without the input of the Executive. Apart from the legality and constitutionality of the issues involved, there is common sense. Sprinkling money by MPs to get cheap popularity in constituencies will make us lose to focus on core items. How can patriots be part of this mistake? Signed by the President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.”

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.

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;

13424 THE EXCISE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 – they have never seen – they look at Hon. Ssekikubo, but they want to see him physically. If we can have a session in four different regions. (Applause) We are going to have four regions - our first sitting. We are going to have four regions. We will have Northern, Central, Western and Eastern regions. In Eastern, Hon. Masaba will host us. In Central, we shall take you to Masaka. In the West, we will take you to Mbarara and in the Northern, we are going to be in Gulu, Lukiiko Hall. Honourable members – [Honourable members rose] - I am still communicating. After the reading of the budget, the sitting that we are going to have will be in Gulu, then we will move on. Let us go to the people. If we are going to, say, a region like Gulu, we must capture everything that affects the northern region and discuss them. The ministers responsible – so, Hon. Omona, I am tasking you to ensure that all issues concerning the northern region are captured, and you must have all the ministers present to respond to all that people in that region want. THE MINISTER OF STATE, OFFICE OF

-+, ,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

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as UNRA has considered working on Karuma Bridge, there are many bridges that have collapsed. The new bridge on Masaka Road collapsed and it is the old one functioning. So, we need to go deep –

Thank you. The Government Chief Whip, I can see you are trying to practise. Honourable minister, you can hear that many people still have issues. Let us have the Member for Masaka.

Madam Speaker, it is not only in Masaka. The entire nation is suffering from these issues of fisheries and the military. I have heard from the honourable colleagues from Ntoroko who have serious issues there. We enacted a law here that removed the military from the waters in terms of protecting the fisheries. We want to hear from the minister whether this law came to effect. Otherwise, we have continued to see the military everywhere and it has affected our people’s livelihoods. They have been banned from the lakes. Their fishing gears have been burnt. We are losing lives. Madam Speaker, it is important – (Interruption)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The information I want to give to my honourable colleague is that it is not only Masaka. If you went even where the Minister of State for Fisheries comes from, it is still affected; Serere is affected. Thank you.

I have a lot of respect for Dr Omona. The statistics he is quoting, rightly – no one objects from this side. We are only stating that the Government talks about prioritisation. The question is very simple; with all the burdens that we have – we had the presentation recently of the Committee on Health and it said that it needed only Shs 3 billion to put in place and activate the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. If a patient needed to be put in ICU – all the way from Mbarara to Kampala – they definitely need only Shs 3 billion to fix the ICU. But you are saying that we should sit here as countrymen to appropriate Shs 576 billion to an individual?

Madam Speaker, I am seeking your indulgence. As the other minister comes, would it not be procedurally okay to also invite the Minister of Works and Transport here? Because Masaka Road broke down and there are a lot of challenges along this road. They worked on the Katonga Bridge, but ever since they put a provision, they have not done anything. It is sinking day by day and people are suffering. Most parts of this road are breaking day by day, but the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is not doing very well.

Madam Speaker, we had to benchmark and before the Act, we had 10 CEOs from different countries in Africa to have a good law, which was passed here in 2006. Madam Speaker, we had no tarmac roads in Uganda. It is UNRA that has initiated for us to come from almost 1,000 kilometres to almost 7,000 kilometres. The only issue has been lack of funding – (Interjections) - money. The honourable minister knows it very well. Even if he takes it to the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Government has no money, he will not - Therefore, we thought that we would have a bit of time - This would be the time to review UNRA to look into the staff and have a lean staff; downsize it. Honourable minister, take interest in UNRA and be in charge. You have a big empire. I would like this House to give him express permission and money to work on the railway - it is too much work on the railway - rather than running to get UNRA into the Ministry of Works and Transport and we have a breakdown. You can see Masaka Road; the UNRA people are there. By the end of the day, people will have to pass – (Interjections)- it is passable? You can see. Madam Speaker, if it was the Minister of Works and Transport himself having an accounting officer presiding over a big empire, we would not have the best of it. In the circumstances, we are not saints in this country. Let us give credit where it is due. UNRA has done a commendable job, but of course, there are some shortcomings that must be there. However, taking it at the moment is disastrous – (Member timed out.)

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I welcome the idea of the walk against malaria. However, we have been dealing with this killer disease for a long time. As my colleague was saying, we should concentrate on the research. Instead of walking in Kampala and then in Masaka another time, why don’t we nationalise the cause and say, “All Members of Parliament, during such a month or on such a day, go back to your constituencies all over different sectors, hold the walk and sensitise the majority?”. If you do it in one area –

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.

That is why we have always said that when we pass a law, make people aware of what is expected of them. We have all these radios here. Putting an office in Kikuubo or Masaka, a person in Bukedea will not reach that office. But if you go on the radio and start popularising what you have passed and agreed upon, these people will pay because they want services, but they lack information. Yes, Attorney-General. All of you are going to speak.

Thank you for that information. Let me give you a fact, my brother; I come from an area with a long forest cover, not only in my constituency - that cuts across Mpigi, Mawokota, Masaka all the way to Busujju - that whole forest cover was under NFA, and under the watch of NFA where there was a standing forest, NFA gave it to a private tree planter who destroyed the forest with excavators, removing pillars. This is an institution we should have done away with yesterday!

Yes, but there is an emergency currently, Madam Speaker. Traders are on strike and shops are closed in downtown Kampala, Masaka and other parts of the country. I think that even as we wait for the committees of trade and finance to process, would it not be procedurally right for the Executive to talk to us about this situation because it has a huge impact on our economy? The traders are saying they are going to keep their shops closed until their issues are addressed. Last week, we were told that the Executive was going to meet them so that they can share these concerns. That meeting has not happened and so the strike is on and they are unrelenting. Would it not be right for the Executive to give us an update now on what they are doing because if we wait for the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry to eventually get back to us, it might take quite a bit of time. The second issue - so you can rule on them together, Madam Speaker. Last week, something bothered me in this House. One of our colleagues, Hon. Ssekikubo, stood to raise concerns about how commissioners sat in a meeting, shared money among themselves, and how money is used in this institution and you, Madam Speaker, referred to his submission as nonsense. I found that wrong, I found that unparliamentary and with due respect, I would like to urge you to apologise and withdraw that statement, Madam Speaker.

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.

12606 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORTS Madam Speaker, bullet (7) on page 56 is on incomplete construction of oxygen plants. There is a table there, which shows the status of oxygen plants across the regional referral hospitals. The committee recommends that: 1. The UPDF should finalise with the construction and equipping of all oxygen manufacturing plants at all regional referral hospitals; and 2. The Government should provide an additional Shs 1.5 billion for the maintenance of oxygen plants at regional referral hospitals. Unstable power supply Madam Speaker, the issue of unstable power supply is across all health institutions. The committee recommends that: 1. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development should ensure that hospitals are connected to dedicated power lines and charged industrial rates; 2. A cost-benefit analysis of solar-powered hospitals should be undertaken by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; 3. Shs 9 billion should be provided to the Ministry of Health for procurement of power stabilisers for 15 regional referral hospitals. To put this into context, there was a power surge last year at the Uganda Heart Institute. People who were on critical life support machines were left in a very critical state and we had to borrow machines, overnight, from two neighbouring countries, thanks to air transport. When the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development gave us money to replace the machines, we returned them, in the spirit of Pan-Africanism. However, this should not be the case. We need these power stabilisers. Madam Speaker, on page 58, Table 21 shows the incomplete projects in regional referral hospitals. We put it in table form to show you that there are projects that we started in 2017, but have not been completed. There are many challenges, in terms of variation in costs, due to inflation and contractors being on site outside their contract duration, which can present legal challenges. The committee, therefore, recommends that: 1. The Ministry of Health should not authorise any new project for regional referral hospitals until the stagnated projects are complete and fit for use. (Applause) For any exceptional case, Parliament should be provided with evidence of availability of funding until completion; 2. The Government should avail the Shs 79.123 billion required to complete the listed projects. Going forward, all new projects should be undertaken with consultation from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Ministry of Health. Madam Speaker, when you look at that table, Masaka Hospital, for example, requires Shs 590 million - that is the cost of a brand new car - to complete its Intensive Care Unit. Gulu requires about Shs 3 billion to finish the interns’ hostel – and so forth. So, we can start with the low-hanging fruits. General observations Non-tax revenue collections This is self-explanatory, but on bullet (1), under non-tax revenue collections, the committee recommends that: 1. The Ministry of Finance should adjust the NTR ceiling and also return NTR funds to the hospitals; 2. Funds collected from NTR can be used by hospitals to improve service delivery, especially in the private wing, and to maintain hospital equipment.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The way you have guided will help in ensuring that we operationalise private wing services. 2. Private wing services Recommendations i. The budget for private wing services should be enhanced to match with revenue collections. ii. There should be a deliberate effort to support hospitals with capital development funding to construct and provide private wing services. To put this into context, the private wing of the Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital generates Shs 6.4 billion annually and yet we are not using it to full capacity. Projections show it can give us Shs 20 billion including Mulago National Referral Hospital once complete. iii. The Ministry of Health should revise the current private wing policy guidelines that prohibits recruitment of contract staff. The contract staff can purposely be used in the private wing. If you get a consultant from Nakasero, he can be contracted to come and offer services instead of being a full employee of Mulago National Referral Hospital. 3. Functionality of lower level health centres The committee recommends the Ministry of Health should plan to build capacity and equip lower level health facilities to manage within their facilities and this really speaks to health centres III and IV. If we equip them and make them functional, we will not have the spill over that we see in regional hospitals. 4. Health financing The committee also interacted with health development partners and we are in agreement that the health sector should look for alternative sources of domestic financing. The committee therefore recommends as follows: i. Increase in taxes for harmful products such as alcohol and tobacco smoking. If the tax on harmful products is increased by 20 per cent, additional revenue could increase from $95.3 million in Financial Year (2022/2023 to $126.49 in the Financial Year 2026/27. ii. The Government should consider a national motor third-party insurance fund capitalised by the revenue collected from motor third-party collections. If only 5 per cent of gross premiums collected from motor third-party insurance are earmarked for the motor third-party fund, an average of Shs 2.9 billion could be generated per annum. iii. The Governments should consider ring- fencing social media tax for upgrading of health centres and for community health financing as the community health strategy launched remains largely unfunded. We have a community health strategy as a health sector but this has never been operationalised. Finally, as I conclude - 5. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in regional referral hospitals Table 22 shows ICUs in regional referral hospitals. I draw your attention to column 3, that is, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. It

Madam Speaker, about one year and a half ago, this House approved a loan of $ 70 million for the Uganda Heart Institute. Up to now, this money is not deployed. We are paying commitment fees. The Minister of Health should come on the Floor of Parliament to answer. We procured ICU equipment. They are there in hospitals. They are not deployed because of infrastructure. We are putting this money to waste. You are talking about Masaka and we need only Shs 590 million for the infrastructure. We must have our priorities right. Lastly, how can we be a nation without a PET scan? We are sending our people to Kenya and to India because we do not have a PET scan. We need only Shs 62 billion to ensure that this vital equipment for diagnostics is in this country. I pray and – (Member timed out.)

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.

(4) 45 Tour Guides registered, 4 inspected and licensed (5) 57 accommodation facilities registered, 48 inspected, 4 licensed (6) Graded 34 accommodation facilities in Kampala, Wakiso, Mbale, Fort Portal, Masaka and Mbarara. (7) Capacity building of 50 youth in bird guiding and nature interpretation undertaken (8) 212 wildlife import/export permit apptications processed Table 5: Budget allocation to MTWA and its Subventions FY 2O24l2S Source: MTWA Presentation on the MPS FY The overall budget allocation for MTWA and its subventions is proposed to reduce by UGX 43.825 billion from UGX 221.568 billion that was approved in FY 2023124 to UGX 174.743 billion that is for the FY 2024 125. (rev lr, .,{i Category Vote/ MDA Budget Categoty Approved FY 20.2'3124 Proposed 2024125 Approved 2O2gl24 vs Proposed 20/24125 MTIIIA Wage 3.797 3.611 -0.186 Recurrent 22.758 22.445 -0.313 Development 35.64 35.64 0 Grants to LGs 0 1.9 1.9 Domestic Arrears 0.099 0 -0.099 UIIIA Subventions r24.36 81.433 -42.927 IIWEC Subventions 9.498 9.498 0 Development t2.2 7 -5.2 UHTTI Subventions 7.73L 7.73L 0 UWRTI Subventions 5.485 5.485 0 TOTAL 22t.5,6A 174.743 -46.A25 + w 15 ,h& I t-

released and UGX 6.33 biltion (23.1o/ol spent. Absorption of the funds released was rated at 4O.7Oo/o. The low absorption of funds during the half year was attributed to delayed recruitment of staff and the postponement of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE). urB Half Year Physical Performance during the Fy 20i23.124. UTB registered the following key achievements during the first half of the Fy 2023/24: - (1) Grading of 34 accommodation facilities in Kampala, Wakiso, Mbale, Fort Portal, Masaka and Mbarara. (21 Registered 158 tour and travel companies; and 23 inspected and 107 licensed; (3) Registered 57 accommodation facitities; 48 inspected and 4 licensed; (41 Trained 171 tourist guides in national service standards for site guides and owners; (5) Trained District Tourism Officers in the West Nile Region in enforcement of Tourism Laws and Regulations and minimum tourism standards in collaboration with GtZ lJganda. (6) Established skilling partnerships with CBI for enforcement of tourism sustainability practices across the value chain. (71 Showcased Destination Uganda's tourism offerings at 8 international platforms i.e. U Hub Launch Serbia, Uganda and the 25 $ \to Ct^r> \ Aa AE- I t

of Nwsc in UGX Billion Source: NWSC Recommendations o The Committee recommends that Government provides additional UGX. 95.4 billion to NWSC to clear outstanding financial obligations. o Government should provide UGX 47.5 billion for critical co-financing new obligations next financial year. (kf Prospective Donor linancing for Projects under NWSC The Committee was informed that Government is in the process of approving donor funding for various Donor/GoU funded projects under NWSC as summarized in the table below. This includes part of the Euro 45 million additional financing that is being pursued for KW-LV WATSAN. A cabinet paper has been submitted and subsequently a request for approval by Parliament will be presented. The target is to have financing agreement signed before the end of the financial year. Donor for NWSC Source: NWSC tawL <, 37 ( l. Projects Outstanding obligations Obligation s next N 6^ r.SE Total Requiremen Water Service Acceleration Project (SCAP 100) 45.8 25.7 7L.5 Kampala Sanitation Proiect (KSPI 45 0 45 Integrated Water Management and Development Proiect (IWMDP)-Gulu 4.6 0 4.6 KW-LV WATSAN o 15.8 15.8 Mbarara- Masaka-lsinsiro (SWCTI 0 6 6 Grand Total 95.4 47.5 r42.9 Projects Amount (Shs Bnf Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP)-Gulu 141.0 KW-LV WATSAN 181.1 Mbarara- M asaka- Isingiro (SWCT) 266.5 Wakiso West Water and Sanitation Project (!V!VWSP) 8.3 Grand Total 596.9 -l..

t I 5 Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (STWSSP) t2.o 1 6 Water for Production Project Phase II 40.0 1 7 Inner Murchison Bay Cleanup project 22.5 1 8 Water resources measures implemented in priority catchments 20.o 1 9 Restoration of the environment through tree planting 15.0 2 o SCAP 1OO - Umbrellas project (Project code 1532) 25 NWSC 2 1 Water Service Acceleration Project (SCAP 100) 7 t.5 2 2 45.0 Kampala Sanitation Project (KSP) 2 3 Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP)-Gulu 4.6 2 4 KW.LV WATSAN 15.8 2 5 M barara- Masaka-I singiro (SWCT) 6.0 NFA t42.9 2 2 Forest reserves boundary resurveyed 1.6 3.1 2 3 demarcation of forest boundaries 2 4 provision of tree seedlings 5.0 NEMA 5.9 2 5 Wage Bill for planned recruits under the New NEMA approved structure 2 6 Wage Allocation for NEMA 6.6 2 7 Procurement of an Environment Information and Licensing System 10.6 to.7 2 8 Insufficient funds for Purchase of Environmental Monitoring fleet 2 9 Establish and Equip NEMA Regional Offices 24.O UNMA 3 o Procurement of a super computer 10.0 1.0 3 1 Dissemination of weather forecasts *), 0.3 3 2 Revamp and operationalize tlle upper air station at Entebbe International Airport I - Y s' i J 48 il, a -t I ^N, .i \ //' ".T1

Thank you, Madam Speaker for this opportunity, the committee Chairperson and members for the good report. On 14 November 2023 - I am now on the issue of the five remaining cities, Hon. Raphael Magyezi said, “The fate of the five new cities remains unclear after a decision of the court that was delivered three years ago”, Mr Magyezi said, “It is because of this ruling that we do not operationalise new units in the middle of the term.” He said, “It is not about money, but the law.” The same Hon. Magyezi was heard today requesting for some money to start the process of operationalising the new cities. However – (Interjections)- the Masaka High Court Judge, Mr Moses Kawumi Kazibwe, on 27 October 2020, agreed with the petitioners and ruled that the Local Government Act empowers the Minister of Local Governments to issue guidelines on matters in his jurisdiction through a statutory instrument and not by pronouncements delivered at a press conference. Consequently, Hon. Magyezi indicated that the five new cities remain on hold. The Minister did not respond to questions about whether he would be issuing the necessary instrument giving effect to the five urban units following the court decision. The clarification I am seeking is whether Hon. Magyezi has tabled the statutory instrument and the guidelines before he promises those cities to begin in 2025. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I also want to thank the committee for the report presented. Aware that the committee brings out the issue of emoluments for the local government leaders, one of the biggest challenges we have is that of the subcounty vice chairpersons. Their roles are very clear that in the absence of the chairperson, they take over. In the event of uncertainties like death arising, the vice chairperson acts as a chairperson of the subcounty. However, the vice is not entitled to any salary that the chairperson has been getting. Madam Speaker, my request is that the committee takes an interest that if the law can be amended to cater for such, we shall be glad. Two, I got an opportunity to move to some of these cities like Fort Portal, Mbarara and Masaka – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. On 13 December 2023, this Parliament authorised the pre-financing of Masaka-Mutukula Road and some roads in Masaka, in addition to Kafunjo-Kikagati Road, which joins Uganda to Tanzania and Rwanda. On 20 th March, the Prime Minister flagged off the construction of Mutukula Road. When are you flagging off the construction of Kikagati- Kafunjo Road? Thank you.

Mr Speaker, CICO Company is pre-financing the road from Masaka to Mutukula and Masaka-Villa Maria. That is being done because we already commissioned and the contractor has already mobilised the machinery; he is on site. For the road from Kikagati-Kafunjo up to Rakai, we are still looking for money. Thank you.

Mr Speaker, we do not, as the Government, attach your voting patterns to development. Otherwise, other areas that do not vote NRM would not receive any support. We depend on the needs of the people, as NRM. (Applause) I was in Kalungu and I know what he is talking about. In a few months, that bridge is going to be worked on so that we can connect those people from that area to the main road. Two, I already told you that the road from Masaka to Villa Maria is one of those roads that we commissioned recently and it is going to be re-tarmacked. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank Members for their comments, but I would like to make a few clarifications. Who is there to enforce these innovations and agricultural standards? This is a delegated function to extension workers in local governments. If you look at our budget, almost one-third of our budget at the ministry for agriculture goes to these workers. Mr Speaker, we have a low level of extension workers – I think one honourable member mentioned it – and we have been trying to push the number of extension workers up to 8,000. We are at as low as actually 3,500. We need more extension workers in the field, especially now that we are implementing Parish Development Model. The general handling of food in the city and markets is very poor. Those of you who take Masaka Road, in Busega, you can see the road is jammed, because they are selling food on the road. For us at the ministry, we set the standards, but the enforcement is still a problem in the city. It is the same with Kalerwe – we shifted them and I thank the city authority for that – but now they have come back on the road. I think this is something that we have to deal with. Mr Speaker, there was an issue of aflatoxin and mycotoxin. I want to say that people should not imagine that it is only coming from Uganda. Actually, much of it comes in – and this authority will be dealing with both those that are here and those which will be coming in.

