Agago District

Mr Speaker, we received seven written questions from members and we have responded to them in writing. Hon. Benson Lugwar, Member of Parliament for Agago North County, raised a matter concerning the escalating human-wildlife conflict that is directly undermining our food security and economic empowerment in his constituency. His prayer was whether the Government could provide an update on the matter. Mr Speaker, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has established satellite ranger outposts. Tikawo outpost is already deployed in Agago North, and 1,300 rangers are undergoing training to improve response. The electric fencing programme is ongoing, and sensitisation is also underway because some stakeholders fear land grabbing, so we have to sensitise our people. The Government is promoting block farming, and we have recruited community wildlife scouts as volunteers where the Uganda Wildlife Authority has no presence. The three million five hundred US dollar Kidepo Landscape Integrated Conservation and Development Project will start this Financial Year, 2026/2027. This will cover Agago, Abim, Karenga, Kaabong, Kotido, Kitgum and Lamwo to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. The second question came from Hon. Osoru Mourine, Woman Member of Parliament for Arua City. She raised the matter concerning the segregative vehicle transit permits through the Bugungu Gate at Murchison Falls National Game Park, which risks potential loss of revenue to the national economy. Her prayer is for the Government to give an update on the matter. Mr Speaker, the road through Bugungu Gate is not a public road. Its use is subject to park regulations, and all vehicles must pay the UWA tariff fees. Exemptions are only to vehicles with the sick, referrals, UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prison Service on official operations with evidence. Mr Speaker, the third question came from Hon. Juliet Achayo, the Member of Parliament for Ngora County. She said that during the last cropping season, there was a severe attack on groundnuts by groundnut rosette, affecting over 75 per cent of the households in Ngora. Her prayers were that:

Mr Speaker, this motion is based on the prevailing problem all over the country but especially those who have been surviving on rain-fed crops. They are most affected in these subregions and people are doing badly. You will hear from other sub-regions like Karamoja and in some areas of Agago that people have started dying of acute hunger. The most affected people are the old ones, children and pregnant mothers. It is, therefore, important to take action now to save the lives of Ugandans who are dying. I thank you very much for giving me this space.

Yes, the Office of the Prime Minister presented a Cabinet paper on Monday which was urging the Government to provide support. I want to inform you, Members, that the President has already acted and told us to use the army to supply food to the most affected areas. We already have stores of the army in Kigumba. National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) has been contracted by the Office of the Prime Minister, first to supply food to those areas in Karamoja where we have reported deaths of people and that is starting tomorrow. What I can urge Members to do is to mobilise, especially in those areas where we are going to start delivering food; Karamoja and surrounding districts of Kitgum and Agago because of what you heard here and then these other surrounding districts. I will take another Cabinet paper to inform the President that other areas also need support. We have so far been [Mr Longoli] MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

Mr Speaker, for the last week, more than 200 elephants invaded my constituency, from the Sub-county of Omiya Pachwa up to Lira Kato. These elephants not only disturb the people of Agago North County, but they stretch from Agago to Kitgum, Kabong, and Karenga. Right now, as I speak, Mr Speaker, you will not find any crops in the garden amidst the sunshine. I request the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to kindly help and guide in the process. We have seen many game parks like Murchison Falls where roads have been constructed, and live wires have been put in place to stop the elephants from crossing into people’s gardens. It would have been much better had the elephants only destroyed crops. However, people losing their lives in the hands of wildlife is very disturbing, Mr Speaker. Even if there are only two or three elephants, they are doing destructive activity, which is not allowed in the community. I beg to submit, and thank you so much.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I apologise for coming in a bit late, but I received information about a concern raised by a member regarding the 200 elephants that escaped and were ravaging the community. I would like to inform this House that the elephants came from the Karenga wildlife corridor. In this area, there is a village called Tikao village in Gule Parish, Orom sub-county. This is an area which has been encroached upon by the community. They are farming around that area. These are people who came from Orom sub-county in Kitgum and because this area is adjacent to Agago, three herds of elephants are moving around that area. This has been a common problem. The Uganda Wildlife Authority actually received funding from the Government to fence off that area, but the community resisted, saying the Authority wanted to take over their land. That is why, up to now, only around 176 kilometres of Kidepo has been fenced off. We already have the materials, but the problem is that the community resisted, including the politicians in the area. Therefore, I would like to implore the Members of Parliament from that area to mobilise the community. Uganda Wildlife Authority is willing and ready to fence off the area because we already have the materials and the funding. The only solution is for us to do an electric fence in that area. Usually we plant chillies along the borders of national parks, and when elephants taste them, they know this is a no-go zone. However, because the land harbours people’s gardens, UWA is no longer able to plant the chillies. I would like to request the members to mobilise the community, and the moment you are ready, Uganda Wildlife Authority is going to come in and fence off that area.

148 THE BUDGET SPEECH, 2026 Energy development Mr Speaker, reliable and affordable energy is essential for industrialisation and socioeconomic transformation. The Government continues to invest heavily in electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. In the Financial Year 2025/2026, the Government achieved the following in energy development: a) Continued development of hydro, solar and other energy projects alongside preparatory work for future nuclear investments. Installed generation capacity now stands at 2,098 megawatts. The Government’s medium- to long-term target is 52,482 megawatts to support industrialisation, urbanisation and economic growth. b) Completed and continued construction of multiple lines, including the Kole-Gulu- Nebbi-Arua line 132 KV, the Kampala Metropolitan transmission line 132 KV, including two associated mobile substations, Mbarara, Kabarole 132 KV, Karuma-Tororo 400 KV, Tororo resource 400 KV, Mutundwe-Entebbe 132 KV and Lira-Gulu-Agago 132 KV. Good progress has also been made on substations serving industrial parks in Mbarara, Kapeeka, and the Kabalega Petrochemical Industrial Park. c) The share of households in rural areas connected to grid electricity has nearly doubled in the three years from 6.8 per cent in the Financial Year 2021/2022 to 11.4 per cent in the Financial Year 2024/2025. d) Through the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company, Government commenced construction of four small mini-hydro power sites expected to generate 5 megawatts of electricity. These sites will be completed in March 2027 and will provide reliable power to very hard- to-reach and remote areas. Further, under the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project, 419,592 off-grid solar connections have been made countrywide. Financial Year 2026/2027 Priorities for the Energy Sector Mr Speaker, the Government has allocated Shs 2.07 trillion to energy development and the priority interventions include: i) Expansion of generation capacity by commencing the 380-megawatt Kiba hydro-electricity plant, a floating solar plant at Isimba, and 500 megawatts of utility scale solar in the Elgon and Acholi subregions; ii) Preparatory work for nuclear energy generation at Buyende; iii) Expansion of transmission and associated substation infrastructure; iv) Rural electrification; and v) Industrial power connections. Investing in People Mr Speaker, economic transformation is ultimately about people. A healthy, educated, skilled and productive population is indispensable for sustained growth and shared prosperity. That is why the Government continues to allocate a large share of the discretionary budget to human capital development, i.e. health, education, water and sanitation, and social protection. During Financial Year 2025/2026, the following milestones were achieved: Health Under health, Mr Speaker, the Government sustained its policy of progressively increasing investment in essential medicines and health supplies. Accordingly, funding through the National Medical Stores was increased by Shs 145.33 billion to Shs 862.93 billion in Financial Year 2025/2026. The Government will continue to increase domestic financing for essential health commodities with the aim of substantially

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

9 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 14 MAY 2026 56. Kirungi Annet Pamela Woman Representative Kabarole NRM 57. Kyogabiirwe Jackie Muganda Woman Representative Kyegegwa NRM 58. Lanyero Christine Awany Woman Representative Nwoya NRM 59. Logose Sarah Annet Woman Representative Butaleja NRM 60. Lokii John Baptist (Dr) Matheniko County Moroto NRM 61. Lokoru Albert Tepeth County Moroto Independent 62. Lokoru Stephenson Yoyo Chekwii East County Nakapiripirit NRM 63. Longoli Simon Peter Chekwii County (Kadam) Nakapiripirit NRM 64. Lubega George Willy Bugangaizi South County Kakumiro NRM 65. Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira Nyendo-Mukungwe County Masaka City NUP 66. Lugoloobi Amos Ntenjeru County North Kayunga NRM 67. Kiwanuka Sulaiman Nakifuma County Mukono NUP 68. Kuteesa Mary Kamuli Mwenge County South Kyenjojo NRM 69. Kyeyune Ivan Nakasongola County Nakasongola NUP 70. Lakisa Mercy Faith Woman Representative Alebtong NRM 71. Lenia Charity Kevin Vurra County Arua NRM 72. Mutebi Benard Mugoya Bulamogi County Kaliro Independent 73. Katooko Sylivia Damba Woman Representative Kibuku NRM 74. Kayogera Yona Busiki North County Namutumba Independent 75. Kiti Peter T’oo County Bukwo NRM 76. Lolem Micah Akasile Upe County Amudat NRM 77. Locap Peterkhen Bokora East County Napak NRM 78. Linda Irene City Woman Representative Fort Portal City NRM 79. Lokubal Emma Woman Representative Nabilatuk NRM 80. Katusiime Adrine Woman Representative Sheema NRM 81. Loluk Fidelis Logwee Napore West County Karenga Independent 82. Komakech Christopher Aruu County Pader NRM 83. Muzaid Khemis Arua Central Division Arua City FDC 84. Lamwaka Catherine Woman Representative Omoro NRM 85. Kiwanuka Abdallah Mukono County North Mukono NUP 86. Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo Kyotera County Kyotera NRM (The House was suspended at 11.42 a.m.) (On resumption at 1.00 p.m., the Deputy Clerk, Parliamentary Affairs presiding.) 87. Lokwang Hillary Ik County Kaabong NRM 88. Lowila CD Oketayot Woman Representative Pader NRM 89. Lugoloobi Willy Bageyente Bujumba County Kalangala NRM 90. Lugwar Benson Agogo North County Agago Independent 91. Lukyamuzi David Kalwanga Busujju County Mityana NUP 92. Kiwanuka Keefa Kiboga East County Kiboga NRM 93. Maala Zahrah Luyirika Makindye Division West Kampala NUP 94. Makumbi Henry Kamya Mityana County South Mityana NRM 95. Mariam Seif Woman Representative Iganga NRM 96. Mafabi Asha Nabulo Woman Representative Sironko NRM 97. Mamawi James Adjumani East County Adjumani Independent 98. Masaba Karim Industrial Division Mbale City Independent 99. Matembu Chriss Wataka Bubulo County West Manafwa Independent 100. Matovu Emmanuel Magoola Busiro County East Wakiso Independent 101. Mawanda Micheal Maranga Igara County East Bushenyi NRM

