Kisoro District

Uganda’s population was about 21.2 million. The government introduced the district quota system in 2004, and by then the number of slots had increased to 4,000. But remember, again, the population at that time had grown to about 27.1 million people. Today in 2026, the slots have remained stagnant at 4,000 while the population of Uganda is hitting 50 million plus. The number of students who sit yearly - for example, last year alone, the number of students who sat A’ level was 165,172 compared to only 59,329 in 2004. The difference is over 100,000 since it was introduced in 2004. Mr Speaker, don’t you think that there is a need to consider the population growth and increase the slots for government sponsorship from the current 4,000? Secondly, as I conclude, Mr Speaker, all the records indicate that the majority of the students who qualify for this admission are mainly drawn from schools that are said to be performing much better, and most of these are congested in the urban centres, as I had indicated. As such, schools from Kaabong, Koboko, Madi-Okollo, Kisoro and elsewhere have to struggle and you can imagine the schools that are concentrated in the urban centres. I will not mention districts and cities. You may find one school alone producing 80 or 100 students admitted on government sponsorship while there are regions in this country that cannot even produce 50 students. The very bad impression is that children from poor families are not able to access this education and it appears as if we are trying to reward the rich and segregate those from poor families. My prayer is that this is supported for the good of this country and for the good of the future of our children. Thank you very much.

For the record, Rubanda patients are 130, Kabale has 220 patients, Rukungiri 190, Kanungu 170, Kisoro 150 and Rukiga 100 patients’ increment every single year. The most frequently diagnosed types of cancer in Kigezi are: cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and sarcoma cancer, to mention but a few. My prayer to the Government is to ensure that it prioritises a cancer centre for Kigezi and at least each village has a knapsack sprayer. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Honourable member from Kisoro, then Mubende. Honourable colleagues, we need to go home. I have been seated here since 2.00 p.m. Of course, our senior, Hon. Ofwono Opondo has to speak.

Honourable member from Kisoro?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Kisoro has been facing a lot of challenges in terms of the refugee influx and it so happens that these people go for medication to Kisoro Main Hospital. When the Government is budgeting, they normally budget for the people of Kisoro, not including the refugees’ influx. At the same time, we have a challenge of extending water and electricity to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which has been constructed. My question is, when is water going to be connected to that good facility in Kisoro Main Hospital?

342 MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS [The Deputy Speaker] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME it to the drought. Therefore, this drought has denied people at Kisoro Hospital water. Honourable colleagues, what I am saying is simple: let us stick to the topic. We have already finished the questions for the ministers and the Prime Minister. We are now on the statement from the Minister of Water and Environment, on the prevailing weather conditions over Uganda in July. Elder, I will come to you later. Colleagues who have spoken, I told you; I know you. Honourable member from Bunyangabu, then Mubende.

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

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

15 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 15 MAY 2026 58. Niyonsaba Alex Bufumbira County South Kisoro NRM 59. Nsamba Patrick Oshabe Kassanda County North Kassanda NUP 60. Ntale Nsereko Madina Kawempe Division South Kampala NRM 61. Obigah Rose Woman Representative Terego NRM 62. Ochai Maximus West Budama County North Tororo NRM 63. Ojok Andrew Oulanyah Omoro County Omoro NRM 64. Okello Patrick Onguti Aswa County Gulu DP 65. Okot Boniface Henry Kole South County Kole NRM 66. Odwori John Kagoma North County Jinja NUP 67. Oboth Marksons Jacob West Budama Central County Tororo NRM 68. Onzima Phiona Ayivu Division West Arua City NRM 69. Ongalo-Obote Clement Kenneth Kalaki County Kalaki NRM 70. Okia Joanne Aniku Woman Representative Madi-Okollo NRM 71. Nsegumire Muhamad Kibedi Mityana County North Mityana NRM 72. Okullo Francis Ochero County Kaberamaido NRM 73. Opio Samuel Acuti Kole North County Kole NRM 74. Okwi Constantine Kibale County Pallisa NRM 75. Waako Joy Peggy Older Persons Representative Female NRM 76. Ongiertho Emmanuel Jor Nebbi Municipality Nebbi Independent 77. Ssekitoleeko Robert Bamunanika County Luweero NUP 78. Ogwang Peter Ngariam County Katakwi NRM 79. Ongorok Richard Usuk County Katakwi NRM 80. Olanya Gilbert Kilak South County Amuru FDC 81. Okoya John Calvin Chua East County Kaberamaido NRM 82. Okello Geoffery Charles Nwoya East County Nwoya DP 83. Ogama Alli Ismail Lower Madi County Madi-Okollo NRM The House was suspended at 11.12 a.m. until 1.00 p.m. On resumption, at 1.00 p.m. 84. Wanyoto Godfrey Budadiri County West Sironko Independent 85. Nyamutoro Phiona Woman Representative Nebbi NRM 86. Opio Denish Geoffrey Nwoya County Nwoya DP 87. Origumisiriza Enid Atuheire Woman Representative Kabale NRM 88. Ottober Wellborn Odiya Aruu North County Pader NRM 89. Ssewagudde Robert PWD Representative N/A Independent 90. Otimgiw Isaac Ismail Padyere County Nebbi NRM 91. Ruteraho Lillian Woman Representative Isingiro NRM 92. Ssemwanga Joseph (Brig. Gen.) UPDF Representative N/A N/A 93. Sange Jackline Woman Representative Kween NRM 94. Opolot-Okwalinga Simon Peter Kanyum County Kumi NRM 95. Owere Richard Machika West Budama North East Tororo NRM 96. Paparu Lillian Obiale Woman Representative Arua NRM 97. Paak Peter Pex Dodoth East County Kaabong NRM 98. Rwakoojo Robina Gureme Woman Representative Gomba NRM 99. Rwashande Emmanuel (Brig. Gen. Rtd) Lwemiyaga County Ssembabule NRM 100. Sekabira Denes Katikamu North County Luweero NUP 101. Ssewungu Joseph Gonzaga Kalungu County West Kalungu NUP 102. Owino Nicholas Simon Tororo North County Tororo NRM

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

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

4 ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS 103. Kalenzi Victor Bunyangabu County Bunyangabu NRM 104. Basajjassubi Nsereko Charles Nakaseke South County Nakaseke NRM Kawuma 105. Baseke Fred Ntenjeru County South Kayunga NRM 106. Bright Tom Amooti Kyaka Central County Kyegegwa NRM 107. Bazaanya Matayo Bugabula County South Kamuli NRM 108. Begiira Samuel Youth Representative Central NRM 109. Begumisa Protazio Ndorwa County East Kabale NRM 110. Bagiire Aggrey Henry Bunya County West Mayuge NRM 111. Baryayanga Andrew Aja Kabale Municipality Kabale NRM 112. Bassajja Iddi Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Bushenyi NRM 113. Bigirwa Norah Nyendwoha District Woman Representative Buliisa NRM 114. Bingi Patrick Nyanzi Butemba County Kyankwanzi NRM 115. Birungi Annet Workers Representative N/A NRM 116. Birungi Carolyn Nanyondo Kyamuswa County Kalangala NRM 117. Banya Emmanuel Natal Koboko County Koboko NRM 118. Biara Emmanuel Wepukhulu Bulambuli County Bulambuli NRM 119. Kabarokole Sarah District Woman Representative Bunyangabu NRM 120. Bisaso Abdul Kassanda County South Kassanda NRM 121. Bakashaba Christopher Mbarara North Division Mbarara City NRM 122. Oleru Huda Abason Aringa East County Yumbe NRM 123. Kabanda Minsa Nabbengo Kampala Central Division Kampala NRM 124. Bebona Josephine Babungi District Woman Representative Bundibugyo NRM 125. Baguma Spellanza Muhenda District Woman Representative Kyenjojo Independent 126. Batuwa Timothy Lusala Jinja South Division West Jinja City NUP 127. Byamukama Fred Bugangaizi West County Kakumiro NRM 128. Kadaga Rebecca Alitwala District Woman Representative Kamuli NRM 129. Byamukama Rogers Masindi Municipality Masindi NRM 130. Byanyima Nathan Bukanga North County Isingiro NRM 131. Byibesho Sam Kisoro Municipality Kisoro NRM 132. Byuma Oswald Dez Mawogola County Ssembabule NRM 133. Cadet Benjamin Bunyaruguru County Rubirizi NRM 134. Challa Elma Kapel Youth Representative Northern NRM 135. Chandia Benadette Kodili District Woman Representative Moyo NRM 136. Chemonges William Kween County Kween NRM 137. Chemutai Phyllis District Woman Representative Kapchorwa Independent 138. Cheutich Rufina District Woman Representative Amudat NRM 139. Dramviku Eric Sabiti Terego West County Terego NRM 140. Driwaru Jennifer District Woman Representative Maracha NRM 141. Echodu David Calvin Soroti West County Soroti City NRM 142. Edakasi Alfred Elalu-Olale Kaberamaido County Kaberamaido NRM 143. Ediau Samuel Amuria County Amuria NRM 144. Edopu Peter Edeku Dakabela County Soroti NRM 145. Ekoro Alex Irukan Bunya County East Mayuge NRM 146. Elem Leo Moroto County Alebtong UPC 147. Emaju Peter Paul Kasilo County Serere NRM 148. Eron Tonny Kwania County Kwania NRM 149. Etilu Margaret District Woman Representative Amuria NRM 150. Bagoole Ngobi John Luuka North County Luuka NRM 151. Eunice Otuko Apio Oyam County North Oyam UPC 152. Kamuntu Ephraim Sheema County South Sheema NRM

5 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 2026 153. Ezama Siraji Brahan Aringa County Yumbe NRM 154. Fungaroo Kaps Hassan Obongi County Obongi FDC 155. Gashaija Shyaka Steven Entebbe Municipality Wakiso NRM 156. Goire Moses Budaka County Budaka NRM 157. Gonyi David Robert UPDF Representative N/A N/A 158. Guma David Gumisiriza Ibanda County North Ibanda NRM 159. Habyara Fortunate Bufumbira County North Kisoro NRM 160. Ibaseret Josephine Nkibs Agule County Pallisa NRM 161. Ibrahim Ibrahim Aisu Pallisa County Pallisa NRM 162. Ikiriza Knight UPDF Representative N/A N/A 163. Drito Martin Andi Upper Madi County Madi-Okollo NRM 164. Ilukol Emmanuel Bokora County Napak Independent 165. Isamat Abraham Kapir County Ngora NRM 166. Isingoma Patrick Mwesigwa Hoima East Division Hoima City Independent 167. Ismail Muhammad Lomwar Kotido Municipality Kotido NRM 168. Itungu Sarah Masereka District Woman Representative Kasese NRM 169. Jalameso Fred Ajuri County Alebtong UPC 170. Joyo Harriet District Woman Representative Obongi Independent 171. Kabaasa Balaba Bruce Rubanda County West Rubanda NRM 172. Kabanda David Kasambya County Mubende NRM 173. Kabasharira Naome Rushenyi County Ntungamo NRM 174. Kabuye Kyofa Nakaseke Central County Nakaseke NRM 175. Kafuuzi Jackson Karugaba Kyaka South County Kyegegwa NRM 176. Kaheeru Vincent Freedom Kyaka North County Kyegegwa NRM 177. Kahima Moses Mugabe Ruhaama East County Ntungamo NRM 178. Kajwengye Twinomugisha Wilson N y a b u s h o z i C o u n t y Kiruhura NRM 179. Kaka Lubega Ismail Uthuman Kakuuto County Kyotera NRM 180. Kakooza Joseph Buwekula County Mubende NRM 181. Kaliisa Jovrine Kyomukama District Woman Representative Ibanda NRM 182. Kambale Ferigo Kasese Municipality Kasese NRM 183. Kampanya Abdu Swaibu Iki-Iki County Budaka NRM 184. Kanaabi Jimmy Buikwe County South Buikwe NUP (The House rose at 4.18 p.m. and adjourned until Thursday, 14 May 2026 at 8.00 a.m.)

18890 THE INCOME TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2026 In other sectors, we came here and made certain provisions that looked innocent. After going out, you find that there is only one service provider monopolising this professional development. They will charge an amount that you cannot run away from. If you do not have a certificate from them, you cannot proceed. We already know about one of the lawyers. Some lawyers have failed to practice because of the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) points they must earn. We must treat this so that for you to require a teacher in Karamoja or Kisoro to come for a professional development or refresher course in only an institution that is based here, that sometimes charges even Shs 1.5, that institution or service provider must also be licensed. I am just giving a caution.

Madam Chairperson, Kampala is an urban area. Let me give an example – Hon. Kateshumbwa should listen to this. Is Kisoro, where Bwindi is, urban? It is rural. Yet, the tourists go there more than they go to Mbale Town or Jinja, because of the gorillas and whatever. We have to be very careful about what is urban and where the tourist attractions are.

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

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

Under Annex 1, we summarised the amount of money which is budgeted for DUCAR, KCCA and road maintenance. There are national roads upgrades and rehabilitation. There are also ferry operations of about Shs 12 billion. Therefore, some of the roads like Fort Portal- Bundibugyo-Lamia - we all know that road. There was an estimate of Shs 118 billion. The requirement to do the phase for this year is Shs 50 billion. However, there was nothing provided in the budget. There is also Gulu-Atiak-Nimule Road – it is in bad shape. The other roads are Mubende- Kyenjojo Road and Ntungamo-Rukungiri Road. There is also the completion of the section of Tororo-Busia Road. We also have Najjanankumbi-Busabala Road and Rwenkunye-Apac-Lira-Puranga Road - Hon. Omara, thank you for lobbying. We also have Luweero-Butalangu Road. There is Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo – that road when you leave Koboko via Yumbe headed to Moyo. It is for upgrade. Money is being provided. There are also Yumbe-Ure, Kisubi-Nakawuka, Nakawuka-Maya, Nakawuka-Nateete, Nakawuka-Kasanje-Maya and Nakawuka- Buwaya – all those roads. The money is here. Once we approve, we are in business. There are also critical oil roads like Kabwoya- Buhuka, Kihura-Rwamwanja, Kahunge-Bwizi- Mpara, Namagumba-Budadiri-Nalugugu - these people of Mbale, the road is there to be completed. We have Moroto-Lokitanyala Road, Kira- Matugga Road – Hon. Ssemujju, thank you for lobbying - (Laughter). There is also Kabale- Bunyonyi Road – that is a tourist road, going up to Kisoro-Mahinga. We have Busega-Mpigi Expressway. We need that one badly. There is a road from Muyembe to Nakapiripirit as well as Lusalira-Nkonge- Lumegere-Ssembabule Road. Hon. Kabanda is in business. Thank you for lobbying. Hon. Namugga, the NRM Government does not discriminate. There is also Iganga-Bulopa-Kamuli – you will connect properly. This is for the former Speaker, and the current Speaker has implemented it. Thank you for lobbying. There are also critical roads like Kabale- Kiziranfumbi, Nyairongo-Kyarushesha and Masindi-Biiso. It seems nobody is excited about this one. This is an oil road.

18022 THE E NERGY E F F ICIENCY A ND CONSERV A TION B ILL, 2024 In practice, large consumers who draw more electricity from the grid than they actually utilise, particularly in the form of reactive power, are sanctioned by the regulator to encourage them to install more efficient equipment. The honourable minister is aware. Mr Speaker, if large consumers are already penalised for operating inefficient equipment, it begs the question whether this new law is instead targeting smaller consumers, our wanainchi , the local people. If that is the case, then the Government is simply shifting the burden onto the ordinary Ugandans who are already struggling with high electricity tariffs and unreliable supply and the blackouts after UEDCL took over. 5. The Bill has a direct effect of increasing the cost of doing business in Uganda This Bill has the direct effect of escalating the cost of doing business in Uganda. It introduces new financial and administrative burdens on consumers classified as “designated energy consumers.” Clause 10(2)(a) obliges such consumers to establish an energy management system in a manner to be prescribed by the minister. However, the Bill does not provide a clear definition of who qualifies as a “designated energy consumer.” This omission creates uncertainty and opens room for arbitrary application, potentially exposing even small and struggling businesses to costly compliance requirements. Furthermore, clause 10(2) places an additional obligation on businesses, including the recruitment of a technical officer designated as energy manager. The engagements of licensed energy auditors to carry out periodic audits and the preparation and submission of compliance reports to the minister impose recurring costs on businesses that are already grappling with high operational expenses. Specifically, section 15 also compels every designated energy consumer to submit reports to the minister periodically. For the businesses operating in distant areas, to mention Koboko, Karenga, Zombo or Kisoro, compliance would not only be burdensome, but it would also attract extra logistical and administrative costs. Our proposal, Mr Speaker, is that at a time when businesses are struggling with not just the cost of living but the electricity tariff itself, we invite this honourable House to reject a Bill that seeks to impose additional costs on the businesses of our people. We propose that other business-friendly avenues provided in other legislative laws, like the Climate Change Act and the National Environment Act, be implemented in order to achieve the intended principles in the Bill. 6. As I wind up, Mr Speaker, the Bill will significantly raise the electricity end-user tariff. The end-user electricity tariff is a function of two variables namely; total sector financial requirement and the total expected number of units to be sold or consumed. When more electricity units are sold to customers, given the sector’s financial requirements, the tariff comes down as many more people share the burden of debt service on the dams like Karuma, Isimba, and Bujagali. The Minister of State, the Hon. Okaasai Opolot, informed the honourable committee, while we were processing that Bill at Hotel Africana, that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill, 2024, if passed into law, would have the effect of reducing electricity consumption by up to 380 megawatts by 2030. This is a very unfortunate revelation by the minister because it has the effect of, number one, significantly raising the electricity tariff when everyone is looking for ways of having a lower competitive tariff. Two, it lowers the speed of economic expansion as lower electricity demand is expected to lower economic performance. Lastly, Mr Speaker, is the unfair transitional clause. Mr Speaker, clause 56 provides for

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I thank both the shadow and the Government minister. We have a whole directorate of water development, and they do it. That is their work: to monitor all the water bodies. We also have a department of international waters, which means that they have scientists who check the water every day. If you do not check the water daily, you are putting Ugandans at risk. Based on those reports, we would have a report now. Secondly, we have the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which is supposed to regulate mining in the subregion. We have raised these issues several times that there is uncontrolled mining. A lot of soil erosion is changing the state of the water in the lakes in Kisoro, Kabale, and the rivers. In my place, we do not need research to know that the river has dirty water because of soil erosion -