Honourable colleagues, this issue of compensation for war, I think, is a highly explosive issue because I am very sure one of the legitimate claims would come from Hon. Nathen Byanyima in Bukanga. For that war of 1981 to 1986 plus the one of Amin, the raids started from Tanzania, crossing over to Isingiro and going through Masaka and Rakai. I think the Prime Minister will need to go back, look at these issues and give instructions to the Attorney-General on other regions. The Attorney-General cannot originate this himself. Otherwise, we are going to accuse him as an individual. Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, what plans do you have for other regions that have not been included? (Mr Angura rose_) Rt Hon. Prime Minister, can you give a minute to Hon. Angura?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am here to present a report of the Committee on Education and Sports on the matter of phasing out the comprehensive nursing certificate and diploma courses by the Ministry of Education and Sports. During the House sitting of Wednesday, 2 March 2022, Hon. Dr Musa Noah, Member of Parliament representing Koboko County North, raised an urgent matter regarding a decision taken by the Government of Uganda to phase out the certificate and diploma courses in comprehensive nursing that were obtained at various comprehensive nursing training schools in the country. This, he said, followed a pronouncement made on 15 January 2022 by the Minister of State for Education in charge of Higher Education, Hon. Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo while presiding over a ceremony during which the Uganda Nurses and Midwifery Examination Board (UNMEB) released results of Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examinations that had been conducted in September 2021. The Hon. Dr Musa made the following prayers: 1. That the Ministry of Education and Sports should provide concrete justification for allowing nursing training schools to train students in comprehensive nursing, contrary to the pronouncement made by the same ministry on phasing out the courses; 2. That the Ministry of Education and Sports should direct all nursing training schools to allow the affected students to pursue alternative courses that match their scores at advanced level and courses that are relevant to the world of work; and 3. That the Ministry of Education and Sports, together with the Ministry of Health ought to develop an abridged course for all students who trained and graduated from comprehensive nursing since they will be required to retrain. With those prayers, the Rt Hon. Speaker acknowledged receipt of this and forwarded the case to the Committee of Education and Sports for proper scrutiny. I request to go to the specific observations and recommendations as time does not allow. Observations and recommendations The first prayer was that the Ministry of Education and Sports should provide a concrete justification for allowing nursing training schools to train students in comprehensive nursing contrary to the pronouncement made by the same ministry. The committee was informed that contrary to the 15 January 2022 pronouncement that phased out the comprehensive nursing course was to take immediate effect, some nursing training schools, like Soroti School of Comprehensive Nursing and Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing were reported to have issued admission letters to 60 and 80 students respectively to pursue courses in comprehensive nursing. The committee observed that some admission letters were dated 12 January 2022 – see admission letter dated 12 January 2022, issued to Mr Ayimana Ahad Salim to pursue a Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing at Soroti School of Registered Comprehensive Nursing, before the pronouncement that was made by

?.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

12226 COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR D) PROPOSAL TO PRE-FINANCE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE MASAKA-MUTUKULA ROAD (89.5KM), REHABILITATION OF NYENDO-VILLA MARIA ROAD (11KM), UPGRADING OF THE 3.5KM ACCESS ROAD TO UGANDA PEOPLE’S DEFENCE FORCES BARRACKS IN MASAKA, ACCESS ROAD TO MASAKA INDUSTRIAL PARK (3.5KM) AND AN ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF 28.5KM FOR THE UPGRADING OF THE KIKAGATI-KAFUNZO ROAD

Madam Speaker, I wish to lay on the Table, the proposal to pre-finance the reconstruction of Masaka-Mutukula Road (89.5km) rehabilitation of the Nyendo-Villa Maria Road (11km), upgrading of the 3.5km access road to Uganda People’s Defence Forces Barracks in Masaka, the access road to Masaka Industrial Park (3.5km) and additional scope of 28.5km for the upgrading of the Kikagati- Kafunzo Road. I beg to lay.

Madam Speaker, you are right – and there are very many hovering around here –(Laughter) - but I represent all of them. Madam Speaker, I would like to seek your guidance on the road they have talked about, which matter is going to the Committee on National Economy. The road they have given – and the ministers for finance should pay attention because Madam Speaker has allowed me - the road from Nyendo to Bukalasa is tarmacked, but had challenges when Katonga River was flooded. There is a very serious road from Bukalasa to Gomba, which is just 35 kilometres. I do not know why they are not including that road. I met the Executive Director of Uganda National Roads Authority. When you look at the money they have spent on this small murram road, it would have been saved by constructing a tarmac road. My prayer, if permitted, is that the road from Nyendo up to Gomba should be tarmacked because it is a shortcut if there is a problem along Masaka Road. When I go to the Committee on National Economy, I will raise my issues. As you seek for this loan, attention should be given to Villa Maria-Kalungu-Kyamulibwa- Gomba Road. It will solve all problems. Katonga is already damaged yet UNRA is going to repair it. Why don’t you work on the same road? When you go to Bukomansimbi- Sembabule Road, it is tarmacked. Sembabule to Gomba Road is tarmacked, save for the work on that small part such that my constituency also benefits. Madam Speaker, new districts with no tarmac roads should be given some attention. (Applause) You create a new district, but you do not give them a simple tarmac. In my constituency, the only tarmac I have is from one Catholic who built a short tarmacked road from the main road to the Catholic Church. That is the tarmac road we have. If that road is given attention under this loan, it would – (Interruption)

Madam Speaker, since you allowed me, in good spirit - Hon. Haruna Kasolo is from that region. He knows the road I am talking about. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga knows the road I am talking about. It is the main road from Villa Maria to Gomba and the distance is small. Why do you go for a small loan of 11 kilometres yet you would cover around 45 to 60 kilometres? This is because it is advantageous when the road along Masaka is impassable. So, do not play with Kalungu, honourable minister.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I thank Hon. Ssewungu, for raising that matter. Of course, many roads are not tarmacked in the country and because of the limited resources, we have to sequence them. Masaka Region has now got an opportunity for Masaka-Mutukula Road and these other stretches, like the one that connects the barracks, Villa Maria to Kitagate, because this is not a loan, but pre-financing. With time, if resources allow, we shall work on that road.

Madam Speaker, the National Resistance Movement Government may have disintegrated, but when you have senior ministers present; the one of health, public service, works and others, and then you have a junior minister standing to say now he is the boss of everybody, answering on behalf of the Government – The Government may have disintegrated because I have seen ministers in Masaka campaigning for “ Pilao” (meaning PLU) yet they are ministers of a sitting Government. The procedural issue I am raising is whether you have been notified that the NRM government has completely disintegrated, and anyone can be a Leader of Government Business, even when the Cabinet Ministers – If you read the Constitution, it makes a distinction between the Cabinet ministers and Ministers of State. It is not a show or a ceremony. Madam Speaker, have you been notified that the Government has disintegrated and anyone can be a Leader of Government Business and answer on behalf of the Government?

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, with the numerous accidents on Masaka Road, the Government hospital we have is Mpigi Health Centre IV. When are we getting an ambulance for this facility because with all the numerous accidents, the Government has not gotten the attention to provide us with at least one? How many people do we have to lose, such that the Government pays attention to this?

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.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. In the times when we got challenges on Masaka Road, Katonga Bridge. Matete-Ssembabule-Mbirizi was an alternative route. Heavy trucks used that road and it was wasted, we can no longer use that road as the citizens of Mawogola. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, what did the people of Ssembabule do to this Government -(Interruptions)- yes, I should ask. I have written so many letters to the Ministry of Works and Transport to at least intervene to allow that road to be used by the people of Mawogola; and it is still being used by heavy trucks. When do you intend to intervene and rescue the people of Mawogola so that we can also do business, Thank you.

Mr Speaker, I sometimes sympathise with my Government. When Katonga Bridge was washed away by floods – all the trucks, including small vehicles, at first, were going through Mpigi, Ssembabule, up to Villa-Masaka, Kalungu. I expected you, Hon. Namugga, to appreciate. It takes a brave Government to have such alternative routes. She was asking about what the people of Ssembabule did to this Government.

Along Masaka Road –

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)

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)

Thank you. Next item. MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT TO AUTHORISE GOVERNMENT TO PREFINANCE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MASAKA- MUTUKULA ROAD (89.5KILOMETRES) AND REHABILITATION OF NYENDO- VILLA MARIA (11KILOMETRES), UPGRADING OF 3.5KILOMETRES ACCESS ROAD TO THE 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 UGX 691,680,000,000

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Pursuant to Article 159 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, sections 36 and 39 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, and Rule 155 of our Rules of Procedure, I beg to move a motion for a Resolution of Parliament to authorise Government to pre-finance the reconstruction of the Masaka-Mutukula Road (89.5kilometres), the rehabilitation of Nyendo-Villa Maria Road (11kilometres), the upgrading of 3.5kilometres RESOLUTION TO BORROW

11333 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2023 of the access road to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces barracks in Masaka, the 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. I beg to move, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Masaka-Mutukula Road is a critical link to the Port of Dar es Salaam and the road will facilitate the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). It is, therefore, important that its reconstruction is prioritised and undertaken before any further deterioration on the road happens. The reconstruction of the road cannot be financed within the current 2023-2024 Budget and Financial Year 2024/25 Government of Uganda Budget ceiling for Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), since it is overcommitted during the mentioned two fiscal years with ongoing road projects and those already considered to commence in Financial Year 2023/2024. Government, therefore, proposes to engage a contractor to pre-finance the reconstruction of the road starting this FY 2023/2024 on the understanding that the Government shall refund the contractor in the 3 rd year (FY 2025/2026) and 4 th year (FY 2026/2027) after the start of the construction works and payments start in the third year after the realisation of some fiscal space to fund the project. Madam Speaker, China Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) Uganda Limited has expressed interest in pre-financing this road starting with Financial Year 2023/2024 on the understanding that the requisite costs of the civil works undertaken will be reimbursed over a period of two years starting in Financial Year 2025/2026 pre-financing amounts committing the Government, which requires it to seek authority of Parliament in line with Section 23 of the Public Finance Management (Amendment)Act, 2015. The pre-financing will be done by the contractor for the first two years (24 months) of the project implementation at zero interest rate, and payment by Government will be done within the last two years of the project implementation, starting in the third year, that is Financial Year 2025/2026. Briefly, these are the terms: no interest rate but the contractor will do the work and be paid at a profit. The funds do not have an interest rate, therefore, they are cost free but the benefit to the contractor is embedded in the margin or profit, which he will get as a result of doing this work. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know the Minister of Works and Transport will elaborate on this but at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), what guides us is the National Development Plan. All these new projects we are doing except for Masaka-Mutukula, which is in dire need -

Madam Speaker, having listened to all those submissions, let me proceed to the observations and recommendations; they are summarised. In particular, the committee looked at the unit cost of the road, which was on the higher side, and made the following recommendations: The committee recommends that given the high unit cost of construction, the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) should ensure that the contractor delivers the best quality bridges and roads in order to achieve value for money. In addition, the committee recommends that UNRA should increase places of convenience on the road, from one to two, since this is an international highway - that is within that cost. Further, given the unit cost of the project, the 400 metres from Ndegeya Primary Teachers’ College (PTC) be upgraded and street lighting should be included in the following urban areas: Masaka urban stretch to be increased to 10 kilometres; Bukunda urban stretch - 1.5 kilometres; Villa Maria-Nyendo Road - 11 kilometres; Masaka Industrial Park - 3.5 kilometres; and Kitwe Town on Kikagati- Kafunzo Road. We are recommending that within the same cost. The other recommendation is on the slow disbursement in externally financed projects but this is specific to - we are considering the Jinja Express Highway that you mentioned earlier, and I request that I read this. RESOLUTION TO BORROW

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.

11336 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the Attorney-General. Now he has worked backwards. The House is at liberty to self- applaud for insisting that it was illegal, irregular and out of space. Therefore, that was the way to go from the word go. I am glad that Government has woken up and corrected the illegality that was being vested on the taxpayer. Secondly, I would like to congratulate the Minister of Works and Transport for finally working on the Mutukula Road. It was a monument of shame to the nature of neglect we can vest onto ourselves on such an international highway that brings a lot of revenue into the country. I hope it will change not only the face – Madam Speaker, it is when you drive through Tanzania, enter Uganda that you will realise that it is a whole new space on earth. It was a huge shame on us. I hope it will lift our image and also enhance the revenue inflow into the country. Finally, I concur with you, Madam Speaker, that the ministries of finance and works need to harmonise balancing. While we are going to work on that international highway, the hinterland feeding into that highway is terrible. I admire colleagues coming from the oil districts; they got oil roads. We, the coffee farmers, have never got coffee roads despite supporting this country for generations; we have never had coffee roads. If you go into the hinterland feeding that international highway, it is terrible. The roads going into the constituency of my sister, Hon. Namujju Cissy – some of the biggest coffee growers in the country for generations – are terrible. The road from Masaka to Kiwangala-Ndagwe (over 60 kilometres) – the beauty is that Gen. Katumba knows so well about that road; and the road going to Bukomansimbi – the biggest producer of coffee – are terrible. I hope the honourable minister will –

Thank you. Honourable members, as we go for Christmas, to those of us who are cattle keepers, there is going to be a lot of theft. Then, we have also heard about the Anthrax outbreak in the districts of Kazo, Ssembabule and Kyotera; so, we should be able to protect our cows from being infected. This is also due to the weather because it is a rainy season – so, there is a lot of malaria. We should take note. Honourable members, I now put the question that the motion for a Resolution of Parliament to authorise – by the way, I do not need a motion because the debate has been done. Honourable members, I now put the question that the motion for a Resolution of Parliament to authorise Government to pre-finance reconstruction of the Masaka-Mutukula Road (89.5 kilometres) and rehabilitation of the Nyendo-Villa Maria Road (11 kilometres); upgrading of 3.5 kilometres access road to the Uganda People’s Defence Force barracks in Masaka; 3.5 kilometres access road to Masaka Industrial Park; and an additional scope of 28.5 kilometres for Kikagati-Kafunzo Road at a total cost of Shs 691,680,000,000; be approved by this House. (Question put and agreed to.) Motion adopted.

11282 SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE NO.1 FOR FY 2023/2024 Public Debt Portfolio Analysis The committee observed that the preliminary country’s total nominal public debt stock stood at Shs 86.779 trillion as at the end of June 2023. This is equivalent to 46.9 per cent of GDP compared to 48.4 per cent as at June 2022. Of the total public debt stock as at June 2023, external debt constituted 60.2 per cent, which is US$ 14.24 billion while domestic debt constituted 39.8 per cent, which is US$ 9.4 billion. Preliminary findings from the annual debt statistical bulletin indicated that a total of approximately US$ 3.29 billion external debt was committed and remained undisbursed as at 30 June 2023. This debt would increase Uganda’s stock in the medium-term, even without signing any new loans. With the growing level of public debt due to its significance in meeting the country’s huge financing development needs, there is need to pay close attention to the cost of debt and the economic rate of return of projects financed through debt. The committee recommends as follows; (i) Given the existing global uncertainties (lower global growth, persistent high inflation in advanced economies, tight global financial conditions, slow growth in domestic revenue and climate change disruptions), the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should prudently project and manage the funding mix as well as review its priorities to avoid escalation of debt beyond a sustainable level. (ii) The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should fast- track implementation of strategies to enhance domestic revenue generation for the country and reducing or rationalising government expenditure. (iii) Acquisition of additional debt should be targeted towards those sectors that trigger export growth and contribute to domestic revenue mobilisation. Criteria for selection of beneficiary districts The committee was informed that the selection of the beneficiary districts was based on the following; climate change vulnerability of the watersheds, poverty levels of sub-regional level and watershed degradation. The committee, however, notes that some of the districts which met the criteria were omitted. For example; Namayingo, Busia, Masaka, Soroti, Kwania, Lira, Gulu, Rwampara, Ntungamo, Pakwach, Kapchorwa, Mukono, Nabilatuk, Luwero, Kalungu, Kalangala and Buvuma. The committee, therefore, recommends that the districts of Namayingo, Busia, Masaka, Soroti, Kwania, Lira, Gulu, Rwampara, Ntungamo, Pakwach, Kapchorwa, Mukono, Nabilatuk, Luwero, Kalungu, Kalangala and Buvuma should be absorbed on the climate smart project due to the climate change vulnerability of the watersheds, poverty levels of sub-regional level and watershed degradation concerns in these districts. The inclusion of these districts will not alter the value chain in their respective subregions. Conclusion The committee, therefore, recommends that the request by Government to borrow up to US$ 325 million and receive a grant of up to SDR 19.5 million (equivalent to US$ 25 million) from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to finance the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project be approved subject to these recommendations. I beg to report.

You see, when you look at the Constitution, it talks about appropriation and it does not talk about the 3 per cent. It is basically English; the difference between the English of Masaka and Kyegegwa. (Laughter) Yes, LOP?

Madam Speaker, this tells you - listening to Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, ow’e Masaka – (Interruption)

Why are you raising a point of order? Does he come from Bugiri? (Laughter) He comes from Masaka and he is proud to be from Masaka. Sit down.

Thank you. I forward the report to the committee. Next? (II)THE PROPOSAL TO PREFINANCE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MASAKA– MUTUKULA ROAD (89.5KM) AND REHABILITATION OF NYENDO–VILLA MARIA (11KM), UPGRADING OF 3.5KM ACCESS ROAD TO UGANDA PEOPLE’S DEFENCE FORCES BARRACKS IN MASAKA AND 3.5KM ACCESS ROAD TO MASAKA INDUSTRIAL PARK AT A TOTAL COST OF SHS 691,680,000,000

Madam Speaker, I beg to lay on the Table the proposal to pre-finance the reconstruction of Masaka–Mutukula road (89.5km) and rehabilitation of Nyendo–Villa Maria (11km), upgrading of 3.5km access road to Uganda People’s Defence Forces barracks in Masaka and 3.5km access road to Masaka Industrial Park at a total cost of Shs 691,680,000,000 -

3.5-kilometre access road to Masaka Industrial Park and an additional scope of 28.5 kilometres for Kikagati-Kafunzo Road at a total cost of Shs 691,680,000,000. I beg to lay, Madam Speaker.

11169 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2023 Possibilities and opportunities have, therefore, been opened for everyone thanks to the Government’s big tent approach. In summary, the space that allows for the emergence of such diverse but special and expression can be anything but shrinking. Issues to do with the November 2020 riots and attendant loss of lives, injuries, destruction and related matters - Madam Speaker, this is yet one other additional response on this matter and all others incidental thereto. Contrary to what the Leader of the Opposition claims, an investigation was done immediately after the riots and a report to that effect was presented to the last Parliament by the then Minister of Internal Affairs. That, in addition to other subsequent numerous responses made about the subject matter, including in this Parliament, I needed to make that clarification from the onset to clear the air. That said, and by way of a recap, violent riots broke out and rocked various parts of the country in November 2020 before they were quelled by police and other security agencies. These riots covered Kampala and Wakiso, which were the epicenter of the riots, as well as Mukono, Masaka, Kyotera, Lwengo, Mpigi, Luwero, Wobulenzi, Mityana, Lugazi, Njeru, Jinja, Buwenge, Iganga, Namayingo, Namutumba, Luuka, Kamuli, Budaka, Busia, Mbale, Arua and Gulu, respectively. During these riots, extensive loss of property, (private and public) and damage to and loss of lives were registered. The destruction incidental to the riots, or directly arising from the various riotous acts, was immense. This included; deliberate acts of arson, or torching of buildings and vehicles, use of stones and other objects to hit innocent members of the public, motorists, security personnel and property, physical assault, manhandling and abuse of members of the public as well as law enforcement officers, staging of illegal roadblocks and demanding money with menaces from members of the public. There was also burning of tires to damage and block public roads and throwing petrol bombs into buildings and at security/law enforcement officers, among others. During this chaos, even ordinary sanctified places like court premises were not spared. Wobulenzi Court premises were set ablaze. Fifty six people lost their lives, including those by gunshot wounds and others whose deaths were through other causes incidental to the riots. The latter category includes those that lost their lives as a result of motor vehicle accidents, involving for example, vehicle registration number UAN 827N, whose driver lost control after being hit by a stone and knocked two people dead namely; Nalwada Kevin and Nsimbe Shafik. Forty six people out of the 56 victims were male adults and three were male juveniles. Forty eight of the victims were from Kampala metropolitan areas. This includes Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono. Two were from Jinja, two from Luwero, one from Rakai, one from Kinoni in Lwengo, one from Butambala and one from Mpigi, respectively. Madam Speaker, security operations are governed by the law to ensure and guide the participating forces on the employment of lethal force. This is ensured through a number of ways, including training, briefing before operations, and debriefing post-operations, as well as dissemination of rules of engagement, which have been distilled and reduced into pocketbooks for the tactical operators. The standard operating procedures on the use of force booklet is attached as Annex B to this statement. These are the aid memoirs to assist operators to make informed and rational judgment depending on the circumstances of each case and the prevailing situation, but mindful of the principles of necessity and proportionality in the use of force. These measures, Madam Speaker, were in place. The investigations done post the riots established the cause of death and injury without conclusive findings about the circumstances of each of the deaths and injuries; save for Auxiliary No.01700LDF Mustapha Ssali, who was charged and convicted for the killing of

Thank you so much. I would have slept badly if I had not used this chance to say congratulations. We are happy for you and Ssalongo . There is a place called Lwera on Masaka Road where some investors came - they looked like Chinese or Koreans – and planted miles of rice. This is a swamp and they are continuing. May we get to know how they got the licence and whether the licence will also be cancelled? They have even set up a factory because we buy rice on the road. They sell retail and export.

Back to your communication, Madam Speaker. I thank you for talking about the patching of roads in Kampala by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). In the same way, in the countryside, there is a lot of patching on the face but the rest of the body is unwashed. When they patch areas in Kampala where the guests are going to pass, they leave behind the other streets and roads untouched. Likewise, the districts which are in corners that are not on highways - from Kampala, Masaka, Mbarara, Bushenyi, Ishaka, and Kasese, there is some attention. For a district in a corner like Buhweju, there is virtually no road to talk about. Be it a Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) road, a district road, a community road, and even the bulungi bwansi , which is done by the natives; there is virtually no road. No one should tell us about the funds released by Uganda Road Fund. They are too meagre to cause any effect in Buhweju. I would like to make an appeal that the districts in corners - not only Buhweju, but those like Buhweju - should get affirmative action. I beg to move.