2 ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS 6. Abeja Susan Jolly District Woman Representative Otuke NRM 7. Abigaba Cuthbert Mirembe Kibale County Kamwenge NRM 8. Acamfua Topista District Woman Representative Zombo Independent 9. Acan Joyce Okeny PWD Representative N/A NRM 10. Achayo Juliet Lodou Ngora County Ngora NRM 11. Achia Lokiru Gabriel Jie County Kotido NRM 12. Achola Catherine District Woman Representative Pallisa NRM 13. Aber Lillian District Woman Representative Kitgum NRM 14. Acom Alobo Joan City Woman Representative Soroti FDC 15. Aayoo Joyce Makamoe District Woman Representative Abim Independent 16. Acon Julius Bua Otuke East County Otuke NRM 17. Adeke Anna Ebaju District Woman Representative Soroti FDC 18. Adidwa Abdu Bukooli South County Namayingo Independent 19. Agaba Gilbert Workers Representative N/A Independent 20. Agaba Peter Ibanda Municipality Ibanda NRM 21. Ahebwa Wilber Manyisa Nakaseke North County Nakaseke NRM 22. Akello Beatrice Akori District Woman Representative Agago NRM 23. Aine Godfrey Kaguta Mawogola North County Ssembabule NRM 24. Akello Lucy District Woman Representative Amuru FDC 25. Akello Rose Lilly District Woman Representative Karenga NRM 26. Akol Anthony Kilak North County Amuru NRM 27. Akorikin Francis Kapelebyong County Kapelebyon NRM 28. Aguti Sarah District Woman Representative Dokolo UPC 29. Akugizibwe Aled Ronald Buruli County Masindi NRM 30. Akumu Catherine Mavenjina Older Persons Representative Northern NRM 31. Alenyo Marshall Godfrey Jonam County Pakwach Independent 32. Alioni Yorke Odria Aringa South County Yumbe NRM 33. Among Anita Annet District Woman Representative Bukedea NRM 34. Magogo Moses Hassim Budiope East County Buyende NRM 35. Opolot Isiagi Patrick Kachumbala County Bukedea NRM 36. Okwere David Beecham Bukedea County Bukedea NRM 37. Namulondo Sarah District Woman Representative Buyende NRM 38. Pedun Josephine District Woman Representative Ngora NRM 39. Aeku Patrick Soroti County Soroti NRM 40. Alyela Denis Omodi Lira East Division Lira City NRM 41. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano District Woman Representative Kisoro NRM 42. Akugizibwe Lawrence Mwenge County North Kyenjojo NRM 43. Amanya Cohen Kyampene Igara County West Bushenyi NRM 44. Achia Cathy District Woman Representative Kaabong NRM 45. Acom Esther District Woman Representative Serere Independent 46. Amaniyo Draville Sheilah District Woman Representative Mukono NUP 47. Aceng Jane Ruth District Woman Representative Lira City NRM 48. Ajilo Maria Gorretti Elogu District Woman Representative Kalaki NRM 49. Adome Francis Lorika Moroto Municipality Moroto NRM 50. Ameede Agnes District Woman Representative Butebo NRM 51. Amongin Jane Frances Okili District Woman Representative Kaberamaido NRM 52. Angura Fredrick Tororo South County Tororo NRM 53. Angwech Colline Kioga County Amolatar UPC 54. Anifa Bangirana Mawogola West County Ssembabule NRM 55. Anyakun Esther Davinia District Woman Representative Nakapiripirit NRM 56. Acheng Sandra District Woman Representative Kole NRM

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

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-

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.

You see; you cannot get it all right. On this one, you are not going to get a directive from the Speaker to ask us to clap for you. This one here; you should swallow it painfully and say you are not ready and the report is not there, because an executive summary can only be appended to the main report. I know that Hon. Olanya. If you could only reduce your trips to Agago on land matters and concentrate on this report, you would conclude it.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. (Laughter) You know, we are in a very hectic and hot period, and so, if my people from Kalongo reach here, and they hear that they are being represented by the Member of Agago County, instead of the Member for Agago North County, who is Okot John Amos, it may cause me a problem. However, I want to welcome them all to the Parliament of Uganda. You are most welcome. Madam Speaker, for the record, they travelled the long route because of the bad roads. The roads in Agago - to reach Kalongo, is not easy. We have talked about this here, and these children - if the ministry can take a step to work on the roads, you are going to save them and all of us. Otherwise, you, the children, are most welcome. God bless you.

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 –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I request the minister to consider and put this as an emergency - the Kitgum Matidi-Wol-Kalongo Road is impassable. It is a murram road, and for almost two to three years, we have struggled, especially when the rain is too much. Then also there is the Pajule- Pader-Kalongo Road, which also needs an emergency response. Madam Speaker, there is a spot in a place called Adjumani, then Ora Ka Tuk in Wol area - I do not know why they cannot put real murram, instead of grading it. It is better to put good murram, so that it can help us. Finally, there was a design in the Financial Year 2013/2014 to consider putting tarmac on the road from Pajule, via Pader, to Kalongo, but it is as if all those plans have gotten lost somewhere. May you consider bringing those on board because it is only Agago that does not have any tarmac in the Acholi Subregion?

Yes, Madam Speaker. The point I am trying to bring home is that the closest subcounty and trading centre to our subcounty and district are connected to power. However, Agago, being the closest, has been left out, yet some years ago, money was borrowed for these power connections’ completion. This question goes to the minister in charge of electricity and the minister in charge of northern Uganda. Why are you leaving Agago in the dark? When are you going to complete that work? Thank you.

…59,901 persons with disabilities. Madam Speaker, I have provided an additional Shs 404.9 billion for social protection next Financial Year 2025/2026. Water, Sanitation, and Environmental Protection To improve the quality of life, the Government continues to invest in the provision of safe water, improve sanitation, and ensure protection of the environment. These include the following: (i) Villages in Uganda with at least one safe water source have remarkably increased to eight out of every 10 villages. Nationwide, 57,951 villages out of 71,225 have been served with a safe water source. (ii) Completed construction of 259 medium and large solar-powered water supply and sanitation systems and gravity flow schemes across the country. (iii) The construction of 42 large solar-powered water supply systems is ongoing in Agago, Yumbe, Amudat, Kaabong, Kasese, Kakumiro, Sembabule, Kisoro, Rubanda, Bulambuli, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Buyende, Nakaseke, Namayingo, Rakai and Buvuma. (iv) With regard to clean water, the construction of piped town water supply systems is ongoing in 32 towns. These include: Namasale, Kakingol, Kamuli, Ngoma Town, Lunya, Karogo Phase II, Ishaka (mobilisation), Nyakashaka, Bukumi, Kanapa, and Odongai. Construction is also ongoing in Palabek-Kal, Rhino Camp, Arra-Dufile, Lubeli Refugee Settlement, Bolori, Nyanseke, Busaale, Kibuzi, and expansion in two towns of Kiboga and Zigoti. Other beneficiary towns are: Lamwo, Lacekocot, Iri-Iri, Lorengecora, Manafwa, Butaleja-Busolwe, Tirinyi-Kibuku-Kadama- Budaka, Kaliro-Namungalwe, Rukungiri and Obongi. (v) The construction of various water supply systems in 26 districts is at varying levels of physical progress. These include: Manafwa Town Council and the installation of solar packages that is ongoing in Losilang, Kasawo (Phase I), Kabura-Mwizi (Phase I), Bukumi, Bulangira and Kyebando-Kasimbi, and Busaale Town. Also, the Government is starting the development of new piped water supply systems in Rubanda, Kabale, Alebtong, Nakasongola, and Kamuli districts, among others. Madam Speaker, I have provided an additional Shs 366.1 billion next financial year for water resource management, climate change mitigation, natural resources and environment. The priority interventions include: the construction of water supply infrastructure to increase service in the underserved communities in rural, urban and refugee settlements; increasing rehabilitation and expansion of existing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure; and increasing forest and wetland cover. Overall, I have allocated a total of Shs 11.44 trillion in the next financial year towards investing in the people of Uganda through health, education, social protection, and water and sanitation.

17499 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 schools under the Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) programme, bringing the cumulative total to 161 seed schools, out of the 259 planned. The majority of the remaining schools are progressing well and are on schedule for completion by June, 2025. The total number of Government-aided primary schools in the country is now 12,550. People normally talk of parishes which do not have Government-aided primary schools. But how many parishes are there in Uganda? It is because some of the parishes have got more than one primary school. Otherwise, 12,000 could have covered every parish because remember, the villages are 72,000 and they are normally about five or 10 villages in a parish. The primary schools, supported by the Government, are now quite many but some of the parishes may have more than one. The total number of Government-aided secondary schools is 1,416. The technical and vocational schools are 189 and Government degree-awarding universities are 12. That is the infrastructure of education in the country now. Clean water and sanitation The proper management of our water and environmental resources is a major contributing factor to public health, agricultural productivity and climate change adaptation. The National Population and Housing Census Report of 2024 showed that at least eight in 10 households now have access to improved water sources, that is, piped water, protected springs, etc. In 1986, only 10 per cent – that is one out of 10 households – had access to a clean and safe water source. Today, 81.1 per cent of the households in Uganda are in the radius of one kilometre from a safe water source. This is on account of the Government’s prioritisation of the construction of piped water systems in both rural and urban areas. Government has constructed a number of solar- powered piped water systems in the districts of Agago, Alebtong, Kayunga, Mityana, Pader, etc. There are ongoing construction works in other districts like Buhweju – for Bisya water supply system; Kasese – for Nyamugasani gravity flow scheme; Ala-Ora water supply system to serve the districts of Terego, Madi- Okollo and Nebbi, among others. Additionally, through the District Water and Sanitation Conditional Grant, the local governments have been able to boost access to improved water sources across the country. The local governments have constructed a total of 2,564 taps, serving 452,000 persons; drilled 709 deep boreholes, serving 212,000 persons and 128 protected springs, serving 43,000 persons. They have also constructed 109 rainwater harvesting tanks, serving 654 persons and 79 production wells. A total of 1,333 boreholes and 28 piped water systems have been rehabilitated across the country, thus restoring service to 417,000 persons. Regional integration The political balkanisation of Africa created small states, many of which have small populations. Uganda, with 46 million people, is one of the bigger states. The solution to this problem is regional integration. The whole of Africa has got a very high population of 1.4 billion people but this population is broken up into small units. Small populations mean small markets. The problem is compounded by a low purchasing power because of low incomes. So you have got small populations with low incomes. How will they support business? There are also problems in the regional market such as lack of roads and lack of communication to enable us to fully exploit the regional market. That is why, for instance, Uganda has undertaken the construction of the Mpondwe to Beni highway to ease connectivity between Congo and Uganda. If we mobilise the whole of Africa to remove all trade barriers, we shall no longer worry about being shut out of markets in Europe or the USA. In the Budget speech, I will speak more about this issue of integration. I think for now, let me finish so that people can survive and go home.