17864 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT The President is interested in having modern, well-planned and attractive cities and towns, and his instruction is to budget for Shs 2 billion for each city for physical planning, Shs 300 million for municipal councils, and Shs 50 million for town councils. We hope this will lead to better, lovable and attractive towns. We shall work, as the Ministry of Local Government, with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to put in place measures to actualise the vision of His Excellency, the President of a well-planned country. We call on the local governments - this kind of relief should result in better physical planning of our towns. Colleagues in local governments, strengthen your resolve so that we put our towns to good standards. As ministries affected, we shall strengthen our capacity for supervision and monitoring of this undertaking. 8. Centralisation of local government revenue Madam Speaker, you will recall that this Parliament passed a resolution that the local government’s own source revenue should be retained by them, instead of it being sent to the Consolidated Fund, which makes them wait for a month or two or even three before it is sent back. The local government associations have complained about this practice. As the ministry, we are at par with Parliament and the local government associations. We totally think that local governments are able to manage their local revenues, they should be able to utilise and account for it in order to give the necessary services to the people. We continue to engage the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on this matter so that the local governments are permitted to retain their local revenue. I have heard that it is the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, which brings this about, but my team has examined the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015. Allow me to quote two provisions, which are critical to this. Section 27(3) of the PFMA states, “A vote, state enterprise or public corporation shall retain revenue collected or received where the revenue is in form of levies, licences, fees or fines and the vote, state enterprise or public corporation is authorised through appropriation by Parliament to retain the revenue.” Moreover, Section 28(1) of the PFMA, provides thus: “All revenue or other money raised or received for the purpose of the Government shall be paid into and shall form part of the Consolidated Fund” . Honourable colleagues, this does not apply to all votes, especially local governments, because under the interpretation clause in the PFMA, “Government” refers to central government. Local governments are saying, “Honourable minister of finance, whichever instrument you used, we are ready to engage with you so that we see what justification there is for money to be removed from Kisoro, it comes here, we look at it, and then we send it back after two or three months.” Yet during that time, people will be complaining of garbage, and the councillors are not paid. It has caused a little bit of friction between the local governments because there is a sharing arrangement for local revenue. Now, when the sub-counties collect their revenue and it comes to the centre, when it is moved from the central government back to the districts, some districts keep quiet and they use the money. And the sub-counties down there never know that this money has come. Therefore, we do not find any justification yet under decentralisation by devolution to make an enterprise, which has the powers under the Constitution to collect revenue, to appropriate and to move its supplementary budget, to bring the money here, you look at it, then after three– four months, you send it back. Maybe one time they may ask for an interest for those two–three months. (Laughter) [Mr Magyezi] STATEMENTS

Madam Speaker, thank you very much. The people I represent are wondering if voting for a government 100 per cent does not get corresponding developments. The Kisoro-Kuringo-Rubuguri Road has been in the Government records for more than 20 years. They are saying, “Should we continue voting 100 per cent or should we change?” Secondly, the minister came here with a 13- page statement and on page number 3, says “They are partially suspending 27 roads, pending the finance releasing the funds.” The minister for finance is here, and the minister for works. The President has now written. Therefore, can’t we get guidance, because last time we asked, can you budget for 65 roads? The minister said, “Yes.” In the policy statement, we have more than 65 roads, but we have failed to take on even half. Honourable minister, are you amending the statement that you brought here, suspending the 27 roads in view of what the minister for finance has told you and in view of what the President has said? We need this to be clarified. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker and honourable colleagues. I wish to join my honourable colleague in seconding this motion, and I would like to highlight a few points that I would like the House to take note of. In 1986, our economy was $3.92 million. In the State-of-the-Nation Address, the President highlighted that our economy is going to be projected to be equivalent to $60.4 billion. This is a tremendous growth that we have witnessed under the leadership of His Excellency, the President. We have also seen that Uganda is one of the countries that is growing at a very fast rate, and the projections for the next financial year show that Uganda is expected to grow at 7 per cent. This is as a result of the steady economic progress and policies that His Excellency has spearheaded over the years. He highlighted that the Government, over the last 10 years, has injected over Shs 8 trillion in strategic wealth creation initiatives, and these, honourable colleagues, we are aware; the Parish Development Model, the Emyooga , the Youth Livelihood Project, Small Business Recovery Fund, the Youth Venture Fund, UWEP, INVITE, GROW Project, and UDC, among others. We have seen that through these projects, money has directly gone to the people at the bottom of our society, and we appreciate the President for that vision. We have people who have touched a million shillings for the first time in their lives, and they have given stories of how that has transformed their livelihoods. Madam Speaker, in 1986, the revenue collection in this country was Shs 5 billion. The President highlighted in his speech that at the end of June 2025, we expect to have collected almost Shs 32 trillion. This effort is a result of sound economic management principles that have enabled the growth of industries, which has grown our economy to attract foreign direct investment, which in result gives us a revenue base, so that even with threats of withholding external funding, Uganda can meet its recurrent costs and survive. On tourism development, the tourist receipts were valued at $1.4 billion in the calendar year 2024, from $562 million in 2020. This again is as a result of very robust enablers that the Government has put in place to enable tourism development in this country that includes peace and security, to not only make sure that our visitors are safe, but also other enablers like infrastructure- like the efforts that the Government has put in- for example, under the watch of His Excellency, the President revived Uganda Airlines, and now we fly direct to some of the markets where we have never flown or where we last flew many years ago, including London Gatwick, Mumbai, Dubai, among others. We have seen the expansion of Entebbe International Airport. We have seen the construction of Kabalega International Airport and a couple of local airstrips that have been renovated, like Kisoro Domestic Airport, among others. The visitor entries into the national parks grew by 5.4 per cent in 2023, and all this gives us comfort that we are going to continue seeing tourism as one of the priority areas that enable our economy. On the issue of regional integration, our President has been a champion of regional integration in East Africa, emphasising the need for us to remove all trade barriers, and as you have seen, the President was in Nairobi yesterday to try and unlock and sign a couple of MOUs to ensure that we have free flow of business and trade in the region. Most of our exports are going into the region; in Kenya, South Sudan, DRC. Being a champion of regional integration, the President continuously emphasises the need for Ugandans to take advantage of these markets by being productive. Therefore, our country is safe in the hands of the President. Our economy is safe. Investors are coming. [The Speaker] MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a motion for a Resolution of Parliament to authorise Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to sublease five acres out of its land to Kabale University. The motion reads thus: “WHEREAS Kabale Regional Referral Hospital is a public hospital and the registered proprietor of land comprised in Volume 3119, Folio 24, situated at Kabale City; AND WHEREAS Kabale University is a public university operating and offering various academic programmes, including medicine, with a medical school currently housed within Kabale Regional Referral Hospital; AWARE that Kabale University, on 8 August 2022, requested Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for a sublease of five acres of land out of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital land to enable the university to expand its teaching space for the Faculty of Medicine; NOTING that Kabale Regional Referral Hospital Management Board in its sixth sitting held on the 16 September 2022 approved the request to allocate the university five acres of land for expansion of the Faculty of Medicine to comprise operating theatres, specialist clinics and patient wards for oncology, neurology, orthopaedic surgery, as well as lecture theatres to create a befitting medical school at Kabale University; FURTHER NOTING that the Ministry of Health approved Kabale Regional Referral Hospital’s Management Board decision to sublease five acres to Kabale University for expansion of its teaching space; RECOGNISING that Kabale University secured initial funding of Shs 3 billion for the desired medical school expansion from the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in the Financial Year 2022/2023; APPRECIATING the role that Kabale University Medical School plays in closing the medical professional gap by training medical professionals within the Kigezi subregion in the south-western Uganda districts of Kabale, Kanungu, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kisoro and Rukungiri; NOTING that the statutory requirement for parliamentary approval under Section 32(6) of the Public Finance Management Act, CAP 171, for Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to encumber its land through subleasing it to Kabale University; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that Parliament authorises Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to sublease five acres out of its land to Kabale University for the expansion of the Faculty of Medicine to comprise operating theatres, specialist clinics and patient wards for oncology, neurology, orthopaedic surgery, as well as lecture theatres.” [The Speaker] MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Our regional referral hospitals act as teaching hospitals for the universities and therefore, we work together to expand the hospitals to offer comprehensive teaching to our students. Therefore, allow me to additionally inform this august House that the request before us today of authorising Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to sublease five acres of its land to Kabale University, which is a public institution of higher learning, is not just a matter of land; it is an investment in the future of health care delivery, medical education and regional development in Kigezi subregion and beyond. Kabale University, through its School of Medicine, is a key partner in the provision of specialised health care services, medical training and research, and as you heard, several facilities will be constructed on the said land, including facilities for neurology, oncology and many others. We are all aware that the regional referral serves a catchment population of 2.4 million people across the districts of Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Ntungamo, Rubanda, Rukiga and Rukungiri, and these people have different ailments just like any other region, and therefore deserve specialised services as well. The hospital also receives cross-border referrals from the neighbouring countries of Rwanda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Therefore, the increasing demand for specialised care in these areas necessitates infrastructure and human resource development that cannot be achieved by the hospital alone and within the existing infrastructure. It is important for us to note that currently, the university is operating within a repurposed and dilapidated former outpatient department at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, which was initially marked for demolition. Therefore, as the Ministry of Health, we fully support this sublease to enable the establishment of a functional and expanded medical school and a hospital that can offer better teaching and services. It will also go ahead to enhance research output, improve retention of health workers in the region and promote sustainable medical education closer to the communities in need. This also presents us with an opportunity to strengthen our national health system through strategic collaboration with the academic institutions. Madam Speaker, I therefore thank this House for the support that they are granting not only to the university but also to both the health and the education sectors. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I stand to second the motion for resolution of Parliament authorising Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to sublease five acres out of its land to Kabale University as moved by the minister. Madam Speaker, the partnership between Kabale Regional Referral Hospital and Kabale University School of Medicine aims to improve health service delivery to a population of 2.4 million people in the districts which have been mentioned like Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro,

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

…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.

17523 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 12 JNUE 2025 time for processing driving licences to 45 minutes in Kampala and 48 hours in upcountry stations, from a period of one month. To support Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), the Government has licensed over 50 companies that have created over 10,000 jobs mainly for the youth that provide online services internationally. Madam Speaker, with regard to the creative arts, the Government provided Shs 10 billion to the creative arts industry. This was to support the artists to recover from the effects of COVID-19, and create a revolving fund to support young talents to create wealth and jobs. Madam Speaker, I have provided Shs 835.98 billion for Science, Technology and Innovation, including ICT and the Creative Arts Industry. Of this amount, Shs 388.23 billion is for STI, Shs 381.75 billion is for ICT and digitalisation, and Shs 66 billion for the creative arts. Madam Speaker, these funds will be utilised for: i. establishing a hi-tech city to support development of technologies and innovations; ii. taking STI products to the market, especially Kiira motor vehicles, coffee, Dei BioPharma drugs and vaccines, and banana products; iii. additional investment in research and development and innovation; iv. increasing coverage, reliability, and affordability of Internet; v. enhancing digitisation of Government services and e-commerce; vi. promoting BPO for job creation; vii. acquiring a home for creative artists for their productions and innovations; viii. fast-tracking the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act to protect intellectual property and artistic works; and ix. further capitalisation of the revolving fund for artists with an additional Shs 18 billion, bringing it to a total of Shs 23 billion. Infrastructure Development Madam Speaker, this priority area includes both transport and energy infrastructure. During this Financial Year 2024/2025, some of the following achievements were realised: Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Services Madam Speaker, the road network that is tarmacked now stands at 6,287.6 kilometres, representing about 30 per cent of the national road network, compared to 3,112 kilometres in Financial Year 2010/11. With this improved road network, the travel time, for example, from Malaba to Kisoro by road, reduced from 48 hours (two days) to about 10 hours. This will further improve with completion of the Kampala-Jinja and Busega- Mpigi Expressways. Uganda is now connected by tarmac roads at all its major international border points, from the South Sudan border (Kitgum, Nimule and Oraba) in Acholi and West Nile to the southern border of Tanzania (Mutukula), Rwanda (Mirama Hills, Katuna and Cyanika) and the Congo border (Bunagana) and from the Kenya border (Lwakhakha, Malaba and Busia) to the Congo border (Mpondwe, Busuunga, and Kaisotonya) in the West. Madam Speaker, despite the challenges faced in the road sector this financial year, we continued to make progress as follows: i. Rehabilitated a total of 125 kilometres on several ongoing projects; ii. Upgraded over 100 kilometres of roads to paved bituminous standards on several ongoing projects; iii. The government fully disbursed Shs 579 billion which was used for maintenance of National, District, Urban and Community Access Roads (DUCAR); THE TAX PROCEDURES CODE (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025

17524 BUDGET SPEECH iv. The government is revamping the road and drainage infrastructure within the entire Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), to the extent that the entire city is now a construction site. Banange bebale. A total of Shs 1.4 trillion has been dedicated to improving roads and drainage within GKMA. To deal with traffic congestion arising out of the gridlock generated by roundabouts, all major junctions are being improved and signalled with traffic lights. The Kampala Flyover and Road Upgrading Project has been completed. v. Construction of 10 bridges is ongoing at an average of 74.7 per cent progress. Madam Speaker, next financial year, the Government has significantly increased the budget for road infrastructure development. I have allocated an additional Shs 790 billion, bringing the total budget for roads to Shs 4.28 trillion. The following will be prioritised next financial year: 1. Start construction and complete ongoing works for road projects as highlighted by His Excellency the President in his State-of- the-Nation Address. In addition, the roads which had been left out to be prioritised are: Puranga-Acholibur (65 kilometres); Kampala- Gayaza-Kalagi (33 kilometres); Lugazi- Buikwe-Kiyindi (28 kilometres); Kabwohe- Bwizibwera-Nyakambu-Nsika-Nyakabirizi (92.2 kilometres); Kisubi-Nakawuka-Natete- Kasanje-Mpigi-Mawugulu-Nanziga-Maya- Buwaya (71 kilometres); Busega-Mpigi (10 kilometres); Najjanankumbi-Busabala (11 kilometres); Lusalira-Nkonge-Lumegere- Sembabule (97 kilometres); Karugutu-Ntoroko (50 kilometres); Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi (15.1 kilometres), Kisoro-Nkuringo-Lubugiri-Muko (70 kilometres); Laropi-Moyo-Afoji (39 kilometres), including a bridge at Laropi, Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo (105 kilometres); Namagumba-Budadiri-Nalugugu (33 kilometres); Tororo-Busia (25 kilometres); Katuna-Muko-Kamuganguzi (104 kilometres); Moroto-Lokitanyala (42 kilometres); Hamurwa-Kerere-Kanungu (47 kilometres); Lyantonde-Kashagama-Nyabitanga-Ntusi road (57.7 kilometres); Isingiro-Rugaaga- Mutukula-Ngarama-Kashumba-Kasese on the border with Tanzania (164 kilometres) – I hope my friends who were talking to me yesterday, I have satisfied you. Masindi Bridge; and Karuma Bridge. 2. Start construction and complete ongoing works for bridges as highlighted by His Excellency the President in his State-of- the-Nation Address. 3. Commence implementation of the Kampala- Jinja Expressway through a Public-Private Partnership framework. 4. Prioritise maintenance of the core national road transport network and DUCAR. Railway Transport Madam Speaker, in November 2024, His Excellency the President launched construction of the 272-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Malaba to Kampala. The SGR is a strategic investment for our country. It will cut cargo transport cost by half from the current $120 per ton, and reduce transit time from Mombasa to Kampala from seven days to one day, turning Uganda into a land-linked country as opposed to being landlocked. The initial works for the construction of the SGR have started. Madam Speaker, Government has completed the refurbishment and commissioning of the Mukono-Kampala Metre Gauge Railway line. In addition, rehabilitation of the 375 kilometres of the Tororo to Gulu Metre Gauge Railway will be completed by February 2026. Madam Speaker, next financial year, priority interventions will include completing the rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu Metre Gauge Railway line; refurbishment of the Mukono-Jinja Metre Gauge Railway line; and construction of the Standard Gauge Railway from Kampala to Malaba.