Thank you. Honourable minister, when you get ready, I think you need to go back and sit with your e-mobility team and come back to us to discuss it separately. The biggest issue with e-mobility is charging stations - let alone minerals and we should not reduce it to boda bodas. What about private cars? I have heard Mercedes and Toyota companies saying that they will stop producing oil consumptive vehicles by 2030. I have read a very interesting report – but which means we should never be scared of oil for driving because it is a very small portion of oil. Oil is used to make very many other things and so, that is not a big issue. However, the issue is charging stations. I do not know what we can do about it when the world is about to stop producing vehicles that produce oil and gas. The penalties are very huge whereby car manufacturing companies will be thoroughly investigated by looking at their carbon footprint and most of it is on the vehicles they are producing. So, you need to ask your people on what they are doing about this. If you put up charging stations or if we could guide Ugandans - because in many countries, honourable minister, nearly every shopping mall has charging stations. As people are shopping, the car is charging for free. These are in all public places such as schools, churches etc. Additionally, even people’s homes, charging stations have been put up though people are scared of what the cost of a charging station would be - for how long can it charge? If I reach in Masaka or Mitooma for example, will I need to charge it again? So, you need to look at it deeply for us to address the issue of the low-hanging fruits in terms of e-mobility and then electric cars will start coming here. Honourable minister, I will give you space anytime you feel ready on that. Thank you. Colleagues, the next item we have on the Order Paper - I have discussed with Hon. Wanda Richard and there are some consultations we need to make on it; I am going to hold a meeting comprising the minister and the movers for us to first address a few things which came in today. After that we shall determine how to handle this petition later on. Honourable minister, I have forwarded that petition to you. I need some responses by Monday so that on Tuesday we can hold that critical meeting to address the salient issues before we move forward. Thank you. Let us move to item No.6. MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT TO ADOPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to appreciate honourable colleagues who have made an input in this statement by way of their submissions. I appreciate the concerns of Hon. Nakut and I want to invite you to read the list on page 5, and you will see that Obongi is not in Masaka. (Applause) So, we try as much as possible to scan the country, but remember that the perpetrators also undertake cover-ups of their tracks. That is why in my statement, not necessarily by way of indicting, I am inviting members of Parliament to be alive to the troubles in this country. I can understand where my brother Hon. Kajwengye is coming from. That is why he will speak in whispers about injustice, but not bring them here and he is expecting me to do

It is not only on roads. Look at Karuma Dam of 600 megawatts, which cost $ 1.6 billion compared to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam of Ethiopia producing 6,000 megawatts which cost $ 4 billion. Besides that, the cost of a narrow road in Kampala is four times the cost of a road in Masaka or Mbarara, without compensation. Therefore, Rt Hon. Prime Minister, it is much deeper.

10715 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2023 2. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. 3. Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Vote 022. 4. Uganda Cancer Institute, Vote 114. 5. Makerere University Business School, Vote 138. 6. Auditor-General, Vote 131. 7. National Citizenship and Immigration Control, Vote 120. 8. Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Vote 20. 9. Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vote 004. 10. Busitema University, Vote 111. 11. Uganda Management Institute, Vote 140. 12. Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Vote 021. 13. Uganda Heart Institute, Vote 115. 14. Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory, Vote 305. 15. Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Vote 151. 16. Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Vote 170. 17. Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Vote 164. 18. Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Vote 169. 19. Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, Vote 175. 20. Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, Vote 112. Missions Abroad: 1. Mission in Belgium, Vote 219. 2. Mission in Geneva, Vote 214. 3. Mission in England, Vote 202. 4. Mission in France, Vote 224. 5. Mission in Italy, Vote 220. 6. Mission in Japan, Vote 215. 7. Mission in China, Vote 212. 8. Mission in Abu Dhabi, Vote 230. 9. Consulate in Guangzhou, Vote 232. 10. Mission in Germany, Vote 225. 11. Mission in Canada, Vote 203. 12. Mission in India, Vote 204-“(Interjection) - I beg your pardon.

10581 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2023 newlyweds and visiting Uganda on their honeymoon. Of course, these terrorists will pay with their own wretched lives. However, killing these wretched individuals will not bring back the lives of these wonderful friends of Uganda, who had chosen our country for their honeymoon out of the 193 countries of the world. Our High Commission in the UK will reach out to their families and provide whatever support is necessary in this tragic situation. More importantly, the UPDF, the Police, the UWA and intelligence services should ensure that these mistakes do not happen again and that ADF is wiped out. The wiping out is moving very well. What needs to be done is to ensure that the remnants do not commit these atrocities. That is why I congratulate, again, the “wananchi”, the Police and other agencies on preventing the bombing of Bunamwaya, Kayanja’s church and the churches in Kibibi, Butambala. There were a few gaps in the handling of these remnants. UWA was guarding tourists once they were in the park. However, apparently, the tourists were arriving and departing individually. It is this gap that they used. Secondly, the UPDF has been using one form of tracking these fugitive groups from Congo, “Kufuata Nyayo” - following their tracks (ekisinde, ekirari). There are more reliable ways of tracking, which we have discussed with the army. The terrorists will be defeated like Kony was defeated and the cattle rustlers that have been killing people in Karamoja and the surrounding districts or those that were cutting people with pangas (bijambiya) in Masaka. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Signed: Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri K. Museveni Ssaabalwanyi.” I thank you, Mr Speaker .

10494 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Despite this stable transmission pattern, the threat of a potential COVID-19 resurgence remains, given the ongoing and successive mutations being recorded globally. The difference is that as a country, we are much more prepared in terms of oxygen supply, healthcare workforce competence and expertise, and bed capacity, including the high-dependency units and intensive care units. Mr Speaker, allow me to inform this august House that the top seven districts reporting the highest number of cases above 30 from January 2023 to September 2023 include the following: Kampala, Wakiso, Masaka, Kisoro, Gulu, Mbarara and Luwero, and the numbers are as follows; Kampala – 1,020, Wakiso - 279, Masaka - 50, Kisoro - 46, Gulu - 45, Mbarara - 39, and Luwero - 30 cases. Uganda launched the COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 10 March 2021 and as of 25 September 2023, a total of 26,471,494 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to the population across the country. Of this, 19,203,485 was given as the first dose, 6,735,177 as the second dose, and 532,832 as the booster dose. To date, 59 per cent of the population, 18 years and above, have received at least two doses of the vaccine while only 6 per cent of children aged 12 to 17 years have received two doses of the vaccine. This coverage is below our target of 28.5 million eligible Ugandans; 22 million adults and 6.5 million children who are up to date with their vaccination against COVID-19. Despite these successes in vaccination, the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination has stagnated in the past 18 months. This is attributed to a significantly reduced risk perception at the population level, and as a result, by February 2024, 72,567,200 vaccine doses will expire. In regards to the Global COVID-19 pandemic perspective, on 4 May 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO), in concurrence with the International Health Regulation (IHR) Committee, downgraded the COVID-19 Pandemic from a public health emergency of International concern to an ongoing and established health issue. Accordingly, the International Health Regulation Committee (IHR) confirmed that COVID-19 is an ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Mr Speaker and honourable members, the WHO made the following recommendations to all state parties: i. Sustain the National capacity gains and prepare for future events to avoid the occurrence of a cycle of panic and neglect. WHO further encourages State Parties to improve country readiness for future outbreaks. Countries should restore health programs adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ii. Integrate COVID-19 vaccines into routine immunisation programs, maintain efforts to increase coverage for people in the high priority groups and continue to actively address vaccine acceptance. Mr Speaker, we have done this. All Health Facilities that offer vaccination have COVID-19 vaccines. iii. Bring together information from diverse respiratory pathogen surveillance data sources to allow for comprehensive situational awareness. State parties should maintain the reporting of mortality and morbidity data as well as variant surveillance information to WHO. And we have continued to do this, likewise, I have just given you the statistics iv. Strengthen country regulatory authorities to support long-term authorization and use of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Mr Speaker, the NDA Bill is stuck at the First Parliamentary Council but we are following it.

10385 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2023 (e) Section l0(l) and (2)(b), (c) and (d) of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020. (f) Sections 3, 4, & 5 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020. (g) The Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction (BOWEC). Question No.3, came from Hon. Godfrey Saazi, the Member of Parliament for Gomba East in Gomba District. He says that: “The Mpigi-Kanoni-Sembabule-Villa-Maria route became an alternative route after the collapse of the Katonga Bridge on Masaka Road. This road contains a lot of sharp corners without signs for speed limits, hump warnings, and other risky features coupled with the absence of direction guides. Consequently, road accidents have become the order of the day, and many accidents have been witnessed between Mpigi and Kinoni. This was brought to the attention of the Executive Director of the National Roads Authority (UNRA), and nothing much has been done about it.” His prayers: (a) That the Ministry of Works and Transport through UNRA installs road signs for speed limits, hump warnings and direction guides as a way of preventing these accidents from happening since most drivers are not familiar with this road. (b) More traffic officers will be deployed by the Uganda Police as we wait for the restoration of activities of Katonga Bridge to be concluded. My response is that the Mpigi-Kanoni- Sembabule-Villa Maria route is a tarmac road which was constructed by the Government of Uganda during the Second National Development Plan (NDPII). The road was constructed to provide reliable all-weather access to the agricultural productive areas. The traffic expected on the road was mainly passenger cars and some agricultural heavy goods vehicles carrying produce from the farms to the markets. Mr Speaker, you will recall that in May 2023, the main Kampala-Masaka Road was cut off by flooding at the Katonga Bridge crossing. The Mpigi-Kanoni-Sembabule-Villa Maria route was chosen as the most appropriate diversion for the traffic going from Kampala to Masaka and other destinations. This increased traffic levels on the road above what had been envisioned during the design of the road. The traffic from the main road, that is Kampala- Masaka Road, also includes heavy goods vehicles meant for international trunk roads. When the Government of Uganda restored the existing Katonga Bridge, a decision was made that the heavy trucks would continue using the diversion through Kanoni until a permanent bridge will be constructed. The increase in the number of vehicles has resulted in more accidents on the same Mpigi-Kanoni- Sembabule-Villa Maria route. Through me, His Excellency the President guided the Ministry of Works and Transport and a team from UNRA to visit the road and undertake a technical assessment of what can be done to reduce the rate of accidents on that route. The team found out that, there was indeed an increase in accidents due to; 1. The lack of signs along the road and faded road markings made it unsafe for new drivers along the route. 2. The change in the type of traffic using the road to include; 3. International heavy goods vehicles which experience difficulty in some of the corners and the hills along the road. 4. The over-speeding by motorists along the road. The Government of Uganda has already come up with short-term solutions to address the challenges that are being faced along this route as below:

10386 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME 1. Continuous sensitisation and enforcement of the relevant rules and regulations by relevant Government agencies. 2. Replacing missing road furniture, such as road signs, and reflectors, and the use of appropriate alternative materials to minimise vandalism and safety. 3. Towing of abandoned vehicles off the road. In the medium-term, funds have been earmarked for road safety improvement works which include; 1. Reintroduction of mandatory vehicle inspection under Uganda Police. 2. Road marking to ensure that the curves, lanes, and junctions are visible to drivers both during the day and at night after the completion of the Gulu Highway. And this will be done next month. 3. Installing humps and rumble strips to slow down the traffic along the road, especially in trading centres and areas that have been identified as black spots. 4. Adequately equipping the relevant enforcement agencies with tools to aid effective enforcement of the law. 5. Strengthening road monitoring and surveillance for timely detection and removal of abandoned vehicles from carriageways. As a long-term solution, Government has embarked on the process of constructing a new metallic bridge at Katonga so that the traffic can go back to using the main Kampala-Masaka Road, which was designed as an international trunk route. Construction works are ongoing and passenger buses have since been cleared to use the Katonga Bridge. Mr Speaker, in conclusion, the Government of Uganda, under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is committed to ensuring the safety of Ugandans and all efforts are being made to improve the road safety along the Mpigi– Kanoni-Sembabule-Villa Maria route. The next question came from Hon. Kaaya Christine, Woman Member of Parliament, Kiboga District, on the irregular boundary opening and demarcation of forest reserves in Kiboga District. Her prayers are: 1. What are the criteria followed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) in demarcating central forest reserves? 2. Why is the boundary opening exercise encroaching on private mailo and freehold land? 3. Can NFA avail the recent survey report such that we can compare it with the affected land titles, with a view of establishing a true ownership? My response is: The criteria followed by the National Forestry Authority in demarcating central forest reserves is as follows: (i) Stakeholders meeting The stakeholders involved are: the Resident District Commissioners, the District Police Commanders, the District Internal Security Officers, the District Local Council V, the District Staff Surveyors, the District Natural Resource Officers, the District Environment Officers and the forest adjacent communities. (ii) Reconnaissance survey (iii) This is a familiarisation tour of the central forest reserve boundary done jointly with the forest-neighbouring communities with the view to: a. Identify all the available survey marks or control extension basing on known national points in the area to guide the boundary opening; b. Identify all the available corner marks

Thank you, honourable minister. I will allow debate of 30 minutes and Members shall use two minutes each. We know the teachers here - Now everyone is claiming to be a teacher. I wish you could be honest like Hon. Opendi who said, “and mothers”. Let me start with Hon. Nyakikongoro, Member for Kamwenge, Hon. Mamawi, Member for Bungokho, Member for Masaka and Member for Otuke. Honourable colleagues, let me first handle affirmative action. Honourable colleagues, if you already spoke today, be it a greeting or raising a point of order, know that your chances are very limited. I am going to allow two minutes each.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also appreciate the report by the minister on fuel, but I would also like the minister to interest himself on the disparity of fuel prices. I do not know how quality is being handled in Uganda because the moment you go for the cheapest price, then you face challenges. Minister, why is it that in Uganda, prices are not the same? Shell has its own, Total – and then, there are some other petrol stations, which you cannot mention here. Do we have a regulatory body that is regulating the prices in our country? I think that we are being suffocated and especially Masaka to Mbarara; I think these people are targeting Western Uganda. I do not know why, because the moment you go to that area, petrol stations are like shops now. Do you have a regulatory body to regulate these business people on prices and quality of what we are supposed to be taking in as a country? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the committee. However, I find the minister’s statement wanting. Other than the reasons he has given, for the general increase internationally, he has not given us the local factors associated with the increase in fuel here in Uganda. Honourable minister, I expected you to clarify on that. Hon. Bright has talked of hoarding. We have had this experience, even with other commodities and at the end of the day, the prices are increasing day by day. This is because the Government tends not to have control over this. Mr Speaker, if there is a lacuna in the law, we need to cure it. We have got the petroleum authority, but I do not know its work. We have the Petroleum Supply Act, 2003. Probably, we need to revisit the law and cure this. Lastly, Mr Speaker, you referred to one of the Chinese companies that burn tyres, but there is also another Chinese company in Maya, on Masaka Road, that buys used oil. They get fuel, especially diesel, and supply it to the fuel stations. As a result, vehicles, especially the powerful ones, cannot ignite. We need to cure this and the minister should actually guide this country in addressing these concerns. I thank you.

Canada, the United States of America and Mexico. That speaks to the changing nature of this game. Beyond being a game, it has a lot of returns to the hosts. I take this opportunity to congratulate CAF for being foresighted. If each of the 54 African nations - if I am not mistaken - is going to host the biennial competition, you need 108 years to be able to do a round robin across Africa and give each country an opportunity. Given the returns that go beyond sports, I think CAF should use this to awaken to the reality that it is no longer feasible or even smart to give this biennial event to a single nation. I do not think it was done because the individual East African nations were less able. I think that looking beyond sports to unite nations is a very good thing so, I congratulate CAF for the insight. Thirdly, the next civil war will be fought over stadia that will host these games and I think FUFA can do it smartly. Of course not every stadium will be able to host. However, like the President of FUFA and one honourable member observed, we can use this chance to enhance the quality of our sporting facilities. For instance, you have not had any haggling about Masaka Recreation Grounds, but you know that over the last two financial years, the Government has been advancing funds to rehabilitate it. Some of these could be acclimatisation facilities for the various nations. The job that FUFA and the Government have is to work around them fast and make them known to all and sundry because nations have the liberty to choose where to acclimatise from. The Government should also enhance infrastructure that will feed into these facilities. Otherwise, the rest of the matters that make us look like the orphans of the region can be worked on, like the issue a Member talked about; our Standard Gauge Railway which is still on paper. Our Metre Gauge Railway belongs to the Stone Age and it needs to be looked at. If the infrastructure around Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area is worked on in earnest so that we do not have a boda boda public transport system then everybody will be happy with Uganda. Otherwise regarding the rest of the politics that comes with it, it is upon the Government to realise that it is a chance to market Uganda, stop abusing the rights of the people, speak to your opponents and sort out the politics that divide the nation. Football, as a universal sport, should be able to unite and draw us closer to each other so that we are not the pariah of the region in terms of accommodating and tolerating one another. Mr Speaker, I congratulate the nation once again. (Applause)

When the Leader of the Opposition was speaking, behind him were empty seats. The focus should be giving legislative services to this country, Madam Speaker. The call to attend this House should be so that when we come here, we add value to the debate and move this country forward. It should not be one-sided. My good friend from Masaka, Hon. Mpuuga, we need to work together to add value.

Madam Speaker, the Markets Act was assented to on 22 May this year. We have started with some pilot - Because we are talking about different types of markets. At Bwera in Kasese, we are looking at a cattle market. In Kabale, we are looking at a market where vendors are already in the stalls. In Masaka, we are looking at a fully constructed market. However, we are trying to operate the law looking at how to resettle the vendors. In the next two months, we should be able to come up with regulations that take into account the various pilots we have looked at.

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

10239 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2023 not received a cent despite the appeal from the Ministry of Local Government that each is given Shs 1 billion. So, I have given a summary that includes how much land is available from every entity, and council resolution and we have also attached the necessary documents and proof of land ownership to show that these entities are ready to receive the money to start construction to relocate but the resources have not been provided. I have given a summary of all these other entities. However, I would like to take us - without going through each entity, because every entity has land, but it is important to mention two other entities, that is Kabarole and Jinja, these are entities that have gone ahead using their locally generated revenue to put structures for the new districts. However, all these projects have stalled because their local revenue is continuously dwindling because most of the cities took over most of the viable local revenue sources. Much as Jinja and Kabarole started construction, they cannot continue now because they do not have the resources. They need to have the money given to them. Now, permit me to proceed to general observations and recommendations to conclude on that so I do not need to repeat those other different entities. The committee made the following general observations: (i) The MoFPED noted the funds for the relocation of the districts displaced by the new cities were being disbursed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the availability of land and readiness to utilise the funds asked for. I mentioned only Soroti received this money. (ii) MoLG has not yet issued clear guidelines for the sharing of assets between the new cities and the affected entities. This is particularly because the conflicts in those local governments are unbearable. The cities and the districts are not working harmoniously because they are struggling to prove who is more powerful. (iii) Whereas the districts and the cities were coexisting, there were cases of conflicts arising from the distribution and sharing of assets as well as the location of the district headquarters. (iv) Following delays by the Government to provide start-up funds, local government through the respective council made efforts to establish new headquarters, find resources, and set up structures. However, construction works for most of the new headquarters have stalled, just as I said, due to a lack of funds; (v) Councils of the different local governments had resolved on the new locations for the district headquarters. However, there are petitions challenging some of them. (vi) Some of the districts are clinging, and this is important, Madam Speaker, Some of the districts are clinging on to assets located within the cities, especially those that were constructed using, I would call it purportedly, local revenue. (vii) Many districts are disposing of property within the cities as they prepare to relocate to frustrate the handover of these properties to the new cities. Some districts even plan to sell off or let out district headquarters. For example, the districts of Masaka and Lira are threatening to dispose of district council halls or administration blocks in the city and use the money for the construction of their new headquarters. (viii) There are disagreements between the district and the city land boards whereby some district land boards refuse to hand over files and are still carrying out transactions on land outside their areas of jurisdiction. For example, in

Through you, Madam Speaker, to the Prime Minister, you are in real trouble. There is no way you can conduct business here without your office being serious because you are the Leader of Government Business. The Government Chief Whip has always been writing; even to us on matters that we raise. We have a challenge along Masaka Road; buses go through Ssembabule yet they are not meant to go through axle points. The prayer I would like to make regarding this matter of fuel is, allow buses to go through Katonga. People are failing to travel because transport is very expensive. They carry only 59 people on the bus. Who can help us since the Minister of Works and Transport is not here? The people conducting transport business are collapsing because people no longer use those buses. Instead, coasters are plying that road. Madam Prime Minister, I inquired with the engineers and they said that there is no reason as to why buses cannot use that road. It is becoming very costly for them to go through Ssembabule yet nothing is being done about fuel prices. Rt Hon. Deputy Prime Minister, you should come out directly and tell us where the real Prime Minister, Hon. Nabbanja, who is fully facilitated to appear here every week, is. It is now three weeks and she has not appeared here. (Interjection) - maternity leave? Where did she get it from?