17350 MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET, 2025/2026 The first issue is; are people in the Government really thinking or do they go to the dictionary, pick words and give the minister to come and present here? These are the realities we have to check. Secondly, if you are talking about the strategy itself – agro-industrialisation and tourism – I want to fault the Government for thinking that tourism is national parks and watching animals. When we apply for visas to visit some of these countries, which visa do they give you? A tourist visa. If there is a place in Uganda that requires support for tourism development, it is Kampala because everyone comes here for a visit. It is the urban centres that we have and it is the facilities within the urban centres which people come to see. In Lira City, for example, we have tourists who come from Agago and Abim on a daily basis to visit Lira and go back. There are so many tourists who come to Kampala for this visit. The point I am raising is we should depart – (Hon. Amos Okot rose_)

What is it? Honourable member from Agago, let him conclude. [Mr Amos Okot: “Madam Speaker, I come from Agago.”] Hon. Odur, can you conclude? He is a tourist. We are all tourists; I am also a tourist in Kampala. (Applause)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join my colleagues to thank the chairperson of the committee. Mr Speaker, to start with, you have been emphasising the Positron Emission Tomography machine (PET) for testing of cancer. There is also the dialysis machine for those who are - all of us are victims of kidney failure and the associated problems it comes with. I, therefore, recommend that we should put aside some funds so that most of our regional referral hospitals get this machine. For example, Kitgum and Agago - everybody has to run and go towards Oyam. Secondly, there was a project which the minister had to fast-track. It is about the teaching

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

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.

Thank you for giving me this small opportunity to represent my people. Mr Speaker, I want to speak on equity and balancing of our resources. It is true, the only area where we can get these resources is through budget appropriation. When you see the little money that we are giving – For example, when you see the geographical coverage of Agago and the Shs 1 billion that we send, the place is too huge. The number of parishes and subcounties can be small but still, the geographical coverage is too big. I do not know whether it is still possible for this Shs 1 billion to be apportioned by

16866 BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR THE FY 2025/2026 constituencies instead of districts. This is because by constituencies, it would cover. For example, in Agago, we have three counties and 26 subcounties.

Yes, Mr Speaker. That is why I am talking about equity and balancing of this. When you subdivide this Shs 1 billion in a district with more than two counties, like in mine, it is supposed to be about Shs 300 million, or something like that. When you compare a district with the one county and with small geographical coverage – That is why I am saying, if we can consider the equity and balancing of that resource – The same thing applies to PDM. We have parishes which are too big, like in Northern Uganda where you go and it is even bigger than a subcounty. The Shs 100 million that you give is just peanuts. The subcounty itself, the villages, the parishes are as big as – In Agago, we have about 1,200 villages in a district and the parties are as huge as that. I would like to find out from the committee, and especially the ministers, the level of the staffing. What percentage are we now in the local government? What is the coverage? How are our civil servants? You will find that this is where we have to supervise and follow up even these little resources. However, if the employment level is below 50 per cent in a district then I consider that we have to increase the wage amount for this. Finally, I have an appeal to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. We should not conclude this term and then find that the newly created subcounties and town councils are not getting the money, which is supposed to be given to them for these smaller roadworks. At least we should change it in this financial year so that as we are going for the new campaigns and forming another Government, we do not keep carrying the same burden and questions. Let us identify these subcounties which are not getting their little money for the small road works. The Ministry of Local Government should come up with a full list covering the country and then we immediately create – without going more than five months after the passing of the Budget. I thank you, Mr Speaker.

16867 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 9 APRIL 2025 as the Ministry of Local Government, going down using our Commissioner in Charge of Local Council Development to establish our own numbers. We shall base on those to advise the ministry for finance to increase the funding. Subdividing the parishes will not help because the numbers are the reason why we need more money. Hon. Asiimwe talks of a cash bonanza. I wish to express my anger over such a comment from a Member of Parliament. When we see these people eating money, we should take action there and then. If you see them in bonanzas and giving you fake documents, we should work very hard to ensure we curb thieving of government funds in our constituencies. Mr Speaker, we have been advising that the mother district, out of which the city was curved, should lend the machines to the city. Most cities are doing that, as we work out their own road equipment, having supplied 15 new sets of road equipment to the newly created districts. Local revenue collection. During our visit – I am the one who covered northern Uganda. I was in Kole, Arua, and others - Yes, there are delays but I want to confirm that the money will come. However, when the money comes, the problem is the district. The Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) - I went to Kole and found a very big scandal. The money was coming back but it was not being given out. Check on your CAOs. The money may come late and the ministry for finance has an explanation, but giving out money should be supervised by all of us. On the roads that hon. Patrick Bingi brought up, we have decided to supervise the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development Program (USMID) funded roads. However, the nature of the roads is not ordinary. They install culverts and they make pavers. The quality and the amount of murram put is not just a matter of mere scattering. Hon. Bingi, you should go, look at the bills of quantities, and then come and bravely say 120 is too much because the quality of the work is bad. If it is bad, we shall reprimand them and make them repeat it. For Hon. Kwizera, the Speaker has answered you ably. I do not need to go through that again. I am touched by Hon. Hellen Auma’s comments. How do they recruit? Why recruit people outside Busia? We should avoid tribalism. We recruit considering qualification, suitability of the work, and expressing that physically in the interviews. These days, they do written and oral interviews. You are free to work in Kabarole, and my people are free to work in Busia, if they meet the qualification demands. For only two teachers, I do not think it is true. For local government, the district service commissions are open and the CAO’s duty is to give information and submit the vacant positions. The Minister of Public Service will allude to that but I know our CAOs submit. Where they do not submit, bring arguments and then we will hold them responsible. Regarding reduction of our budget, we are complaining to Mr Musasizi. Honestly, when you reduce the money, you reduce the services and it means our people will not get the required services. For Hon. Amos Okot of Agago, we are compiling the list and the Speaker gave me time to present. My turn is coming next Tuesday. I will provide the list, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, the President directed me and we have a meeting tomorrow. Remember, Parliament last week, under the Speaker, directed that we have a meeting involving the districts of Kitgum, Abim where he comes from, the other district that was carved out of Kitgum; Agago, with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities so that we can come up with solutions. [Mr Aeku] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

Thank you. Hon. Amos Okot? Mr AMOS OKOT (NRM, Agago North County, Agago): Thank you, Mr Speaker – (Ms Rusoke rose_)-

Honourable colleagues, we need order. Don’t you think such people need court martial? Mr AMOS OKOT: Mr Speaker, this is also one of the critical questions that the Prime Minister should pay attention to. Members of Agago District Pensioners’ Association, for the last three months, have not been getting their money. Two, for some teachers from Agago, their salaries are being deducted on the basis of loans, yet they have not taken any loan from any bank. They are trying to call here and there so that they are -(Member timed out.)

16684 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION of records showing that someone got a hundred cows and another one got one cow. We were asking how this happened. However, Mr Speaker, I could not, as vice- chairperson, take out parliamentary documents without the approval of Parliament when we were in those districts such as Agago and Erute. This is so that Members take these lists; they were brought by the Attorney-General. However, they were disputed wherever we went and the names of those who got those cows were not known. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, these are documents from the Cabinet, given to us as the Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation. Allow the new committee members or Members of Parliament to access these documents, take them to their constituencies and read out the names of those people to confirm if they got cows. If they get them, that would solve that challenge –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have three issues to raise. Number one, I want to ask the minister to provide us with the plan. How has the ministry planned for capacity building for the teachers? This one must be very clear. Number two, I would also ask the ministry to come up with a comprehensive report on the number of schools without power, and the number of schools without a library – if they can provide us with all those in a detailed report - then the report should be accompanied by a plan. What do they have in place? For how long do they intend to equip the schools for the learners to be able to build the capacity very effectively? Lastly, Madam Speaker, on the issue of the materials - the materials are very costly. I would like to ask the ministry to equip the school with photocopy machines to allow our children to photocopy freely without any cost. For example, in some districts like Agago, where we are still facing difficulties, the schools are not equipped, and we have challenges with security, and children find difficulties in paying school fees. It will be difficult for them to afford and get the money – (Member timed out.)

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Member for the question. I am going to inform and also direct UWA to make sure that that is covered. Secondly, we also had a problem in northern Uganda to mention, Kitgum and Agago in the Kidepo area. We are also struggling to make sure that we fence it. We are lucky that we have tried to fence, but those small loopholes will be covered I promise.

15820 STANDING COMMITTEE R E PORT should at least amount to the value of a cow. A top-up of Shs 1,050,000, which is a unit cost per cow, was made for all claimants and beneficiaries who had received less than the unit cost. In Financial Year 2023/2024, the above claimants and beneficiaries in the affected districts of Agago, Pallisa, Kitgum, Serere and Kaberamaido were given a top-up amount of Shs 307 million on top of the district’s allocated amount of Shs 1.7 billion. The committee in clause 3.4 on page 14 of its report observed that according to the Attorney-General, the outstanding liability for compensation claims, as at 30 June 2024, was at Shs 472 billion. However, upon the analysis of the same, they arrived at an outstanding liability of Shs 208 billion, leaving a variance of Shs 264 billion from the original liability, as was reported by the Attorney-General to the committee. Further, it is reported that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has so far paid out Shs 119.2 billion, while the committee discovered that the Ministry of Justice had actually paid out Shs 114.7 billion, leaving an unexplained variance of Shs 4.4 billion. Here, below, is an extract of Table 3 from pages 14 and 15 of the committee report. In response to that, we have observed that the committee, in its report, considered Financial Year 2023/2024 partially and only extracted payments and outstanding liability assessed at 50 cows, owing to the threshold set by the ministry of paying at least a minimum of one cow and not more than 50 cows for the first phase, leaving out the total claim in excess of amounts payable or assessed at 50 cows and the information relating to the claimants’/ beneficiaries’ entire claim. Mr Speaker, had the committee extracted the entire information presented to it by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, they would have arrived at the outstanding liability of Shs 472.72 billion as shown in the sample table below. The sample table is there – (Interruption)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. This report and all other reports regarding compensation are not appreciated by many people. When you hear the reports that have been presented with a lot of billions, on the ground, you barely see anything. I pity those people who say that West Nile and other people also need compensation. Sincerely speaking, they will say that you are going to be included but they just give money to those who give them reports. However, when you go to the ground, you find a lot of cheating, corruption and unclear procedures, leaving the claimants without any proper answers. To be honest, very many people are not satisfied with all these processes. Go to anybody; go to Agago. He has said that there is a top-up that was given – people call you and do not know where to go. Instead of going to the Chief Administrative Officer, they resort to the Member of Parliament. When the time for the election comes, they focus especially on us who are in the ruling party. They will tell you that, “When it is time for campaigns, you talk about compensation, but when the campaigns are over, nobody talks about it.” Mr Speaker, we need to do something deeper than this. It is true we know that it is the Government’s policy to compensate people affected by wars, but let it be something real. We know how we lost the animals and all the property. Some were lost to the rebels, others were destroyed by the Government soldiers and others were lost to the Karamojong warriors. Even now, the Karamojong are still stealing and killing. This January alone, I have lost five people. Yesterday, they shot somebody. So, you see the circumstances revolving around. When will this come to an end? We are crying because we want peace. We want the compensation to be real, not paper accountability when you go to the ground, the thing is not as it is supposed to be. [Mr Otimgiw] SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE NO.1 FOR FY 2024/2025

Honourable Member for Mbarara, Member for Busia and Member for Agago.