17484 ADDRESS ON THE STATE OF THE NATION 1. Hon. Twaha Kagabo, MP Bukoto South; from the National Unity Platform to the National Resistance Movement. 2. Hon. Akol Anthony, MP Kilak North; from the Forum for Democratic Change to the National Resistance Movement. 3. Hon. Ojara Mapenduzi Martin, MP Bardege-Layibi; from the Independent (Opposition-leaning) to the National Resistance Movement. 4. Hon. Ongiertho Emmanuel, MP Jonam County; from the Forum for Democratic Change to the National Resistance Movement. 5. Hon. Mpuuga Mathias, MP Nyendo- Mukungwe Division; from the National Unity Platform to the Democratic Front. 6. Dr Abed Bwanika, MP Kimaanya-Kabonera Division; from the National Unity Platform to the Democratic Front. 7. Hon. Kakembo Michael MP, Entebbe Municipality; from the National Unity Platform to the Democratic Front. 8. Hon. Kakande Juliet Nakabuye, City Women MP, Masaka; from the National Unity Platform to the Democratic Front. We wish the Members well in the exercise of their freedom of association as prescribed in Article 29 of the Constitution of Uganda, which we swore to uphold. Despite the remarkable strides that we have made, the Fourth Session was not without any challenges. We regrettably lost two sitting Members of Parliament: Hon. Sarah Mateke, Woman Member of Parliament of Kisoro, and Hon. Muhammed Ssegirinya, MP Kawempe North. We will continue to pray for the eternal repose of their souls. Pursuant to Article 94(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, and Rule 26(1) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Uganda, the legislature will continue to prioritise Government Business. We look forward with optimism to the Government’s legislative agenda for the Fifth Session, and other plans that may be contained in today’s presidential State-of-the-Nation Address. I say all this for God and my country. (Applause) Your Excellency, as I had earlier stated in my communication, I take this singular honour and privilege to invite you to unveil the National Development Plan IV. Your Excellency, you will be joined by the Deputy Speaker and I, and the finance ministers to perform this ceremony. (Applause) (Whereupon, the H.E. the President unveiled the NDP IV.) INVITATION BY THE RT HON. SPEAKER TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT TO DELIVER TO PARLIAMENT AN ADDRESS ON THE STATE OF THE NATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 101(1) OF THE CONSTITUTION

17493 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 used them to start enterprises in food crops, farming, goat keeping, piggery, beekeeping, etcetera. In Kisoro, some of the PDM beneficiaries earned between Shs 16 to 20 million from onions over two years using the initial seed capital of just Shs 1 million. Tourism Tourism receipts were valued at $1.4 billion in the calendar year 2024. This is a significant recovery from $5.62 million in 2020, when we had the COVID-19 shutdown. The good performance is attributed to the sustainable peace and security, increased competitiveness of Uganda’s tourism industry through marketing, and the Government’s investment in strategic tourism infrastructure. To support tourism, the Government has provided adequate security to the tourism sites, improved physical infrastructure, and supported the tourist companies with tax relief. The Government is strengthening economic and commercial diplomacy through our embassies or missions abroad to promote tourism, in addition to mobilising foreign direct investment and enabling penetration into export markets. Uganda’s proactive support for meetings, innovations, conferences, and exhibitions, and our participation in global tourism expos, resulted in hosting 267,000 tourists in wildlife-protected areas. The Government has maintained 1,200 kilometres of trail tracks and roads in the national parks. An important aspect in tourism promotion is the adherence to the international standards in terms of grading of accommodation facilities such as hotels and restaurants, hygiene and sanitation facilities, access to cheap and stable communication facilities and the Internet. In this regard, the Government is upgrading the Internet gateways to reduce Internet costs and increase the speed of Internet connections. The priority areas for tourism development next financial year and in the medium-term include: 1. Branding and marketing of Uganda as a tourism and investment destination; 2. Infrastructure development and construction of sanitation infrastructure in tourism sites; 3. Construction of refreshment centres and highway road signage and sanitary facilities; 4. Improving tourism security; and 5. Hospitality standards and training. Minerals On the side of minerals, Uganda has got several mineral resources in almost all parts of the country. These include oil and gas reserves, beryl, chromite, lead, lithium, silver, zinc, kyanite, feldspar and diatomite, manganese, diamonds, uranium, iron ore, vermiculite, limestone and marble, gold, graphite, aluminium, clay rich in rare earth elements, phosphates and iron ore in Muko from which we can make high-quality steel and sand. From these resources, Uganda has the opportunity to industrialise quickly with the acquisition of technology and specialised skills development, which is tailored to industrialisation. Until recently, when we started refining gold, our minerals were being exported in raw form. We were exporting raw materials – Africans from other countries who are here, this is the disease of Africa, exporting raw materials – “matière première” – “française”, very bad; “matière première”. This means we were donating all the benefits, such as jobs and money, to other countries. I do not have time to give – if you take iron ore; at one time, if you exported a ton of iron ore, they would give you $47. At that time, the one who processed the iron ore into a ton of steel would earn $900. You get $47, but the foreigner who is cleverer than you, gets $900, and all the jobs are available for his children when your children have no jobs. The Government has stopped – I have completely banned the export of unprocessed minerals. Some of the people wanted to kill me. I said, “You kill me, but I will not-”

Honourable members, before I formally prorogue the House, I take this opportunity to thank the whole House for your dedication throughout the Fourth Session. It has been a difficult one in which we lost two honourable colleagues: Hon. Sarah Mateke and Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Despite the setbacks, the Lord has also been kind to us and we praise Him for that. During this Session of the House, the House has held 75 Sittings, during which we have been able to: i) Administer two oaths to newly elected Members of Parliament: Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro, and Hon. Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola. ii) Passed 33 Bills. iii) Concluded 33 petitions. iv) Passed 43 resolutions. v) Adopted 53 reports. vi) Considered 213 urgent questions. (Hon. Naluyima rose_) Member for Wakiso, can you sit? vii) Considered 45 ministerial statements. viii) Considered seven statements by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. This remarkable performance would not have been possible without the individual and collective commitment by you, Members. As we transition to the Fifth Session, I would like to urge you to maintain the same level of commitment. Honourable members, here is the Proclamation by the Rt Hon. Speaker of Parliament on prorogation of the Fourth Session of the 11 th Parliament.

17330 MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET, 2025/2026 c) Rwenkunye-Apac-Lira-Acholibur Road – Shs 166.25 billion; d) Kisoro-Nkuringo-Rubugiri-Muko Road - Shs 1,260.98 billion; that is a long road; e) Moyo-Yuumbe-Koboko Road – Shs 125.08 billion; f) The rehabilitation of Mityana-Mubende Road (100 kilometres) - Shs 21 billion; g) Proposed upgrading of Kyenjojo (Kiruhura) Bwizi-Rwamwanja-Kahunge (68 kilometres), Mpara-Bwizi (37 kilometres) – Shs 109.14 billion; h) The upgrading of Iganga-Bulopa-Kamuli Road (57.2 kilometres) Shs 42.55 billion. Colleagues, the list of the high impact projects is in the report; i) There is also Rehabilitation of District, Urban and Community Access Roads (DUCAR), which will continue under the Ministry of Works and Transport. So, DUCAR roads - Shs 91.78 billion; j) The road fund management has also been given Shs 91.78 billion. On tourism, colleagues, following the ATEINI strategy, tourism has been boosted. Tourism Development a) Shs 11.16 billion for the Mount Rwenzori tourism infrastructure. This includes improving the existing trails and establishing shorter ones, improving the existing bridges, taking into consideration the issue of the flash floods, providing eco-friendly accommodation facilities, improving the safety of tourists by establishing rest points along the trails, among others; b) Shs 21.52 billion for the development of the museums and heritage sites for cultural tourism; and c) Shs 10.15 billion for the development of the source of the Nile tourism infrastructure that includes construction of the modern piers, docking places for boats and other amenities. Human Capital Development On health, a few highlights are here. Some of the highlights include: i) Shs 1,012.19 billion for the Global Fund for Tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria; ii) Shs 194.2 billion for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) vaccines and health sector development; iii) Shs 57.89 billion towards Uganda COVID-19 response and emergency preparedness; iv) Shs 65.65 billion for the construction and equipping of the Uganda Heart Institute; v) Shs 42.14 billion towards infrastructure development at Uganda Cancer Institute; vi) Shs 116.94 billion towards rehabilitation and construction of general hospitals. This is a new resource to all the general hospitals in the country. A sum of Shs 116.94 billion has been allocated for construction and rehabilitation; and vii) Shs 30.75 billion for the establishment of regional oncology and diagnostic centres in Arua, Mbale and Mbarara; viii) Shs 623.51 billion for essential medicines and health supplies for all health centres, general hospitals, regional referral hospitals and national referral hospitals. Colleagues, it is worth noting that the Ministry for Finance has restored Shs 100 billion of the fund that was removed from National Medical Stores last year. It has been restored into the budget and this is really a great development; we thank the ministry for that. Education a) Shs 244.94 billion towards the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project Phase 2; b) Shs 12.87 billion towards the development of the Primary Schools Project; c) Shs 54.44 billion towards funding the Vocational Projects Phase 2; and d) Shs 7 billion towards the Uganda National Examination Board infrastructure project.

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

Voh OccaAUoo t hmt{UexoOOl 538 ru Mission in o00 Local Gwcraroatr 601 Arua city 42,627,79L @2 Fort-Fortal city 24.409.O33 603 GUU city 30.o16.334 604 Hoirna city L6,320.994 605 Jinja citv 48,585.173 606 Lira city 32.637.923 607 Masaka city 32,L23,397 608 Mbale city 4L.146.292 609 Mbarara cibr 39.917.390 610 Soroti city 22,695,436 70L Apac Municipal Council 9,229.883 702 Bueiri Municipal Council 6.521.357 703 Bushenyi- Istralra Municipal Council 13,883,756 704 Busia Municipal Council 8.729.34L 705 Eqtebbe Municipal Council L4.992.O40 706 Ibanda Municipal Council L7,O36,2LO 707 Iganga Municipal @rlncil 8.179.080 708 Ihbale Municipal Council t7.830.374 709 I(anuli Municipd Council 8,837,237 7LO I(apchorwa Municipal Council 10.959.904 7LL IGscse Municipal Council L6.2L9.979 7L2 Kira Municipal Council 26,4L3,268 713 Kisoro Municipal Council 5,652,058 7L4 Kitgum Municipal Council 8.661.003 7t5 Koboko Municipal Council 10.108.ele I 716 Kotido 97 n r 1 I N\ F a J rj; -iz- G ,s

Votc Dcfclpt*rr Anrurd |UGXOOO'| 706 Ibanda Municioal Council L.232.L52 707 Iganm MuniciDat Council 497.83L 708 IGbale Municioal Council 2.413.306 709 IGmuli Municiod Council 1.508.152 I(aochomra MuniciDal Council 1.140.129 7LO 7tt Iksese Municioal Council 923.66L 7L2 Kira MuniciDal Council 8.168.523 7t3 Kisoro Municipal Council L.232.446 714 Kitsun Municioal Council r.040.555 715 Ibboko Municipal Council 1.349.879 716 I(otido Municipal Council 596.380 717 Kumi Municipal Council 1.059.786 7t8 LvcE.zj Municipal Council t.075.923 7L9 Malcindve-Ssabagabo Municipal Council 15.639.553 720 Masindi MuniciDal Council 1.848.406 72L Mitvana MuniciDat Council L.840.299 722 Moroto Municipal Council 468.386 723 Mubende Municipal Council 1.990.O70 724 Mukono Municipal Council 10.464.554 725 Nansana MuniciDal Council 9.753.903 726 Nebbi MuniciDat Council 460.063 727 Nienr Municipal Council r.516.439 728 Ntunsamo Municipal Council 684.105 729 RukunEiri MuniciDal Council 1.403.150 730 Sheema Municipal Council 1.903.114 73L Tororo Municioal Council 726.683 801 Abim District 2.350.879 802 Adiumani District 2.901.938 803 AEaso District 5.t49.726 804 Alebtonc District 3.305.496 805 Amotratar Distrist 2.952.94L 806 Amudat District 2,53t.739 807 Amuria District ,,_-}{R 4.131.956 808 Amuru District k-nT/ 3,261,950 809 Apac District \ <) r*s 2,876,L67 810 Arua District /, (tffif ,a /V 2,6TL,ssT 811 [ 3.ses.2sz Budaka District /v) ru \gr7 8t2 l/\./ \tfll Bududa District ^a. 4.20L.546 Yt s 55 lPage ,ft €= ] r I

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Kisoro-Kabale Road was a very expensive project that was abandoned and if it is not worked on within a few weeks, it is going to cause a serious crisis. There are four spots, one in Bwindi and another in Muko, that are giving way. When the President was in western Uganda, we talked about it and the minister promised to come and fix it and now that it is a heavy rainy season, it is going to give way. All tourism roads in Kigezi have not been worked on. Tourism roads around Bwindi are not even first-class murram, and yet that forest brings in Shs 600 million every day. So, it is high time we start considering these areas where the Government is making a lot of money and put in some more money. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. First of all, I want to thank the able chairperson of the Committee on Health for the submission, but I have a concern. In my constituency – I am aware that about 125 constituencies do not have health centres IV. Mine is a special one because it is next to the Democratic Republic of Congo. We have refugees coming in year in, year out and they frustrate the services of the health sector. There is a health centre III called Muramba which is the only one that is bordering the area where the refugees come from. It is always suffocated and requires to be upgraded to a health centre IV. Also, Kisoro District is a centre for refugees to go through, but they do not actually go through; they stay permanently. So, Kisoro should be a refugee-hosting district. That aside, Muramba Health Centre III gets deliveries of more than 10 babies per week when there are no refugees. When there are refugees, they go up to even 30 deliveries per week – (Interjection) – those are deliveries per day. Mr Speaker, I request that the Government considers upgrading that health centre III to a health centre IV or at least a maternity centre be constructed in that area. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to commend the committee for the good report. Mine will be on power. In Kisoro where I come from, we have areas where power was brought - we have hard- to-reach areas - but the poles were placed far away and are very high voltage. We did not get transformers to get this power to people, so there is a situation where we have power lines that are not serving people. Remember that Kisoro is a tourist area. We have five-star hotels and hotels that host a lot of tourists, but most of them do not have water. The same applies to power. You find that these hotels are using harvested rainwater. Please, consider Kisoro as you do the budgeting. For the National Forestry Authority (NFA), I side with the recommendation that they be given money for afforestation. It was there but they stopped it. We need this money to afforestate Uganda because the environment has to be saved.

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.

16592 THE CONTRACT FARMING BILL, 2023 East African certificate of origin, which is used by East African countries, and does not give Uganda a competitive edge on the international markets; and 8. Review tax regimes on tea packaging materials to encourage value addition, reduce the cost of tea and encourage increased domestic consumption 4. The Global Tea Production Trends The committee observed that the relationship between the overall tea production and consumption at the global level directly affects Uganda’s tea pricing at the Mombasa Tea Auction. Global tea production, in 2023 stood at 6.604 billion kilogrammes against 6.482 billion kilogrammes, in 2022, an increase of 1.88 per cent. Global consumption stood at 6.212 billion kilogrammes from 6.233 billion kilogrammes in 2022, resulting in a decline of 0.34 per cent in consumption. This, therefore, means global tea production has outstripped consumption, therefore affecting the global tea prices. Tea prices at the Mombasa Tea Auction are affected by market forces of demand and supply. In the February 2024 auction, the high-priced Uganda tea from Kisoro Tea Company was sold at $0.92 while the average price for all Uganda teas was $0.7 per kilogramme, reflecting a decline in comparison to the October 2022 prices, where Uganda tea averaged $1.46 and $3.0 per kilogramme. This direct correlation between the global tea production and consumption rates directly affects the Uganda tea prices since 90 per cent of Uganda’s tea is sold in the export through the Mombasa Auction. This directly translates into the country’s foreign exchange earnings and at the current quality, the country has been earning a third of what would have been realised annually. Again, the graph there shows you the volumes and the value in dollars since 2013. You can see the impact. This is sourced from the Bank of Uganda. The committee recommends that the Government, through MAAIF, urgently addresses the issue of quality of tea exports since the country is a price taker and has no control over global tea prices. 5. Government’s intention to revive the Uganda tea industry The committee was informed by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries that Cabinet under Minute 336 (CT 2024) resolved to address the issue that affected Uganda’s tea industry. The minister further informed the committee of the inter-ministerial committee that the Rt Hon. Prime Minister constituted, which comprises the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representatives of the National Planning Authority and tea farmers to discuss and harmonise how the Government could effectively address challenges in the tea industry. The committee observed the Government’s undertakings to establish a fertilizer revolving fund to tea farmers with a 50 per cent component as government contribution and 50 per cent as farmers’ contribution covering two seasons. The committee was informed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries that it will be the responsibility of the ministry to manage the farm. The committee recommends that the Government fast-tracks the establishment of the fertilizer revolving fund to enable farmers to access affordable fertiliser. 6. Tea Financing Model The committee was informed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries that the Cabinet resolved to establish a Stabilisation Fund tenable at the Agricultural Credit Facility to ease credit accessibility to SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT [Mr Edakasi]

Thank you, Hon. Edakas, Hon. Enosi, and Hon. Barungi. How many do you still need? Then Kisoro.

15812 STANDING COMMITTEE R E PORT ary 2025 after capturing a significant territory earlier this month in North Kivu Province. On Monday, 27 January 2025, the M23 announced the capture of Goma. The conflict between the M23 and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) has escalated in spite of determined mediation efforts and progress toward the cessation of hostilities under both Luanda and Nairobi processes. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the innocent civilians, the MONUSCO and SAMIDRC peacekeepers that have lost their lives in the fighting taking place in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces of DRC. We are deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions in eastern DRC that have led to massive displacement of people, with likely consequential pressure on the Republic of Uganda, which already hosts more than 560,000 refugees from the DRC alone. Honourable colleagues, yesterday, our embassy in Kinshasa was attacked, looted and burnt by rioters, triggered by the developments in Goma. The incident is a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and we condemn this in the strongest terms. Fortunately, no embassy staff was harmed. It has been determined that they are safe and the embassy premises are now secured. Last evening, we received assurances from the Government of the DRC that appropriate security measures had been taken and the situation in Kinshasa is under control. The decision to suspend Uganda Airlines flights to Kinshasa, announced yesterday, is prudent under the circumstances as we continue to monitor the situation, which is fast- changing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is assessing practical means to provide consular or emergency services to Ugandans resident in the DRC and, as need arises, will inform the public in due course of the measures. Honourable members, this is a protracted conflict with a long history of misjudgement and external interference. A multiplicity of factors including ethnicity, citizenship, mineral and economic exploitation, and youth unemployment continue to fuel the conflict. We, therefore, would like to take this opportunity to categorically state and clarify that the Republic of Uganda dissociates itself from the activities of armed, belligerent groups in the DRC. It is important to re-state the context to Government of Uganda’s participation in resolution of this conflict since 2013 in order to provide clarity. On 12 December 2013, in Nairobi, two declarations and one communique were signed, concluding the Kampala Dialogue between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23. The documents detailed each side’s commitments, including demobilisation and reintegration of former rebels and the DRC commitment to facilitate the return of refugees. Following the defeat of the M23 armed group in November 2013, former fighters were received in Kisoro, Uganda, disarmed by the Uganda security, their arms inspected and handed over to the Government of the DRC at Kasindi. The ex-combatants were regularly visited by DRC government officials, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism, MONUSCO, Defence Attachés accredited to Uganda, and international journalists for monitoring and documentation exercises. It should be noted that the ex-combatants were not prisoners but refugees. The Uganda Government has, in good faith, regularly shared information with the DRC Government on matters relating to activities of the M23 ex-combatants. By 2015, all disarmed ex- combatants that had taken refuge in Uganda, save for non-citizens of DRC, had been handed over to Government of the DRC. Honourable colleagues, we commend the Luanda Process under the stewardship of H is Excellency Joao Lourenco, the President of the Republic of Angola. We recognise the Nairobi Process under the guidance of former president, Uhuru Kenyatta. [Mr Mulimba] MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

15840 STANDING COMMITTEE R E PORT should be talking about compensation or payment of ex gratia – because compensation, is it on validation or in kind? The Attorney- General knows that there are a number of cases that several firms took to court and he knows that they are paying some people, not only for the value and not only outside the ex gratia, but also outside the court directives. While I support the establishment of a policy because it will have descriptions and qualifications of who is supposed to be compensated, the failure to have a policy that is descriptive means it will be abused, and it will yield and border corruption. An example is that if someone drives on a bad road, hits a pothole and they die, should they claim compensation? Compensation out of war – you need to make reference to what war you are referring to. With us, we were affected by the Rwanda war of 1994. When we put up a claim, it did not come to individual members. The European Union together with the Government, did it in kind. That is how we got Kisoro airport. Government can compensate in kind.

Do you have an airport in Kisoro?