Thank you, Mr Chairperson. I should clarify that the entire Uganda has only one rehabilitation centre, which is in Butabika. Now, it is so important that we differentiate between psychiatric patients and drug addicts who are attaining treatment. Butabika has two units; there is an alcohol and drug unit. That is not for psychiatric patients. It is only for addicts and it can accommodate only 50 to 60 clients for the entire country. There is no other rehabilitation centre owned by the Government in this country. When they come up with the notion of establishment, the committee chairperson correctly states that the clause mandates the Minister of Health to go region by region or in whatever place, to establish new rehabilitation centres for the treatment of addicts. Currently, if you go to Masaka or Gulu Regional Referral Hospitals, what they do - more so in Butabika, they combine mentally-sick patients with addicts, which is wrong. But because of the inadequacy of resources and staff, that is how our country is operating. I just wanted to clarify. Thank you.

Fortunately, my learned friend, the honourable Minister of State for Defence is there. You must be very careful when you address –(Interjection)– and the Minister of State of course. He is from Masaka, by the way. You must be very careful; when you go to the Penal Code, the issue of insanity and state of mind is very key and someone can be acquitted. Now, with this law, as Hon. Odur is saying, we must be very careful when we take into consideration what Hon. Dr Ayume is saying about treatment and sickness where someone has to be referred to the hospital. You are looking at the crime of selling of these unwanted materials like marijuana and others but you are bringing in treatment, and yet the Penal Code is very clear on the state of mind.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I am of the view that it takes the Government’s commitment. When we were in the budget process, Shs 37 billion was allocated to add value to coffee. Even though it had contestation here and there, it was put under “classified”. If the Government allocated that Shs 37 billion to add value on coffee and he is now coming up and saying they do not have the Shs 15.9 billion to the coffee seedling suppliers, it is very unfortunate. In Greater Masaka, we are coffee farmers. Although a resolution was taken to stop giving out seedlings, I think it needs to be reconsidered. In Masaka, we used to get the seedlings from Masaka Cooperative Union, but you are much aware that many of the cooperatives are now incapacitated; they can no longer supply the seedlings to their farmers. Therefore, such a resolution needs to be reconsidered so that we provide seedlings, especially to areas which are well known, since independence, to be coffee- growing areas. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I went to Kyamagana Boys Primary School in Masaka. My language teacher was Mr Lubowa Ssebowa. I blame him for my nature of expression, and I apologise to the honourable colleague on behalf of my teacher. (Laughter)

9666 DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS ON THE STATE OF THE NATION sacrificial lambs for the PDM; that the project has sacrifices to make in terms of people’s businesses and homes. Road infrastructure Madam Speaker, this afternoon we discussed the inadequate provision and we concur; probably somebody looked at my statement. The road infrastructure is sick as we know it. I have a problem, with the way the resources for road infrastructure are distributed. In our conversation, we need to make provisions. For example, it is very okay, to have oil roads because it is a key sector. However, where are coffee roads? Where are gold roads? Where are the banana roads? I was in Kassanda three weeks ago - Kassanda gives the country a billion worth of gold every day. It does not have a single tarmac road; it is like a graveyard, Madam Speaker. I hope somebody takes note. Remember, Madam Speaker, up to now, the gold miners, exporters and the gold merchants do not pay any tax to the Government. When you go to Kassanda, it is very scary. Actually, I told them that if they look like this when they have gold, please keep your gold, I will keep my coffee in Masaka. I do not need gold in Masaka. If having gold means looking like that, I would rather keep the coffee and no gold at all. I have broadly written about the Defense and Internal Affairs sectors. Our concern mainly relates to our defense missions abroad; there are very serious challenges and complaints. I received a petition yesterday, from part of our mission of police in Somalia, deployed in 2020 to work for one year and one month. They returned one and a half years ago but were only paid for three months. Their money was - I have a list of these men and women. Their money was leased by AU, somebody has it on his or her account. So the concerns over these deployments are very serious. When you see -

Much obliged, Madam Speaker. I will use fewer minutes since a lot has been dealt with in the previous debates. My concern is on the first question from Hon. Zijjan, related to a single sign language interpreter in the courts of law. I appreciate the Prime Minister for supplying an honest response namely that there is a single person from Zombo to Kisoro. If anywhere in between Zombo and Kisoro, there is a court sitting requiring an interpreter, we will have to make an adjournment until somebody travels to Kaabong, Masaka or Nakasongola and we now know the causes of the huge case backlogs in our courts. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, you needed to give the Member hope. As the Prime Minister, take note and inform the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs that there is a problem in the Judiciary. A single person is not acceptable; it only happens in Uganda. When that person is sick – he is indisposed – in one way or another,

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Much as you have advised that some of the matters on roads should be taken to the Leader of the Opposition, I have something very important that the minister should hear it here on the Floor, since it is coming from the shadow minister. Madam Speaker, everyone is aware of Katonga Bridge along Masaka Road. Ssembabule- Mbirizi is the alternative route for heavy trucks now, but the road is impassable- the dust is simply too much. Trucks from Congo and Rwanda use that route. I advise that to avoid accidents, especially for school-going children, the Government should intervene by gravelling that road, not spot grading. I encourage the Government to kindly intervene otherwise, Ssembabule is in trouble. The community is seriously complaining, businesses have been frustrated, boda bodas are no longer using that road, and all the light trucks cannot use the road. Madam Speaker, this is very urgent and so, I could not wait for the LoP to address this. Thank you.

Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues, Hon. Aisa Agaba, Member of Parliament of Bugangaizi said that we have 18 Industrial hubs in this country and that the President recently commissioned one hub; the industrial scaling centre in Masaka, which made the hubs 19 in total. Her prayer that the Rt Hon. Prime Minister updates this

9448 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT House on the Greater Masaka Industrial Skilling Centre. The Greater Masaka Industrial Skilling Centre is part of the 19 zonal industrial hubs countrywide. This Industrial Skilling Centre was launched by the President on 24 May, 2023. I participated fully in this launch because I was present. The hub offers free hands-on training to the youths aged between 18 to 35 years drawn from the nine districts that make up the Greater Masaka Subregion and the Masaka City. These include; Rakai, Lyantonde, Kyotera, Masaka, Masaka City, Lwengo, Bukomansimbi, Kalangala, Kalungu and Ssembabule. The industrial hub is a presidential initiative by His Excellency, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The objective of the hub is to, among others, eliminate unemployment among the youth and change the economic status of the people who never had the chance to attain formal education. The hub offers services such as: (i) Hands on training to the youths (skilling); (ii) Value addition; that is coffee and maize hullers have been delivered to add value to coffee and maize respectively; (iii) The common user facilities are also there. State of the art machines in welding and carpentry. Trades have been installed for common use by both graduate trainees and the community. This will enhance their income through increased production; and (iv) There is a Four-Acre Demonstration Farm to train farmers in the respective regions. This is across the country. This will contribute to the transformation of Uganda into a middle-income economy through imparting skills. The courses offered, among others, include tailoring, hairdressing, building and construction, carpentry and joinery, metal fabrication, food processing and bakery. Currently, the hub has a total of 221 trainees who are undertaking this training at Masaka Zonal Industrial Hub. Upon completion of the six months’ hands-on training, the trainees will obtain a minimum level one certificate of Uganda Vocational Qualifications under the Directorate of Industrial Training and the Ministry of Education and Sports and are ready to be self-employed. The Youth Skilling Hub was launched at Kiyimbwe Village in Bugabira Parish in Masaka. Mr Speaker, this is a great opportunity and I urge the youth to take advantage of this presidential initiative that will improve their livelihood. The second question came from Hon. Oguzu Lee Dennis, a Member of Parliament, Maracha County. The Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program-

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am only going to make comments on about four or five questions. Madam Prime Minister, the Masaka Industrial Skilling Centre has serious issues. As we talk, popular community participation is lacking in every aspect. Government has avoided the participation of stakeholders; the leadership. The selection of participants is skewed in favour of NRM cadres and it is done directly by the RDCs. I am just being a whistleblower. Madam Prime Minister, you better intervene because RDCs are the ones recruiting participants literally. The second one was raised by Hon. Oguzu Lee on the Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers. This is a very important programme but the challenge that we have - Even your response is shy of expounding on what is causing or rather what we could attribute the delays of works to. I suppose you are paying attention to the response. This programme is supposed to improve fiscal management of resources by local Governments, not only in the education sector but also in the health sector. Your response is only making mention of the education sector, not knowing that the challenges that are caused by delays of works have resulted in serious contingency liabilities, even loss of lives and the serious service delivery concerns. I think I should combine this response with what Hon. Magyezi responded to. You dispensed justice to your questions but the one-million- dollar question about these unspent balances, which are even generated by Uganda Inter- Governmental Fiscal Transfers is, even when they are returned to the Consolidated Fund as per the law, why is it that they are never ever reflected anywhere in our books of accounts? When will the re-voting ever occur in time? There are commitments that are made but the re-voting is never done in good time – (Interjection)– Yes, there is a concern, for instance, in Maracha where works have stalled. A number of these contractors have been fully paid but they have mysteriously disappeared. Those that are there are very thin on the ground. So, your investigative machinery must be deployed. Lastly, Mr Speaker, there is this standoff between Uganda and Sudan. I read a newspaper article this morning online, The East African, and it said that 120 tonnes of Uganda’s harmful maize was blocked. Look it up. You know the disastrous effects of such a statement.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. This is a rare chance. The Leader of the Opposition said that we are not involving leaders in the selection of our children who are going to be skilled. When we were in Masaka with the President, I saw many leaders from the Opposition, including Hon. Kagabo. He was even very happy. (Laughter) The other day, I saw my brother, Hon. Gilbert Olanya, very happy. In fact, he was just chest- thumping that this time round, the Government had come up with a very good solution for this country. [Mr Nambeshe] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

Honourable colleagues, we have a programme under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development called Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID). Under USMID, they have constructed roads, which also have street lights and walkways, in Masaka, Mbarara and other areas. So, committee chairman, you will clarify whether you tried to compare with those. They say we cannot compare with UNRA, which is on highways, but we can compare with roads in Masaka, Jinja or Soroti because the roads are the same; same design and by the same Government. The trick is simple – and I know some of you know. On roads, all these contractors you see around have brokers. So, when the entity is developing bill of quantities (BoQs), it makes the BoQs very high and then leaks the estimated cost to the companies. Now, companies start costing, based on the BoQs. So, when they advertise, you find that the companies, which have participated, are costing very highly. It is because they know the BoQs within the entity. Why would a road in KCCA, with the same design, same lights and the same walkways cost three or four times more than a road in Masaka, Soroti or Mbarara? There is a very big problem somewhere and we have to tackle it head-on, whether it means first holding on to some loans or urging the minister to go and even talk to these donors. By the way, they are not donors, but lenders; they like to be called funders, but they give us loans. We have to look into it deeply. I am telling you, it is a shame. There is no way you will defend this before people.

9235 Tuesday, 27 June 2023 Session of the 11 th Parliament and the Clerk will soon circulate that calendar. May I remind you, honourable members, that we only have two years left. Please, go back to the constituencies and work for them. We want to see all of you back in the House. Please, bond with your voters if you want to come back to the House. Otherwise, I want all of you back in the House. Honourable members, on a sad note, in the last few days, we have witnessed many issues. We have lost a number of people. Our former Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Wafula Oguttu lost a wife. We lost the former Member of Parliament for Kabweri, Hon. Francis Gonahasa. He was here in the 10 th Parliament. We also lost the spouse to Hon. Yusuf Mutembuli, MP of Bunyole East. Then, we have had a resurgence of murders in Masaka in Bukoto East, where at least six lives were lost in a single family. May we kindly rise for a moment of silence in their honour. (Members observed a moment of silence.)

Honourable members, specifically about criminality in the Masaka Region, I am happy the minister is here. There is a need for decisive and deterrent action from the relevant authorities so that we restore safety and confidence in the population in Masaka. In addition to Masaka, there was also an issue in Kayunga and a number of places have been mentioned. Honourable minister, you need to follow up that; report to the House on what actions you IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament THIRD SESSION - 5TH SITTING - FIRST MEETING Parliament met at 2.00 p.m. in Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In your communication, you talked about the murders in Buwunga Subcounty, Bukoto East, Masaka. Good enough, the Minister of Security is here. We experienced those murders on Sunday where five people were murdered in one home. The community I represent is in panic and we have many unanswered questions. Madam Speaker, we have a challenge. Masaka is a new district where -

Masaka is not a new district; it is one of the traditional districts. Unless you are talking about the city.

Masaka has been there. When they created the city, the police headquarters are now in Masaka City. So, the rural Masaka District has no police headquarters and we have no patrols. The District Police Commander (DPC), the head of security in Masaka, that is, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) all sit in Masaka City. When this happened, we contacted the DPC of Masaka, but he had to contact the people in Masaka City to come to our rescue. As the area Member of Parliament, I urge the Minister of Internal Affairs and the minister responsible for security to provide –

Thank you, honourable member, for giving way. The issue of the capacity of the police in the Greater Masaka is serious. The division I come from – Kimaanya- Kabonera - has zero patrol vehicles and zero motorcycles. Therefore, I request that when the Minister of Security is appraising this House on the issues of security in Masaka, he should also appraise us on the facilitation of the police officers in that area so that they can respond to the security issues in that area. Thank you very much.

Honourable minister, do you know what happened after the creation of the cities? When these cities were created, the facilities that were meant for the districts remained for the cities. So, the rural part of the districts – not only in Masaka, but in all COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

9237 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 27 JUNE 2023 the other areas – do not have vehicles, police stations, etcetera. THE MINISTER, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (SECURITY) (Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. We extend condolences to all the families that lost their dear ones. On the issue of creation of the new districts – because of cities – the police actually does not follow the district administrative units; they have their own zones. So, Masaka is still served by the headquarters in the city. Regarding the facilitation, that is a different matter. As you know, Parliament is the one that appropriates. We shall liaise with Parliament and see how to improve the facilitation.

We need a report on the issue of Masaka. The killings there are very bad. Hon. Bakkabulindi.

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

9090 ADDRESS ON THE STATE OF THE NATION culprits in the Acholi Region, where I started my upcountry inspection trips. I am coming to all the other zones. So, to all the thieves, be alerted; I am coming. I have already been to West Nile and Masaka. Wherever I went, I found some candidates for Luzira Prisons. (Laughter) The Parish Development Model programme is a successor programme to the NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation programmes. The Operation Wealth Creation programme especially, starting in 2013, succeeded in bringing down the households outside the money economy from 68 per cent to the present figure of 39 per cent. We, therefore, salute Operation Wealth Creation; it did something. Operation Wealth Creation did not only convert 29 per cent of the households from abakolera ekidda kyonka (tic me ic keken), to the money economy, but as an example, increased the production of coffee, from two million 60 kilogramme bags, to now nine million bags. It would have increased to 12 million bags, if it was not for the change to the new model of the Parish Development Model, which people are still acclimatising to. The change was, however, necessary, so that the programme is beneficiaries-owned and we eliminate the grumblings of begabira booka (the government officials only serve or favour themselves). The Parish Development Model is saying, “Do it yourself. Here is a grant from the Government to your parish SACCO of Shs 100 million per year. Besides, the parish is near your home, hence, no more excuses”. This is the strategy of the Parish Development Model. The money is there. It is cheap money given to you; it is yours. Government does not want to take back that money. When you pay back, it remains in your SACCO. The parish is near; it is not as far as the sub county or county or district can be. Therefore, no more excuses by people who want to remain in poverty. Emyooga About three years ago, I launched a wealth-and- jobs-creation initiative for those who found it difficult to access financing through banks and other lenders for non-agricultural enterprises. This initiative has been successful in mobilising the youth and women in the informal sector into productive self-employment by increasing their skills, acquiring equipment and accessing affordable capital. As of the end of December 2022, seed capital amounting to Shs 258.24 billion had been disbursed and paid out, benefitting 6,714 Emyooga SACCOS and covering 1.9 million individual beneficiaries. Whatever mistakes that occur in this low interest, pro-poor people funding efforts are correctable and detectable, if you liaise with the public in your areas, like I have been doing with the public barazas in my recent trips upcountry. Agriculture The agriculture sector, as a whole, contributed 24.1 per cent of GDP. The sector grew by 4.4 per cent in the Financial Year 2021/2022 as compared to 4.3 per cent in the Financial Year 2020/2021. The value of agricultural exports registered a growth of 24 per cent from US$ 1,678 million in the Financial Year 2020/2021 to US$ 2,085 million in the Financial Year 2021/2022. This growth was attributed to the increased volumes and quality of coffee, dairy, fish and tea. Performance of selected enterprises Coffee: To take some examples, the volume of coffee produced increased by 5 per cent from 8.06 million (60 kilogramme) bags in the Financial Year 2020/2021 to 8.45 million (60 kilogramme) bags in the Financial Year 2021/2022. This is on account of Government interventions such

9101 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY 2023 In the cattle corridor - the Members of Parliament were there the other day - you saw people with nice houses in Goma and income, even when the infrastructure is not there. You saw the very bad road, but the people have income. Therefore, every leader calling himself a leader - even these religious leaders, the cultural leaders like these who are here – Please, if you do not see the importance of metamorphosis - metamorphosis is a biological process in insects. An insect starts as an egg, the egg hatches and it becomes a caterpillar; the caterpillar changes and then becomes a pupa; then, it becomes a mature butterfly. In biology, it is called “metamorphosis.” That is the same thing with society. We must be clear that we work for social metamorphosis of African societies because that is where the problem is. The middle class women who live in the town here do not carry children on their back -(Laughter) Mama Janet has never carried children on her back. Even when we were in exile, we were pushing our children in these small “ wheelbarrows” -(Laughter). You have got a few people where the children are being pushed in those small - whatever they are - those motor vehicles. They have piped water and use gas cookers and electric cookers. Then, you have your people blowing into the fire -(Laughter)- this is not acceptable. It is a betrayal and we say that we are leaders, “Your Excellency, right honourable…” (Laughter ) You cannot have peasants producing younger peasants on increasingly fragmented agricultural plots and think that you are not an enemy of your country, if as a leader, you do not see this and combat it. You should not be leaders into futurelessness to our people. You can see, in Latin America, people are running away. They walk on foot to go to America and yet Latin America is one of the richest parts of the world in terms of natural resources, but the problem is the leadership. In the United States of America, they had leaders who could think about how to transform their country while in South America, they are busy with other things. Africa should not be like that. Education I am about to conclude; so, do not worry. I have another 10 pages or something -(Laughter)- because you are the ones who invited me. The NRM Government introduced UPE and USE programmes in order to ensure that no child of school-going age misses out on schooling, on account of school fees. These programmes were created to provide free education, especially for the poor families that cannot afford to pay the school fees. It is, therefore, unacceptable for school authorities to demand fees from the poor parents. The Government will not tolerate this practice. Education must be totally free in Government schools. The local leaders must enforce this when we give them renewed orders after an internal review, to find out the obstacles hitherto. We are going to review and issue fresh orders. Once these fresh orders are given, please, I do not expect any deviation from what we shall tell you to do. The literacy rate is currently 76 per cent while overall, school enrolment is at 85 per cent. The demand for free primary and secondary education has increased significantly, which is overwhelming the current education infrastructure. Part of the problem is that private schools have increased school fees, making Government schools more attractive. To meet the increase in demand for free education, the Government is now rehabilitating the primary schools and the traditional Government secondary schools. These include 18 secondary schools such as: 1. St Peter’s College, Tororo; 2. St Henry’s College, Masaka; 3. Mvara Secondary School, Arua; 4. Nabisunsa Girls’ Secondary School Kampala; 5. Kabalega Secondary School, Masindi;

Mothers definitely suffer a lot. Though fathers care, it is not to the extent of the mothers. I agree that there are those fathers who come out to help. Mr Speaker, can we agree that the health budget should not be cut. We have seen the current half-year performance; money was not released for the Ministry of Health to full capacity. I think the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should release money for health 100 per cent. We can compromise other areas, but not health. In the central region, we still have issues. Come to Greater Masaka; Masaka Regional Referral Hospital – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the Government of Uganda and the President for the Mpigi- Kanoni-Maddu-Sembabule-Villa Maria road. It eased communication in Gomba and often acts as an alternative route like during the Christmas Season when traffic is high on the Kampala-Masaka road. I am concerned about the very high density of traffic in the form of big buses, trailers, omnibuses and personal vehicles. The road has several corners and the new users are just getting to understand the shape and condition of the road. There is a lot of reckless driving, overspeeding even in the corners, trailers overtaking other trailers and yet they are slow. People are losing lives almost every day and schools are about to begin. I fear that as people are crossing the road, they may lose their lives. There is increased human activity in our district and new people are coming into the district. So, we have both positive and negative things that have been happening. The positive ones: increased business and increased travel, but the negative ones: increased deaths on the roads, and breaking of traffic rules and regulations. My prayer: I would like the intervention of a joint agency team comprising the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Roads Authority (UNRA), Uganda Police Force and Gomba District officials and other relevant stakeholders. I also request for temporary zebra crossing and weighbridges. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. On 12 May, Katonga Bridge was wiped away from the Kampala-Masaka [Ms Opendi] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

8792 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT carry out an on-spot assessment of what we are talking about so that people are relieved from spending a lot of money? Otherwise, they are moving up to 200 kilometers, yet this journey is only 45 kilometres to Masaka. Mr Speaker, whether you like it or not, from Lwera on Masaka Road, the breakages will still take place. The main interest should be on the road from Kabulasoke to Masaka, which is the shortest route.