Appreciate that these questions come from members. So, I try to make sure that we answer them and give answers satisfactorily. Thank you so much. My response is that the National Seeds Project (NOSP) is a seven-year initiative that started in 2021 to 2028, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Local Government. Building on the successes of the Vegetable Oil Development Project(VODP) Phase 2 that started in 2010-2020, NOSP operates in 81 districts, clustered into hubs, that is West Nile, Northern, Eastern, Mid-Western and Karamoja. In Northern Uganda, the project is active in 17 districts including Lamwo, Pader, Kitgum, Gulu, Amuru, Nwoya, Omoro, Agago, Kwania, Otuke, Lira, Alebtong, Amolatar, Apac, Oyam Dokolo and Kole. The project aims to address the shortfall in domestic oil seed production and increase the local output of vegetable oil and related by- products. Its primary development objective is to accelerate commercialisation in the key oil-seed value chain, thereby improving livelihoods and resilience of smallholders involved in oil-seed production and marketing. Actual implementation of the project activities commenced in the financial year 2023/2024. The following have so far been carried out: i) The National Oil Seed Project has provided inputs such as soybean foundation seed and fertilisers to 48 clusters in the region for multiplication to ensure availability of quality declared seed closer to the farmers. This in turn supports farmer groups in growing the seed as grain to increase production and productivity, improve nutrition, and enhance backward and forward linkages within the region; ii) Extension service. The project has provided refresher training for 273 district extension staff to support farmers in the implementing seed value chain activities and to enhance production and productivity. iii) MAAIF, through the project, procured and distributed 162 motorcycles per district to ease mobility - two motorcycles per district- enhance service delivery, and boost the production and productivity of agricultural commodities; iv) Clustering and formation of farmer groups to enhance oilseed production and productivity, contribute to crushing [Ms Nabbanja] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

Let me go to question two. Since Members are going to read. Question number two came from Hon. John Amos Okot- Agago. His prayer is that what are Government plans to fence Kidepo Valley National Park to mitigate elephant invasion in areas around the National Park. Madam Speaker, despite concerted efforts aimed at preserving and managing elephants within Kidepo Valley National Park, incidents and conflicts involving straying elephants and humans are on the rise. This trend is primarily linked to the availability of resources that influence seasonal movement. Elephants naturally migrate in search of water and food. In Kidepo, the scarcity of pasture and water, especially during dry periods, exacerbates the situation. This inherent behaviour can result in heightened elephant activity on community lands at specific times of the year. Madam Speaker, investing in electric fencing for our protected areas is the only conservation measure but a step towards safeguarding our national heritage, ensuring sustainable development and the well-being of our community. Electric fencing has been identified, as I have already told you, as a highly effective measure in mitigating these challenges. It serves as a deterrent to both wildlife straying into human settlements and unauthorised human entry into protected areas. Successful implementation of electric fencing in other countries like Kenya and South Africa has demonstrated significant reductions in human-wildlife conflicts and poaching incidents. Madam Speaker, His Excellency the President recently directed the honourable Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to prioritise the fencing of Kidepo Valley National Park starting the Financial Year 2025/2026. In response to this directive, the ministry has commenced initial surveys and studies for designs, costs and fence alignment. Extensive consultations with local communities to ensure their concerns and suggestions are incorporated into the project that will be undertaken this financial year are ongoing. In the interim, we are continuing to manage the human-elephant conflict through chilli fences, patrols by rangers, community wildlife scouts and beehive fences. The third question came from Hon. Gilbert Olanya and he gave a narrative that His Excellency the President issued an Executive Order stopping massive tree cutting in Northern Uganda. That as he spoke that time, there was continuous tree-cutting in Acholi Subregion, the army officers and other security officers were the PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am here to second the motion. The Acholi people have been searching for sustainable and permanent solutions to cattle rustling for a very long time. The rustlers have caused a lot of suffering for the people of Acholi, especially in the districts of Agago and Kitgum. Economic activities have been disrupted, and Mr Speaker, we need a comprehensive and sustainable solution for cattle rustling. You will never be at peace when your neighbours are not at peace. Education is the only comprehensive and sustainable mechanism to put an end to cattle rustling in the regions of Karamoja and Acholi. Mr Speaker, research shows that there are cumulative benefits of education in ending any conflict. There are clear links between education and improved child ability to protect others. Indeed, it has been noted that children and young people in the Karamoja Subregion who have low education levels are the ones who are more involved in cattle rustling than their educated counterparts. It is the lack of education that is driving this particular group of poor young people into rustling. Therefore, there are thousands of children and young people in Karamoja, right now, who are not going to school and they have become professional raiders. Mr Speaker, the raiders would have worked themselves out of poverty to respect and dignity if they were educated. Therefore, we need to use multiple strategies to combat cattle rustling in the Karamoja Subregion. I beg to submit, thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to present the addendum as per the Karamoja region; the discussions related to the infrastructure report of yesterday. Karamoja region identified key roads that need to be included in the report as follows: i) Moroto-Kotido Kaabong-Karenga Road; ii) Soroti–Amuria–Abim–Kotido Road; iii) Nakapiripirit–Amudat–Alakas Road that is joining to Kenya; iv) Lokitanyala-Loroo-Amudat-Karita Road; v) Napak–Kapelebyong Road, opening the region to Teso; vi) Rehabilitation of Moroto-Soroti Road; vii) Moroto-Nakiloro-Nakabaat Road, opening the region to Kenya; viii) Kotido-Loyoro–Kaabong Road; ix) Kaabong–Timu–Loitanit Road, again opening the region to Kenya; x) K a a b o n g – T i m u – L o k a l a p a t a – Nawountos; xi) Kalapata–Pire; xii) Karenga–Bira, opening the region to South Sudan; xiii) Abim-Napak via Turtuko is an internal road, but very important; and xiv) Kotido-Abim-Otuke-Alebtong-Lira. The region also considered the security and trade roads as very important, namely: i) Kotido–Agago; ii) Kotido–Karenga; iii) Kotido–Nakitongo, that is opening the eastern part of Kenya; iv) Morunyang-Majimoto, again the eastern part of Kenya; v) Nabilatuk-Katakwi which is the Magoro Road; vi) Kaabong–Karenga; vii) Kaabong–Kitgum via Lolelia; viii) Lopelpel-Lokwakipi-Narengnya, that is a ring road around the mountain; ix) Namalu–Nabilatuk–Lokapel; x) Lotome–Korisae Nabwal-Magoro, that is the Teso side; xi) Amudat–Komerimeri; xii) Lokwanamoru–Amuria; xiii) Alerek-Okemer Road; xiv) Alerek–Kacheri–Karenga; and xv) Iriir-Nabwal–Natirae; The key bridges that we propose to be included are: i) Lotome Bridge, that is between Napak and Nabilatuk; ii) Lolachat Bridge, that is between Nabilatuk and Moroto; iii) Lions Bridge, that is between Abim and Napak, which has been claiming many lives; iv) Nakonyen Bridge, between Moroto and Amudat; v) Okemer Bridge, between Abim and Kotido; vi) Nakirianget Bridge, between Mbale and Nakapiripirit; vii) Lodoket angisigiria, that is between Kaabong and Karenga; viii) Koberyo Bridge, that is between Kaabong and Karenga again; ix) Nataa bridges, that is between Nabilatuk and Moroto; x) Komatheniko Bridge, between Moroto and Kotido;

14118 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT We have been telling you and everybody since the 1960s that whatever you do, if you want the people to develop, start with the homestead incomes. We are now talking of roads, what, and what. They are where roads are good. The road from Gulu to Kampala is good. The problem of the bridge is a recent one. It has just come now. Otherwise, the road was good all the way from Bibiya. It was tarmacked all the way to Kampala. The one from Musingo-Kitgum all the way to Kampala, what are you selling along that road? I know there is some sim-sim from Kitgum, but what else? From the 1960s, we have been telling all those who care to listen to us that, “Please, seek first the homestead incomes and the rest will be added unto you.” In 2018, I made a country- wide tour, zone by zone. I give you this booklet where I talked of the four sectors and the seven ways for wealth and job creation. I heard the Speaker – do not bring new confusion by saying that the four-acre model does not apply here. It does. I do not agree with that line. In this booklet, I made it clear that the four-acre model was a rescue operation for the parts of the country that had already fragmented land. That is why I said, since you have very few acres, do not make sure the cura - I normally use our words here - the cura, the aimar, the otita, the ekibaro is correct. If you do not, you will never get out of poverty. That is why I said that for the four acres and less, put seven enterprises: i) Coffee - one acre; ii) Fruits - one acre; iii) Pasture for dairy - one acre; iv) One acre for foodstuff like cassava; and v) In the backyard, you put poultry for eggs and piggery for pigs. If you are near a wetland, fish farming. When you do that, you get millions of shillings, even if you are doing it on a very small scale. We have given you the examples of the Nyakanas and so on. I call this, in this booklet, “Intensive agriculture”. Use intensive agriculture with high-value enterprises to get out of poverty using the small piece of land which you have; four acres or less. But, even if you have got more, there is no harm. Instead of having one acre of coffee, have four. What is the problem? You can still use the same even if you have bigger land. The 10 acres you are talking about - because I want you to make the “ cura ” not just talk. No, I want the “ cura ” of the average landholding in the North. When I fly over, like this morning, that land - if you look at the gardens, especially from Lango, I am not so sure how many people - Lango, the southern side, the Maruzi and those areas near Akokoro, Amolatar. The population seems to be heavy because, from the air, I can see garden after garden. You do not see much bush anymore. Even coming here, the areas of Minakulu, all the way coming here, the areas where I see some emptiness are the areas after Bardege going to Agago. Yes, I see some space there and some parts of Kapelebyong on the other side of Teso. But, like Teso - Serere, Ngora the population seems to be quite high. So, what “ cura ” are you using? Do not waste our time again by bringing confusion here no, please. Even if you say 10 acres - because there are two strategies. Intensive agriculture is the four acres I am talking about. However, if you have 10, you can use the same for more land. You will be very rich. The other one is extensive agriculture. When I was in Adjumani, my brother Gen. Moses Ali was talking about cotton. Then I said, “Okay, how much do I get from cotton in an acre?” They said, Shs 1 million without deducting costs. So, if it is true - and when you are discussing here, please go into those details. Do not just talk and pass a resolution and deceive yourselves. I am really no longer interested in that type of approach. [Gen. (Rtd) Museveni] ADDRESS BY H.E. THE PRESIDENT OF UGANDA

I know you. You are from Agago.