15725 THE E L E V E N TH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY , 23 JANUARY 2025 Prayer: What steps has your office taken to fast-track the sustainable resolution of the border conflict between Obongi and Yumbe Districts, among other similar districts border conflicts in West Nile that have resulted in the loss of lives, property, and disruption of service delivery and livelihood of citizens in the affected communities? My response: Rt Hon. Speaker and honourable colleagues, the Government constituted a Task Force comprising of technical officers from the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to study and resolve all border conflicts in local governments. The Ministry of Local Governments is in the process of mobilising resources to conduct a border survey and the opening exercise of all conflicting Local Governments including the boundary between Obongi and Yumbe District. Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues, this exercise is planned to be implemented by the end of this Quarter. 4. Hon. Kamuntu Moses (MP, Rubanda County West, Rubanda District). The Batwa group of people were evicted from their ancestral land in the forests in 1991 for wildlife conservation. Since then, they have suffered severe socio-economic challenges, including displacement, poverty, malnutrition, lack of access to education and healthcare. According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), 40 per cent of the children suffer from malnutrition, and only 20 per cent of the population have access to healthcare services. The report indicates that 70 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, while 60 per cent of the households experience chronic food insecurity and 17 per cent of the women are illiterate. These indicators reflect the urgent need for government intervention. Prayer: Can the Government update this House on when it will bring health facilities closer to Batwa to increase access to health care? My response: Mr Speaker, Uganda has a number of indigenous people (IP). For example, Batwa, Ik, and Benet, among others. The Batwa live in the districts of Kanungu, Kisoro, Ruban, and Kasese, along the forested border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Batwa population is approximately 6,700 as of 2022 according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. A study done in Kanungu District shows that the proportion of Batwa with geographic access to the nearest health facility by walking within 30 minutes is 44 per cent increasing to 90.9 per cent within 60 minutes (1 hour) and to 100 per cent within 120 minutes (2 hours). The most geographically accessible Batwa settlements are Buhoma, Byumba, Kitariro and Kahere. Using all modes of transport, the residents of the above four settlements could reach their nearest terraced facilities within less than 10 minutes. This accounted for only 41.7 per cent Batwa’s geographic access coverage. The residents of Batwa settlement of Rulangara, Bikuto, Kebiremu, Mukongoro and Kihembe could reach their nearest health facility within less than 60 minutes (one hour) in a scenario combining all modes of transport. The above findings are crucial for health managers, especially at the local level for planning healthcare outreach services and health promotion campaigns notably in Kanungu District and similar regions where populations live in hilly and inaccessible terrain. The table below shows the subcounties where Batwa are residents and health facilities where they can access services. As clearly shown in the tables above, these areas are well-serviced with health facilities.

Mr Speaker, Happy New Year to you and to Members. I rise to make a statement on behalf of the Minister for Presidency regarding the forthcoming 39 th NRM/A Victory Day Anniversary Celebrations, which will take place on Sunday, 26 January 2025. The Cabinet, on 3 September 1987, directed that the 26 th of January be gazetted as a public holiday. It is upon this background, Mr Speaker, that the Nation, on 26 January 2025, will celebrate the 39 th National Resistance Movement/Army (NRM/A) Victory Day Anniversary. The anniversary celebration is an opportunity to remind our young generation of the sacrifices made by Ugandans to cause change that ushered in the peace and socio- economic transformation that is prevailing in Uganda today. Mr Speaker, over the last 39 years, Uganda has witnessed socio-economic indicators never seen before, guided by the correct philosophy, ideology and strategy of the NRM Government, which enabled the economy and society of Uganda to go through five phases since 1986. These are: i. The minimum economic recovery phase of restoring aspects of the small, colonial enclave money economy of the 3Cs (Cotton, Coffee and Copper) and the 3Ts (Tea, Tobacco and Tourism); ii. Expanding that enclave with more production of coffee, tea and others; iii. The diversification of the enclave economy by commercialising the production of bananas, cassava, milk, fruits, palm oil, cocoa, fish, beef, etc.; iv. Adding value to some of these raw materials such as cotton, fruits, milk, tea, timber, sugar, etc.; and v. The last phase, where we are now, Mr Speaker, is the knowledge economy, through the production of vaccines, the auto-mobile industry, etc. These measures have enabled the economy to grow from $l.5 billion in 1986, to now $55 billion by foreign exchange method and $180.29 billion by public-private partnership method, which we intend to grow to $550 billion through the 10-fold growth strategy over the next 10 years. Presently, at $1,182 per capita, Uganda has entered the lower middle-income status. Mr Speaker, all those phases have been supported by improved infrastructure, such as motorable roads and border-to-border connectivity. For example, currently, someone can comfortably travel from Kisoro to Koboko. We are now flying the Cranes in the skies – mention the electricity supplied. In short, the development of our economy is unstoppable. Mr Speaker, with the rollout of many poverty alleviation initiatives in the country, namely; the four-acre model for smallholder farmers, Emyooga, Parish Development Model, and the Youth Livelihood Programme, among others, many of our people in the rural setting will definitely join the monetary economy and, thus, the outcomes of growth are shared by all. The theme for the 39 th NRM/A Victory Day anniversary celebration is: “ 39 Years of NRM/A: Salutation to those who re-sanctified our homeland. ” Mr Speaker, the above theme reminds all of us about the brave men and women who stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves at a time of political turmoil in this country . (Applause) We are talking about 39 years of re-sanctifying our country, which is, indeed, worth celebrating. Mr Speaker, this year’s celebrations will be held on Sunday, 26 January 2025, at Mubende National Teachers’ College, Mubende District. Mr Speaker, the chief guest during this anniversary celebration will be His Excellency, Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Republic of Uganda, who will be joined by all of you . (Applause)

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. Before I raise my point of procedure, allow me to use this opportunity to congratulate my sister from Kisoro because she was sworn in when I was not here. I congratulate her for having defeated the NRM electoral thief chairperson in the name of Tanga Odoi - (Laughter) - I congratulate her for that. (Laughter)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, I have, in the constituency I represent, a bridge called the Kanyamateke Bridge. The contractor is Geses Uganda LTD. They started on the bridge and halfway, they left it. People do not have where to pass. It is now close to one year and people cannot move from that area to Kisoro town, to access services like hospitals. They have got a health centre III called Buhozire Health Centre. Mr Speaker, during the construction –

The question is that water was flowing backwards and spoiling people’s crops. People’s crops were on about 300 acres, and they could not get food to eat, and they have nowhere to pass to access Kisoro Town. Patients at the health centre there can no longer be referred to Kisoro. Mr Speaker, my question to the Rt Hon. Prime Minister and the Leader of Government Business is: how will you rescue my people? They do not have what to eat, or where to pass and the health centre III is incomplete because we only constructed the foundation and it is not on - (Member timed out.)

Thank you. Let us have a maiden speech from Kisoro - Oh, she already spoke. When I am chairing, it is her maiden speech.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. In Kisoro, we do not have a dialysis machine, so people have to be referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital yet it is a service that requires one to visit the hospital so often. We are requesting that the Government considers giving Kisoro a dialysis machine.

Mutorere and Kisoro Hospital are the two big Hospitals.

Madam Speaker, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital serves a population of close to one million people from Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale, Rukiga, Rukungiri and Kanungu. Therefore, it requires – much as we have given them what we can in the circumstances, they deserve more. Working with the Ministry of Health, we shall look into the challenges and provide the support as required. (Applause) Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to greet everyone here and I want to appreciate everyone being my second day here. I would like to raise my concern about our tourism roads in Kisoro. They are in a dire situation, and we want our voices to be heard because the roads are bad.

We also have the issue of a bridge that overflowed. It damaged people’s gardens and it needs immediate attention. We are also experiencing floods in Kisoro; heavy rains are destroying people’s crops. Maybe they will have to give them some attention. Thank you.

Thank you. Hon. Akifeza, please sign; do not listen to – Hon. Grace Akifeza, you are most welcome to the 11 th Parliament. - Can I have silence? You are most welcome to the 11 th Parliament. That is not how we behave; we do not always shout. I think they are only excited to see you. You are most welcome to the 11 th Parliament. This is a people-centred Parliament, where we believe we should take Parliament to the people and bring people to the Parliament of Uganda. I urge you to be a servant leader and serve the people of Kisoro. Start from where the late left off. For you to effectively perform your duty, here is the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, and the Rules of Procedure of Parliament that you will use in your day-to-day work. I congratulate you for coming to the 11 th Parliament.

Honourable Leader of the Opposition, that evidence is not admissible. What is admissible is an official report, that is under rule 228. What you could do is to write to the Clerk of Parliament and ask for all that happened in the precincts of Parliament on that day. Please, do that. In the VIP public gallery this afternoon, we have Hon. Samuel Bitangaro, a former Member of Parliament of Bufumbira South. He is accompanied by his spouse, Barbra, and they are here to witness Hon. Grace Akifeza take an Oath. You are most welcome. In the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have a delegation of family members, relatives, and friends who have come to witness the swearing-in of Hon. Grace Akifeza, the Kisoro District Woman Representative. Please stand up. You are most welcome. She is now the Member of Parliament who was elected for Kisoro. Congratulations Hon. Grace. You are most welcome. Join me in welcoming them. (Applause) In the Public Gallery, we have Rukoba United Group from Lower Madi Constituency in Madi- Okollo. You are most welcome. (Applause) They are represented by Hon. Ronald Afidra Olema and Hon. Joanne Okia Aniku and Hon. Isaac Etuka. Thank you for coming all the way from the West Nile. Do you want to greet your people?

Thank you, Madam Speaker and the honourable minister. While in Kisoro, we were friends, though both of us lost miserably. Now, with the information, you are refusing. Madam Speaker, the information I am giving the minister is that, yes, hotspots are there, but there is still another challenge. Normally, when you want Wi-Fi, it should not come to my phone directly if I have never requested it. What is happening now is that whenever we go on our phones to do something, this Wi-Fi comes and asks for passwords. So, I pray that they upgrade the system so that someone can access it as he demands and when he wishes to have it. That is the best way. Thank you. I hope you have got me, honourable minister.

Thank you, Clerk. Honourable colleagues, I welcome you to today’s sitting. Government Chief Whip, I hope your ministers are about to come so that when we handle matters of national importance, we do not have more pending issues; we would want them sorted there and then. Honourable colleagues, once again, I register my condolences on the death of our sister, Hon. Sarah Mateke. I was not able to be with you throughout that period because of other issues that had already taken me away. Nonetheless, I thank you for the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood that you showed, at that time, to the family, and also to each other because whenever we lose a colleague, it is always a very difficult situation amongst us; you find that we need to console each other. Therefore, I thank you for that and for turning up in big numbers in Kisoro to give her a befitting send-off. We shall continue to pray that our sister’s soul also continues resting in eternal peace.

14245 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 from Parliament, the Nation, her family, and the people of Uganda. She was such a lovable lady, and down to earth. She was a minister that you would approach any time; you would not even imagine that she was a minister. She was always there for everybody. Her passion for children was great. I know that there are many people whom she asked to take children to the Metropolitan International University. She gave out scholarships for children to study at the Metropolitan International University. She promoted the university. She has a very good legislative track record, and that can be traced from both the Ninth and 11 th Parliament, where she effectively represented the people of Kisoro, and served with distinction on the East African Community Affairs Committee. Honourable members, as you may be aware, the effectiveness of a legislator can be significantly determined by their capacity to debate, lobby, and persuade Members. Based on those parameters, Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi excelled. As a minister, her commitment to the plight of the children and the youth was evidenced in the passion with which she tabled the legislative business for the social development sector. In many ways, she became synonymous with the youth and the children. Her relocation to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs was therefore no surprise. Given her excellent work in the youth and children docket, she had to be relocated to a tougher ministry. We thank President Museveni for entrusting Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi with such responsibility. For the people of Kisoro, I am aware that Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi left three major projects, which were incomplete, notably the Kanyamateke Bridge in Bufumbira North, which connected Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the rehabilitation of Buhozi Health Centre II. As the construction of this bridge took place, there was also a men’s ward at Nyarusiza Health Centre III. This was budgeted for but then there was a budget shortfall and yet the projects were ongoing. We budgeted for that money in the last financial year to complete the projects that were started but unfortunately, the money was removed but the projects are still there. We want to request the Prime Minister to follow up on these projects that were left incomplete and see how we can have Sarah’s legacy kept in the constituency. Honourable members, death is inevitable and is a journey for all of us. The Bible, in 2 Samuel 14:14 states, “For we will surely die and like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered again”. Indeed, Sarah has died, she can never come back to life again. Death is a bad reaper, always snatching the unripe fruits. Hon. Sarah has died at a time we needed her most. She was a team worker, she was that uniting factor who would never want to see any problem anywhere and that is the Sarah that we are paying tribute to today. I request Members of Parliament that as we pay tribute to our sister, let us pay tribute with dignity because she was a dignified person. Her body will be brought here and after that, we will do the usual ceremonies. Hon. Sarah is survived by one son, Tugume Isaac, who is somewhere. I will be showing him to you later- That is the son to the late Sarah Mateke. As Parliament, all we have to tell you is that the God we serve is a God of orphans, He is a father of orphans, a mother of orphans and He will see you through. Keep your mother’s name alive and be the person that your mother would always want you to be. Honourable members, I thank all of you for coming. Lastly, I pass on our condolence from the Parliament of Uganda to the National Resistance Movement fraternity, to the President of the Republic of Uganda, to the Mateke family, to the people of Kisoro, and to the Defence ministry and the people of Uganda. I thank you and say this, for God and my Country. ( Applause ) On a special note, I also recognise the Members of the Ninth Parliament who are here. They

14247 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 The best way we can do it is to pay tribute in this august House, where she belonged. This was her second home, after Kisoro. To all of you, this is your second home. We will get the motion, moved by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda. Prime Minister?

Madam Speaker, I move, under Rule 56 of our Rules of Procedure, a motion for a Resolution of Parliament to pay tribute to the late Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the District Woman Representative, Kisoro, and the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), for her dedicated service to the Republic of Uganda. Madam Speaker, “WHEREAS the Parliament of Uganda received, with deep sorrow, the sad news of the untimely death of Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the District Woman Representative, Kisoro, and the state minister for defence, which occurred on Saturday, 7 September 2024 in Kampala; AWARE that Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi has had an illustrious and distinguished career, serving the people of Uganda in various capacities, including as – (a) The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence) until the time of her death; (b) The state minister for youth and children affairs from 2021 to 2024; (c) The District Woman Representative, Kisoro, in the Ninth Parliament and 11 th Parliament; (d) The chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan International University and Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute, Kampala; (e) The Assistant Town Clerk, Kisoro Town Council. APPRECIATING that the late Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi was a diligent and visionary leader who, during her time as state minister for youth and children affairs, advocated for the protection of the rights of children, encouraged youth empowerment and education, and established the Nyirabashitsi Foundation, through which she initiated education programmes for empowering girls and women; FIRMLY CONVINCED that Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi exhibited unwavering commitment towards community development and greatly contributed to the mainstreaming and participation of women and youth in the development agenda of Uganda; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by this Parliament as follows: 1. That Parliament collectively conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, and the people of Kisoro and Uganda for the loss of a distinguished leader; 2. That Parliament takes cognisance of the profound patriotic contribution that Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi has rendered to the people of Kisoro, the Parliament of Uganda and the Government of Uganda at large.” I beg to move. Thank you.

14248 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. SARAH MATEKE NYIRABASHITSI to the late Hon. Nyirabashitsi Sarah Mateke, the State Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs (Defence), a politician, educationist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and community leader. Madam Speaker, Saturday, 7 September 2024 was a dark morning for the country, as we learnt of the sudden demise of the State Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs (Defence), a politician, educationist, entrepreneur, and community leader. Hon. Nyirabashitsi Sarah Mateke, succumbed to heart complications at Mengo Hospital, where she had gone for treatment. The late Hon. Nyirabashitsi Sarah Mateke was born on 15 July 1974 and grew up in Bugahe village, Nyakabingo Parish, Chahi Subcounty in Kisoro District to a veteran politician, Hon. Dr Philemon Mateke and Joy Rwanfizi Mateke, a professional teacher. She was married to the Late Nizey’Imana Alex and survived with one child. Madam Speaker, the late Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi started her academic journey at Seseme Primary School where she completed her Primary Leaving Examinations before joining her secondary level of Education; she joined Mary Hill High School for her Uganda Certificate of Education, and completed in 1987; she studied and sat for her Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education at Kampala Comprehensive High School in 1991. Hon. Sarah joined Bugema University for a degree programme graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1995. Hon. Sarah was admitted to Law Development Centre Kampala for an Administrative Law Course and graduated with an Administrative Law Certificate in 2000. Determined to excel, Hon. Sarah enrolled at Uganda Christian University and graduated with a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management in the year 2007. She furthered her academic achievements and enrolled for a Master’s degree at Bugema University and graduated with a Master’s in Public Health in 2017. Madam Speaker, Hon. Sarah was a bright and focused student who struggled to attain high goals. Her acumen for achievement has inspired many girls and is used today to further their education, to join politics, business and other gainful employment to cause developmental change for this country. Hon. Nyirabashitsi Sarah Mateke has been a dedicated patriot in serving her country and the people of Kisoro in particular after living as a role model from her youthful days. She ran a family business dealing in timber production and transportation. She served in various capacities in the political, corporate and public service arenas during her tour of service and life which included the following: Madam Speaker, allow me to thank; i) His Excellency the President for giving the late Hon. Sarah Mateke an opportunity to serve in the capacity of minister. H.E the President appointed Hon. Sarah Mateke as a Minister of State for Defence and Veterans Affairs (Defence) from March 2024 and has been involved in the formulation of better policies in the sector before her demise. ii) As a Member of the 11 th Parliament, H.E the President appointed Hon. Sarah as State Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development (in charge of Youth and Children’s Affairs) with her experience of championing the interests of the girl and boy children to accessing formal education in boarding schools through her Nyirabashitsi Foundation; organise and empower women into development programmes. iii) Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi has been the Woman Representative for Kisoro district in the 11 th Parliament of Uganda from the year 2021 till her demise. iv) She was a Member of the Ninth Parliament and served diligently on various committees of Parliament between the years 2011 to 2016.