Mr Speaker, I totally appreciate the challenges faced by the people plying that route. However, I would like to seek your indulgence that we do not just rush to put these structures back. Tomorrow, if we have a big accident, it will be another problem. For example, there is no way we are going to wash away the water. Until the volume of the water subsides, we may not be able to do much. That is why we are taking caution. We are doing a study to see how much we can do in the circumstances. It is a natural calamity; it is not a wish. In terms of trying to alleviate the transport challenges, we have provided an alternative route for people travelling from Masaka to Bukakata Road, which costs just Shs 5,000 and it is 30 kilometres. You can also board a ferry that brings you to Nakiwogo at Shs 15,000, especially for the children who are going back to school this weekend. We are putting that provision to enable children from Masaka and beyond and from Kampala heading to that direction to use that as an alternative route.

Mr Speaker, reading from where I had stopped, the staff of State House provide the necessary logistical and technical support for efficient and effective operations of the Presidency. State House, in turn, provides the necessary facilitation for the staff to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This is the mandate which informs the budgetary allocations across the various items. For instance, to explain what has been in the media as to whether the President, in State House, consumes Shs 500 million, we want to clarify that the expenditure on this electricity consumption is addressed to Entebbe State House, Nakasero State Lodge, the Vice- President’s residence and 23 upcountry state lodges distributed in the various parts of the country including Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, Bardege in Gulu, Arua, Masindi, Luwero, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Fort Portal, Kisozi, Masaka, Bushenyi, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro, Kapchorwa, Ngoma, Kawumu, Mayuge, and Buvuma and five administrative office blocks that support State House and many other forms of infrastructure. In the media, there has also been a discussion as to whether the President spends Shs 350 million per year to buy clothing. Our President is one of the smartest presidents according to us who see him regularly. I just want to clarify that the item that appears under the State House Budget on beddings, clothing and footwear is meant to cover the protective gear for support staff, beddings for the state lodges, which I have read, the curtains, the various linens for furniture and State House functions as well as uniforms for staff as need arises. The categories of staff include drivers, housekeepers, caterers, kitchen staff, cleaners and the regular office staff. The State House also supports skilling programmes where you have seen young people who are skilled in various vocational skills and it usually provides uniforms. Therefore, this is to dispel the misinformation that the budget caters for clothing the President. Rather, it facilitates all these functions that I have explained. I could go on and on but that is the point I wanted to make, Mr Speaker. I hope this information clarifies the issues to do with budgeting for State House and states proper the record on the Hansard of this House. I want to appeal to all of us that we should always desist from raising sensational and unsubstantiated information, which misleads the public. I beg to move, Mr Speaker, and I thank you. (Mr Ssemujju rose_)

I put the question that Shs 11,465,196,000 be provided for under Vote 408: Kabale Regional Referral Hospital as recurrent expenditure for Financial Year 2023/2024. (Question put and agreed to.) Vote 409: Masaka Regional Referral Hospital

I put the question that Shs 10,577,567,000 be provided for under Vote 409: Masaka Regional Referral Hospital as recurrent expenditure for Financial Year 2023/2024. (Question put and agreed to.) Vote 410: Mbale 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

In Jesus’ name, it will not come to Bukedea. (Laughter) Bukedea is too far. Government, the issue of what was happening in Masaka has now gone to Kayunga and the next day, it will go to your constituency.

Honourable members, as I have already said, we must consider the issue of roads. Masaka Road is completely cut off and it is a big concern for all of us. As leaders, we should walk the talk. We may not have the money but we must budget for it. Where it will come from will be the Government’s responsibility. IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament SECOND SESSION - 37TH SITTING - THIRD MEETING Parliament met at 9.58 a.m. in Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Annet Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Honourable members, I welcome you to this morning’s sitting. This sitting is purposely meant for us to finish the Budget and the outstanding business for this session. Section 14(1) of the Public Finance Management Act and rules 151(6) and 152(2) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament grant us timelines for the passing of the Budget. As custodians of the law, it is upon us to make sure that we follow the law to the letter. That is why we have this morning sitting. Honourable members, you have been seeing on social media and everywhere what is happening with the rains. The roads are cut off; Katonga is cut off and you cannot go to Masaka. The whole country is awash with what is happening with the rains. Communities are cut off and they cannot travel. Yesterday, the Deputy Speaker went to Bushenyi and he had to use the longest route; an additional 182 kilometres. It is terrible. As we do the budgeting, we must consider the issue of roads. The roads must be worked

Yes, it is related to your Communication from the Chair. Madam Speaker, we mourn with the people of Greater Masaka and Greater Mpigi most especially the traders, families and so forth. Madam Speaker, it is purely discipline –

Actually, I want to tell the Members that it is not only Masaka; the whole country is in problems. That is why I am saying I want the minister to come and give us an explanation on his way forward.

Madam Speaker, that is where I am going. Masaka should be an eye-opener; it is a time bomb to the whole of Uganda. What is happening in Masaka is purely a matter of people encroaching on nature. Wetlands have been encroached on; it is a time bomb all over Uganda. Madam Speaker, we have National Environment Management Authority, the entity that is supposed to protect wetlands and the environment in this country. When it comes to appropriation, we give such entities “peanuts.” How I wish, in the minister’s communication, one of the ways forward would be about empowering NEMA for it to effectively protect the environment, wetlands and so on. Otherwise, what is happening there is purely encroachment on nature. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, while I want to thank you for the guidance that Government should come up with a statement on the roads, allow me to say that the route to Masaka is a connection to four nations that trade with this country. That route connects Uganda to Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, right now, we are cut off. In addition, in the Greater Masaka area and specifically Hon. Katabaazi’s constituency, people use canoes to cross over and the people’s livelihood relies on what they sell by the roadside; fish and farming products. If the Rt Hon. Speaker can allow, Hon. Katabaazi would like to give information – (Interruption)

I would like to thank Dr Abed Bwanika. Madam Speaker, this is actually a matter of urgent national importance because today, my constituency has been cut off from the rest of Uganda, if I may say so. Even the alternative route, including Hon. Ssewungu’s constituency - We are on an island at the moment because it is further to go to Lukaya now than to Masaka. [The Speaker] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Madam Speaker, I would like to request that when the minister responds, he or she specifically guides the nation on the response of the Government in view of Katonga–Masaka-Kampala Road specifically so that we open up trade in that area. Thank you.

8636 THE TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2023 and they said they were safe. I never knew that gentleman very well. Madam Speaker, with your indulgence, we pray that the Minister of Internal Affairs comes here and gives us a comprehensive statement on what exactly is happening. When you listen to the spokespersons of police, Mr Enanga and his friend, Mr Onyango, one sheds tears out of pain because they give a lot of misleading information. Recently, following Jajja Ichuli’s death, Mr Enanga said that the killer had a pistol and a gun. If he had both then you know him. Why don’t you apprehend him? Such questions are valid. This business of giving misleading information will not solve the problems of killings in this country. Even the security organs that have been put in place by private developers are doing the same. Madam Speaker, I pray, with your power and indulgence, that you ask the Minister of Internal Affairs to come and give us a comprehensive statement and that the Committee of Defence and Internal Affairs handles this matter comprehensively because, as you said, Madam Speaker, none of us is safe. As I conclude, regarding the issue of Masaka Road, we had the Executive Director, Ms Allen Kagina and the Minister of State for Water and Environment in the area. The short cut, like my honourable colleague stated, is around Kalungu. Again, River Katonga crosses the same area, but that bridge is also broken. When we went there with the Executive Director, she said that she never knew there was a road as short as that going to Masaka. Now, people are suffering because they have refused to work on the road from Bukalasa to Kabulasoke, which is around 45 kilometres. That would save people from going through Ssembabule to Mbarara and other parts of the country – (Interjection) - Let me conclude. Madam Speaker has given me room. The issue -

Thank you, honourable colleague, for giving way and I thank you, Madam Speaker. The alternative route is Ssembabule -Mbirizi. From Kampala to Masaka, the route is 120 kilometres. From Kampala through Mpigi - Gomba to Ssembabule Town is 146 kilometres. The alternative route would have been Ssembabule - Mbirizi; that is a distance of 36 kilometres from Ssembabule Town to Mbirizi. When you get to Ssembabule Town, you are diverted through Bukomansimbi back to Masaka. For those of you who can look at that route, it gives you an additional 80 kilometres. Therefore, economically, it is not viable and this will get back to the common user of commodities because they are going to be automatically expensive since that is the route used for trade. I know it is raining but can we have graders on Ssembabule-Mbirizi road to divert traffic from Bukomansimbi to Masaka and then to the western region? I would like to appeal to the House to recommend that all machines in Uganda should go to Ssembabule-Mbirizi road. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, we will update the House on the actions taken on the report which was made by the 10 th Parliament. If there are any issues raised in this House by the 11 th Parliament on the same subject - On the issue of Masaka road, Kisoro road and other areas which have been affected, I would like to inform the House that as we wait for a comprehensive statement from the Ministry of Works and Transport and other departments like NEMA, the Prime Minister has convened meetings to discuss ways in which we can arrest the situation, including meeting with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Ministry of Works and Transport. I would like to inform the House that we have raised some resources to support UNRA and the Ministry of Works and Transport to look at the best possible way of ensuring that the people on that route access their areas in the shortest possible time. Otherwise, the works ministry and the Ministry of Water and Environment will make a statement tomorrow to this House.

Madam Speaker, with what is happening on Masaka road, the immediate intervention would be around Katonga through Kabulasoke. That is the only way you can work on that road. Otherwise, the other journey is very far yet there is business. I pray that the team looks at Katonga in Lwabenge as you come to Kalungu. That is the only solution. Otherwise, people are suffering. Madam Speaker, we need to pay attention to Masaka road because all the companies that had been working on it did not pay attention to that bridge. Therefore, can we focus all our attention on the bridges in the different districts where they are constructing new roads? These people stole money and left that bridge saying it was very strong and built by the colonialists yet it broke at once. They stole money, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Since I come from the greater Masaka, I cannot hesitate to speak about the road issue and specifically the quality of the contractors that work on those roads. Madam Speaker, that bridge was rehabilitated – I think – in 2018 but it has been washed away. That is the same reason why you see the roads in Kampala – Recently, the potholes on Kampala roads were filled with soil. When the rains came, they washed the soil away and now we have fresh potholes. Madam Speaker, the contractors need to do the best quality work like the colonialists did. Otherwise -

How do you know that you have a vehicle, land or other assets? You need to have an asset register that is updated regularly. When you dispose of an asset, it must be reflected in the asset register. So, some of the things are a problem. There is also the issue of poor local revenue collection. You will find that collections are too little in most of these local governments, yet at the same time, that is the money supposed to be used for most of these projects. However, at the same time, these people collect Non- Tax Revenue (NTR) but the finance ministry takes it. When the local governments ask for money, they are not given. We really have a problem on this with the finance ministry because it takes long to release funds. You find that garbage in Soroti is too much but you cannot even provide them with just one truck to collect the garbage, yet they have collected funds, given to you but you cannot send back the money. The local governments need to improve on capacity building of their members; people working with them. The Parish Development Model has been taken there but it is like a white elephant. The money is not being utilised; it is just given out. I think our people are making accountability. Payroll management and the accounting officers that we have are still a problem. If we have accounting officers that are not performing, why don’t we sack them? Even as Members of Parliament, when we do not perform, we are removed, not so? However, we have accounting officers who are not performing. They transfer them from Amuria to Bukedea, Masaka and Kikoni. You are simply recycling them and taking the vice from one district to the other. How shall we improve? So, there is that problem. We want these accounting officers to be removed. I remember an accounting officer who was very good. Now, because he was good, he is now a Member of Parliament. We cannot afford to have accounting officers who are not performing and you keep recycling them. At the end of the day, the vice goes through the whole country. Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, we need action on accounting officers. It will be a big surprise from the finance ministry that we have fired these accounting officers. Clerk, can we have that report uploaded for Members to be able to read? Debate is open but let us start with Mbarara, the worst performing district.

Thank you, Hon. Cecilia. Rightly so, and part of that reform will relate to operationalising the Contingency Fund. When we operationalise it, we actually do not need a supplementary; the law is very clear. In fact, a supplementary is indiscipline, it is abuse and so we need to find a way of stopping it. Finally, I would like to encourage colleagues here to become active in their district road fund committees because the law makes us bonafide members of these committees and amongst yourselves, choose a chair. Over the last ten years, I have been active on the district roads committee. Five years ago, I chaired it and I turned around the community. These five years, Dr Abed Bwanika is the chair. We follow every penny voted to Masaka for the Road Fund; it is small money but please follow it; get interested. Part of this is a bonanza for some of the technical people there. Part of the reason is Members of Parliament are lax in following the Road Fund so get interested. You will see a difference. Probably, you could come to Masaka and see how we work. You cannot touch it. Every quota, we sit, evaluate what has been done, go and visit the roads physically to see what has been done. You cannot show us roads on paper; no way.

I I I I I I t I I I I I I I ! I I I I I I h A-a6unt llror(l Vot r.ac 159.309.084 146 Publra Sarvrcc Commrs3ron 7.200,000 144 Judrcra.l S.rvrcc Codrmrssrcn ,t95.OOO.000 151 Uganda Blood Tr3nlfuston Scrvrcc (UBaSl 857.q10.OOO 152 Natronal Asrculturd AdvBorv scrucca IN^ADSI Uqanda lffd Com6r$lon 17.400.()00 r56 1.825.473.200 rs8 tntcrne.l s.cunty Organrraoon 0SOl soo.ooo 000 rsq Ertcmal Sccunty O.ge-aEatba (e.SO) l _235.OOO.OOO r6s uprnda Busncas 3nd tccbnrcsl Eranrmatron Eosrd r 6sq.q78.286 302 Mbarara Utuv€rsrh of Sarancc rnd Tcahaolo(v ?.695.Ot2.?9? 303 Mekarcrc UDrvcrsfty Busrncas School 625.?4232r 306 3.213.006.662 307 (aba-ta UmgcftrB. 1.646.60?.404 304 43r.8?S.752 309 Gulu Udrvcrsrty 3.?93.257.856 310 r.330.79S.483 312 Ucenda ManaEancnt lnsttutc s.900.000.000 313 MouatdnB of lhc Moon Utuvcrsrw 4.359.OOO.OOO 40l Mulaao Holprt .l Complcr sl2.400.ooo 402 Butab*a Hosprt l 864.I4S,100 403 Arua R.fcrral Hoaprtal 82S.000.000 404 Fort Po(al Rcfc.ral Rosp(il | .232.At6 .A22 405 Oulu Rcfcr€-t Hospltal 1.363.()43.239 406 Holma R.acrre-t Hoaprta-t 542.600.ooo 407 Jlnta Rcfcrral Ho3prti 667,644 9t2 408 liabrlc Rcfcrr.l Ho3prtat 67S,600.000 409 Masaka Rcfcrrel H6prtal es4.600.000 410 Mbalc Reacftal Ho3prt -t 637.200.OOO 411 Sorotr Rcfcrral Hdprt I r.o47.s19.737 4t2 Lrra Rcfcral Holprti.l Mbarara Rcfcrral Ho3p(al s77 200,000 ,t l3 505.800.000 414 Mubctrdc Rcfcrrs.l Hosprtal 895.423.320 4ls Moroto Rcfcrral Hosplte-t 634.200.OOO 416 Nagunr Rospltal 9ls,oo0.o00 4l? Kruddu Rcfcrral Hosp(al 4.? 3? .A2t .230 418 Kawcmpc Rcferral Hospx.-t 406.200.ooo 419 Entcbbc Rcfcrra-l Hospltal 420 Mulato SpcclalEed womcn and Neonatal Hosp(al 4 .992.O53 .292 600.o00.000 421 Ka!,unPa Rcfcrla-t HosDltal 3r0.000.000 50s U?anda Hmh Commrssron rn l(cnva. Nafobr 47? _949.420 so7 upanda Hreh Comorssron rn Nrscna. Abura sr2 UE nda Embaqqv ln EthroDra. Addrs Ababa 550.000,000 32aA59.o?? 51:t ucanda Edbas3v rn SMtzcrland, Ocncva 300 000.000 518 ln B. Bru3acls Etaba U -$y

I I I I I I I I I I T I I I I I I I t I I Votc Vot iLac A.Eaunt lucll 924 She.ma Drqtnct r r.171.658.439 929 Srronko Dlstnct 4.441.3??.8rc q30 6.954 759.565 931 Tcrcao Drstnct 6 _444.644.29? 932 Tororo DBtnct 5.276 S14.,+36 933 16.602.854.78s 934 3.r98.070.203 q3s Zombo D8tnct 2.S29.115_,160 oR rD nmrl. 1.714-EeO.65t-e1,4 A.rNE ( 2: aUPPI,EUENTTRT EXPENDITITRE EaTIUATES FOR SITPPLY (DEI'ELOP EI{TI A 45 A.aao.at IUOII o03 Ofircc of thc Pnmc Mullstcr r-soo.ooo.ooo 005 Mrmstrv of hrb[c S.rvtcc 620.O00.ooo 008 Mmstry of Frnancc, Pla.onrnq ,nd Ecoaoanc Dcvcloomcnt 8.978.600.000 olo Mlnrstn of A6rculturc. Anmal Industn and Frshcncs 12.97A.739.300 ot I Mrnrstlv of lacel Covcmmcat 16.3rs 5qa 424 ol3 MrnBtn' of Educatron a,Id sDodq 4.400.000.000 o14 Mltrrstr! of Hcrllh r8i.162.880 000 ol6 Mlnrltry of Work8 and TransDort ?_4 A.Oq3-4AS ol7 Mlnratn of Eacrcv e-od Mrnereh 88.867.000.O00 0r8 Morstry of O€ndcr, Labour end Socul DcvcioDm.nt 22.495.220.OOO o22 Mrmstrv of Toudam. W dllc end l.nhoultrc3 2.800.ooo.o00 101 Judrcrert l.6s3.ooo_ooo t12 KaiDala CaDrtrl Crtv AuthonB. 3,+.445.823.849 124 Equal oDDonumtrca codols sron 600.000.000 126 Natrona-t Info.daton Tcchnoloocs Authontl. 5.5lO.OOO.OOO t43 Uaanda Burcau of Sllatl3tr.3 ruBOSl 3.700,000.000 144 Uqenda PoLce 68.000.000.000 155 Cotloa DcvcloDment OrEaflzalon 9.500.ooo.ooo io1 Mikcrcre Uruvcrslt! 8.oOO.OO0.OOO so1 lj.arr& Mrssroa at thc Umtcd Nahons. N.$ York r o27.305,400 60r Arue Crw 3.Ooi.390. r2 r 602 Fortportal ClB. 4.543.1?9.s8,t 603 Ou.lu crty 5 2AO.OO0.OOO 604 4.603,643 823 605 Jlnra Crw 4.529.171.753 606 4.642.823.5a5 607 I Masaka Crtv 239 _927.344 \V { \w

l./ Aaoult luoro 60.021.995 84S Ka.la.lo Drltrrct 308.566.O9? 846 Kelan?ala D8tnct | .a?? .6? 3.926 a4a Ralunsu Drstnct a4q l(rmuh Drstnct 2.053.317.488 1.r35.36?.6?2 850 (arnlr/cn(c DBtnct 2.4?4.432.126 851 (a.ntrnsu Dr3tnct 866.602.464 852 l(aDcholwa Dr3tnct as3 lGb.l.bvone Dlstnct 5,O22,229 1.203.759.120 as4 2.?S1.99S.000 855 Ka8anda DBtrrct ,+.324.531.135 856 l(aicac DBtnct 2.223.543 34? 85? l(atakq,r Dtltnct 854 l(allrnra Dlstnct 2.620 .34t .O?5 859 ,irr6 Dtst ct 4,+5.681.?38 t .o93.t?2.?3? 860 kbaelc DEtnct 4.9,t9.453.678 86r Krbora DBtnct 969.204.571 2 kbuku DBtnct 2.1?6.401 463 (ll(uubc Dlltnct I l&flrhura DEtrrct 2.42a.335.479 696.33S.162 865 Krn andonro Drstflct 1.(x)4.499.510 466 l(rsorc Drstnct s63.418.220 a6? (rtalwEtrda Dlstnct r.17s.6s2.102 a6a (rtru,n a5q l(oboko Dl3trlct 2 .29? .816 .SO2 422.O44,6? | 8?0 5.2{l 113.302 a?2 Kumr DBtnct ao 1 . 1,r4.842 a?3 l((ama Dratnct r 0?6.350.74o a?4 l(l^r€n Dl.tnct Xvankwrnz Dratnct 34? .62r.85? a?5 4.68r. r57.589 476 Kvceecwa DEtflat 2.5(X.,165.396 Kl.carclo Drctnct 3.O7r-3r3_704 a7a KrEtera Dl8tnct ?85,633.?83 A?q 333.227.503 880 Llra DBtnat 2.149.592.552 881 Luul(a Drctnct 22' 5.493.679.2r l r.940.400.423 883 Lw€nPo Dratrrct s9?.464.932 884 Lvrntoadc Orstnct 1.4SS_O28.424 886 Man -6ra Dlstnct 88? 434.430.907 s3 r.1s r.082 888 Masaka DBtnct 102.319.921 889 Masurdr Dr3tnct aqo 3.49? 60? .62? * & A 5t ttfir