Yes, Your Excellency. Your people in Agago appreciate you for bringing peace and restraining the cattle warriors. They are, however, suffering with one problem: the kraals are muddy and many cattle are dying. We know that one day, that problem shall be sorted out. On what you have been talking about, it is “ lonyo pi oot acel acel”. Thank you.

14139 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 29 AUGUST 2024 in Uganda and he is also the Deputy RDC, Lamwo District. We also have Mr Godfrey Otim, Division Mayor, Laror Pacer. This is the second time. We have Mr James Kidega, the RDC for Agago and Hon. Jenipher Nantume Egunyu, the CAO for Nwoya District. She was with us in the 10 th Parliament. Honourable, you are welcome.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My name is Lagen David. I am the Member of Parliament representing the people of Agago County. The people of Agago are very happy about this regional sitting but on a sad note, some of them have been displaced by floods. Therefore, they expect this regional Parliament to discuss those issues so that the Government can respond immediately. I thank you.

14048 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT This implies that under Force Account, the money can maintain 18 kilometres, while under framework contract, all the money would maintain only 1.8 kilometres of the entire road. The committee recommends that the Government prioritises the maintenance of national roads to reduce on rehabilitation costs of early reconstruction of non-maintained roads. Encroachment on road reserves Madam Speaker, on encroachment on road reserves, like the honourable colleague mentioned, the committee was informed by UNRA that one of the challenges faced by the station is encroachment on road reserves and other property, especially those under the Kitgum station. The committee was concerned that, currently, the mitigation measures by UNRA are encouraging staff to be more vigilant in identifying encroachers during the inspection. The committee was further informed that the UNRA enforcement unit did not have staff at every station and, therefore, there was need for them at all stations for faster response to encroachment. The committee recommends that UNRA provides enforcement staff at each station and, where necessary, evacuates some encroachers from its property as a deterrent example to prospective encroachers. Madam Speaker, allow me to briefly get to the recommendations of the committee in that respect. 1. UNRA should consider engaging public- private partnership – this is in respect to the request which was placed by the Karuma business community about the health facilities – the restroom facilities – at the town council. They said that UNRA should consider engaging public-private partnership to establish restrooms along national roads to ensure that Ugandans and tourists along the roads do not get embarrassed. 2. UNRA should consider establishing bus stop sheds along the roads. Oil roads and other strategic roads in northern Uganda The committee observed that the oil roads in Nwoya District have not yet received the requisite attention and maintenance. The poor condition of these roads is not only hindering the smooth transportation of oil equipment and personnel but also affecting the livelihoods of local communities who rely on these roads for their daily activities. Through sharing with stakeholders, the committee was informed that there are a number of strategic roads that need to be attended to, so as to enhance interconnectivity of the road network in the northern region. These roads offer substantial economic and social benefits to the region. Awer-Amuru-Otwee-Kololo Road – the gateway to West Nile at Rhino Camp This road serves as a vital link connecting Nwoya and Amuru districts to the West Nile region. By connecting communities to the ferry at Kololo and providing access to Rhino Camp, this route is essential for boosting regional trade, enhancing market access, and catalysing cross-district commerce. Moroto Road (through Omoro to Pader, Agago, and Abim in Karamoja) This road is key to unlocking the economic potential of the subregion, connecting Omoro, Pader, Agago, and Abim districts up to Moroto. Upgrading it to a high-grade tarmac road will facilitate the efficient movement of agricultural produce, lower transport costs, and stimulate regional trade. This road is essential for attracting investments in agriculture, education, and other key sectors, driving inclusive growth, and enhancing socio-economic outcomes for communities in these districts.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. I want to give more information on those tourism roads in Acholi sub region, especially the one in Paimol where people from all walks of life come yearly on 20 th October to celebrate those two martyrs. They get stuck on the way because in Agago, we do not have any tarmac touching the district of Agago. We do not only have a historical site in Paimol, we also have another one in Kalongo, where in 2022 where Blessed Dr Ambrosoli was blessed to be one of the blessed persons in the world. And still people come from all walks of life and the roads are impassable because we do not have any tarmac touching Agago. We have option that the road work from Puranga to Acholi Bur will also extend up to Pader District. Therefore, if UNRA can prioritize this in NDP IV it is not in NDP III but they should prioritize this road in NDP IV from Pader District headquarters to Kalongo-Paimol then to Namakora joining Kidepo Tourism Road; that will be a complete road that will help our people from the whole world.

Yes, Madam Speaker. What I was raising is that Karenga District is going to host a gala of Ateker on the 2 nd to the 9 th . When I passed there, I also got stuck and slept in Karenga. I want to inform the Minister of Works and Transport that the road is impassable and the President is going to open that gala officially. I implore him and his colleagues - let me say Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) - to go and work. When we got stuck, we called UNRA and they did some work in some few places. However, there are so many bridges, especially in our district, which the district could not work on. Like a bridging point in Omiya-Anyima where I went one time with the Minister of Local Government and he also witnessed it. This bridge connects Agago and Omiya-Anyima Health Centre and we have only one health centre III in Omiya-Anyima which serves us. So, Madam Speaker, I would say if my –

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, Otuke is the only district in Northern Uganda where the five Nilotic tribes departed, when God created the universe. One was Teso. Second, Acholi. Third, Acholi- Jabwor. Then comes the Karimojong. Madam Speaker, I request – each time I shall represent this side of Otuke which covers all these tribes. There is a bridge on the road from Kapelebyong; that is Alito and Ogor Subcounty. Secondly, there is a bridge on the road from Omoro to Orumo, which is in Ajuri County; Alebtong District. The third bridge, Nam Agago, is on the road from Agago District, Ogor. Madam Speaker, one of these bridges should be considered. Lastly, the Shs 1 billion which, was given to the districts has been misused in Otuke District. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and the district chairperson connived to grade only nine roads, out of the 24 roads which were meant to be graded. Madam Speaker, I would like this to be put into consideration. Thank you.

Moroto road starts from here and stops in Agago –

13516 RECONSIDERATION OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL, 2024 Under the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, Vote 112, on a sub-programme called Ethics and Integrity, General Administration and Support, Shs 5 billion was taken away and our justification for returning it was that the funds were allocated to strengthen the adjudication of the Leadership Code Act. In addition, the funds are needed to publish the National Anti-Corruption Survey report on the perception and prevalence of corruption. The report affects the country’s credit rating score internationally, which is a benchmark for our multilateral partners. Vote 130, Treasury Operations - Under commitment fees, Shs 25 billion was taken away, and our justification to return it or reinstate it is that these are contractual obligations for the loans we have acquired for the implementation of key projects where we have not fully absorbed the funds. Therefore, the projections for the Financial Year 2024/2025 are based on existing loan stock plus agreements that will be entered in, in the Financial Year 2024/2025. Under Code 242003, an item called “Others”, Shs 300 billion was taken away, and these are funds for the Government obligations under the share subscription agreement in servicing Roko bills of exchange and payment of Electronic Financial Transfer (EFT) bank charges to Bank of Uganda, among others. Under item 242002, Interest on Treasury Bonds, an amount of Shs 100 billion was taken away, and the justification for reinstatement was that we increased Government borrowing to cater for the priorities in the corrigenda and an increase in domestic debt refinancing, which led to the increase in the interest on Treasury bond issuances. In the Financial Year 2024/2025 budget interest costs increased due to the increase in debt refinancing from Shs 8.36 trillion in Financial Year 2023/2024 to Shs 12.02 trillion in Financial Year 2024/2025, and an increase in net domestic borrowing from Shs 6.67 trillion in Financial Year 2023/2024 to Shs 8.97 trillion in Financial Year 2024/2025. Under the item of Contingency Transfers, an amount of Shs 22.74 billion was taken away and our justification for reinstatement is that Section 26 of the Public Finance Management Act (Amended), 2015, requires the Contingency Fund to be allocated an amount equivalent to 0.5 per cent of the appropriated annual budget of Government of the previous financial year. As such, Shs 169 billion was provided for the Financial Year 2024/2025 reducing the provision by Shs 22.74 billion, implying a breach of the above PFMA requirement. Under Vote 019, Ministry of Water and Environment, on a project called Integrated Water Resources, Shs 4 billion was reallocated and our justification to return it was the Government of Uganda’s counterpart funding for World Bank to finance various urban water supply and sanitation systems in the towns of Busia, Mbale and surrounding towns, Butaleja, Busolwe, Budaka, Kadama, Tirinyi, Kibuku, Namungalwe, Kaliro, Namasale, Koboko, Rukungiri, Kyegegwa, Mpara, Ruyonza, Kumi, among others. On a project called “Support to Rural Water Supply and Sanitation”, Shs 10 billion was taken away and the justification for returning it is that this is funding for the Government interventions to increase access to safe and clean water through “a source per village” in rural areas. The specific interventions include the construction and rehabilitation of point water sources in the communities, expansion of dilapidated piped water supply systems, motorising and upgrading of high-yield boreholes and solar-powered systems to expand and improve service coverage in various districts of Yumbe, Kyankwanzi, Kakumiro, Mubende, Mityana, Isingiro, Buliisa, Kasese, Amudat, Agago, Kaabong, among others. Under a project called “Building Resilient Communities, Wetlands, Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda ” , an amount of Shs 2 billion was reallocated.