14249 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 v) Hon. Sarah served as chairperson, Board of Trustees, Makerere Metropolitan International University from 2014 till her last breath; vi) She has been serving as a Chairperson, Board of Directors, at Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute from 2014 to her time of death. She has been a hard-working and committed civil servant, when she was served in Kisoro District Local Government as; i) Senior Assistant Town Clerk in the service of Kisoro Town Council between the year 2005 to 2011, and ii) Personnel Officer in the service of Kisoro Town Council between the years 2001 to 2005. Madam Speaker, as we pay tribute to our fallen honourable colleague, allow me to state that non-communicable diseases are another threat to our society, robbing our country of game changers in the development of our country like Hon. Sarah Mateke. The Government of Uganda has developed strategies and taken steps in combating this vice. Here below are some specific steps taken by the Government in addressing non-communicable diseases, not limited to: i) Policy and Planning. The Government of Uganda has developed a National Non- Communicable Disease Policy (2015) and a National Non-Communicable Diseases Control Programme and Integrated Non- Communicable Diseases into the Health Sector Development Plan (2015/2016 to 2019/2020) and allocates funds for it annually. ii) The Health Care Service Delivery. Government integrated non- communicable disease services into the primary health care services and has established non-communicable disease clinics and specialised treatment centres, continuing to train health care workers on non-communicable disease management. iii) Public Awareness and Education. The Government of Uganda has and is continuing to conduct public awareness campaigns on Non-Communicable Diseases risk factors and prevention. So far, we have launched the “Healthy Heart Africa” initiative to promote cardiovascular health. The Government is in a partnership with civil society organisations to promote non- communicable diseases awareness. iv) Surveillance and Research. On this, we have conducted a Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factor Survey (2014) to gather data on Non-Communicable Diseases prevalence. The Government has established a National Non- Communicable Disease Surveillance System, supported research on Non- Communicable Diseases and their risk factors. v) Partnership and Collaboration. The Government of Uganda is collaborating with international organisations, for example, World Health Organisation and UNICEF. We are partnering with NGOs such as Uganda Heart Association and Uganda Cancer Society. We are also engaging the private sector to promote healthy lifestyles and products. Madam Speaker, we have other initiatives. Under this, we have: i) Launched the Uganda Physical Activity and Sports Policy, 2019, even at Parliament here; ii) Introduced the National Guidelines for Management of Non-Communicable Diseases (2018), and; iii) Established a National Non- Communicable Disease Co-ordinating Mechanism. These steps and many other initiatives demonstrate the Government’s commitment to addressing Non-Communicable Diseases. However, concerted efforts are still needed to effectively combat the Non-Communicable Diseases in the country.

14251 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 a lot of work here but at my desk, I come and read and there is nothing. Where is the work?” I said, “I asked the same question. First read some past files. I was given files to read by the late Col. Mac Odwogo to know what happens.” Within the following week, work started flowing. Of course, we used to have our jokes. We used to sit behind - myself, Hon. Anyakun, Hon. Diana, Gen. David Muhoozi and Hon. Kasolo here. It is not by choice but by appointment that Ministers of State in Cabinet sit behind - (Interjection) - We are not backbenchers - (Laughter) - we were in our comfort zone. We could talk. She told me, “You must understand how to be a minister of state, now that you are a full minister. We hope that our relationship here will be very good.” I committed to that. I can tell you, given her commitment to service, we had the best working team. She was a team player – (Applause)- very steadfast and loyal. In the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, there is a structure, command and control. There is a Commander-in-Chief. To all of you, if you do not know, the only ministry that has the Office of the President inside is the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. She never found any problem fitting in; she was focused from day one on the purpose, direction and destination of the ministry and Government as a whole. A little wonder, she had worked in Government in Kisoro as personal and assistant town clerk. Probably, she was able to understand how Government operates. She would not raise issues that should not be raised. Gen. Elwelu and senior officers here know that. When we sat in the Top Management Committee (TMC) meeting, Hon. Sarah was very articulate. She would ask questions, give guidance and within a short time, by the 7 th of this month when she died, she had been involved in several international military defence diplomacy engagements, including on the 7 th when she was supposed to travel to Seoul for the global defence event - the same day she died. You can only do that by delegating somebody who you know is not only smart and loyal, but also able and capable of executing the assignment at an international level. That was Hon. Sarah Mateke. Her demeanour was real. What you see is what you get. You see a lady – if she was a gentleman, you would say a gentleman. Her demeanour was proper. How she dressed, you could not ignore her when she came to the office or - (Laughter)- whatever your mind is pushing you to think. (L aughter )

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

14255 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 missed the cow. The people were appreciative. So, her impact was not only in Kigezi but also in central Uganda. We last met when we had an ordination for Catholic priests in Kabale. Immediately after the ordination, that was I think on 10- 16 August, I requested her to join us at the Bishop’s residence for lunch but she said she was rushing but promised to meet us again. However, she took three of her friends to a shop - this is a story from one of her friends. She told one to pick a dress and another a suit. Now, the one who was offered a dress said, “You will buy me a dress when I come to Kampala.” She was asked, “How sure are you that you will find her alive? Better take it now, if not -” So, she was forced to take something and the Personal Assistant (PA), a man, went away with the suit. There is a way God does His things. When she was narrating that story to me, I said, “Oh my God!” The late Hon. Sarah was extremely humble; you would never hear of any pomposity. Most of us in leadership and especially those on the Front Bench, want to lead a pompous life. She was extremely humble, social and down-to- earth. (Applause) You would wonder – some of the places where she and I used to meet for “one, one”, goat ribs and the like were not these classy places. They were very humble places. Hon. Kasolo, you may know some of them, but I hope you are not pompous. So, Hon. Sarah was very humble and sociable. Yes, the Leader of the Opposition has talked about her integrity, and it relates back to when she was a district employee in Kisoro. Up to now, you cannot hear about any scandal of a financial matter or otherwise connected to Hon. Sarah. Lastly, it is about her loyalty to the people and her constituents. Hon. Sarah was in the constituency almost every weekend whenever she would not be outside the country. At least, personally, whenever I would be in Kisoro - I occasionally go to Kisoro for some business – I would meet Hon. Sarah. If I did not meet her in Kisoro, I would meet her in Kabale District, literally every weekend. I think it could be part of the reasons why she has gone very fast. She loved her people and worked for them. Madam Speaker, you mentioned the pending projects: there are projects which had been begun across the country – roads, bridges, schools and health centres. These projects were partly – actually, contracts had been signed, works had started, but all of a sudden they stopped because of the changes we made in the budget. Madam Speaker, I would implore you to talk to the Executive. Let us look at those projects in the entire country, especially for us who come from these areas that are prone to landslides. Honestly, for the bridges, roads and schools that had begun to be constructed, if we do not complete them, we are going to see deaths. So, talk to the Executive. The Prime Minister is here, the finance minister is here – there are a few ministries: works, health and education. Sit with them and look at those particular ones countrywide and let us have them completed, in memory of Hon. Sarah. May my late sister’s soul rest in eternal peace. (Applause)

Thank you. All these projects were planned for in good faith, and for the communities. Vice-President - THE VICE-PRESIDENT (Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I rise to support the motion moved by the Rt Hon. Prime Minister. I would also like to use this opportunity to extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the late Hon. Sarah Mateke as well as the people of Kisoro, Kigezi and Uganda. Madam Speaker, I will be referring to her as “Hon. Sarah Mateke”. The other name may be difficult for me to pronounce. (Laughter)

14256 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. SARAH MATEKE NYIRABASHITSI Whenever I would chat with her, I would tell her that, that name of hers was very romantic – (Laughter)- but difficult to pronounce. It is very difficult to speak because of the person of Hon. Sarah Mateke. She would always cultivate her characteristics and personality on anyone whom she felt was her friend. Madam Speaker, I met Hon. Sarah Mateke in the Ninth Parliament and I found her very easy to work with, both within and outside the confines of Parliament as well as in the social circles. Hon. Sarah Mateke was the first person in Kigezi region to take me to Kisoro District. When she came to invite me to go to Kisoro District – as it was her habit of wearing a warm smile – I had a series of activities around that time, being the Minister of Education and Sports and having many official activities over the weekend. She managed to persuade me to shift the activities to the ministers of state and, then, I confirmed that I would go with her to Kisoro. What moved me, Madam Speaker, was that while in Kisoro, she whispered to me that she wanted to speak to me aside. She told me that Kisoro was riddled with many faces of security – insecurity – with different groups of people. She told me that: “You might be a retired major of the army, but I would like to persuade you not to delve into issues of security during this ceremony.” She told me that I should restrict myself to issues of International Women’s Day, which had taken us there. She asserted that, that would be for the good of all the groups in Kisoro and that it would go in tandem with all the interests of the people of Kisoro, including the neighbouring countries. I felt that, that was extra care, because she did not want me to speak something that was maybe accurate, but that could not go well with the members of the community. So, Hon. Sarah acted as a true sister. When we finished the International Women’s Day celebrations, Hon. Kamara came to Hon. Sarah Mateke, requesting that he wanted the Minister of Education and Sports to visit the Kisoro teacher training institution – because he was passionate about teachers. It was a bit late. Hon. Sarah Mateke looked at my face, I looked at hers, and we smiled at each other. Then, Hon. Sarah Mateke said: “Let us also honour the boy-child. Let us go as per his wish.” So, we went to the Kisoro teacher training institution. Hon. Sarah Mateke was working very well with all the leaders in Kisoro. (Applause) That was just one manifestation. Since then – I think she had her constant character because, recently, when I went to represent His Excellency the President during the enthronement and consecration of the Bishop of Kisoro, Hon. Sarah, again, spoke to me about the needs of all the leaders and the people of Kisoro. The few leaders who spoke appreciated her and her family, especially on uniting the politicians of Kisoro. I would like to thank her for the endeavours that she put in order to have unity in Kisoro. The bishop made a comment about her in line with uniting the people whom she was leading in the district, while working very smoothly with all the leaders at different levels in Kisoro. So, that was Hon. Sarah, the unifier and caring sister. Madam Speaker, in Cabinet, all ministers speak wisdom and a lot of sense, in light of their sectors. I thank Hon. Sarah for the special way in which she always conducted herself in Cabinet. Hon. Sarah was always disciplined. She was the kind of minister who would send you a text when she was bound to be late, even for a few minutes. She was a minister who would always speak when the occasion demanded. She was a minister who always shared with the female ministers very freely. I thank her for giving us her time as a female minister. She would always pick something that she wanted to correct, but in a very sensible way that would not offend the person that she was correcting.

Madam Speaker gives me scholarships every year, for children who go to senior one and five. (Laughter) That is the kind of sharing that we should continue holding in very high regard, in the few days that God has given us in this world. I call upon the managers of Metropolitan International University to ensure that they keep that university strong and that they have our support. I call upon all of us to support them in whichever way they need it. I know that Hon. Sarah was pursuing the charter for the university. That is an area where I call upon the Ministry of Education and Sports to expeditiously handle, so that her legacy lives forever. Finally, Madam Speaker, I know many people have not spoken. Hon. Sarah was very interested in the welfare of the people. She knew that in Kisoro, many people grow Irish potatoes. She had always requested the Government to establish an Irish potato factory to add value to Irish potatoes from Kisoro. The Irish potato factory, according to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has taken some trends in terms of resource mobilisation and research. I call upon the ministers for trade, finance, and investment, Hon. Anite, to fast-track the issue of that Irish potato factory for Kisoro, to add value to the Irish potatoes so that her legacy lives forever. Madam Speaker, we are visionaries and our visionary association is business. Apart from

Honourable members, I want you to bear with me. The team from Kisoro wants to go to Kisoro now – Kigezi - there is a vehicle waiting for them out to go to the ground. We will start with Hon. Kamara. Honourable minister, I will give you space later. I have a reason why I want Kamara to go first. Members, two minutes.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Kisoro is shocked and paralysed because of the loss of our sister; a sudden death we did not expect at this time. Madam Speaker, I would call Sarah on the telephone at times, and say, “Hon. Sarah, now this is a matter that requires a Cabinet decision, yet I do not sit in Cabinet. What do we do on this one?” She would tell me, “I will go and represent you in the Cabinet since this is a serious matter.” I think I will be running to my brother Obothmana , Oboth Oboth – (Laughter) - this is a serious matter - for example, one time I asked her that now we have a problem with our neighbours -

Thank you, Madam Speaker. When I consulted her, I said, “How do we access our market, since we now have problems with Congo?” The only answer she gave me - she said: “This is an international matter. We shall see how to handle it because the people of Kisoro are suffering because of the market”. Her contributions to the people of Kisoro are very many, but without going into details, I have been arguing and about to fight with my sister, Hon. Nabbanja, the Prime Minister, because at one time we fought in Kisoro, during my brother’s by-election; Hon. Kwizera, when she brought her chopper and said, “I am going to fly you away to Kampala” and I said, “I will not go.” My sister Sarah’s passing has brought a lot of confusion. My brothers and sisters who have never seen a by-election, you are just lucky. This is a situation where people can go to a standstill, with no more development, and this is the problem of the whole district. This time, not a constituency, where the district can go into confusion for two to three months. Manya , after - (Laughter) - excuse me, after that a by- election -

Madam Speaker, I thank you for the protection. Then a by-election, primaries, and general elections, which is very dangerous. Someone called me, and I started thinking about the confusion that is about to be in Kisoro now. I picked up my phone and called my colleague’s leaders, and I said, “Can Kisoro now be peaceful?” A person speaking here is the Chairman of Members of Parliament in Kisoro District, the Chairman of Kisoro District Leaders Forum, the Patron of the Uganda National Teachers Union (NATU), the Patron of Kisoro District Council, the Patron of Urban Leaders, the Patron of the Boda Boda Association, the Patron of the Taxi Operators Association, and the Patron of the Local Leaders – chairpersons of LC III. (Laughter) I consulted all of them and we said Kisoro is for Banyakisoro and Banyakisoro with Kisoro at heart. We must go, sit down, and find a person who must replace Hon. Sarah without causing confusion again in Kisoro District. (Applause) I am not the only leader in Kisoro. Tomorrow, the district council with all leaders - elders like people from Northern Uganda do, must sit, and we look for a person without causing tension in the development of Kisoro District. Honourable members, I am saying this, having consulted; we shall at least find a way of how we should continue with the projects. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the Prime Minister - the bridge that is being mentioned is in my constituency. Busonge

14260 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. SARAH MATEKE NYIRABASHITSI Health Centre III is in my constituency of Bufumbira County North, where I have spent my money to make a diversion to another small road that is not even helping us. I request that you look for emergency money and see how to help these people, especially mothers who crossover to deliver. Imagine a Health Centre III that cannot do any referral to major hospitals like Mutolere and Kisoro hospitals; this is an emergency. So, when I come to your office, just keep all doors open so that we can conclude these projects. I do not have much to say beyond these but I request the people of Kisoro who are watching us on television to please allow us so that Kisoro does not go into another confusion. Let us see how we can protect Kisoro and move into development. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I thank you, for everything you did for the people of Kisoro when we lost our daughter. Honourable members, politics is about perception and recruitment of support. In our politics, a Member of Parliament is elected for five years. However, it is unfortunate that when someone dies, you do not hand over the constituency. This is the feeling of the Bafumbira and the Kisoro community, that this flag should not leave the Mateke family – (Applause)- and one lady who has been living in the United Kingdom, has been convinced to be there for this year. let those who want to contest come in 2016 to avoid the confusion that Hon. Kamara Nizeyimana was talking about because this gives confidence and stability in the district. I know that Hon. Sarah was a stabiliser and a unifier but in the event that in every activity, honourable members, you should be the winners or learners, this one should teach us how Members of Parliament, how the communities should be - Madam Speaker, I thank you very much and we appreciate the support of all the Members. May God rest her in eternal peace.

14261 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 would concede for the sake of unity for all the people around her. On Saturday last week, I travelled from Mombasa through Kigali to Kisoro. Hon. Sarah called me while I was on my way. She said, “I am waiting for you in Kisoro.” We were going to attend a party for the Chief Administrative Officer of Rubanda. I found Hon. Sarah waiting to receive me. It was the first time I went to Kisoro and I was received by a line of people led by a minister. Hon. Sarah sat with us at the party, through to the after-party until late. We had a good time. She told me that next time I go there, she would arrange to take me to her home “because I do not want something to happen, and then you come asking; where is Hon. Sarah’s home?” Madam Speaker, little did I know that Hon. Sarah was saying farewell to me and the people I had that evening. Anyway, first of all, we thank God, for the gift of life He gave to Hon. Sarah, and we thank Hon. Sarah for the good she was able to do while on earth. Madam Speaker, today at All Saints Cathedral Church, His Grace, the Rt Rev. Dr Stephen Kazimba said that we live a borrowed life. I was the one who informed Hon. Diana Mutasingwa that I had received the sad news of Hon. Sarah’s passing; Hon. Diana Mutasingwa informed Hon. Esther Anyakun, who then called you. I was still guessing but after 20 minutes this person sent another message and said, “Do not bother checking anywhere; it is true. Count your friend dead.” It was really shocking and what came to my mind - for the information of our colleagues here, Hon. Sarah Mateke and I were on that road every weekend. Madam Speaker, you are my friend and you know it. I always met Hon. Sarah Mateke on the road and what came to my mind was that maybe if she had not sacrificed a lot for the people of Kisoro, she would have managed the situation. She died on duty and she committed all her life to serve the people of Kisoro and Kigezi. We shall deeply miss her but life will go on. I pray that the people of Kisoro find wisdom to maintain the stability of the politics of Kisoro. In that way, they will have protected and defended the legacy of Hon. Sarah Mateke. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

To Omutwale Philemon Mateke who is watching us on television, Justice Garabushi, sisters and brothers of Hon. Sarah Mateke, accept my condolences and those of the people of Ndorwa County West, Kabale District and Kigezi at large. Madam Speaker, before I comment on the death of our sister, I just want to say that we are very grateful for what you did on Saturday. I saw you in Mengo Hospital and Nsangi . (Applause) We are truly grateful for the contribution and comfort you gave us. Hon. Sarah Mateke now belongs to ages but we, the living, shall miss her greatly in many ways. We gather here to celebrate an extraordinary woman, a patriot who embodied so much that our country needs; unity, humanity and hard work. Hon. Sarah Mateke was born - as you have been told - from a privileged - you could say, home of Mzee Mateke, but she could have decided to be a proud girl; she chose to be humble and lived a humble life. (Applause) She followed the footsteps of her father to promote the unity of the people of Kisoro and that of the country. She worked long hours and hard for the development of our country and at heart,

In June 2021, we were appointed six ministers in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development where Hon. Sarah Mateke was appointed as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs). When we took over office the following week, she received a huge number of people who had come to see the Minister in the docket of Youth and Children Affairs. At that time, the former Minister had a session where she would see people every Tuesday and Thursday. Hon. Sarah Mateke came to me and said, “I am only one minister. If I start seeing these people as a minister, how will people from the West Nile, Kisoro and Kapchorwa access me as a minister?” She then brought up a proposal and said that, instead, she was going to tour all the remand and children’s homes, meet with all the probation officers and decentralise their work. Indeed, Hon. Sarah Mateke toured almost all the remand and children’s homes. Every weekend she would either be in Kisoro or touring. She preferred to build the institution than to do work as a minister at the centre. About the street children, she struggled to feed them and got a budget from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Unfortunately, the budget was not released. She worked so hard during COVID-19 to ensure that most of the issues around teenage pregnancies were brought to the Cabinet and indeed when they were taken to the Cabinet, a policy was adopted that all pregnant girls should be allowed to sit their examinations. (Applause) Many of them excelled and they are now studying. Madam Speaker, I cannot speak much but Hon. Sarah Mateke was a team player and did everything. She was in charge of our Commonwealth and many other programs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. She worked with the Youth Council but she did not only work as a minister in charge of the youth and children; many times, when I was not there - you can attest - she would be the one answering questions on labour issues when the late died. She would also be the one answering questions of women. I appeal to Hon. Sarah Mateke, my sister - because she usually told me that we are sisters and reminded me that she carried the name “Mateke” with dignity and that it is closely associated with me and she called me “my sister”. My sister, may your soul rest in peace.