Vota nrac Ainaunt lucrll ORAIID I\OTAL 404.966.S94.205 AirN6'( 6A rOCAr- RAr€ UC (RECURREirtl votc Vot l(rlnc Aaourt lUOf 607 Malaka crn 18.706.OO0 ?@ KamuLr Mumcgal Couac 2?6.269,299 ?t6 Koudo Muaroprl Counc s.?r5. ros ?23 Mub.ndc MunrcrDel Counc 16.535.114 ?25 Ne-nslna MuDrcrDal Colrac 2s 3s5.SSA ?26 Ncbbr Mutucmal Counc 123.580.000 aor 192.2r4.S30 806 159.AOO.OOO 8lr Budaka DBtnct 184.211.43S 819 Bul.wb Drctnct 390.?52.?OO 435 tb3'lda Dlltrrct 180.O00.o00 a3? r.070.0?4.o00 Arto 326.94a.1OO a?6 KgcPcrwa Drlt ct 1o2.q46.? a?? l(!rcnroro Dratnct 500,000 492 Mba-.ara Dl!tnct 571,754,400 901 Nakabmotnt Dlitn t 123.690.293 908 Ncbbl D[tnct l6?-g50.ooo ORATD NofA.L 3-03?.OO3.?34 A[{N:X 5A tOCAI REVET{UE (OEV€IO9MEi{I| got ItrEG A.aau-at llroXl 606 l,ua crtv 159.3?S.000 a3? lslnoro Drstnct 190.000.oo0 a4a Kalunru lhatrlct 56.348.500 8?? 340.473.947 aa? Maracba Orstnct 50,000.o00 888 Masaka Drltrrct 264,262.200 8q4 r96.608.355 926 Scrababulc OBtnct 444.685.31S oR ltD torA.L l.?O,il. 153.,15? Af{f{ct( ? uNsPE t FUr{o6;oR fy202vll (usMtol Votc Vot lLlnc A.aou.at IUOXI 601 3.O03.390. 121 602 4.543.179.544 s.2ao.ooo_ooo 603 oulu crty ,/// € a)

8380 COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR and Masaka District. It was further alleged that the process of shortlisting the applicants was marred with irregularities and that some of the shortlisted applicants in particular from Kimanya Kabonero Masaka subregion were not dully recommended by local council authorities but only obtained recommendations from the Resident District Commissioner. The shortlisted names did not reflect the indigenous names within the locality. The committee was informed that it was a requirement that after the advert all applications in that area must be supported by recommendations by the LC1 chairperson, Resident District Commissioner and a valid National ID card in addition to academic qualifications and a valid driving license for the drivers. All applications were verified and shortlisted candidates were from the districts where they applied from. The committee scrutinised sample applications from the regions of greater Masaka, greater Bushenyi and North Kyoga and it is satisfied that all the shortlisted applicants are residents of the districts where they applied from. Their names may not be of the indigenous communities within the locality but based on free movement of Ugandans in accordance to Article 29(2)a of the Constitution of Uganda and free movement of labour in Uganda, different localities have different ethnicities that have settled in those areas; it is easy to associate names with a certain locality. Evidence of residence is only based on particulars on the National ID supported by the recommendation from local authorities. The committee was satisfied that all shortlisted applicants met the required qualifications- so, the recruitment process should not be delayed. This was overtaken by events because the trainees are passing out in July this year. Conclusion The recruitment exercise is the only way to increase the police structures countrywide. This should be conducted on merit to give a chance to the majority of unemployed Ugandans and for quality force to serve the police purpose. The number of applicants was high indicating the desire of the youth to serve their country. I beg to submit.

As long as it does not go beyond a square meter. We have 3,420 square meters of potholes on 11 roads, that is, Kyadondo, Kivebulaya, Kabakanjagala, Lubaga, Butiikiro, Wills, Balintuma, Kitakule, Nsimbi, Bulange, Mugwanya, Wakaliga, Kawaala, Masaka, Kalema, Ham Mukasa and Nsibambi. In Makindye Division, we have 3,041 square metres of potholes. This was measured and assessed on 29 roads. I may not go through all the roads but at least know the figures including Ggaba Road and others. In Kawempe Division, we have 2,830 square meters of potholes on 14 roads, that is, Bombo Road, Gayaza Road, Mawanda Road, Tufnell Drive, Nabweru, Kyabando, Alice Kaggwa, Nkinzi I and II, Dwaniro, Binaisa, Kisasi and Nanfumbambi Road. In Central Division, we have a total of 1,629 square meters in the city centre starting with City Square, Bombo Road, Colville Street, Kyaggwe, Nile Avenue, Lumumba Avenue, Sezibwa, Macknon Road, Jinja Road,

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

8199 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. The committee recommends that a total of Shs 25.5 billion be provided to Mulago National Referral Hospital, as a matter of urgency, to fully operationalise it. Vote 420: Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital Mr Speaker, I would like to draw your attention to page 48 on the lack of funds for the purchase of a LEEP machine. This machine helps in early treatment of cancer of the cervix, which is the number one cause of death amongst women. We have the colposcopy machines for detection but we need another Shs 180 million provided for the procurement of two LEEP machines in the Financial Year 2023/2024. Vote for 402: Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital On page 49, bullet 6.48 on the lack of funds for completion of the perimeter wall - the patients in Butabika Hospital are not ordinary patients. We were informed that some of them have strayed out of the perimeter wall and we have lost some in the swamp. So, we want Shs 2.5 billion to construct the perimeter wall. Regional Referral Hospitals Mr Speaker, these are on page 50. There was a cross-cutting issue of understaffing - that is 6.49. There was also a cross-cutting issue of incomplete infrastructure in various regional hospitals. The committee recommends that Shs 29.81 billion be provided and allocated as follows: Shs 3 billion to Gulu for the 54-staff housing, Shs 500 Million to Masaka for the ICU, Shs 12 billion Mbale for their surgical complex; Shs 1 billion to Jinja; Shs 4.5 billion to Arua, and Shs 4 billion to Fort Portal. These projects, Mr Speaker, have been built for the last seven years and we are losing a lot of money through variation in costs. Mr Speaker, as I conclude, the committee recommends that a total of Shs 3,034,158,769,598 be provided for that excludes KCCA, Uganda AIDS Commission and the PHC that we give to local governments. Mr Speaker, the budgetary allocations for the health sector votes for Financial Year 2023/2024 are presented in a tabular format. The first table shows recurrent expenditure and the total proposed budget by the committee is Shs 1,614,000,280,648. When we when we move to page 53, the development budget is also presented in a tabular form. The proposed budget by the committee is Shs 1,419,878,000,121. Mr Speaker and honourable members, please support this report. I thank you very much. (Applause)

On this matter, I talked to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development but there were still some gaps within the statement, which we agreed upon after looking through. However, they have to first look at it and handle it. I hope we shall handle it next week. Next item. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON THE DESTRUCTION OF COFFEE SEEDLINGS IN THE GREATER MASAKA SUBREGION

Mr Speaker, I made a call to the Rt Hon. Leader of the Opposition over that matter and I spoke to the leaders in Masaka. We agreed that we need more time to get the version of the affected people because the statement I was going to bring here was only from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). I felt it fair to listen to the affected people and give you a balanced account. I beg that you allow me two more weeks, as I agreed with the Leader of the Opposition and Hon. Florence Namayanja, the Masaka City Mayor, to come and report on this issue of the apparent conflict between the nursery operators and UCDA. I beg to request.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise under rule 52. When the honourable minister was asked to make a statement on Masaka Nursery Operators – at the same time, we requested for a statement regarding the supply of seedlings to farmers. We were looking at the amount of money that we allocated in the previous budget relating to tree seedlings and the Speaker instructed that you come with a statement regarding coffee seedlings supplied to farmers; unfortunately, you could have left by that time. I do not know whether he is able to respond or not.

Honourable colleagues, I welcome you back from the Easter holidays. I hope you had a good one - I am sure at least you had the time to relax because yesterday, I gave you a day off. So, if there was no rain, you survived floods; they could have – the little rain will be used for other planting programmes, not the floods of Easter. Honourable colleagues, as you saw, we registered many fatalities as a country. There is a family, which perished on Kinoni-Masaka Road at Lwengo; and we lost many other people. I watched the Police Spokesperson talk about the fatalities during Easter. It was so painful for those families that had been destined for their homes to celebrate with their community, only to end up in such tragedies. So, before we proceed, I request that we stand and observe a minute of silence. (Members rose and observed a moment of silence.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. In your communication, you talked about accidents on the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara Road. Indeed, that stretch, as of now, has claimed many lives of Ugandans. Yesterday, on my way back from the village, I was driving behind a taxi. When I reached the Lukaya stretch, there were about four potholes. They were big, deep and deadly. The taxi hit the pothole – it was just in the air. Good enough, it landed safely. Immediately after it landed, everyone went out of the taxi to ease themselves. (Laughter) To be sincere, that stretch is very deadly. We are in the budget process and I want to know from the minister whether they have plans of working on that stretch. Secondly, Mr Speaker, you have been to Isingiro many times. The issue of Isingiro- Rakai Road is also a problem. Six months back, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister, together with the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, committed themselves here on the Floor of Parliament that, indeed, the Government had managed to put money aside to do a feasibility study on that road. I want to know from them if that road is going to be worked on this quarter. Thank you.

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.

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.

There was a stadium in Masaka and money was allocated for it – I can see the Member from Masaka standing.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We passed a budget in this Parliament and part of that budget was to rebuild a stadium in Masaka; Masaka Recreation Grounds. We are now going into the fourth quarter. We have struggled and moved in the corridors of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, but they have not released a shilling for that stadium. When I see our football team in Egypt - Madam Speaker, you know that all players draw their energies from supporters. That is why we lost a match. We were embarrassed and beaten by our neighbours because there was no support. You realise that when they came near us here, we managed to win. This idea that we go to Egypt, as if we are not a nation, is very embarrassing. The finance minister should commit.

Madam Speaker, with your indulgence, there are questions which were raised about Masaka Stadium, Pece Stadium, Buhinga Stadium, Akii Bua Stadium and other stadiums across the country. First, for Buhinga and Akii Bua stadia –

Masaka Stadium was budgeted for in this financial year. The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is here -

Madam Speaker, I am happy the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is here. For the record, you appropriated money for Masaka Stadium and the release is supposed to be done by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and he is here. For Akii Bua and Buhinga stadia, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development can explain. The Chinese Government had promised to give us a grant. Let the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development tell us what happened with the grant. They are here. As the Minister for Sports, I need the facilities to support us to go forward. Lastly, Madam Speaker, it is important that we put it as a priority that we need to begin appropriating money for development of our stadia or sports facilities across the country. We can no longer wait or say that donors or grants will help us develop sports infrastructure in this country. All of us must make sports a priority to help our young people. I am happy when you task me to explain what we have done with the money released. However, I also ask you the second question: what have we planned for sports infrastructure in this country in next year’s budget? I thank you.

We will need a comprehensive report on the funding of all the stadia. We budgeted in this financial year for Masaka and the money has been on the budget, but to date, it has not been released.

On the issue of Masaka, Madam Speaker, you appropriated Shs 6 billion, but the challenge is no releases. Finance has not released this money because according to my work plan, I had planned to go to Masaka to check on the progress of works. I want to confirm to the Leader of the Opposition that when I cross-checked with the Ministry of Finance, I confirmed that they did not release the money. So, the problem is still finances.

We do not have a Mzee in the House; he is Hon. Kasaija. Hon. Kasaija, we need the balance of the money for Namboole Stadium, we need a release for what was budgeted for Masaka and we need a comprehensive plan for funding sports infrastructure. Next item. STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER ON THE FULFILMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT PLEDGE TO SUPPLY SEEDS AND PLANTING MATERIALS TO FARMERS

Much obliged, Madam Speaker. I apologise for returning on the same subject because I thought the Minister of Agriculture would be exhaustive in his submission; not just for the seedlings for annual crops, but even for perennial crops. The Woman MP from Masaka City had a related matter that I think was raised to the ministry concerning UCDA that is under his charge; cutting down and spraying herbicides on farmers’ nursery beds in Masaka City and its surroundings. I checked the law and UCDA has no mandate to do that. When we asked them, they said the ministry gave instructions. Would the honourable minister clarify to this House which instructions he gave for UCDA officers in Masaka to go and maliciously uproot, slash and spray coffee nursery beds? A one Kabalega, your officer there, with the military in broad daylight, with malice aforethought and no warning yet these farmers have UCDA certificates - Would the honourable minister, having knowledge of that, inform this House what occasioned that malice and whether he has taken action on his officers?

There was an issue raised by the Leader of the Opposition and the MP for Masaka and Hon. Frank Tumwebaze is supposed to report back to the House on Tuesday. So, forward your question on those matters.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The question had to do with cutting trees or closing nursery operators’ gardens in Masaka.

7774 RECONSIDERATION OF THE NATIONAL LOCAL CONTENT BILL, 2022 the Government – we have a history of these panga-wielding men in this country. They were previously in Masaka and now they are in Kassanda. They target the old people and those in isolated places. My prayer is that the Government swiftly responds to the fears of the people of Kassanda. In the meantime, the Government should guide people on what can be done to solve this problem where innocent people - of 78 years - are being murdered. That is my prayer. Thank you very much.

7608 ADDRESS BY H.E. GEN. YOWERI MUSEVENI beneficiaries, especially with Operation Wealth Creation. It initially worked well. Indeed, the households in the non-money sector declined from 68 per cent to 39 per cent; this was most commendable. However, I started picking up complaints from the public of “they only give to themselves” or “ baleeta ebifu”. They supply us bad quality material or “ baleeta eby’obuseere”, they bring over priced items. That is when I decided that the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) personnel must get out of this effort because the image of the wider force was going to be ruined by the mistakes of these fellows who were in Operation Wealth Creation, who had lost their straightforwardness. Moreover, it is the ultimate aim of the NRM that the stakeholders - the beneficiaries of these projects - must manage their affairs. That was the debate we had in Cabinet. When people said, “No, we should continue with the army”, I said, No, these people must learn how to manage their own affairs. They are not children. We can help them to manage their affairs. Hence, the need for the stakeholders, farmers and the artisans to form SACCOs in the parishes or at the constituency levels for the Emyooga . This is the correct and ultimate solution. I have started touring and inspecting the 18 zones of Uganda. The 18 zones of Uganda are: Masaka, Mengo - what they used to call Mengo (the districts of Mukono, Luweero and all that of Mpigi) Mubende, Ankole, Kigezi, Tooro, Bunyoro, Busoga, Bukedi, Teso, Sebei, Karamoja, Lango, Acholi, West Nile and Madi. I started with Acholi between the 23 rd and 24 th of February 2023. Straight away, the wanaichi told me of the parasites that were like flies, swarming around the PDM and Emyooga money. I will decisively follow up the attempted theft of the PDM and the Emyooga money in Acholi. And if they tampered with the money, they will pay for that treachery; they will be an example to the rest of the potential flies. Ten thousand, five hundred and ninety four (10,594) PDM SACCOs are to be formed. As of now, 9,538 SACCOs, which is 90 per cent of the target, have been formed. That is what the secretariat told us. But I have read the report of Parliament that the Speaker sent to me, and there are many observations there that point out the weaknesses. Meanwhile, I, myself, while in Acholi, heard from the wanaichi a number of bad actions. There is this group in town, in one of the wards, where somebody called a commercial officer, called a secret meeting of a few people to form the leadership for the parish model because they want to find a way of stealing the money. They did not involve the whole parish yet we said that all people in the parish, who want to engage in wealth creation, should join the SACCO as long as they are adults - that is 18 years and above. That is the plan. All producers in the parish must join or must be told and if they do not want to join, that is up to them, but they must be invited because, like the issue in Gulu, somebody announced a meeting at 9.00 a.m. in the morning and the meeting happened at 02.00 p.m. and a few people created the leadership. That is one issue, which I picked up, and of course, I will follow it up. Then in Aswa, instead of going to the parish, they were called to the subcounty so that people get tired and do not go. And when they were called to go to the subcounty, they were told, “Each parish should bring 30/30.” Who told you that? This is not indirect election of 30/30. The parish SACCO is for all members and they may be organised in their production groups: the ones of bananas or dairy - but all who want to engage in wealth creation must join. If there is anything that is not clear there, then at the right time, the Minister of Local Government, who has been heading this, should explain it. Then in another area, I think it is Aswa again, they were told to pay some money for membership. Now, we are going to follow up on all this; and I got this direct from the people.

7611 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 MARCH 2023 it back. No, keep it aside until they are ready to use it because once they learn how to use it, even you the leaders, will have less problems; you will be able to tell them, “There is your money; go and use it,” because the money is there. People need patient sensitisation and not bureaucrat kweheneenga . Kweheneenga - you remember the story in the Bible when Jesus visited two sisters; Mary and the other one. I know them in Runyankore; Mariam na Mariza . The other one was okweheneenga; busy cooking and washing dishes while Mariam was sitting listening to the word of Jesus. Jesus said, “This one is blessed because she has been here listening to the message.” The other one was just cooking, washing plates, running up and down but with no value addition. When cooking and washing plates, what value addition are you making? Mariam was adding value to herself by listening to the message of Jesus. It is in the Bible; I am not the one who wrote it. Therefore, we do not want these people running up and down doing nothing; no. Let us take time and convince them. By the way, you should be very careful because some years back, I went to Kasese, to Mubuku Irrigation Scheme where I found a man called Mudusu, growing mangoes. I think he must still be there. He said, “I did this when I heard your speech” - My speech on the radio. I also went to Rwengaaju and our man there told me, “We heard what you said.” Recently, I was in Paicho and a man there who I visited with his wife told me, “I heard what you were saying on the radio.” Just imagine Museveni from Kampala but these people in Paicho heard me and the one of Kasese also heard me - You can go and check with them. Did you hear Museveni? Did you do what you heard him saying? If they can hear me who is so far away, how about the people who are near? Therefore, we are the ones to cause socio- economic transformation and this is principle No. 3 of the NRM principles. You, the Members of Parliament, should take more time with the people. Do not go and just lecture, “Si ndio?” The man is just talking to himself, sibwekityo ? No, talk and let them also talk to you and then try to discern what is holding them back. Do not buy food and all these things. If they do not want to come, let them not come. Tell them, “I don’t have money to buy food and all that,” because you are not a hotel. They are laughing at me because they think I am an idiot. Awo Omusoga wakobera nti, ono omusadha tayidhi kyalikukoba. Nkiidhi . The people who go to church; does the Reverend feed them? It is because you have misled them. In the United States - because I hear many people like the United States - if you want to be President, you declare. You say, “I want to be president and this is what I want to do.” And the people who believe in what you are saying fund you. If they do not bring enough funds, you leave it and say, “I have not got enough funders.” These are the democracies you admire, but here, you have turned it upside down – and it is not correct. I will also be involved because I am going to tour all the zones. I will be touring two zones per month and I am sure some people will listen to what I am saying because they have done it before. I have succeeded in the Cattle Corridor with the dairy. I have succeeded in the Kisozi area with the four-acre model or less. We have succeeded in Rwengaaju – Nyakana is our active person there. We have succeeded in Masaka – there is some little progress with coffee in Masaka. Even in Ibanda, there is some progress with coffee. We have succeeded in Kalangala with palm oil and in Bundibugyo with cocoa and coffee as well as vanilla – although vanilla is very erratic. So, we can succeed. So, please, do not start talking of changing modes. This is their money and we must insist on that – Mukungaanye ekibiina kyamwe ekya SACCO. Somebody wrote to me about the “Bol i Cups ” in Acholi. Bol i Cups are the village-based

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.