13456 PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET SPEECH FY 2024/2025 Water, sanitation and environment protection As a result of Government intervention, more Ugandans now have access to safe, clean water. Coverage in rural areas is now estimated at 67 per cent and 70 per cent in urban areas. Out of the 71,225 villages, 56,617 villages have been served with at least one safe water source. In the Financial Year 2024/2025, clean water coverage will increase to 70 per cent and 85 per cent in rural and urban areas respectively. In the rural areas, the target is to reduce the distance to the nearest source of clean and safe water for human and animal consumption to less than one kilometre while in urban areas to less than 500 metres. The following are among the priorities we have budgeted for the next financial year: v. Construction of 52 large solar-powered water supply systems in 19 districts that are currently at less than 50 per cent water coverage. These are - let me mention them; Agago, Yumbe, Amudat, Kaabong, Bulambuli, Buvuma, Buyende, Namayingo, Rakai, Nakaseke, Sembabule, Kibaale, Kasese, Kyegegwa, Mubende, Lyantonde, Kakumiro, Kassanda and Kisoro; vi. Construction of another 15 solar-powered water supply systems in the rural growth centres of Lwentulege, Bugwara, Kabamba, Kikoora, Mwitanzige, Lugala, Kitenga, Bukizibu/Bumwena, Igwaya, Kidera, Bugomolwa, Kitonge - Nakasero, Kikonge, Kasese and Lubaali. This will cover a population of over 272,000 persons; vii. Completion of the construction of 31 town water supply systems and sanitation facilities in Bulangira, Kanapa, Aligoi, Opengate Kawo, Karago, Nyakashaka, Buikwe, Bundibugyo, Kapchorwa, Kamuli, Namasale, Kaliro - Namungalwe, Butaleja–Busolwe, Budaka–Kadama- Tirinyi-Kibuku, Kyankwanzi, Butemba, Ngoma, Lunya, Palabek-Kal (Lamwo), Obongo, Lamwo, Rhino Camp, Arra/ Dufile, Amuru, Kole, Alangi, Zeu, Kakingol, Iriiri and Lorengacora; viii. Construction of 17 rural water supply systems in the refugee hosting districts of Adjumani, Lamwo, Madi-Okollo, Moyo, Terego and Yumbe; ix. Progress of the construction of 26 water supply systems at various stages in Manafwa (now at 80 per cent), Mukura (40 per cent), Kidera (40 per cent), Atutur (40 per cent), Kadungulu (10 per cent), Kaproron (10 per cent), Iyolwa (20 per cent), Bukumi (5 per cent), Rubaya (50 per cent), Bethlehem - Nabigasa, Phase 1 (50 per cent), Kabura - Mwizi Phase 1 (50 per cent), Mabira (50 per cent), Bukiro (50 per cent), Nyabisirira (50 per cent), Bugarama - Karweru (50 per cent), Rwere - Kateretere (50 per cent), Kagarama – Bushura - Kibuzigye (50 per cent), Nyanseke (80 per cent), Busaale (95 per cent), Kibuzi (100 per cent), Adilang, Puranga (Pader), Kasawo, Phase 1 (5 per cent), Kyebando - Kasimbi (5 per cent), Nabilatuk and Losilang; and x. Increasing the water for production storage capacity for commercial farmers from 52.6 million cubic metres to 76.8 million cubic metres. To support the restoration of our environment and reverse the effects of climate change, Government shall undertake the restoration of 42,450 hectares of degraded wetlands along the Awoja, Kandekye - Ruhorobero, Nchwera, Chambura, Kiruruma, Naigombwa, Kibimba, Tochi, Aswa, Sezibwa, Mayanja, Muzizi, Mpanga and Lumbuye water systems. In addition, Government shall demarcate a 720-kilometre boundary with concrete pillars along the following wetlands; Kibimba, Tochi, Sezibwa, Mayanja, Muzizi,Awoja, Mpologoma, Ishasha, Kandekye, Ruhorobero, Nchwera, Chambura, Kiruruma and Naigombwa. A total of 15 million seedlings of assorted tree species shall be procured and distributed to individual farmers in several districts as well as to refugee-

Isingiro, Kagadi, Nakaseseke, Nakasongola, Arua, obongi, Kitgum, Lamwo, Kamuli, Iganga, Agago, pader, Amum, and adjumani. (18) 1,800 MSMEs mobilized and sensitized on the importance of formatizing and registration of businesses. Amuru and Adjumani. ( 19) 1 ,550 MSMEs mobilized and sensitized on the importance of product certification, audits, good manufacturing practices and good hygiene practices for enterprises in Agago and pader. (20) Final draft guidelines for development, management and operation of Industrial Parks developed. (21) Draft regulations for scrap metal trade developed. (22) Draft amendment to Licensing Act Regulations devetoped. (23) Development of guidelines for the Eco-certification of industries tabled. (24) Production and trade in the pineappte sub-sector profile Table 12: MTIC Proposed Budget allocation FY 2o24l25 and Variances between Approved and proposed (UGX, Billion| Source.. Semi- A nnual Budge Performance v {, Budget Category FY 20/23124 Budget App Budget Spent by End Dec FY 2024l25 Budget Estimates Variance Between Approved and Proposed Wage 3.248 1.403 2.894 -0.354 Non-lllage 155.589 86.625 LOL.2r9 -54.37 GoU Dev't 1O.826 5.065 I 1.16 0.334 Arrears 0.335 0 0 -0.335 Total Budget 169.998 93.093 t15.273 -54.725 W -{*- fr 45 Report FY 2023/24 & ( eTrl

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to appreciate the detailed report from the committee chairperson and also some very critical aspects, which are positive, from the alternative report from the shadow minister. I want to bring to the attention of the minister that whereas we know that the PDM is doing well and we have very good hopes that it will be a game changer, there are some aspects we do not look at critically. For example, when we say that money goes directly to the SACCOs, we also know that we have information, which has already indicated that sometimes money under the Wendi Digital Platform is going directly to personal accounts, which is not the SACCO’s account. This is up to a tune of Shs 100 million. That can be quite risky. Even when we are already praising the 98 per cent in terms of disbursement, as women we know that when we were praising Uganda Women Empowerment Programme (UWEP) performance was going beyond 90 per cent, for example, when we visited some districts in northern Uganda like Agago, at 93 per cent; that was already based on the recovery rate. Therefore, when we begin to say that we are performing at 98 per cent, I think that gives us a leeway to just sit back when we still do not know how the Fund is – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Hon. Kivumbi. Honourable colleagues, in the public gallery this afternoon, we have a delegation of petitioners composed of clan leaders, elders, councillors, teachers and constituents from Agago North County, Agago District. They are represented by Hon. John Amos Okot and Hon. Beatrice Akello Akori. They have come to listen to the presentation of their petition on customary land matters in Agago North County. Please join me in welcoming them. (Applause) Later on, I will amend the Order Paper to accommodate the petition from the people of Agago. I will, at the right time, give Hon. Amos Okot a few minutes to present it. Yes, Hon. Silwany -

Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is directed to the Rt Hon. Prime Minister. Agago District is very big with 26 administrative units, and there are 10 subcounties without a police post, which is a very big risk. When the people want to access services of the police, they have to travel long distances. I would like to find out how best and quickly the Prime Minister can help us for police posts to be placed in Agago. Thank you. [Mr Ogwang] URGENT QUESTIONS

11308 SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE NO.1 FOR FY 2023/2024 3.10. Vote 016: Ministry of Works and Transport The committee recommends approval of Shs 40.328 billion to the Ministry of Works and Transport as subvention wage and non- wage to cater for the National Review Board, MV Kalangala and Mt Elgon Labour Based Training Centre (MELTC). 3.11. Vote 017: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development This one is of course a correction of errors that could have arisen during budgeting and new opportunities arising - a total of Shs 118 billion to cater for; i. Shs 27 billion which was to cater for part payment of deemed energy obligations under Lira-Agago transmission line for the Achwa-Agago dam. We are getting to the last part of clearing deemed energy because now it is connected. Therefore, soon there is no deemed energy. They are only to pay the last residue, ii. Shs 50 billion was to bridge the demand gap through the accelerated rural electrification program. (Applause) That one which Hon. Kivumbi one time was about to strangle himself. Therefore, we are putting back the money which was erroneously - this is Shs 50 billion, there is another Shs 50 billion in the other part, so it is even more. iii. Shs 10 billion was to cater for the Mineral Regulation Infrastructure Project - this is now for minerals; we are now to get serious with the regulation of minerals; and iv. Shs 31 billion to cater for shortfalls on contractual obligations for deemed energy under Lira-Agago transmission line for Achwa-Agago dam. 3.12. Vote 018: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development The committee recommends approval of Shs 32 billion, of which; a. Shs 30 billion would cater for wage and non-wage shortfalls for food for remand homes and special grants for persons with disabilities; and b. Shs 2 billion for the rehabilitation of the National Mosque at Old Kampala - the ayes have it. (Laughter). 3.1. Vote 019 –

The equipment was taken to begin work in Agago and Kitgum.

It is opening a security road in Agago and Kitgum Districts. The equipment was taken away from one district to another.

No, I am trying to build on what he has said. There was a security road that has been approved to be worked on. The Ministry of Works and the Office of the Prime Minister called us for a meeting. The roads that we are talking about have been planned for and there was some money earmarked for them. The grader went up to Agago. That road was supposed to be open. However, to our surprise, the grader and the bulldozer were withdrawn. That is why we are raising a concern that since that security road was one of the roads that had been earmarked, yet the graders and the bulldozers have been withdrawn, why wouldn’t they allow it to finish the work? Then later, they can shift to another place – that place was not even defined. That is the information I want to beef up to what my colleague has mentioned. Thank you.