Allow me to support the motion moved by the Rt. Hon Prime Minister for us to pay tribute to the late Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, Minister of State for Defense and Veteran Affairs. Madam Speaker, first, permit me to thank you, for coming up to assist members of Parliament in times of need, even when they no longer can talk. Thank you, for going to Mengo, Mulago, and later on to the Ministry of Defence, where I joined you together with Hon. Oboth and the staff of the Ministry of Defence to come up with the programme and other things regarding Hon. Sarah’s burial; I saw the emotions that you went through. I sympathise deeply with the President of the Republic of Uganda, the NRM party, the people of Kisoro, but most of all, her family, and in particular her, dear son Isaac and Mzee Philemon Mateke; we say, “Sorry!” The late Hon. Sarah helped us, the people of Gomba West by giving us those bursaries and many of my people are in that university for which they have asked me to say a thank you to her. And I cannot forget this. May God rest her soul in eternal peace.

14265 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 giving me the opportunity. I would like to sec - ond the motion that was moved by the Prime Minister and supported by all my colleagues here. Hon. Sarah used to tell me – of late – that: “I am going to surprise you,” and indeed, on Saturday morning, she surprised me. Hon. Diana called while I was in Kidepo – we had a cultural function in Karamoja - screaming. I asked: “What is the problem, Hon. Diana?” She said: “Have you heard?” Hon. Musasizi told me - and, once a minister tells a fellow minister something, there is no way you can doubt it. I called the bodyguard – (Interruption)- “… she was still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); not yet confirmed.” Fortunately, Madam Speaker – I would like to thank you. I called you. You were still in bed – and I thank you for taking up my phone calls at any time; I call you when there is an important issue. You jumped out of your bed – the whole Speaker of Parliament! - at that time and drove to Mengo Hospital. Some other people would, first, want security to be around the hospital. However, you did it because you love us. (Applause) You confirmed to me that she was no more. Hon. Sarah - Madam Speaker, we are here paying tribute to her. I kept asking myself and my friends from the day she passed on: does she know that she is dead? I do not know whether she does. Hon. Sarah was a lady of integrity, dignity and class. She was God-fearing and very respectful. Hon. Sarah kept thinking and telling me about her father. “I fear this because of my father. I must do this to keep the legacy of my father. I have to be this person because of my father”. (Applause) I carefully choose friends in my life because one must have the qualities that I want – and Hon. Sarah was one of them. Imagine a person from Karamoja having someone from Kisoro as a friend! It means I picked her because of certain qualities. Every time Hon. Sarah would see something, she would ask me: “Hon. Esther, are we in the same Government?” Whether it was about corruption – some people had “eaten” some money – she and I would break away and she would be like: “Are we in the same place?” The people of Kisoro, I am sure are watching - Hon. Sarah was very dedicated to you. One time I was very concerned when we were in Kyankwanzi. I told her: “Hon. Sarah, your legs are swollen.” She told me: “Hon. Esther, I am over-travelling.” She said: “I have tested failure as a Member of Parliament – you have not tested it – and I do not want to fail again. I will make sure that I am there every weekend to serve the people of Kisoro.” Hon. Sarah used to go on a flight, every Saturday morning, to Kisoro and come back on Monday morning, and join the Cabinet meetings. That means she had to wake up early in the morning from Kisoro to come and join the Cabinet. She was very committed. Nobody in this Parliament does that –

Thank you very much. Honourable members - Uncle Jim, do you want to say something – just to greet the people? I also would like to recognise Hon. Dombo, Hon. Siranda, Hon. Samuel Semwanga, Hon. Sarah Mwebesa as well as Hajjat Madina, Jacqueline and Hon. Jane Alisemera from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat. THE MINISTER, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (SECURITY (Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi ) : Thank you, Madam Speaker. I apologise. I was in another function for the late Gen. Aronda. I come from Kigezi, as Members may know, and Kisoro is part of it. I want to talk about one thing concerning the late Hon. Sarah Mateke. She was a unifier and Kigezi, as you know, sometimes suffers from the politics of identity. She was not part of it. So, we are going to miss her. I bring condolences from Rujumbura in Rukungiri District to Hon. Dr Mateke, her father, whom she emulated, to you, and His Excellency, the President. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Thank you. I now put the question that Parliament adopts the motion to pay a glowing tribute to the late Hon. Sarah Mateke, former District Woman Member of Parliament of Kisoro, and the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, with amendments on the prayers. (Question put and agreed to.) Motion, adopted. The East African Community Anthem.

13973 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 15 AUGUST 2024 His prayers are: 1. When will the OPM in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport implement the plan to have the damaged bridges and roads in Bundibugyo and other flood-prone districts? 2. Can the Office of the Prime Minister help in finding a permanent solution for River Kirumya in Ntotoro Subcounty in Bundibugyo District which has continuously displaced communities living near the river? Mr Speaker, my response is that it is true my office has been coordinating the interventions funded and supported by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Bundibugyo District towards the construction of low bridges where possible. In the Financial Year 2023/2024, the finance ministry through the roads maintenance grant established Shs 1 billion to support the construction of low-cost bridges and so far, two small bridges have been constructed in Bundibugyo. However, there has been a challenge of availability and timely release of funds to implement the necessary activities, an issue that is being addressed. Two arch bridges were constructed using the Shs 1 billion road grant. Additionally, three cable bridges at rivers Tokwe, Sandila and Nyahuka were constructed by a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) called Bridges to Prosperity and it has also supported the district by constructing bridges for pedestrians, cyclists and animal use. 3. On the flood mitigation in Ntoroko, my office, together with the World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) have supported the district with technical supervision and funds to implement mitigation interventions in the form of flood embankment construction along the river bank areas of River Ssemiliki. The WFP provided Shs 377 million to the district for works supervised by the department of works and engineering of the district. Mr Speaker, my office, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the World Food Programme, FAO, Uganda Red Cross Society, together with the districts of Bundibugyo, Kasese, Ntoroko, and Kisoro are currently developing a multi- hazard early warning to increase resilience and enhance early and anticipatory actions of communities to disaster incidents. Lastly, in addition to the construction above, my office has constructed a new health facility after the old one in Bundibugyo got flooded in 2020. 4. Hon. Ojok Andrew Oulanyah, Member of Parliament, Omoro County His prayer is that we appeal to the Government to take an interest in prioritising the setting up of seed secondary schools in war-affected areas in addition to technical vocational institutions and coding and aid-granting community schools. My response, Mr Speaker, is that Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP) targets refugee-hosting districts, war-affected communities, and those with no Government-aided secondary schools in a subcounty. We have 32 new schools in the refugee hosting districts and 61 schools to be expanded, totalling 93. These are supporting the war-affected populations. 5. Hon. George Didi Bhoka, Member of Parliament of Obongi County. He says the leaders and people of Obongi District appreciate the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for benefiting from the agro-mechanisation programme. Obongi District, according to him, received one four-wheel tractor and six hand-operated tractors from the agriculture ministry eight

s/N Hospltal Name Dlstrict 1 Abim General Hospital Abim 2 Adjumani General Hospital Adiumani 3 Amuria General Hospital Amuria 4 Apac General Hospital Apac 5 Bududa General Hospital Bududa 6 Bugiri General Hospital Bugiri 7 Kawolo General Hospital Buikure 8 Buliisa General Hospital Buliisa 9 Bundiburyo General Hospital Bundibugro 10. Masafu General Hospital Busia 11. Busolwe General Hospital Butaleja L2. Gombe General Hospital Butambala 13. Iganga General Hospital Iganga t4. Buwenge General Hospital Jinja Kaabong General Hospital Kaabong 6 15. Kaberamaido General Hospital Kaberamaido Kagadi General Hospital Kagadi Kamuli General Hospital Kamuli L9. Rukunyu General Hospital Kamwenge 20. Kambuga General Hospital Kanungu 2L. Kapchorwa General Hospital Kapchorwa 22. Bwera General Hospital Kasese 23. Katakuri General Hospital Katakuri 24. Kiboga General Hospital Kiboga 25. Kiryandongo General Hospital Kiryandongo 26. Kisoro General Hospital Kisoro 27. Kitgum General Hospital Kitgum 28. Koboko General Hospital Koboko 29. Kotido General Hospital Kotido 30. Atutur General Hospital Kumi 31. Kyegegura General Hospital Kyegegwa Annex la: List of Publtc General Hospitals in U nda 19 lz ,/ta.

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

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-

13464 PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET SPEECH FY 2024/2025 iii) Maintenance of 13 aerodromes, including Arua, Gulu, Pakuba, Masindi, Lira, Kidepo, Moroto, Soroti, Tororo, Jinja, Mbarara, Kasese and Kisoro. Madam Speaker, with regard to water transport, the following were accomplished during the financial we are talking about - we are winding up: i) Completed the construction of three strategic ferries, namely; Amuru-Rhino Camp Ferry and two ferries for Bukungu- Kagwara-Kaberamaido (BKK) route on Lake Kyoga; ii) Completed the construction of the Maritime Training Institute in Namasagali, and commenced construction works for the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at Mwanza; iii) Completed 46 per cent construction works for search and rescue centres at Kaazi and 25 per cent at Kaiso, Panyimur and Zengebe landing sites; and iv) Continued with the development of new Kampala Port at Bukasa. With regard to railway transport, the following were accomplished during this financial: i) Acquired a 161-kilometre corridor for the standard gauge railway between Tororo and Mayuge; ii) Twenty eight per cent completion of rehabilitation of Tororo-Gulu Metre Gauge Railway; and iii) Completed emergency refurbishment and rehabilitation of the Malaba-Kampala- Namanve Metre Gauge railway. Madam Speaker, during Financial Year 2024/2025, more focus will be put on maintenance of the roads we have built, building a few new strategic roads, accelerated rehabilitation of the metre gauge railway and commencement of construction of the Standard Gauge Railway. I have provided a total of Shs 4.989 trillion for that purpose. In particular, the following transport infrastructure will be undertaken: Roads and Bridges i. Tarmacking of an additional 306 kilometres of roads under the ongoing projects; ii. Completion of upgrading of 210 kilometres of the following roads: Muyembe- Nakapiripirit (92 kilometres) and 25 kilometres of service roads; Kira-Matugga Road and improvement of five junctions (21 kilometres); Tororo-Busia Road (26 kilometres) and Mayuge and Busia town roads (18 kilometres); Kawuku-Bwerenga Road (6.6 kilometres) and Namugonde- Bugiri Road (1.6 kilometres); selected town roads (7.5 kilometres), in Pallisa and Kumi (12.2 kilometres); and remedial works on Ntungamo-Kabale-Katuna Road (65 kilometres); iii. Commencing the upgrading/construction of 643 kilometres of the following road projects: Kisoro-Lake Bunyonyi Road Kisoro-Mgahinga National Park Headquarters Road; Koboko-Yumbe- Moyo Road; Yumbe-Ure Road; Kitgum- Kidepo; Namagumba-Budadiri-Nalugugu Road; Katine-Ochero Road and 2.9 km of town roads in Kaberamaido and Kalaki towns; Kyenjojo-(Kihura)-Bwizi- Rwamwanja-Kahunge and Mpara- Bwizi; Iganga-Buloopa-Kamuli; and Jinja-Mbulamuti-Kamuli-Bukungu; and Jinja City roads; Kisubi-Nakawuka- Natete; Nakawuka-Kasanje-Mpigi; and Nakawuka-MawuguluNanziga-Maya- Kasanje-Buwaya roads; iv. Upgrading to bitumen standard (tarmac) 16.9 km of roads in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, and Gomba District; v. Completing the construction of 20.2 km of Kayunga-Nabuganyi Road; vi. Completing the construction of Kakiri- Masulita-Mawale Road (23 km);

Madam Chair - person, I love you for that, because when my Attorney-General mentioned 2021, he was try - ing to mean that it was in the Financial Year 2020/2021 and he was changing the law. At - torney-General, I never said every year, I said every time - and every time can be two years or whatever. Madam Chairperson, I would like to propose. I agree with my brother, Hon. Karim, because Jet A-1 is used by jets. I think he meant 747-8F - these local ones, which go to Kisoro or Arua. If you do not also increase, it means that those who use planes will not pay taxes on fuel yet they are also travelling. That was his argument, which I wanted to make clear. However, international flights are at nil because if we tried to put it on international flights, we would be making it dangerous. I would like to propose that –

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

xq. .d +8-- i*- n I I I I +.' ,i ,4 t,- t.. t, . i, -L4ii . *K -i- ,4 ui iri',1.,[,:-:. - I Amount (OOO'I Vote Descriptlon 8,644,O74 709 Council Kamuli Munici 10,801,134 7to Kapchorwa Municipal Council 16,156,203 Kasese Municipal Council 7LL 24,906,066 7t2 Kira Municipal Council 5,469,632 713 Kisoro Municipal Council 8,704,093 Kitzum Municipal Council 7t4 9,574,4O9 Koboko Municipal Council 7t5 a,27t,209 716 Kotido Municipal Council 8,752,t71 717 Kumi Municipal Council 9,2t6,O42 Lugazi Municipal Council 7L8 t6,295,026 Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipal Council 719 t2,060,528 720 Masindi Municipal Council 12,404,Ot6 72t Mityana Municipal Council 6,643,756 Moroto Municipal Council 722 L2,4a7,408 723 Mubende Municipal Council 2t,545,205 Mukono Municipal Council 724 26,304,364 Nansana Municipal Council 725 6,O20,976 726 Nebbi Municipal Council 15,000,089 727 Nieru Municipal Council 6,226,394 Ntungamo Municipal Council 724 12,r32,708 Rukungiri Municipal Council 729 15,643,023 730 Sheema Municipal Council 11,894,459 73r Tororo Municipal Council 20,657,t94 Abim District 801 36,860,992 Adiumani District 802 32,872,323 803 Agago District 25,478,944 Alebtong District 804 ) 23,rO9,607 805 Amolatar District rr,2to,637 806 Amudat District 25,200,826 ao7 Amuria District 20,a92,676 808 Amuru District T 0qA- t2 4r" t-l''.-- H'.+ t t

.+_ lA*' "' - #+- I dI,\ h 24 . - l B l X Amount (OOO'| Descrlption Vote 635 o23 I Munici al Council 707 2,t84 771 Council Kabale Munici 704 2 238 353 709 Kamuli Munici al Council 801 696 Ka chorwa Munici al Council 7ro 3 374 618 7tt Council Kasese Munici 8 4tt 400 Kira Munici al Council 7t2 406 243 713 Council Kisoro Munici 2 331 982 Council Munici Ki 7L4 529 160 Koboko Munici al Council 715 629 284 Kotido Munici al Council 716 807 186 Kumi Munici al Council 717 2 9t4 388 7ta Council Munici 16 o46 686 7t9 Makindye- S sabagabo MuniciPal Council 1 454 635 Council Masindi Munici 720 1 387 188 Council Munici Mi 721 744 299 Moroto Munici al Council 722 5 462,294 Mubende Munici al Council 723 6 401 99t 724 Council Mukono Munici 10 505 394 Nansana Munici al Council J zzs 311 301 \-zzo Nebbi Munici al Council 429 909 N al Council eru Munici 727 I 910 156 728 Council o Munici N 1 o59 681 Council Rukun ri Munici 729 2 851 608 Sheema Munici al Council 730 3 528 439 73t Council Tororo Munici 9 o56 849 Abim District 801 5 061 3a2 Ad umani District 802 5 086 244 District 803 3 62L o37 District AIebto 804 7 t44 543 805 Amolatar District 2 946 471 Amudat District 806 9 513,880 Amuria District 807 3 s99 449 Amuru District --808 2 394 342 District A 809 3 190 840 Arua District 810 5 310 694 Budaka District 811 -_*3-- /{* M 'l-,1.i- t,

13255 THE E LEVENTH P A RLIAMENT OF UGANDA MONDAY , 6 MAY 2024 Dokolo, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, Bukedea, Bulambuli, whereas landslides were reported in Kasese, Kisoro, Bulambuli, Sironko, Bududa, Bunyangabu districts. Some claimed lives; we lost seven people. Recently, Uganda National Meteorological Authority released a 10-day rainfall forecast from 1 st to 10 th of May 2024, which indicates a continuation of wet conditions over most parts of the country. The heavy to very heavy rainfall events were expected over southwestern in some of the areas in Kigezi and greater Bushenyi districts. In the northeastern, in districts of Karamoja and Teso subregions and neighbouring Acholi subregions. Other areas expected to receive enhanced rainfall are in mid-western subregions in the districts of Masindi, Kiryandongo, Kagadi, Kabarole and Elgon Highlands. The 10-day rainfall forecast by Uganda Meteorological Authority indicates that very heavy rainfall events are expected to cause potential hazards, such as flash floods, debris flows, landslides, in addition, water logging, contamination of water sources due to increased surface rain off into such sources. Disruption of traffic flow along transportation routes as some bridges may be washed away or collapse, an example of the bridges you have already mentioned earlier. Moreover, these heavy rainfalls are expected to damage critical infrastructure- like schools-

I put the question a total sum of Shs 1,207,645,072 be provided for under Vote 712: Kira Municipal Council Vote as a supplementary recurrent expenditure for the Financial Year 2023/2024. (Question put and agreed to.) Vote 713: Kisoro Municipal Council

I put the question that the total sum of Shs 560,653,198 be provided for under Vote 713 for Kisoro Municipal Council as supplementary recurrent expenditure for the financial year 2023/2024. (Question put and agreed to.) Vote 717: Kumi Municipal Council