7420 SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE STATE OF AFFAIRS IN NSSF Muhonja, 75, died in police custody, following his abduction from his cotton plantation in Katholhu, Nyakiyumbu in Kasese District. Madam Speaker, I remember you copying me in, in one of your correspondences to security, to explain the circumstances surrounding his death. As the trend has always been, he was bundled into a drone van, driven to Masaka Police Station, then to Ssembabule and, later on, to the Special Investigation Unit, Kireka, where he died after two weeks. This entire time, the police found no reason to inform his family that they were holding him. Instead, after his death, they stealthily buried him. The police later claimed that Mzee Muhonja slid and fell in the bathroom, which caused his death. To the contrary, a post-mortem examination report suggests that he died of pneumonia. Before we knew it, the police went and exhumed his body from the KCCA Cemetery and handed it over to the family without following due process. We all know the nature of due process in exhuming a body, but this was never done. This means that it was a well-coordinated move by security to cause disappearance of evidence for the murder of the 75-year-old citizen. Madam Speaker, on this, we demand that the Prime Minister comes here and explains to the country the steps taken to apprehend and prosecute the people behind the killing of this citizen. The beauty is that the person who commandeered his abduction was named. His name is Maganda. We would like to know what the Government has done to prosecute all those involved in his killing and trying to hide evidence by burying him stealthily in a cemetery and, later on, trying to hide evidence of the cause of death. Madam Speaker, I will not speak a lot on the second issue of corruption in the Office of the Prime Minister since the House is undertaking inquest on this subject matter. However, I can only state that the Office of the Prime Minister is turning out to be a cursed office. I hope somebody can go and exorcise the ghosts of corruption in that office. We shall debate more when the report of the House comes here. The second last issue, Madam Speaker, is that on 8 February 2023, NEMA instituted express penalties in respect of various environmental breaches, ranging between Shs 3 million and Shs 100 million. The fines are not only unrealistic, but also inequitable and, therefore, should be clarified, at least, for the benefit of the citizens. We recognise the fact that there is a huge negative impact of improper waste management on the ecosystem. We observe that the express penalty scheme was drafted in haste. We request that the minister for environment comes to the House to explain the cascading nature and hierarchy of these penalties because as Parliament, we are the best educators of our citizenry. Therefore, we need to understand how the ministry came up with these penalties and the figures that look arbitrary and the way they were fixed. Madam Speaker, two weeks ago, Senior Health Officers (SHOs) laid down their tools – we all know what happened. We demand that the Minister of Health explains circumstances under which these public servants stopped working and caused suffering in our health facilities. The minister should be able to explain how many people lost their lives as a result of that industrial action – which is legitimate in the first place – and who caused the delay in meeting the Government’s part of the bargain. They laid down their tools because of the Government supplying them air and promising them lies overtime. We want to know who we should blame and who should be hanged for that action of not paying the salary promised and on the roll? This is so that it does not happen again in future. Madam Speaker, we need to be very careful and not allow ministers – and the Government in general – to get away with this kind of negligence. While we blame health workers for industrial action, somebody responsible for their action must come and explain whether they slept on duty so that we can know what to do with them. The beauty is that this House is very warm for action on ministers sleeping on [Mr Mpuuga] STATEMENT

They are two different clauses. One is talking about the districts and the other one is talking about the subregions – that side of Masaka: isn’t that a subregion?

7222 THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORTS BILL, 2022 to re-prioritise funds allocated for development of the National Roads Network was discussed and Cabinet directed that emphasis be placed on the maintenance of the existing paved and critical unpaved National Roads Network, including critical industrial park roads and District, Urban and Community Access Roads, commonly known as DUCAR. This followed an observation that funding for national roads maintenance has been insufficient over the years despite an increase in stock of the paved road network. Therefore, the road network gains in upgrading and development of several roads across the country are likely to be lost in the short term as seen in the increased number of paved roads currently in poor condition, resulting in a huge maintenance backlog if adequate resources are not committed for maintenance. The National Roads Network comprises 21,120 kilometres in total length out of which 5,878.5, which is only 28 per cent, is paved standard and 15,241, which is 72 per cent, is unpaved. As at July 2022, the condition of the paved national roads in fair and poor condition stood at 21 per cent – that is 1,235 kilometres – which indicated a decline from 17 per cent in 2021. At the same time, the unpaved national roads were generally fair, with a percentage of the network in poor categories standing at 11 per cent as compared to 18 per cent in 2021. Due to the long rainy season experienced in the country since August last year to date, the condition of the national roads continues to deteriorate and the kilometres of paved and unpaved network in fair and poor condition is likely to increase significantly. This has further been accelerated by delayed maintenance interventions due to budget suppressions which we suffered in Financial Year 2021/2022 and the inadequate release of budget funds, especially in quarter one of Financial Year 2020/2023. The sections below provide details of disaggregated commitments on on-going upgrading and maintenance projects, maintenance backlog and requirements for the next three years. Major maintenance interventions The following terms are used in road development and maintenance – and the explanations are as below: Periodic maintenance Periodic maintenance involves all maintenance works carried out on a road section after intervals of several years; the norm for paved roads being at intervals of four to seven years depending on the growth in traffic volume and action on environment and weather. The actual frequency of intervention is further determined using the asset management system, which we are developing within the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). Typical periodic maintenance works on paved roads include thin bituminous overlays, surface resealing, shoulder repairs/reinstatement, road marking and reinstatement of road signs. Road rehabilitation Rehabilitation includes activities that restore the original condition of the road through relatively extensive works like pavement layer reconstruction, mill and replace, reshaping of the cross-section, reconstruction of shoulders, drainage works and thick overlays – I gave an example of Kampala-Jinja Road and soon we shall be looking at Kampala—Masaka Road. The frequency of intervention depends on the traffic volume and the state of road deterioration. Intervals of rehabilitation interventions are expected to range from 10 to 15 years. However, where available, the frequency is, again, determined by the asset management system. [Gen. Katumba] MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

7223 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 1 MARCH 2023 Road reconstruction When the road condition deteriorates to a very poor state, exhibiting weak and deteriorated pavement layers with a non-functional drainage system, it requires full replacement. Reconstruction is undertaken to rebuild the road pavement and drainage system. In some instances, improvement of the subgrade strength and geometric realignment may be required – I gave examples of Matugga- Kapeeka Road and Mutukula-Kyotera-Masaka Road. The frequency of intervention depends on the state of road deterioration, which often triggers outcry from the road users for intervention. Road upgrading Road upgrading includes works that improve the level of service of the road to beyond that of its original standard. Activities like road widening, lane addition, geometric improvement, pavement works and related auxiliary works are executed – I gave the example of Rwenkunye-Apac Road. On-going national roads projects Periodic maintenance UNRA is currently carrying out periodic maintenance on two paved national roads covering a total of 93 kilometres with a funding commitment of about Shs 13 billion over the next two years. There are a number of tables there and in Table 1, you will find those roads. I request honourable Members to look at those tables as we refer to them. Rehabilitation projects There is ongoing rehabilitation of six paved national roads covering a total distance of 531 kilometres with a funding commitment of about Shs 682 billion over a period of the next three years. The roads are at different levels of implementation, as shown in table two. Further, a total of seven road rehabilitation projects covering a total distance of 324 kilometres were substantially completed in the Financial Year 2021/2022. These projects have outstanding payments such as retention funds in accordance with the contractual terms amounting to approximately Shs 55 billion. The projects which are done include: - Namunsi-Sironko-Muyembe-Kapchorwa road (65KMs), phase one and two; - Masaka Town roads (7.3 KMs); - Nakalama-Tirinyi-Mbale (93KMs) including Iganga, Busembatia and Namutumba Town roads; - Fort Portal-Hima (55KMs); - Kyenjojo-Fort Portal; and - Hima-Katunguru and Kasese Town roads and Hima service roads. Upgrading projects Currently, there are 20 ongoing road upgrading projects. These roads are being moved from gravel to tarmac. They are being upgraded to paved standards across the country covering a total of 1,083Kms with committed funding requirements of approximately Shs 1.8 trillion. The upgrading road projects are at the different levels of implementation and are indicated in table three. Further, a sum of approximately Shs 243 billion shall be required to close projects that were substantially handed over in the Financial Year 2021/2022. Bridge development projects Construction of bridges has continued across the National Road Network and progress is at different levels. The bridges are many and they are in table four. Currently, 14 bridges with a funding requirement of Shs 356 billion are under construction across the country.

7226 THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORTS BILL, 2022 As of June 2022, the total asset value of paved roads is estimated at US$ 5.2 billion and the replacement value at US$ 6.9 billion. This shows an asset loss of 21 per cent. The total asset value of the National Road Network, including unpaved roads and bridges, is about US$ 7 billion with a replacement cost of US$ 9.5 billion. International best practices in road maintenance dictate that about 3 per cent of the replacement value should be availed for preventive maintenance each year. Over the last nine years, however, allocation to maintenance has been an average of about one per cent of the value of the road network against the requested budget of Shs 690 billion per year. This allocation is only enough to maintain about 24.5 per cent of the national road network. It is for this reason that we have a backlog of maintenance and often let most roads slide into rehabilitation and reconstruction stages before intervention. Requested budget for adequate maintenance From the recent analysis, about 28 per cent, that is 1,590 kilometres of the paved road network was found to exhibit wide cracking and moderate roughness, which triggered periodic maintenance while seven per cent has severe to warning roughness and this requires light or heavy rehabilitation. A case in point is Kampala-Masaka road. Furthermore, there are about 8,800 kilometres of unpaved roads that are due for upgrading because of the increased traffic volumes on these roads and they have been identified under NDP III. This category requires increased periodical maintenance. Even if they are still in their gravel stage, we need to maintain them and respond, especially when heavy rains happen and they damage the structures. It is therefore recommended that at least Shs 690 billion per year be allocated and committed to sustainably undertake preventive maintenance of the national road network. This figure shall be updated annually, depending on the annual assessments undertaken. In conclusion, before we embark on a structural sustainable maintenance strategy, we need to complete the ongoing projects. We cannot start new projects. As guided by the National Planning Authority, commence projects with confirmed external financing, reduce the current maintenance backlog created by inadequate allocation of maintenance funds and reconstruct aged and damaged small bridges, for example, the Sezibwa Bridge on Kayunga Road. In summary, the cash flow requirements for the national roads and bridges can be stated as follows: i) Total funds requirements for all ongoing periodic maintenance, rehabilitation, upgrading projects and bridges projects is estimated at Shs 3.26 trillion over the next three years. This necessitates an allocation of about Shs 1 trillion per financial year in the medium term. ii) Total requirement for rehabilitation projects under procurement and Government of Uganda counterpart funding for externally-financed national road upgrading and town roads project is approximately Shs 1.2 trillion in the medium term. This necessitates an allocation of about 20 per cent advance payment, which is about Shs 240 billion in the next financial year to enable commencement of civil works on these roads. iii) Total requirement for national road upgrade projects in procurement but without confirmed source of funding is approximately Shs 3.7 trillion. Most of these projects were proposed for financing under the alternative financing mechanism whose terms and conditions appear to be very stringent for the potential contractor and Ministry of Finance is yet to advise on the way forward. However, the little we understand is that the Ministry of Finance says it may not be tenable to employ this kind of funding. [Gen. Katumba] MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

7227 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 1 MARCH 2023 iv) Total requirement for critical national roads and small bridges assessed for immediate maintenance intervention is estimated at about Shs 1.2 trillion. Therefore, in light of the budget suppression and inadequate releases, it is our prayer that adequate resources are located to prioritise and clear the following backlog: i) Ongoing national road projects ii) Counterpart funding for externally- financed national road projects and procurement because these attract interest if we do not implement them and already, the contractor is on site. If they are not financed, they will charge for idle equipment. iii) Rehabilitation projects under procurement. Some of these are very critical as you will see in the tables, for example: Mutukula- Kyotera-Masaka, Kikolongo-Bwera- Mpondwe, Nebbi-Goli and Nebbi-Arua. These are very critical roads, which we need to respond to now. iv) National roads and bridges assessed for immediate periodic maintenance and intervention v) There are a number of bridges, which are very critical and we cannot afford to postpone. For example, the Sezibwa Bridge I was talking about on Kayunga Road is over 70 years old and it is really gone. Katungulu Bridge in Kasese needs intervention as well as other bridges on major roads. Madam Speaker, in the document, there is also another set of documents, which give the details about the DUCA Roads (District and Urban Community Access Roads.) In that document, you will find reports about the damage on our national roads, which happened during the rains where regions and districts have submitted for intervention. We visited the sites and costed them. There was a directive that we get money to intervene immediately after the rains but we have never received any money. Therefore, those roads have remained in those bad conditions - that is on the DUCAR network. Also in the document, you will find ongoing projects which we are implementing, including the names of the contractors carrying out those projects. That is so that you can also be able to supervise and check on some of those projects. There are many tables - I do not know if I can comment on some of them or I leave Members to - The Members must have gone through them and they can raise issues on specific ones. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I beg to submit. (Applause)

Thank you, General. Having heard from the minister, you realise that what is causing many of these problems is inadequate allocation of funds. We need to look at the issue of allocation of funds. He says he needs Shs 690 billion. We will need a response from the Minister of Finance. We need money for national roads. There is also unequal distribution of these roads. (Applause) To ensure fairness and national character – that is a national objective in the Constitution - it must have a national character. I did not hear Nakapiripirit, Bukomansimbi - We also need to look at the local capacity of – Order! We need to build the local capacity of our contractors. We are not going to continue using these people from outside the country all the time. That is why I appreciate the Bill by Hon. Oshabe on “Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU)”. We need to promote our local contractors but most importantly, we need equal distribution of these resources. If there is a road in Masaka, let it also be in Teso. (Applause) Honourable members, you have heard from the minister – (Members rose_) Eeh, you all want to talk about roads? I am going to give only - we have a very serious matter. Hon. Mpaka, is your report ready? He is ready. We have a

7232 THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORTS BILL, 2022 General; he is actually putting on notice people that have been acting ultra vires the law that he will not be available for your defence. All should be aware that the learned Attorney- General has put you on notice that he will not be available at your defence, acting on blue pages. Madam Speaker, I think the intervention of Members to the General’s statement is very clear. We need to get an understanding of how, for example, some projects inordinately delay and then we get information that UNRA returns funds to the Ministry of Finance. This same UNRA does not have money. Also, why are these projects at times renegotiated at usurious rates? We get the sense that the delays are deliberate to attract penalties. I think this whole sector has a problem and I am very sympathetic to the good General because I believe he is frustrated. He wants the roads to be done very fast - they did some in Masaka because we were there to put pressure on UNRA to act fast. Somebody is distracting the General who is frustrated by people working on the roads. We need a proper understanding on what we need to do as Parliament because I do not think we are indictable for the nature of our roads. Secondly, is the General satisfied with the period within which these roads deteriorate? Some roads are done and in two years, they are gone and yet they were internationally contracted. Some bridges are washed away by storms and life goes on normally. Some roads are deteriorating very fast. General, is there a problem for which you need a remedy from this House; that a road can deteriorate in two years and then we look for more money to rehabilitate the same road? There is a problem. Is it contracting? Are the contractors really serious people? Madam Speaker, I visited Mbale City in one of my oversight programmes and some of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development roads have been under construction for more than five years. The contractors abandoned some of the projects and are still getting new contracts. The Members from Mbale city can bear testimony to this problem. Is the General aware of this public waste going on in some of the USMID programmes? One of the roads in the middle of Mbale city was abandoned but the contractor was fully paid. Who is bewitching us? I think we need to get a good understanding of what is happening to this sector in order to support this country to support the taxpayer. We need the roads but I want to encourage the General to speak out; we shall support you. Speak out on who is frustrating you. Who is paying the contractors with half done work and they get fully paid? Who is paying ahead of undone work? Who is exaggerating the cost of roads in Uganda? We have a record of the highest cost road in the world; it is even written about in the Guinness World Records - I think it will be there - the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. Who is negotiating road contracts in this country? Are our engineers devoid of capacity to negotiate?

6827 THE E L E VENTH PARLIAMENT O F UGANDA WEDNESDAY , 1 8 J ANUARY 2023 Secondly, on the compensation, there is variance in the values that are given. The road, for instance, from Masaka to Mbarara; when they were compensating and they reached Lyantonde, the price appreciated after that. It is the same even when they are dealing with the transmission lines. There is a problem we need to investigate, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, you are aware that as you come near Kampala, land appreciates. Thirdly, the road from Masaka to Mutukula is a road that opens Uganda to Tanzania. This road takes us to the Port of Dar-es-Salaam, which is very key –(Interruption)

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

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

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My condolences to the family. I am speaking on behalf of the people of Tororo. It is said that on Sunday, while preaching, he focused his sermons on Galatians 2:20 and he spoke for a very short time. His message was, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. His sermon was just as short as that. I want to end by saying, we thank the NRM Government for constructing tarmac roads in this country, but we need now to focus on the road designs to ensure that the roads - because of indiscipline of the drivers, we should have clear demarcations for the four lanes in this country - no longer two, but four because as we can see, the roads are now a death trap. People died at the same time on Masaka road, people died on Gulu road and more people are dying on other roads. Rest in peace, Hon. Okabe. May I request that we focus on road safety as we talk about malaria and other diseases in this country. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to second the motion made by my honourable colleague and sister, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, in paying tribute to this gallant son of Uganda. Death is without invitation. At the seminary cemetery of Masaka Diocese, there is a small signpost written in Latin, “ Memento Mori .” to mean, “Remember you must die.” It is not a probability; it reminds you that there is no discussion with death. The task to pay tribute to the late Hon. Justice Rubby Opio Aweri is a challenging one, as I have personally associated with him in cases close to the heart of many unresolved issues in our time. It is true that he was expressively positioned in both the age limit case and the Hon. Kyagulanyi presidential election petition, in which colleagues across Parliament and I had a vested interest. At the same time, his tour of duty, as a career judge, bears significant accomplishments to enumerate. Notable among them, are the cases for which he will be remembered; Uganda v. Dr Aggrey Kiyingi and two others (Criminal Session 30 of 2006) and the famous Muwanga-Kivumbi v. the Attorney-General (Constitutional Appeal No.6 of 2011) that set aside the assumed powers of the police in

6645 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2022 Mateete. These two roads are in a very bad state. We have approached UNRA in Masaka to ask for assistance, but they said they do not have equipment. All equipment in our area is down and is supposed to be serviced from Mbarara. My prayer is that the government should swing into action and help us rehabilitate these roads. They are very key for our farmers to reach the market. I so submit.

Mr Speaker, I have taken note of the Member’s concern. We had a meeting with UNRA, the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development when the engineer in charge of maintenance of this equipment was complaining about lack of money. This financial year, money has been given to the works department in charge of maintaining our equipment. I believe all will be maintained, across the country, including those of Masaka. We have given them money to maintain roads – and the notice about that money was published in the newspapers of 17 October. I request Members to also help us monitor across the board so that this money is put to good use by everybody, including the districts. All districts have been given the equivalent of 50 per cent of the annual budget. We are also going to give them more money upfront in January. I believe this will enable us have better roads in the next financial year. (Applause)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also want to thank my honourable sister; today, she has earned her pay for the staying power she has exhibited. Secondly, we missed her for the time she was away – when she went to represent the Minister of Education and Sports in Japan. I can assure you, my sister, that humility will one day take you to the galaxy. (Laughter) So, I thank you. I will respond to a few issues she did speak about; I will not be very elaborate. One, Mr Speaker, the question that was initially misconstrued to have been asked by Hon. Musa Noah – not Hon. Wanzala – remains valid. I think the Rt Hon. Prime Minister should take very seriously the issue of registration of pupils in primary schools. When the Member complained about the distance that parents have to travel to have their children registered, the Prime Minister insisted that actually, the parents should find their way to the districts. Can I challenge the Prime Minister, to some degree of imagination and creativity by the Government; if I were the Prime Minister, I would utilise the young people that are educated with no jobs, put those apps on their phones and send them to schools. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, there is a challenge. Please, engage people to be a bit innovative. You need people to be more imaginative and solve this problem. In my Government, that would not be a problem, Rt Hon. Prime Minister. (Laughter) Secondly, on the issue raised by Hon. Juliet Achayo, Member of Parliament for Ngora, relating to the challenge of education and lack of vocational schools in the community, having given a background of insecurity, I think, again, it speaks to some level of lack of deeper thought on the part of planners in education. I want to invite, for some level of ingenuity, those planning for our education system that our country is not uniform. In Karamoja, for example, there was a well-done programme of basic education that enabled so many children to access education then. Their education was different from the one that was delivered to the children in Masaka, for example, because they are unique. Will the Prime Minister think better about this challenge and challenge the Ministry of Education to think through on how they can best solve this problem, without having to refer this community to a time when the Government will construct vocational schools - because I am not sure how long this Government is going to last? So, we need some immediate solutions. Your Government has been around long and the problem persists. You probably need to think better and offer a quicker solution. Thirdly, Mr Speaker, the issue of the Busoga Central Forest Reserve is a bigger problem. I want to invite the Prime Minister to find an occasion and visit the central forest reserve in Buikwe and Mukono, generally, with Hon. Dr Lulume Bayigga; there is a big problem. First of all, the NFA is abusing its powers and causing very grave environmental damage. I do not know whether they are being supervised or there are some other entity operating in their own world. I invite you to visit with Hon. Dr Lulume Bayigga - I actually ask him to invite you to go and see the level of damage caused to our environment by the NFA by actually cutting down a natural forest and planting eucalyptus in square miles of land, and they are still doing so in part of the central forest reserve in Buikwe, where there is huge damage. Of course, you know what has happened on Mityana Road – it is entirely down and you see eucalyptus rising; there is a problem.

Mr Speaker, defence and internal affairs are quite related. While – the other week – we made a presentation, we are waiting for the debate and any response from my good friend from Masaka, the Leader of the Opposition – (Interjections)– in waiting, if that makes you happy. However, generally, our position is still that we would be able to handle any other reactions to the report that we made, jointly – the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

The districts to be connected are: Buikwe, Bukomansimbi, Butambala, Buvuma, Gomba, Kalangala, Kalungu, Kampala, Kassanda, Kayunga, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, Kyotera, Luwero, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Masaka, Mityana, Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Rakai, Ssembabule, Wakiso, Bugweri, Kitagwenda –(Interjections) - that is central. I am going region by region. In eastern Uganda, we have Amuria, Budaka, Bududa, Bugiri, Bukedea, Bukwo, Bulambuli, Busia, Namayingo, Butaleja, Butebo, Buyende, Iganga, Jinja, Kaberamaido, Kaliro, Kamuli, Kapchorwa, Katakwi, Kibuku, Kumi, Kween, Luuka, Manafwa, Mayuge, Mbale, Namisindwa, Namutumba, Ngora, Pallisa, Serere, Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Kalaki and Kapelebyong.