11145 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2023 Animal Industry and Fisheries if they are able to help, to provide water. This is what has caused problems between the people of Kotido and the Acholi because every dry season, these guys move, in the name of following the water that flows to the swamps. If these matters are not attended to, people are bound to have a lot of conflicts. We have a very critical dam called Longor – between Agago and Kotido districts. It has been there for years, but has silted up. I would like to appeal to Government to consider desilting this dam, in order to help our people. Finally, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the dam in Kaoyongorok is actually incomplete. The chairperson tried to be polite. When we went there, even the LCI of the area was willing to walk through the dam. If a dam’s depth is about three metres, then what would you call a water pond? How many people can it serve? How long would it last? The challenge we have is that most of the water reservoirs that are constructed do not provide water in the dry season and yet, the purpose is to provide water during that season. If these reservoirs cannot provide water, what alternative do our people have? It is important for the engineers to begin making better designs and maybe think of other options of putting water pumps, so that in the dry season, wind power can be used to pump water into the dams to restrict a lot of movement. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is true, the climate has changed. In northern Uganda, Gulu, Eastern Acholi Subregion; Kitgum, Lamwo, Agago and Pader used to start receiving the second rain by the month of July, but now we are in August when rainfall is supposed to be intense. However, since June, we have a very severe dry spell to the extent that the crops that were planted and germinated, have withered. And if the rains start, people are expecting to put some seeds down so that at least in some three or four months, they could be in position to harvest some crops. The problem is that they lack seeds. If the rain comes, they will have nothing to plant. Now that this is becoming a countrywide issue, Government should give us some seeds as quickly as possible so as to help these people within this period. Other than waiting until the end of August or September, we are going to miss the season’s rain. You can recall that the country has been suffering because of lack of posho and beans. A similar thing is being projected if nothing is done and next year is going to be worse. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the minister for the statement. Indeed, he has captured most of the issues that were presented to his attention. However, the illegal armed people who constantly move using a motorcycle, in that part of the country, Lamwo, part of Kitgum, even in Agago; it is not something silent. One person called Bosco Ukiru, also from that part of Madi Opei, went to do his business and indeed, he had some money. According to the information that he gave me, it was close to $3,000 and he had been doing business on his own. He was tracked down. Two guys on a motorcycle followed him and the traces of all these people are from South Sudan. The moment they commit those atrocities, they enter South Sudan area to the extent that people who are supposed to do business, fear for their lives. Mr Speaker, the activities which those people are doing are not only limited in Lamwo. Across the border, when you go to Amuru, you find a similar thing. So, we urge the Government to continue doing the work, especially the army men and the police whom they deploy, to do the work. Let them do their work and not wait until something has happened, then react to it. Doing patrols and being assertive to the issues around will help to give confidence to the people who are living there. Thank you so much. Lastly, this issue has affected production – (Interjection)– of course, you can thank in between. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The issue of cattle raids is a common phenomenon, especially in Teso, more particularly the districts of Katakwi, Amuria, Kumi, Bukedea and Kapelebyong, and extending to that side of Abim to Agago, and on this side, to Sebei and Kapchorwa. Mr Speaker, many people have lost cows in my area, especially in Magoro Sub-county and in a place called Angesa. To make matters worse, these people even killed the LC1 Chairman for Angesa. The name of that chairman is Orukit. He was also the chairman for the education committee in Magoro Comprehensive Secondary School. Mr Speaker, is there a way Government can compensate the people who have lost their cows? I thank the UPDF because they have tried to recover some of them, particularly when the Third Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Nabasa, was brought in; he has done some good work. However, more effort is needed; I also applaud the Government. If –(Member timed out.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On 15 May 2023, H.E. the President invited the leadership of Acholi to Baralegi State Lodge. In that meeting, the discussions were geared towards the insecurity in the area and it was aired out on almost all the radio stations in the region as well as on the national television station. One of the issues that were presented to him was about people who were failing to feed themselves because of insecurity. There was also the issue of education, where many children were being affected by insecurity. His Excellency said all the pupils and students hailing from the affected areas, Agago inclusive, should go and study in Government- aided schools without paying any fees. My question is: how do you implement such a statement, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister? Secondly, when will you start implementing an order of that nature? People are now anxious and they are calling us. Even many of those who were paying some small amount of money for PTA are now not doing it. Teachers who were being paid through PTA contributions cannot go and teach. Thank you.

Thank you Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of urgent importance concerning the continued restlessness arising from insecurity caused by armed cattle raiders being experienced by the communities of Abim District. Abim neighbours Agago and Otuke. So, when you hear Agago crying, it means Abim has cried already. The armed rustlers have continued to launch attacks on the people of Abim almost on a daily basis, stealing the remaining livestock. These days, raids take place even during daytime. A few families remained with some oxen just for ploughing, which they normally tie with chains and lock with padlocks. However, of late, the rustlers come with tools, cut off the padlocks and drive the animals away. We wonder whether those are still rustlers. Mr Speaker, the rustlers seem to have come with a lot of vengeance. They scatter in small groups and attack from any side. Abim District has lost lives and a lot of property to this vice. Some people have suffered injuries from bows, arrows and gunshots – the latest victim being COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

My humble prayers: I am very happy that the Minister of Works and Transport is here. One, we have been crying for security roads to support the UPDF, and this has been a song but no response. The minister must respond today; what is happening? Two, the Office of the Prime Minister should respond immediately, especially to the people who are displaced. They need support. Three, the nine subcounties in Agago are asking the Government to give them iron sheets so that they get out of grass-thatched houses. Mr Speaker, these people are burning our houses; it is not safe for people to live in grass-thatched houses. The Government should give all the nine subcounties iron sheets. Mr Speaker, it is very good that today, we are going to talk about the supplementary budget. In this supplementary budget, Agago should be considered a special district and some of the money should be allocated to it because, for a very long time, the Government programmes are not being implemented there effectively. As I talk, many of our children are not going to universities because their cattle have been taken yet our community is poor. Can the Ministry of Education and Sports consider giving special scholarships for senior six candidates so that our district benefits like other districts? This is my humble prayer. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We are getting this information of displacement today from here. We are going to expedite and find information from the Chief Administrative Officer to let us know how many IDPs we have in the area. We all know very well that in the previous season, when we had the same challenge, we visited IDPs in Kapelebyong and Agago districts; we gave them relief items. However, I speak as someone who comes from Karamoja. The issue of Karimojong going to graze in the neighbouring districts; we know it has been a challenge because of the drought. Members, the drought is coming all the way from the Horn of Africa and it is biting. When those people are coming, we expect leaders and people from Lango and Karamoja from the side of Kotido to have a meeting to harmonise. This is what we do with the Pokot. Currently, I have cows from Baringo, Kenya in my constituency. They came from Kenya to graze in my constituency. They are even right now in Bukedea in the Rt Hon. Speaker’s constituency, but we talk to each other. We need to engage as leaders to make sure that people who are affected are protected because it involves security and local leaders. Thank you.

Thank you. In the public gallery this afternoon, we have a delegation from the Pader-Abim Community Multi- Purpose Electrical Cooperative Society. They are represented by Hon. Akello Beatrice Akori, Hon. Okot John Amos, Hon. Anywar Ricky Richard and Hon. Lagen David from Agago. Kindly join me in welcoming them. (Applause) You sent us very good Members of Parliament. They are very active. Send them back again.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to start by thanking God for having given us our dear brother who has departed from us, the late Hon. Dr Okabe. I want to condole with the family, with you, Madam Speaker, and with Ugandans. The people of Agago and Acholi at large have lost someone who has been witnessing, one who has been worshipping God, one who has been giving to the needy. The Bible tells us in the Book of John 5:24 , “Truly, he who has heard the word of God and believes in Christ has received everlasting life and he will not be condemned, but will pass from death to life.” Madam Speaker, allow me to make one prayer. There is one thing that we need to work upon besides issues about roads and that is truck drivers. When driving on the road in the night, they do not dim their lights but always beam them. When you try to flash them to dim their lights, they do not. Above all, they know how to identify small cars. I think the ministry concerned should give some lessons and a warning to truck drivers. We –(Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your guidance and wise ruling. I would implore that the committee goes on the ground and finds out the truth. Meanwhile, I am ready and request that you give me time so that I lay on the Table facts that people of Agago were paid Shs 30,000 as compensation for their animals. We have evidence, which we can bring if you give us time. The criteria used to vet people who were supposed to be paid - some people lost 10 cows and filled in 10 cows, but at the end of the day, only two cows were reflected on the form. We do not know what happened to the eight cows. Also, Mr Speaker, what is the rush to pay for the cows while the people who lost their lives are not being compensated? Is the Attorney- General telling us that animals are more important than the lives we lost? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I raise a matter of national importance on the phasing out of Kotido Primary Teachers’ College. Following the on-going restructuring of teacher training institutions across the country by the Ministry of Education and Sports, Kotido Primary Teachers’ College in Karamoja Subregion has been phased out. This college was opened in 1985 as a Grade III Teacher Training College on serious demand of north Karamoja after realising that Moroto Core PTC could not meet the high training needs of teachers in Karamoja subregion. It is unfortunate that even with the long struggle to attain this college, its noticeable benefits and development to the community, it has been phased out. The phasing out of this college has left the community that gave its land pondering whether to take it back because they had offered it for education of their children to be teachers. A number of stakeholders’ consultative meetings have been held in the district with the Ministry of Education and all have resolved that Kotido PTC be retained and be upgraded to a core PTC, on grounds that it has a larger catchment area coupled with long distances, which cover districts of north Karamoja, Kitgum, Agago, Pader, Otuke, Amuria, Soroti and Kapelebyong. Kotido PTC is the nearest PTC for access of students from the above catchment areas. For instance, the distance from Karenga to Moroto Core PTC, the only college in Karamoja, is 280 kilometres. One can be able to see that the available institution that trains teachers is far apart and connecting them is very difficult, coupled with insecurity. Kotido PTC has a land area of 48 acres with many structures and facilities to support teaching and learning, hence it has room for expansion. There is evidence that there is increased access, retention and completion rates of learners from primary one to -

Mr Speaker, we were in Agago in September. Remember those issues were very much on the Floor of Parliament. I led a team of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Minister of Internal Affairs and our army commanders. We put in place a number of measures. Therefore, I promise, on behalf of Government, that we shall use the same approach. We will go there, either tomorrow or the other day, and reactivate our security personnel on ground to move and make sure that these culprits are brought to book.

Yes, under the Ministry of Defence. The resolution is cast out there. That Government, in accordance with Articles 26, 209, 212 and 222 of the Constitution of Uganda, urgently and adequately deploys security forces in Karamoja and districts bordering it from the subregions of Teso, Lango Acholi, Bugisu and Sebei, with adequate logistical material and financial resources to stop cattle rustling that is illegally depriving people of their right to own property and subjecting people to torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, and thereby restore peace and security. Actions taken a. Mr Speaker, the UPDF has made commensurately robust deployment by enhancing troop levels. These have been further boosted by local defence personnel from various training wings of the UPDF. With these enhancements, each district in Karamoja has a force for zonal security supported by the intelligence. b. In the neighbouring subregions, the UPDF has enhanced troop levels in Kitgum, Agago, Abim, Otuke, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, Kumi, Bulambuli, Kween and Bukwo, to prevent and curtail incursions by cattle rustlers in the respective districts. c. While recognising that adequate security calls for the participation of the public, as well as local leaders, we have integrated into our operations, the anti-cattle rustling mobilisation and sensitisation. Important to note is that His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, has traversed the subregions, leading the mindset change effort by encouraging the population to engage in other productive activities, such as goat rearing. Resolution No.2 Relatedly, that Government, in accordance with Article 17B to D of the Constitution, reinstates the local defence forces from the affected districts as a permanent auxiliary force under the command and coordination of the UPDF, with improved management and remuneration, trained, armed and deployed within their villages, communities to support and work with the UPDF and the Uganda Police Force in deterring raids, protecting lives and property, plus tracking and recovering of stolen animals from the armed raiders.