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I said last time, there are very many Banyarwanda inside here hovering and rotating. I am moving under Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and the petition reads: “The humble petition of the Council for Abavandimwe, a duly registered association representing the Ugandan Banyarwanda Community, presented on their behalf by Hon. Ssewungu Joseph Gonzaga, Member of Parliament Kalungu West County; SHOWETH AND STATES as follows: 1. THAT the Banyarwanda feature in the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as one of the Indigenous tribes of Uganda; 2. THAT the Ugandan Banyarwanda became an indigenous tribe following the annexation of Rwanda’s border territories (Kisoro, Kigezi, Ndorwa, among others.); 3. That the 1926 colonial population census found a sizeable population of Banyarwanda living within the boundaries of Uganda; 4. That the Ugandan Banyarwanda are facing serious citizenship rights violations at the hands of both the National Immigration Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Immigration Department where they are denied national identity cards and passports; 5. That many Ugandan Banyarwanda have returned from abroad for either study or work to renew their passports, acquire or renew their national identity cards and have been told that they do not qualify to be Ugandan passport or national identity holders; at times this has led to loss of jobs or study opportunities for these persons; 6. That the Ugandan Banyarwanda have not only been denied passports and national identity cards, but the previous passports held by these persons have been confiscated, which has caused pain, suffering and psychological torture, and has exposed them to abuse and violation and denied them their right of association; 7. That the Ugandan Banyarwanda have been denied opportunities for employment both in Uganda and abroad since they are unable to provide national identity cards or passports to confirm and substantiate their identity as Ugandans; 8. That not only have the Ugandan Banyarwanda been denied employment opportunities, but they are unable to open bank accounts, register companies, register phone lines in their names which is denying them a right of livelihood and also costing the country revenue from the foreign remittances; 9. That some Ugandan Banyarwanda whose passports expired are stuck in the Middle East and other countries around the world without any assistance from the Ugandan Foreign Missions and Embassies because they are deemed not to be Ugandan citizens; PETITION

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I add my voice to the voices of those who have thanked the committee for the good report. There is a saying, that difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations, but the difficult roads that we have in Kigezi are appalling yet we have a national park with many mountain gorillas and the roads are impassable. We are losing a lot of revenue because of impassable roads and as such, it is very prudent and important that the Ministry of Works and Transport together with other agencies like UNRA prioritise these tourism roads. Some roads like Muhanga-Kisiizi-Kebishoni and Kisoro-Nkuringo-Mgahinga have been removed from the Project Implementation Plan (PIP), in the next financial year. Instead of starting the roads, those roads have been removed from the PIP. As Kigezi, Mr Speaker, we think that we are getting a raw deal. First of all, the money that is collected from those mountain gorillas is a lot, but the people of Kigezi are not benefiting from it. The whole of it comes to the central yet the roads are bad. In addition, I would like to add to what Hon. Kateshumbwa has said on the internet in the national parks. Recently, I was in Kanungu travelling all the way to Kasese. There is no internet in the whole of Queen Elizabeth National Park. If you are a tourist and you cannot access the internet or talk to your people wherever they are, it becomes a problem for you to come back and visit that area. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities is generating a lot of money. Although Hon. Kateshumbwa was talking about a reduction, my records show that in the year 2022 alone, they collected US$ 736 million, up from around US$ 630 million that was collected in 2021. So, the tourism sector needs to be supported. We need to enable its functionality, we need to ensure that the internet is working, and the tourism roads are done and we need to ensure that advertising is top-notch because, in the end, we are going to benefit from it. Finally, there are low-hanging fruits in the tourism sector like sports. What some people do not understand is that certain sports can promote tourism. For example, in Kigezi, we have high altitude and we can easily train many athletes who can compete on the world stage. So, if the Ministry of Education and Sports can promote that sector, we can get a lot of money from that area. I beg to submit, Mr Speaker.

12571 THE E L E VENTH P A R L IAMENT O F U GANDA THURSDAY , 11 A P R IL 2024 5. Construction of two weather observing stations at Mbarara and Kisoro airfields – Shs 4.2 billion. 6. Procurement of 100 rainfall stations and 76 automatic weather stations – Shs 2 billion. 7. Implementation of weather forecast systems for inland water lakes – Shs 2 billion. 8. Establishment of two air pollution monitoring stations – Shs 1.55 billion. In total, UNMA needs Shs 22.8 billion and our committee recommends that the Government should provide Shs 22.8 billion under UNMA for the unfunded priorities. Mr Speaker, the committee is cognisant of the fact that natural resources and the environment are critical to achieving increased household incomes and improvement of the quality of life of the population. Indeed, NDP III’s objectives are based on the country’s comparative advantage that lies in its abundant natural resources which ought to be exploited while conserving the environment. However, the committee noted that during the presentation of the Ministerial Policy Statement for the Financial Year 2024/2025, MDAs under the Natural Resources and Environment Committee continue to attract very limited funding and huge budget cuts. Key areas that have been affected by the budget cuts yet require additional funding include rural electrification and the provision of tree seedlings, among others. Insufficient financing for MDAs under the committee has made it extremely difficult for them to attain their targets which are anchored in the NDP III. Therefore, the Government should devote additional resources to these MDAs to enhance natural resources, the environment, climate change, land and water management, to sustainably increase household incomes and quality of life. Mr Speaker, in light of the above, it is the prayer of the committee, that this House adopts this report, and approves the budget estimates for the Financial Year 2024/2025 as proposed. I beg to move. (Applause)

Unfunded Priorities under UNMA Recommendation The Committee recommends that Government provides UGX 22.8 bn under UNMA for the unfunded priorities. 10.o coNcLUsIoN Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Members, in conclusion, The Committee is cognizant of the fact that Natural Resources and the Environment are critical to achieving increased household incomes and improvement of quality of life of the population. lndeed, the NDP III's objectives are based on the country's comparative advantage that lies in its abundant natural resources which ought to exploited while conserving the environment. However, the Committee noted during the presentation of the inisterial Policy Statements for FY 2024125, that MDAs under the Natural Resources and Environment Committee contin to attract very limited funding and huge budget 43 I \ 1...) L s.N Item Funding Gap Shs Bn FY 24125 1 Procurement of a super computer 10 2 Dissemination of weather forecasts 1 3 Revamp and operationalize the upper air station at Entebbe lnternational Airport o.25 4 Revamp and operationalize the Lower-Level Wind Alert System at Entebbe International Airport 1.8 5 Construction of 2 weather obserwing stations at Mbarara and Kisoro airfrelds 4.2 6 Procurement of 100 rainfall stations and76 Automatic weather stations 2 7 lmplementation of weather forecasting system for inland water lakes 2 8 Establishment of 2 air pollution monitoring stations 1.55 Total 22.8 +kY

t 3 Revamp and operationalize the Lower-Level Wind Alert System at 3 Entebbe International 1.8 3 4 Construction of 2 weather obserwing stations at Mbarara and Kisoro airfrelds 4.2 3 5 Procurement of 100 rainfall stations and76 Automatic weather stations 2.O 3 6 Implementation of weather forecasting system for inland water lakes 2.O 3 7 Establishment of 2 air pollution monitoring stations 1.6 I J"( .}. iL\ \ !r. F- L 49 -- '--/

12423 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 9 APRIL 2024 5.1.4 Ministry of Local Governments Budget allocations In the Financial Year 2024/2025, the ministry has been allocated a total budget of Shs 202.395 billion as summarised in Table 9 below. Out of the total budget of Shs 202.395 billion, Shs 9.297 billion is to finance the Wage Bill of the ministry and Shs 43.712 billion for Non-Wage Recurrent Expenditures. The budget for the Government of Uganda development amounts to Shs 21.360 billion while that for external financing totals to Shs 127.789 billion. In addition, the ministry has been allocated Shs 0.237 billion for pension and gratuity arrears and other domestic arrears. 5.1.5 Ministry of Local Government priorities for the Financial Year 2024/2025 Based on the above proposed budget in table 9, in the Financial Year 2024/2025, the ministry has prioritised the following interventions: a) Coordination and monitoring of PDM implementation b) Rehabilitation of agro processing facilities c) Waste management d) Local economic development e) Agri-LED f) Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Project. Under this, the ministry plans to review and prepare designs for eight markets of Nebbi Central, Nyahuka Town Council, Iganga Central, Kotido Main Market, Kisoro Old Market, Karuguuza Daily Market, Kibale Town Council, Mpigi Central and Masindi. In addition, the ministry will identify and prepare eight temporary relocation sites in urban centres and undertake needs assessment for value addition facilities under MATIP 3. 5.1.6 Committee observations and recommendations (i) Harmonisation of the legal framework The committee observed that the contradictions in the legal framework surrounding local government finances have affected service delivery for several years now. Committee observes that whereas the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, and the Local Government Act, Cap. 243 provide for decentralisation and the devolution of functions, powers and services and empowers local governments to levy, charge, collect and appropriate local revenues. Local revenue is instead remitted to the consolidated fund. This is attributed to the Treasury Single Account Payment Processing and Reporting System. And the directive by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to transit all local revenues collected to Consolidated Fund for subsequent allocation to the respective local governments. As a result, local governments face financial difficulties because of the increased and consistent retention of local revenue by the Central Government over time. For instance, Shs 3.1 trillion was held in the Consolidated Fund in the Financial Year 2023/2024. This has crippled service delivery at the local level in that urgent and even simple services like garbage collection have stagnated. More importantly, local governments have been demoralised and rendered powerless to effect service delivery, which has also demoralised taxpayers from paying taxes. As a result, the share of local revenue contribution to the national envelope has dropped from 13 per cent in the financial year 2022 to 9.8 per cent currently. The committee observes that decentralisation was intended to extend services closer to people and recognise the economic and social transformational frontline role that local governments play to deliver services to the people. This role should be aided and not curtailed. While the committee recognises that the previous system where local revenues would be collected and spent at source had challenges, recentralisation of local revenues is not the solution.

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

2.9 HrsToRY OF TEA GROWING rN ZOI0IBO Tea growing in Zombo was initially introduced in the 1960s. However, the economic activity collapsed due to the political turmoil of the 1970s. Following a request by the Alur King (Wimu ker Alur) to His Excellency the President to support tea growing in Abanga and other parts of the Alur Kingdom in order to improve the livelihoods of the people; Government re- introduced tea growing in the district during the FY 2OI3l2014 through the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF) II Programme. This happened at an opportune time when Government had started the expansion of tea production in the western and south-western regions of Uganda. In 2014, tea nursery beds were set up by Giant Seeds Company in Zombo and Nebbi districts. The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) procured and distributed tea seedlings to the farmers for planting. ln 2016, nursery beds were established again in Zombo district by the sa.rne company and more tea planting was done in 20 17 and 20 18 in block farms. ln 2018, more nursery operators were invited to set up nursery beds across the district to increase the quantity of tea seedlings available to farmers. It was at that time that tea farmers' groups/cooperatives and nursery operators' organizations emerged, prompting the formation of the 300- member Zombo Tea Growers Cooperative Society Limited. However, procurement of tea seedlings by NAADS remained low, causing loses to nursery operators and this, coupled with the impact of COVID-19, negatively affected tea growing. In 2022, Government through NAADS, embarked on the process of distributing tea seedlings to farmers in 16 tea growing districts namely: Buhweju, Bushenyi, Mitooma, Rukungiri, Kisoro, Kyenjojo, Zornbo, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kabale, Kanungu, Sheema, Kikuube, Rwampara, and Kabarole. The main suppliers of these tea seedlings were Tea Development Agency Limited (UTDAL) and Zombo Nursery a Operators and Farmers' Associa POK& Vl- \ 3 :E# ffi** tS' d#*il/,' #

indicating that the delegated procurement worth UGX 40,484,267,200 had. he rn executed, the relevant documents are yet to be received by the Secretariat. ln contrast to the above, ten (10) District Local Governments comprising Kabale, Rukiga, Rubanda, Kisoro, Rwampara, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kagadi, Kikuube and Zombo were unable to meet the required procurement and submission deadlines to enable NAADS Secretariat commence the procurement process. Some of them have since written to NAADS and Government Ministries requesting for authorization to carry forward the procurement and delivery of the seedlings to subsequent seasons of 2023 but we have not been in position to advise awaiting for clarification from your office and or cabinet. The indicative numbers of tea seedlings amongst the ten Districts as at the time of communication of the delegated procurement based on the verified tea seedlings is 33,944,957 tea seedlings estimated at UGX 13,577,982,800. The purpose of this letter therefore, is to: i. Update you on the progress of implementation of the Cabinet decision (and related guidance) on procurement and distribution of tea seedlings in the earmarked district local governments. ii. Present the matter regarding the inability of up 10 DLGs to meet the required procurement and submission deadlines as specified in the Cabinet decision and related guidance. iii. Seek your guidance regarding the expected feedback from the NAADS Secretariat to the ten (10) DLGs that failed to meet the required procurement and submission deadlines as specified in the Cabinet decision and. related guidance. Thank you Godfrey Mugisa Masereka Ag. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CC: The Rt. Honorable Prime Minister CC: Hon. Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) CC: Hon. Minister of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries(MAAIF) CC: Hon. Minister of State Agriculture, MAAIF CC: Permanent Secretary, MAAIF CC: Permanent Secretary, MOLG

Procurerqent not initia ted 11 Kagadi I 500,000 731,000 31.10.22 Did not submit in time- Procurernent not initia ted L2 Kyenjojo 6 955,000 955,000 26.r0.22 Did not submit in time. Procurernent not initiated 13 Zombo 45 16,765,000 7.10.22 Differed procurernent to March 2023. Did not submit demand. Procurernent not initiated. t4 Kisoro 37 3,500,923 3,551,054 7.10.22 Did not submit demand in time Procurernent not initiated. 15 Kabarole 8 2,130,000 1, 386, 000 7.10.22 Did not submit demand in time. Procurernent not initiated. 16 Kikuube 1 450000 819,843 24.r0.22 Did not subrnit in time. Procurement not initiated TOTAL L89,7L7,339 L84,794,822

Anncx 1: SUMMARY OF VERIFIED TEA SEEDLINGS AND FARMER DEMANDS SUBMTTTED BY DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS UNDER THE CABINET DEC r S r ON (OCTOBER 20221 q I 2 3 4 6 1 o I 10 1, t2 13 SNO District No. of Nur';ery operators No. Seedlings verified nurseries of tn No. of seedlings demanded Submission Date Remarks Bushenyi 92 23,240.300 23.240.300 t.07.22 Submitted in time. Procurement initiated. Buhweju 304 r03,246,988 101,210,668 t.07.22 Submitted in time. Procurement initiated Mitooma 3B 9.4 I r.428 9.4I1.428 t.07.22 Submitted in time. Procurement initiated Sheema i.007,802 i 200 000 Submitteci in time. Procurement initiated f .i0.27 Rukungiri 2 6 1.884,5 78 2,000.000 5.10.22 Submitted in time, Procurement initiated Kanungu 275 t 6.981.286 21,8)r,819 1.t0.22 Submitted in time, Procurement initiated Rukiga 5 3,1I0,000 2.873,000 26.r0.22 Kahale 4 2,808,800 4,83 5,650 3.11.22 Rwampara 2 171.318 r08,000 26.r0.22 Rubanda ).2 3.553,916 4.651,000 26.r0.22 Kagadi 1 500.000 731,000 31.10.22 Kyenjojo 6 955.000 95s,000 26.r0.22 Zombo 45 r 6,765,000 7.10.22 Kisoro 37 3.500,923 3,551,054 1.r0.22 Did not submit in time. Procurement not initiated Did not submit in time. Procurement not initiated Did not submit in tirne. Procurement not initiated Did not submit in time. Procurement not initiated Did not submit in time. Procurement not initiated Did not submit in time. Procurement not initiated Differed procurement to March 2023. Did not submit demand. Procurement not initiated. Did not submit demand. Pro ement t ,t I ,t. 14 init noI .t

He will come and apologise to you in Kisoro. (Laughter)

Madam Speaker, I like the debate that is going on. However, while we congratulate the ministry for the significant work that has been done at Entebbe International Airport, the debate is now talking about the airstrips. We are excited about hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, but daily, we have tourists who come into this country. Therefore, the debate should extend, if we are talking about airstrips. For example, we have Kisoro Airport. Kisoro is a place where we get 60 per cent of our tourist revenues because of the mountain gorillas. However, it is in a very poor state. Notices have been issued, and all the time being closed and opened. We also have Kidepo National Park and others that serve the tourism industry. Madam Speaker, I request that the minister be given time to table a comprehensive report about the status of these airstrips and their strategic plan. We have seen directives by the President to rehabilitate some of them, but we have not seen anything being done. So, rather than have piecemeal – cherry-picking of one airstrip and leaving the others, let us have a comprehensive status so that we can debate. The Africa Cup of Nations will come and go, but tourists come every day yet we have airports and airstrips that have been neglected. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Since 1994, Kisoro District and specifically Bufumbira South has permanently hosted transit refugees from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These refugees strain the health, education, food security and the environment to mention, but a few of the requirements for the district. My question to the Rt Hon. Prime Minister is, when will Kisoro and specifically Bufumbira South, be declared a refugee-hosting community or a permanent transit area? Thank you.

Mr Speaker, Kisoro District is a transit area because that is a holding ground before these refugees are taken to the camps where we have a number of facilities. Secondly, as you are aware, Kisoro is overpopulated and they do not have land. The fact is, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Uganda Red Cross, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and a number of partners have been supporting Kisoro District to make sure that we look after these refugees in transit. Thank you.