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.

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

6211 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2022 teacher and staff recruited by the Government to run the school. The second one is: aware that Government policy does not support boarding seed secondary schools, is there any special way Nekemia Memorial Seed Secondary School in Buuvu, Kalangala District can be opened as a boarding seed secondary school, since it is meant to serve primary schools in Kachanga, Luramba, Kotobo and Bufumira, which are all in different islands. Madam Speaker, my response is, the Education Service Commission has finalised the recruitment of 4,805 teaching and support staff for seed secondary schools. Among these are 126 head teachers and 156 deputy head teachers. The ministry has already issued appointment letters awaiting posting instructions and deployment to the various seed secondary schools, including Nekemiah. It is true that the current scope of seed secondary schools do not have boarding facilities. This is in line with the USE School Policy. However, the ministry and Government have noted the need to have exceptions for districts located in Karamoja and the islands, where operation of day schools is very challenging. Assessment is on-going by the ministry engineers to ascertain that the cost needed to provide the above facilities are budgeted for in the medium term. Question No.7 came from Hon. Naome Kabasharira, Member of Parliament, Rushenyi County in Ntungamo District. Madam Speaker, the Member says that there is a constant outcry by truck drivers plying the Kampala-Masaka- Mbarara route over the mismanagement of the Lukaya and Mbarara weighbridges and alleged misconduct of the officers in charge. Truck drivers complain of harassment and extortion by some officers in those respective weighbridge stations. This unprofessional conduct of business by the officers manning those stations may cause financial loss to the Government as the money extorted from the drivers does not reach public coffers. Her prayers are that: 1. The relevant agencies streamline the operations of the weigh bridges across the country. 2. An investigation should be conducted on the two weighbridges to establish the extent of the problem and the errant officers be prosecuted. Madam Speaker, Mbarara and Lukaya fixed weighbridges are located along the Masaka- Mbarara Road and are used to regulate the overloading of trucks for purposes of protecting the road infrastructure from premature damage. The two weighbridges are managed by the Ministry of Works and Transport through the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). The Government is in advanced stages of installing the first phase of a high speed weigh- in motion system at Mbarara, Magamaga and Luweero. The high speed weigh-in motion systems for other weighbridges including Lukaya will be installed in the subsequent phases. These systems will allow compliant transporters to move on the road without having to stop on the weighbridge. Data centralisation has been done for Mbarara, Lukaya, Luweero, Magamaga, Mubende and Mbale weighbridges. This increases visibility of weighing operations at each weigh station for monitoring purposes. Madam Speaker, I would like to inform this House that the matter reported by the honourable member in Rushenyi is being followed and those officers will be brought to book. Question number eight: Hon. Naboth Namanya, Member of Parliament of Rubabo in Rukungiri District says that Kahengye Water Project commenced in 2015 with a projection to provide a lasting solution to water shortages in the constituencies of Rubabo, Rujumbura, Rukungiri Municipality and the neighbouring areas of Mitooma District.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. My input is on the equipment. We should have a national equipment data bank so that we can guide deployment. Some facilities are over-equipped, yet there are others where people lack. For instance, in the Greater Masaka, 10 districts do not have a CT scan and people have to go to Kampala. It is sad hearing that some hospitals have equipment that are not being used. Mr Speaker, I pray that our Committee on Health tasks the Ministry of Health to provide data for this equipment. In addition to that, when we are procuring - because we do not have a national data, we end up procuring the same equipment, especially from projects. This eventually misguides the resources. I pray that we get an inventory to guide medical equipment in this country.

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.

Mr Speaker, I am now responding to the question raised by Hon. Joan Namutaawe, Woman Representative, Masaka, who talked about a threatening eviction of about 600 people in her district. Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that last year, I made an effort to reach Kasanje in Masaka. I managed to interact with the communities and the leaders of the area. I found out that the matter had been raised in the previous Parliament, and efforts were made by my predecessors to solve it, but maybe it was not concluded. There were even court cases. The community that had taken the owner to Court was actually ordered by Court to vacate the area, since they had been considered squatters. The land being talked about belonged to the Departed Asian Properties Custodian Board. It belonged to Masaka Jaggery Mills Ltd. It has since changed hands, and now belongs to a one Kasujja. Through those interactions, I made sure that at least, I called the landlord on the ground. We extensively discussed with him and the RDC. I instructed the RDC of the area to handle the matter. They entered into mediation and the owner ended up compensating some of the people who had crops on the land. Initially, they were about 170 people, and then they ended up presenting a list of 400 people, which was very difficult for us, as a ministry, to ascertain whether they were indeed 400 people, because they had no permanent houses or permanent gardens. Mr Speaker, by the time the MP brought the matter on the Floor of Parliament, compensation had started and it was still ongoing. However, the contention arose out of the additional numbers. I directed the RDC to intervene and see how they can be helped. For those who had permanent houses and a permanent school, they entered into an agreement with the owner to enable them legalise their tenancy. Currently, I can confirm that the matter was handled and we only await a report from the RDC of the area. The details are in a report that was submitted some time back. I beg to submit. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I will use a minute for two questions. First, Rt Hon. Prime Minister, when are you extending relief to the people of Bussi Island? An assessment was done and a report brought to your table. Another disaster has just hit them again. Another one pertains to the Presidential pledge to tarmac the Kisubi—Nakawuka—Nateete and Nakawuka-Kasanje-Mpigi roads. He pledged in 2019, but we have not seen any works taking place to date. And, that road is very important, not only for the people of Nakawuka, but to the whole country because it connects Entebbe, Masaka and Mpigi. When will that road be tarmacked? Thank you.

5676 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT students from the various medical schools in Lira and beyond. This affected their NTR collections at the time. The committee notes that such shortfalls in revenue at the Vote level results into aggregate revenue shortfalls at the Treasury level, which, in turn, negatively affects implementation of planned activities at governmental level. The committee notes that Instruction 4.10.2 of the Treasury Instructions, 2017 requires planning and budgeting to be closely linked to the budget to reflect the entity’s policies over the period covered, and should represent a statement of intent against which performance is measured. Therefore, not budgeting for NTR undermines the importance of the budgeting process that affects the posting of the entity accounts. The committee, therefore, recommends that; 1. The entities should strictly plan for NTR in their budgeting process to avoid distortion in economic planning; 2. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should always provide technical assistance to entities in areas of economic planning and budgeting; 3. Entities should further look for ways of diversifying their revenue sources to ensure that they meet the targeted NTR thresholds. Delayed remittance of deductions to Uganda Consumers and Lenders Association (UCLA) and Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) Mr Speaker, the Auditor-General noted that in a significant number of referral hospitals, statutory payroll deductions were made without making timely remittances to the lending institutions, contrary to Paragraph 4.6.1 of the Establishment Notice No.2 of 2019, which requires payroll deductions to be remitted concurrently with salary payments. In the case of Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, for example, deductions to a tune of Shs 151 million were not remitted in accordance with the above establishment notice. The accounting officer attributed this to system challenges. The committee did not believe him. For example, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital payroll deductions of Shs 222,282,880 were not concurrently remitted with salary payments in 10 out of the 12 months, with an average delay of 11 days. Such delays to remit deductions arising out of a loan obligation create accumulated arrears that expose the staff to increased loan burden through interest in surcharge. It also encumbers their financial cards, thereby curtailing their ability to access credit facilities in future. The committee recommends strict adherence to Paragraph 4.6.1 of the Establishment Notice No.2 of 2019, failure of which should attract sanctions to the accounting officer in question. Delayed Remittance of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) deductions to URA The Auditor-General noted that a number of entities such as Mubende, Lira, Gulu, Kabale and Moroto regional referral hospitals delayed remittance of PAYE deductions to URA for periods ranging from 13 to 27 days, disregarding Section 123 of the Income Tax Act 1997, which requires withholding agents to remit to URA any tax that has been withheld or that should have been withheld within 15 days after the end of each month in which the payment subject to withholding tax is made. The committee noted that a number of entities delayed remittances of deductions to URA, contrary to the law. Accounting officers attributed this to system failures although the committee received no evidence of this communication to URA. It is also incomprehensible that these system failures would affect all entities the same way so as to attract similar delays.

5677 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2022 The committee, therefore, observed that: 1. The delays led to accumulation of arrears that were not paid by 30 June 2021; and 2. Delayed remittance of PAYE attracts fines and penalties from URA, which may necessitate budget allocations to clear such arrears created by negligence of the responsible officers. The committee recommends that accounting officers be held responsible for fines accruing from the delays in submission of statutory deductions. Going forward, all accounting officers should ensure that all statutory deductions are remitted in time, failure of which should attract sanctions. This duty should be included in their annual performance contracts by which they should be gauged. Delayed access to salary/pension payroll a) Salary payroll Mr Speaker, the Auditor-General noted that in a number of regional referral hospitals, transferred and newly recruited employees experienced delays, ranging from five to nine months, to access the payroll. Such delays contravene Section B-a (11) of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2010 which requires accounting officers to ensure that public officers access salary payrolls within four weeks from the date of assumption of duty. Pension payroll The Auditor-General also noted that in a number of regional referral hospitals, pensioners experienced delayed access to the payroll, contrary to Paragraph 5.1 of Establishment Notice No.1 of 2020, requiring responsible officers to initiate and complete the processing of retirement benefits within six months to the mandatory retirement date (It should be prior to retirement – that is the emphasis of the committee). In case of death or early retirement, the process should be initiated immediately the letters of administration are issued, and/or the early retirement has been granted. Mr Speaker, the example is Masaka Regional Referral Hospital; four pensioners delayed to access the pension payroll, with the average numbered days that pensioners took from the date of retirement to the date of accessing and subsequent payment of pension being seven to eight months. In Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, three pensioners took between seven to 12 months before accessing the payroll. The accounting officers generally attributed these delays to challenges in acquiring – (Member timed out.)

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

5679 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2022 in the “active deduction report” but in the “my approval report”. In other words, they are supposed to deduct because there is approval but no deductions reported. At Lira Regional Referral Hospital, the Auditor-General noted that unauthorised loan deductions amounting to Shs 190,771,403 were made from 90 employees that neither had letters of undertaking nor existed in the “active deduction” or the “my approval” reports on the PDMS. The committee observed that: 1. Government continues to maintain manual staff files, which are not easily moveable upon transfer of the affected staff; 2. The practice poses a risk of causing deduction without liability, thus depriving staff of their hard-earned money or funds. For instance, the accounting officer of Masaka Regional Referral Hospital had fallen prey to the said vice. This may also expose Government to litigation and in some cases, industrial action; and 3. Twenty-one employees had inconsistencies between the loan amounts in the IPPS and the active deductions. Further, the committee is cognisant of clauses 2.1.2 and 2.1.4 of the service agreement between the Government (The Ministry of Public Service) and the Uganda Consumer Lenders’ Association/ the Uganda Bankers’ Association, which require a letter of undertaking for each Government employee before making an 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 processing or as advised by the employer/ entity. The committee recommends that: 1. Accounting officers should ensure that all loan applications are streamlined with all data being reconciled, in liaison with the PCA Management and approvals done through the PDMS; 2. The hospital management should, within two months from the adoption of this report by Parliament, seek for guidance from the Ministry of Public Service on the usage of the PCA and PDMS interface, to accurately manage their loan database. Off-budget receipts The Auditor-General reported that most of the entities received off-budget financing, which were not declared to the Permanent Secretary/ Secretary to the Treasury, and accordingly, was not appropriated by Parliament as required by Section 43(1) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. There was no evidence that the entities obtained guidance from the Accountant-General as required by Section 43(5) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. Such omissions go against the requirement of running an integrated budget and pose a risk of double financing. For example, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital received numerous funding including Shs 4,164,571,391 delegated funds, Shs 3,575,864,122 as EGPAF/USAID Rhines of Shs 588,707,269. Although the Accounting Officer for Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital explained that the funds were for intern doctors’ allowances, isolation building plus other activities relating to TB and HIV/AIDS and that the funds were spent as per the agreed Memorandum of Understanding, they were not spent within the IFMS of Government, thus contradicting or contravening sections 36(6), 43 and 44(2) of the PFMA 2015, which require all public resources including external funding, to be paid into the Consolidated Fund and be availed through the Appropriations Act.

5680 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT The Auditor-General noted that Masaka Regional Referral Hospital received off-budget financing to the tune of Shs 1,068,012,711, which was not appropriated to the entity by Parliament. Mubende Regional Referral Hospital received Shs 1,418,986,671 from the Ministry of Health and Mildmay Uganda. Off-budget financing is subject to Section 43(1) of the PFMA 2015 and the Budget Execution Circular issued by the PS/ST, and any use of such funds in contravention of those provisions is illegal and actionable. The committee, therefore, recommends that the accounting officers should, at all times, adhere to the laws cited herein above and non- compliance with such should attract sanctions on the accounting officers. Internal control weaknesses The Auditor-General noted that a number of referral hospitals had internal-control weaknesses in areas such as monthly wage, pension and gratuity performance analysis, and remittance of quarterly returns to the Ministry of Public Service. Other areas included payments of salaries, pension and gratuity of the IPPS in disregard of Establishment Notice No.2 of 2019 and No.1 of 2020. The committee notes that these internal- control weaknesses are the leading cause of arrears, under-absorption of wage, pension and gratuity as well as delays in granting clearance to recruits. The committee observes that in almost all regional referral hospitals, this audit query is outstanding and the accounting officers are medical professionals, who do not have and/ or dedicate enough to the human resources and the accounting function. This is attributed to their busy schedule in relation to their core appointment of professional service. In most cases, they are medical consultants. The committee recommends that accounting officers should strengthen internal-control measures by submitting quarterly returns in compliance with establishment notices, and ensure that salaries, pension and gratuity are processed and paid through the IPPS in an efficient manner. The Ministry of Public Service should review the structure of regional referral hospitals, with the view to creating a key position of Hospital Planner, and also ensuring a uniform human resource structure for all regional referral hospitals. The PS/ST should consider appointing non- medical staff as accounting officers as opposed to the already laden staff, who dedicate little time to the accounting function. Mr Speaker, for specific queries and recommendations delineated per vote, I request that honourable members refer to the main report, which is already uploaded on their iPads. I beg to report.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Hon. Dr Abed Bwanika indeed raised those issues earlier, and he called me on phone, and in a short time, I raised these lists from the police and his concerns are valid. When it comes to Masaka, the names listed – I know, for the record, that Ugandans can stay anywhere, but I see they are mostly from un - Masaka. I see Ecuret, Alfred – I think these could be children of police officers, but I need to verify. (Laughter) I want to verify and come back with a more informed position; and also to verify on the criteria used to – then I will inform the House.

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.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, last year in July, specifically 23 July 2021, I raised an issue regarding Kyotera-Masaka-Mutukula Road. You promised that by September there would be some maintenance work on it. It is almost a year now. No works, except for Masaka of about 5-7 kilometres were worked on. The road is in a very pathetic state. We are losing lives; and there are accidents on a daily basis. I want to know when this promise you made last year would come to be actualised. Thank you.

The chairperson’s argument is that these sites which we are adopting are not properly verified. For example, they want to declare Villa Maria the first brick house; the district where it is located is said to be Masaka, but it is in Kalungu - and we are adopting a schedule. The only argument that can be carried is that this list was solicited, but adequate verification has not yet been done. If we adopt it as it is, where do we go from here? That is why, if the minister is given time to come up with a verified schedule to be adopted, it may carry water.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of urgent public call in regard to the devastating floods at Nalukolongo Channel in Rubaga South constituency, which has become a death trap. Mr Speaker, with the rainy season, the channel, which stretches from Kibuye through Ndeeba, Nateete, Nalukolongo and Kabowa and onto Masaka Road, has claimed the lives of children and women whenever it floods. So far, 25 houses have been destroyed and the roads will soon be rendered impassable. The major flooding points along this channel are at Wankulukuku-Sembule, Nalukolongo-Road, Ndeeba, Samona-Nateete from where the devastation spreads to most of the channel’s catchments. Mr Speaker, the channel had been earmarked for construction by Kampala Capital City Authority in 2014, under the Kampala Institutional Infrastructure Development Project, which was funded by the World Bank. However, the project stalled after KCCA indicated that it did not have enough money to compensate about 450 residents, who had surrendered their land for the project to start. Upon the expiry of the above project, the second project whose implementation started in 2015 also stalled because KCCA still claimed it lacked funds for its implementation. The state of the channel has over the years gone from -

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Congestion and overcrowding in prisons The committee noted that overcrowding is an outstanding problem for the prisons management in the country. Congestion is an average of 339 per cent with some prisons housing above five times their designed housing capacities as detailed below. Mr Speaker, that is tabulated and we made reference to some of the prisons like Bushenyi, Mbarara, Masindi, Kiruhura, Lira, Rukungiri, Ndorwa, Kakiika, Fort Portal, Kitgum, Bushenyi. Masaka Ssaza and Upper Prison. The committee observes that overcrowding in prisons relates to challenges in the judicial system. For instance, shortage of judicial staff, prosecution officers, investigators, missing court files and few high court sessions. In addition, unnecessary adjournments by judges greatly negate the trial process by cases dragging on in courts for a long time, leading to the high number of un-convicted offenders in prison custody, who eventually contribute to a rise in population in prisons. The committee further noted that another cause of congestion in prison institutions in the country is the presence of a large number of prisoners who have been sentenced to death over the years, but have never been executed. This growing prison population has overstretched existing physical facilities and puts pressure on services like water, leading to unhygienic conditions and other unacceptable behaviours. The committee noted that delivery of justice is a coordinated process in the Justice, Law and Order Sector where departments within the sector have to be aligned and coordinated simultaneously to perform all activities in the process. The committee also noted that in some prison facilities like Katojo Prison in Kabarole District, juveniles were imprisoned together with adults instead of in remand homes, thereby increasing congestion in the prisons. However, the committee was informed that this was as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic where prisoners were restricted to particular facilities to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Recommendations 1. The Prison Service development budget should be increased to enable rehabilitation, expansion and construction of more prisons to accommodate the increasing number of prisoners and reduce on congestion in the available facilities;

Absolutely, Madam Speaker. But you see the problem with education, there are classes of schools that will not argue because they also have their number. When you come to private schools, their advanced stages are well known to all of us. Then there are those particular UPE schools where I have a lot of interest. Then lastly, I pray to the minister, through you, Madam Speaker, that some of these issues like the one raised by the honourable member about the technical institute - as a committee, we have done a lot of work and I would like to thank you for interdicting the head teacher. However, the committee should take keen interest in going back. Sometimes, there must be a presumption of innocence. A number of schools are striking now. I heard of one in Mbarara. In Masaka we had one at Blessed Sacrament Kimaanya and others. We should go back to our committee and get more usefulness from the committee to handle those disputes as they come in. Thank you.

2434 STATEMENT ON FUEL CRISIS IN THE COUNTRY I call upon Members, first and foremost, to join us in calling upon Government to take action on this matter. Madam Speaker, I would like to allay the fear that the people causing trouble in Karamoja now are not Karimojong; they are bandits. It will be unfortunate - colleagues, it would be unfortunate to say that Karimojong are disturbing because even in Masaka, when some people were cutting people with pangas, we did not say the Baganda were cutting people. The problem is that we generalise and lose focus –

Honourable members, the Minister of Internal Affairs will make a follow up on that and give feedback to this House on what is happening. We do not want the Masaka issue to move the other side. So, the earlier we address the issue, the better. Let us have hon. Mukisa, and then we get the report from PAC. Those remaining will bring their issues tomorrow.

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise with humility to support the motion moved ably by the Rt Hon. Deputy Prime Minister in paying tribute to this gallant son of Uganda, the late Archbishop. Mr Speaker, this motion is about our humaneness. In Masaka Diocese, the Catholic Diocese has the oldest secondary school in Bukalasa Seminary that started about 1893. At the entry to the cemetery, is a big inscription, not so big but easy to see and written in Latin: “ Memento mori” (remember you must die).

1131 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2021 He also said he was not sure if he would die before seeing peace and harmony. He has died before seeing peace and harmony in this country because we still see a lot of battering of our people. A lot of killings have been happening in Masaka where despite, security warnings, the killings would happen; indeed, he did not see the peace he preached, prevail. Archbishop Jonah Lwanga was given a State burial and we thank you for that. However, when the State takes over certain burials especially of a church leader, why are the people concerned about such a person thrown out? For example, some of the believers were not even allowed to see their beloved one. Well, I know we are in a COVID-19 pandemic where we need to keep social distance but the men in uniform were very many and you would wonder whether they do not get infected by COVID-19. The believers were kept far way. I beg that when it comes to a burial like this, the people are given a chance. Some of them called me from home saying, “We cannot bury our person because we have been sent away.” Well, there was less space but they would have been allowed in, one by one. They said he only had two pairs of shoes and he gave out the rest he was given. Can we emulate this man? As we speak, I have about 60 pairs of shoes. I am learning from him and by next month, I will have only 40 pairs. (Laughter) I want to learn from him slowly and process by process. (Interjections) Mr Speaker, I beg for protection.