Thank you. Madam Speaker. On 12 November 2022, a one Opio Bosco, a 34 year-old man was killed. On that same night, two people - Omoli Christopher and Lakidi Bosco - were injured. Today the 23 rd , this morning when we woke up, again a one Obwala Charles, a 38-year-old man with three children and two wives was shot dead and they raided over 18 heads of cattle and walked away. The warriors are not very different from the warriors my friend has just talked about because their behaviour and tactics are the same. We border the Karamoja Subregion. There is a vast land between us, which is harbouring the warriors and the bandits. We got information that the same groups went to the checkpoint, hacked and ran away with the guns for this government. We got information that the warriors have the liberty to do anything. Around Omiya Pachwa, Paimol, Lapono and Lira Kato, that is the Eastern part of Agago [The Speaker] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

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

Honourable members, as you may be aware, the beatification of Fr Giuseppe Ambrosoli is slated for 20 November 2022 at Kalongo Catholic Mission in Agago. Agago is represented by Hon. Amos Okot, Hon. David Lagen and the Minister for Economic Monitoring. Dr Ambrosoli, a Catholic missionary who came to Uganda in 1956, was the founder of Kalongo Hospital. I grew up hearing about Kalongo Hospital and, today, I am happy to see the real founder. It is a health facility that has 350 and serves over 60,000 people every year from all over the country. (Applause) He died in 1987 and is set to be made a saint in line with the Catholic tradition. That is the team that is here, representing the Pope at that function.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to join the rest of my colleagues in thanking the Prime Minister for moving the motion. I support the motion to pay tribute to Fr Dr Ambrossoli for his selfless service to this nation. As we all know, this has left a legacy that very many of us Ugandans can emulate. As a representative of the people of Alebtong, I stand to testify that Dr Ambrossoli Memorial Hospital in Kalongo has been, and continues to be a go-to centre; a main referral centre whenever the people of Alebtong have medical emergencies that need referrals. They continue to provide excellent and quality services. I thank them for taking on the legacy of Fr Dr Ambrossoli. Madam Speaker, I also thank Government for the request that the honourable Member from Agago has presented that because of the current dwindling resources in the health sector, we know it has become increasingly difficult for donors to be able to prioritise. However, Kalongo has remained as a very great area that is providing services to the entire region of northern Uganda and beyond. We would like to call for more support to this health centre so that the hospital continues to stand the legacy that has already been started. It can continue to provide services, especially to the women. (Member timed out.)

I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I have a quick question to the Prime Minister in regard to an issue that she is already aware of; the beatification of a very great man, Venerable Giuseppe Ambrosoli. He was a Reverend Father and doctor. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has decided that the rite of beatification of this great man should be held here in Uganda and it is going to be the first of its kind in Uganda. This great man did so much for us. He put up a hospital in Kalongo in Agago, a leprosy centre in Morolem and so many other places. He was also a professor in Mulago. Is it possible for this Parliament to pay tribute and honour this great man before we conclude and have the beatification done in Kalongo on 20 November 2022?

Madam Speaker, I know how popular that is. I would like to inform Parliament that the archbishop came to my office. The archbishop has met the President and the President directed the Ministry of Works and Transport - and I know work is on- going in Agago. The Member of Parliament and the minister for economic monitoring has been with me. I have been to Agago myself. There is some progress, except that – you know Government money - there are those processes that have been delayed. Nonetheless, I would

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The committee conducted field activities in the following districts: Pader, Agago, Alebtong, Kole, Napak, Ngora, Kaliro, Sheema, Buhweju, Mitooma, Bushenyi and Ibanda - that is on page 5. We are going to the findings, observations and recommendations. These are the areas that we were looking at during our visit to those districts. However, before we went to those districts, we had a meeting with the Minister of State for Education and the management of Higher Education Students Financing Board. At a later stage, I will also come with that report and read it as it is included in this report. Therefore, I would like this House to know what we did and the observations we made. So, the following key findings, observations and recommendations have been identified for immediate action for various programmes under affirmative actions and other equalisation programmes to be implemented in the short to medium terms. Mr Speaker, the status of equal opportunities in the education sector; and the attainment of equality and inclusivity in development, is significantly predicated on the state of wellbeing, skills and competitiveness of the various categories of individuals and groups in society, as cited with the Sustainable Development Goal for quality education. While, wellbeing is dependent on the quality of healthcare services. Considering that Government of Uganda has over the past decades made significant gains in education through, inter alia, universalising primary and secondary education, according to the recently released results, the performance of Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) in northern Uganda and northern subregions, for instance, is below the national average. Therefore, the committee noted the average distance travelled by students or pupils to reach their respective schools; majority of the districts visited reported that students cover a distance of more than five kilometres. And, learners complained about long distance travel from home to school. They reported that this was associated with the challenges of rape, late reporting to school, early departure and inability to complete school homework due to fatigue or late arrival at school. Therefore, regarding access to the school environment, especially for visually impaired learners, members observed that most of them could not easily reach school since they lacked landmarks. While, wheelchair users also find it very difficult to access educational facilities in these districts. Mr Speaker, the distance to the nearest facility influences access to education services. The Ministry of Education and Sports standard is that every parish should have a primary school; and there should be a secondary school in every subcounty. So, this policy would make education accessible at that level. The committee findings also revealed that, secondary and tertiary institutions were far and inadequate in many parts of the sampled areas. This made it very hard for most of the children from hard-to-reach areas to progress to secondary level. Other children keep repeating primary seven because of no access to secondary education. Sustainable Development Goals will be evaluated in the next nine years, yet districts are performing badly with only one secondary school in each district. Teenage pregnancy has also increased due to the lockdown. The committee further observed that the cost of education services is a determinant in access to education, and many people pay highly for education in private schools. And, those who did not pay any money to schools meet the cost of scholastic materials, between Shs100 to Shs150, which is very costly for the rural people. However, in private schools, especially in urban areas, the cost is much higher compared to Government-aided education facilities. The committee also observed that the dropout rate is very high. For instance, in Napak District it is at 84 percent. The committee visited special

4979 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 16 AUGUST 2022 level to police recoveries. This exacerbated the recovery challenges. The situation was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic related challenges in the country. The attitude of the community towards the Youth Livelihood Programme, just like many other Government programmes, complicates the recovery process. Communities think that Government must always provide them with free things and that even revolving funds or loans should not be paid back. Defaulting and delays in the payment of loans or revolving capital, especially due to the timing of the programmes, which in most cases happen during the election period, means that beneficiaries take it as a “thank you” from elected leaders. The funds dwindled, yet the districts were not aware, nor were they informed of the aims of the programme to enable them plan accordingly. In Agago District, for example, the youth programmes funded under the Youth Livelihood Fund were to a tune of Shs1,039,743,500 at the time of the visit in September, 2021. However, the total recoveries between 2015 and 2019 were only Shs 273,300,000. For about four years, that was the only amount recovered in Agago. Recommendations The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development should: 1. Ensure that the Youth Livelihood Programme guidelines are reviewed to provide for a specific threshold for youths with disabilities. For avoidance of doubt, the committee has also recommended that at least 5 per cent of the beneficiaries be youths with disabilities; 2. Ensure thatprogramme documents, training modules and guidelines are simplified and translated in various languages, appropriate formats and modes so as to target all the beneficiaries; 3. Ensure thatthe programme uses successful local entrepreneurs to mould the youth into the business of their choice through apprenticeship programmes before they are left to independently run their affairs; 4. Revisit the criteria of group formation to a smaller number; that is between five to eight members and also be flexible on the membership of the group, to extend beyond villages to at least the parish level; and 5. Empower the youth for wealth creation and districts should develop recovery strategies and recover youth livelihood funds given to the youth. The Youth Capital Venture Fund The committee further noted that some districts had not received the Youth Capital Venture Fund, such as Napak District. Also, many district leaders were not aware of about this fund. Recommendations 1. Sensitisation should be done by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development on the Youth Capital Venture Fund that was given to Centenary Bank to distribute to the youths at a low interest rate of 11 per cent; and 2. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development should develop strategies to roll out the Youth Venture Capital Fund. Mr Speaker, I am about to complete. The Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) We noted that the target beneficiaries of the programme are women within the age bracket of 18 to 65 years, and it is a revolving fund. The major issues include delayed transfer of funds from the ministry to local governments, poor repayment of the revolving funds, inadequate operational funds, transport facilitation for community development officers (CDOs) on follow-up for recoveries was inadequate, lack of ownership of the programme by the

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I arise on a matter of national importance regarding some bandits from Karamoja who are not only terrorising the people of Agago but also are killing, looting and doing all sorts of things to the people of Agago, especially Agago North County. Madam Speaker, during the most recent recess, those warriors decided to change their style; they decided to relocate and they got a hiding place in Milan between the Karamoja and Acholi sub-regions, especially in the place called Obwore hills. The Karimojong warriors who are doing all these atrocities are no longer living in the Karamoja sub-region. Instead they are in that hiding place. In the last three days, they have killed people. Just as I speak now, today they are burying one person called Okee Caesar, a 57-year-old man from Laciki village in Lakwa Parish. No wonder, this gentleman’s brother lost about seven heads of cattle some two weeks ago to lightning and thunder. And all those disasters are just surrounding that family. Before then, one called John Katongole, a 28-year-old man from Lacek Oto village in Laita Parish also was killed by those Karimojong bandits. Another gentleman called Okema-

Well, Madam Speaker, it is a matter that can be debated which I do not want to go into for now. I hail from Agago, North County. And-

I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me. I also would like to appreciate the minister for the response delivered, especially on the issue of the border with Lamwo District. Madam Speaker, part of the reason the people of Lamwo, Kitgum and Agago are suffering is because of the porous border. We have reliable information - and security is very aware of this - the reason why the Government is also getting difficulty with the disarmament in Karamoja sub region is because of the porous border. Some of the cattle rustlers normally penetrate to South Sudan and buy guns and come back with those guns for raiding cattle. And I would like to find out the strategy the Government has in place in mitigating some of the porous borders because it is becoming a big problem. And then, two, the minister talked about the border conflicts. What are some of the strategies that are also put in place to make sure the conflicts on the border are mitigated? I thank you.

But we are working very hard. The Army leadership knows about this. We agreed that the Army should construct the Brigade headquarters to a certain level. However, they went beyond into some markets. We thought they had stopped and when you last called me, I thought- so, we are going to make a follow up on that matter in Acholi P. Hon. David from Agago about porous borders; yes, coming from Agago, you know for sure that that is a big challenge and the same for Teso, Acholi, Lango - this is a big challenge. The AU made a resolution to the effect that where there are conflicts, borders should be redemarcated. The pace is going on very slowly, and the Cabinet took a decision to set up a small working subcommittee headed by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of African Community, the Minister of Defence is part of that to make sure that we get to fast track. The South Sudanese come 10 kilometers and because they know we are very receptive, we do not repulse them so they start settling there. So the issue of borders was a decision that was taken by the African Union. Then, within the East African Community, we are working hard to ensure these borders are re- demarcated to help in sorting out the conflicts at the border because they are all international borders. Therefore, very soon, I believe the subcommittee - (Interruption)