Thank you, honourable member. Honourable colleagues, in the public gallery this afternoon, we have students from Bugema University under the umbrella of Bugema University Students Association. They have come to observe the proceedings of this House. Please, join me in welcoming them. (Applause) You are always welcome. Honourable colleagues, for the record, when I was mentioning MPs from Zombo, I forgot Hon. Lawrence Songa, Member of Parliament for Ora County and also our very own, Hon. Catherine Mavenjina, Member of Parliament for the elderly. I mentioned Hon. Gabriel Okumu – he was seated with Hon. Esther Afoyochan. Honourable colleagues, I think we should quickly dispose of this report. It is a report that has a recommendation, which you have said is a strong one – saying we should review our refugee policy. What is the intention of closing our borders? Really, that should not be something for this House to handle at this stage. It involves a lot before you reach this kind of decision. I do not want us to break the news from here that Parliament has said: “Please, stop welcoming more refugees.” Such recommendations should be left to the Executive, after wide consultations with the international community. It is our obligation, under international law. You cannot stop someone who is running away from war from entering a country. During the debate, I hope a Member can raise the issue and we amend that recommendation. Hon. Christine Kaaya - I would like to, first, pick MPs from refugee-hosting areas. I have here the Member for Isingiro, the Member for Kisoro - we who are in Kampala are not refugees. (Laughter) You might declare me a refugee when you start saying “Kampala, Kampala”. (Laughter) We are here in Kampala, enjoying ourselves. Honourable colleagues, I will pick you; do not mind. I will start with the Member for Isingiro, Member for Kisoro and the Member for Karamoja. The whole of that line, apart from Hon. Judith Achan, is from West Nile and maybe Bugisu. So, decide among yourselves and agree on one person: I will pick one. I will pick one MP from each hosting area. I would like to have around five Members of Parliament and we conclude this, but I see around nine MPs from West Nile. So, I have picked one from Karamoja. Isingiro, you are for Ankole. I have picked one from Kigezi. I want to pick the Member for Kitgum for Acholi. Busoga, you do not have refugees. Let me pick these for now and then we see how it goes. Okay? For Kampala, it is Hon. Allan Ssewanyana who has many Eritreans. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am raising an issue where the Rt Hon. Prime Minister and the Deputy Speaker are witnesses regarding the state of roads in Bukimbiri County. They are so bad that they are denying Uganda the income that would be there if they were good. We have 72 kilometres from Kisoro to Nkuringo - Rubuguri and Muko. Government of Uganda identified a company, Dott Services. However, this company they have been telling us about comes when there were no provision for budget and studies. [Ms Zawedde] LAYING OF PAPERS

11759 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2024 We would like the Government to tell us how they identified the company they were telling us would undertake that load when they had not completed their financials. Secondly, we have a road, which is 10.8 kilometres connecting Kisoro and Kanungu from Nteko to Buhoma. Bukimbiri County is landlocked. There is no exit, as the Rt Hon. Prime Minister knows. When the community decided to mobilise its own resources to open up that road from Nkuringo to Buhoma. The Government stopped the community from making the road because they had said they do not have money. We have been waiting for the Ministry of Works and Transport. I am happy Hon. Musa Ecweru is here. Our prayer is, can the Government allow the people of Bukimbiri to mobilise its own resources and make that 10 kilometre road from Nkuringo to Buhoma as they plan their own resources. Lastly, I want to emphasise that all the international guests who come here, a number of them who visit the Head of State, are sent to Bukimbiri to visit. Even when they go by helicopter, at times they wonder, is this a resort because Bukimbiri is one of the counties where you find accommodation at about $1,000 a night. If accommodation is $1,000 a night in a hotel, we have about five hotels which charge $1,000 a night, meaning that there is a relationship between the hotel rates and the income to the country. Can’t the Government look at this as a very important issue? Recently we had all of the ambassadors - (Members timed out)

Mr Speaker, the matter of urgent importance is that the pensioners in Kisoro are not being paid, yet pension gets first call on the Budget and is total payment. May I be informed by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, because the pension is also decentralised? When these teachers go to the district, they are told that there is no money for pension. For over six months, they have not received their pay and if the Finance Ministry says there is no money again then it is high time that the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development prepares a statement on the state of the economy of this country because we have been coming here and he says there is no money. We want to get an assurance that those statutory payments are not interfered with. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. This matter concerning Kisoro was first brought to my attention by Hon. Sarah Mateke. I checked and found out that initially, we had not, like any other - we had an understatement of over Shs 300 billion. In the Supplementary Schedule No.1, we provided adequately for pension and gratuity and this money is part of the release for quarter three. I am looking for the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Kisoro. When I get the CAO, I will explain to the CAO how this should be handled. Mr Speaker, I know we want to bring matters concerning our people to the Floor of Parliament, but Hon. Kwizera is my neighbour. I wish he would discuss this matter with me and we resolve it before we even come here.

Mr Speaker, these are responses on action-taken reports from the ministry. I would like to apologise because it is long overdue. I will start with responses to the report of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on the field visits to Government prisons and prison farms. The issues raised by the committee were congestion and overcrowding in prisons. They recommended that the Uganda Prisons Service development budget should be increased to enable the rehabilitation, expansion and construction of more prisons facilities, to accommodate the increasing number of prisoners and reduce congestion in the existing facilities our response is as follows: The first is that we had inadequate funds allocated for the expansion of prisoners’ sleeping accommodation. The development is inadequate and was budget was cut from Shs 37.227 billion, in the Financial Year 2020/2021, to Shs 27.388 billion, in the Financial Year 2023/2024. The average prisoners’ population of 75,707 as of 1 August 2023, exceeds the prisons’ carrying capacity, which is 20,321. This is exceeded by 55,386 prisoners. At a projected daily average of 80,640 inmates and a projected increase in holding capacity, congestion is projected at 396.8 per cent. This is phenomenal and needs to be addressed. In the Financial Year 2022/2023, the service expanded prison accommodation through the construction of a new prison at Ntungamo and the expansion of prisoners’ accommodation at Rukungiri, Lira, Mutuufu, Kamuli and Kiruhura prisons. Completion of prisoners’ accommodation in Kisoro, Ntwetwe, Isingiro, Maiha, Lukaya, Loro, Yumbe, Lwabenge in Kalungu, Koboko, Bamunanika and Kigandalo, which has been planned in 2023/2024. The strategy is: a) To construct five low-cost security prisons at Shs 3.8 billion each. Shs 19 billion is required per year for this to be realised; b) We need to construct one regional mini- max prison (Kitalya Model) with a capacity of 2,000 prisoners at Shs 33.3 billion per year. The total annual requirement for prisoners’ accommodation is, therefore, Shs 52.3 billion Recommendation two by the committee was that the Government should develop the National Corrections Policy to guide transformation from penal to productive correction. The response is as follows. The development of National Corrections Policy is ongoing. Once complete, this policy will provide a framework for community participation as well as private sector and non-state actors’ involvement in offender rehabilitation and reintegration process. The regulatory impact assessment has been completed and a draft policy is being developed. The other issue raised was about the inadequate staff housing and accommodation. The committee recommended that the management of the prison should prioritise the construction of low-cost housing and should phase this using the incremental approach as a multi-year project for decent accommodation. The responses are as follows: The rate of growth of staff population is not matched with the rate of expansion of staff accommodation. Currently, 7,936 staff, which is 55.9 per cent, are not properly accommodated. In the Financial Year 2022/2023, the service completed 320 staff houses, increasing the proportion of staff properly housed, from 42.6 to 44.1 per cent. Shs 1.4 billion has been PRESENTATION OF ACTION -TAKEN REPORTS

Thank you, honourable minister. No, colleagues, at the time of debate we do not deal with clarifications; it is a debate. Honourable minister, I thank you for the vibrancy you have brought to the ministry and the passion you have for the agricultural sector with the support of your colleagues, Hon. Afande Rwamirama, Hon. Adoa, and Hon. Kyakulaga. I visited the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). Honourable colleagues, I urge each one of you - the minister kept calling me to visit NARO and I kept wondering what I could do at NARO, but now, I think I should visit NARO every month because they are doing a fantastic job. (Applause) These are our professionals who do not know about our politics. They know technical work. The only thing they need is our support because when you look at - if we can commercialise what they are doing, or can even bring down the cost of these vaccines by more than a half. But also, the steady and quick supply instead of waiting for all this period. During this budgeting period, the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Committee on Budget - please, issues of NARO need support. We are an agriculture- based economy; we cannot run away from this and I promise I will follow up because they are doing a fantastic job. Honourable colleagues, you have heard the minister so, allow me to start with Members from the cattle corridor and professionals in the area. Yes, when Dr Bwanika is presenting on these matters - members of the Committee on Budget, I beg you to listen so that you know what you are going to implement. Let me start with Hon. Kajwengye, then the Member for Kiruhura, the Member for Gomba, the Member for Kyakwanzi - Hon. Kwizera, you do not have many cows in Kisoro -(Laughter)- but I will allow you to speak. I will allow the Member for Amolatar – Honourable colleagues, what I promise you is that if you do not become selfish, you will take long. Please, I promise to give you time on this issue; just take your time but let us do it very quickly, and then we shall come to the doctor. I am going to pick you, honourable colleagues. Yes, please, Hon. Kajwengye –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Hon. Cecilia Ogwal’s other son. We have seen her longer than majority of you who have spoken. We ask you to listen to us in good faith because if you want to learn, learn to listen. My mother, Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, used to call herself the “last chairman.” When they amended the Constitution to introduce the title “chairperson” instead of “chairman.” She said she was a “chairman”. This is because she led a bank called the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and during her term as the Chairman, it made a lot of progress. What some of us are trying to do here is taking a negative direction. I met Hon. Cecilia Ogwal when she came to our home. I was a young man. I come from a UPC family. My mother and father were congressmen, and the UPC knew where to go. She looked at me and told my parents “We need to walk with this one,” and the UPC knew how to do it. They would go to secondary schools and look for bright boys to go into the homes of ministers during holidays. When I say “boys”, it is because I was in Busoga College, Mwiri and I never knew that they were also going to the girls’ schools. However, I think they used to go to the girls’ schools also. I stayed in Hon. Mateke’s home in Kololo, a man from Kisoro and I from Bugisu, leaving Hon. Masette Kuuya and Hon. Kirunda- Kivejinja from the East. What were they preaching? Nationalism. It is unfortunate, and I want to tell Hon. Jimmy Akena to thank Hon. Elijah Okupa, otherwise, he would not be a President of UPC. We would be the ones there. You heard Hon. Katuntu say that they were chased. We wanted to capture Uganda House. As young men, in the Seventh Parliament, we were planning to go and capture Uganda House. Mama Cecilia came with the late Dr Okullo-Epak. She looked at me and said, “You boys you are after something wrong. You are going to do something.” Hon. Okupa said, “ Mama , we are going to capture Uganda House.” Then Hon. Okullo Epak and Mama said, “Please, leave. We are going to handle it.” That is why we never went to capture it, and you were able to find it. (Laughter) Otherwise, we would be the ones in charge. Therefore, you must thank Mama Cecilia Ogwal who is lying here. When people were going to contest for the Constituent Assembly (CA), they had to get a clearance from the Ministry of Finance. I have two experiences to speak about. One of them is Rt Hon. Kadaga and Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. The Government then, using some methods, would use taxes for you not to contest, so you would not get clearance. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga had a law firm and arbitrary estimates. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal - she was a businesswoman - those of you who know Lira Millers - she had her estimates. I was there to decide. I wrote a note to the Secretary to the Treasury that I had cleared the two ladies because those were just estimates. Otherwise, those people were planning to stop them from contesting for the CA. Mama Cecilia Ogwal came and said, “You are a true son and a true Ugandan.” From that day, she confirmed that I was one of her sons. In 2001, I came to Parliament, and found Mama Cecilia and she was there for us. Again, we must tell the people of Uganda that sometimes

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I also stand here to support the motion and bring condolences from the people of Kisoro and Kigezi. In particular, I bring condolences from Dr Philemon Mateke who happens to be my father and worked with Hon. Cecilia for a good period -(Interjection)- former UPC but he is now NRM; he is no longer UPC. I thank God for the life of Hon. Cecilia and I will speak only two things. I met her in the Ninth Parliament and when I got here, she realised I had that name. She told me, “You are our blood, please do the right things; do not shame us.” I did not know what she meant by being their blood. I only got to know the blood when I was appointed as the Minister of State for Children and Youth and then she called me aside and said, “Do you know, my daughter, the task ahead of you is very big. You have come at a time when we have a lot of early marriages, child marriages, defilement cases but I have given you an assignment; before you get out of that docket, can you close the market in Arapai?” Those who know it, know it. Unfortunately, she has gone before we could address that but I pray that we shall have an end to the Arapai market where our girls are being sold and I believe that one- May her soul rest in peace. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, thank you, for your opening remarks. You have reminded the Minister of Works and Transport about speed but you forgot to remind him about the potholes because they also cause accidents. Kisoro Airstrip has potholes and flying stones; the minister cannot even fly there. On the issue of the Shs 100 million, honourable members, we have a spokesperson for the House, who is the Speaker. The institution of Parliament also has a spokesperson. Should we listen to “Lugambo” by everybody? Will every Member of Parliament speaking outside his “Lugambo” be allowed? If it comes out in the public, isn’t it appropriate that he is put to order in the House to explain the source? From whatever we discussed, there was no question of Shs 100 million for each Member of Parliament. Therefore, it would be better, if it pleases you, Madam Speaker, that the information attributed to one of the Members of Parliament be substantiated in this House. I thank you.

Madam Speaker, thank you for referring us to Appendix F of the Code of Conduct. This House is only protected by us and how we conduct ourselves. I join my brother from Kisoro, Hon. Eddie Kwizera, to share the pain; we need guidance on how we shall conduct ourselves. If this House takes a decision on any matter and then a political leader of any colour or right says that a particular group of people were either compromised, it leaves us - even after this Parliament, Madam Speaker, you can be the Chief Justice, you can be anything, the LOP here can be a UN Director, you can get into international organisations. Madam Speaker, are you presiding over a House which is being compromised? Are you presiding over a House where when laws are passed, they have partisan faces? The Anti-Homosexuality Bill which became law was brought by Hon. Asuman. Did the NRM MPs commit suicide and a mistake in supporting that bipartisan law? Should we be castigated or trade off the integrity of this country because somebody wanted to access a visa? Is it fair for political leaders from Uganda to speak recklessly, and carelessly about the image of this Parliament? Can it make us proud to be Members of Parliament where we are compromised? I sympathise with those who call themselves on the other side. This is very painful. I feel like crying.

You have referred to groups from Kisoro, Rukungiri and Teso. Has any other group done the same or are you trying to achieve what that group achieved through this House?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to heartily thank you for always giving us positive surprises, when you said that you had driven through Kampala to see what is happening within. Some roads, away from the centre, like we said the other time, are really impassable. I would also like to extend my thanks to the Deputy Speaker, who I recently saw and heard was moving in the countryside with the committees. This is very good because you get to know what is happening and when we are speaking here, you can draw the picture. Madam Speaker, I would like to draw your attention and efforts to drive further into the countryside of Bukwo, Sebei, Kisoro, Buhweju, Amudat and elsewhere so that when we talk here, you get the context of what we are talking about. Thank you.

11047 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2023 14) There are districts that were performing exceptionally well, for example, Kisoro, Tororo, Rukungiri, Ibanda, Kumi, Apac, Kakumiro, Bukedea, and others, with performance standing at above 90 per cent.

Mr Speaker, tourists who are giving us money are stuck on these roads. The people who go to push their cars off these poor roads even steal their properties. His Excellency, the President gave an order in 2017 that these roads be tarmacked. I would like to know: are we for this country? When are we tarmacking these roads to give us the resources to cater for other issues like education and health? I mean Kanyantorogo-Buhoma, Butogota- Ruhija and the road connecting Buhoma to Nkuringo and Nkuringo to Kisoro. We would like to know how it is going to be done and when.

The trend of accumulated arrears No Year End Amount (UGXI o/o increase/decrease 1 30ft June 2O2O L3,228,441,399 2 30ft June 2O2I 20,313,148,061 34.9o/o 3 30ft June 2022 14,353,976,164 (4r.s%l The Accounting Officer explained that the bigger chunk of the arrears related to tea nursery operators, and that UGX lbn of the arrears had been paid in the previous financial year. He further explained that part of the reasons for the delay was because there were problems with the accounts of some of the operators and the money paid bounced back. He further explained that in some instances there were commitments made and yet the money received was less. The Committee found that part of the money related to nursery bed operators in the Districts of Kisoro, Kabale, Rukiga, Rubanda, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Mitooma, Kanungu, and Mbarara who had supplied seedlings to NAADS but were not paid. The nursery bed operators, numberingT l 1, sought to sue NAADS to recover the money. Some of the operators; Frank Byaruhanga, Dr. Francis Runumi, George Owakukiroru, Caleb Kipande Tumwesimira, Sam Kajojo Arinaitwe, Julius T\rmushabe, Fidelis Kanyamun5ru, and Rev. Bernard Mugisha sought the assistance of a lawyer, a one Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi to obtain a Representative Order to allow them file a suit against the government. The Representative OrderMisc.ApplicationNo. OOO9of 2019wasobtainedon lstJuly, tiffs instructed the lawyer to file a suit, Bganthanga Frank & 7 Ors. V Agricttltttral Aduisory Seruices & 11 Ors. Ciuil Suit No.889 of 2019, in which they claimed UGX 143,621,201,500. The matter culminated into a consent judgment filed on O7ft January, 2021. At the time of the consent judgment, UGX 27.3bn was outstanding. lt was agreed that the payments be made through the lawye rllaw firm. The OS$N, lawyer, Mr Katabaazi informed the Committee that he had received a total qft\ ,/ UGX 39bn on behalf of the Plaintiffs. N ' 3 Some of the operators the Committee interfaced with informed the Committee that they had not received all the money due to them, and accused Mr. Katabaazi of not remitting to them all the money due to them. Mr Katabaazi submitted that the Plaintiffs had instructed him to pay the 71 I s based on a criteria =a*^"g" ,?,7" t !" ,')r lt( ; ik."," il,( & \--+-'r a> @,

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

Thank you. Mr MICHAEL TIMUZIGU (NRM, Kajara County, Ntungamo ): Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for Health for bringing the report at this moment, when the whole country thought; maybe COVID-19 was no more. However, I want to understand, which methodology has been used to ascertain the areas of Uganda that have got more COVID-19 prevalence. Because we have discovered that Kampala, Wakiso, Kisoro and Gulu- we might say that Gulu and Kisoro are border districts. But we have border districts in the eastern part of Uganda and they interact like any other districts. So, should we think that eastern Uganda does not have COVID-19 or testing is not being done there? This is because in most cases in Uganda, we test when the President is visiting. Eastern Uganda might have not been visited by the President for some good time-

10537 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2023 These regional workshops in the country - we have one in Mbarara that takes Kigezi, Ankole, the entire Rwenzori or Toro; it is huge. So, I agreed with my colleagues that at least we should have sub-stations because getting a wheel loader from Mbarara is very difficult. When you go to Mbarara, they will tell you it has gone to Kisoro. When you are in Kisoro, it is in Kanungu. It becomes a very big problem. So, Mr Speaker, it is better for us to have sub- branches to help us. Again, on maintenance, districts are suffering. You go for a machine from the district, the district tells you “We do not have tyres.” So, subcounties end up using money for maintenance to buy these tyres and it becomes a very big problem. They say: “This machine has broken down; you have to buy before we release these machines.” So, the money that is meant to do work ends up repairing machines. I can see here that they made a study of Shs 100 billion. Even if you have not gone at once, at Shs 100 billion, can’t this Parliament really provide this money? We are the people who appropriate. We can appropriate and say Shs 50 billion should begin the works so that our regional workshops are well equipped. Lastly, it is about – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to also comment on the minister’s statement. I would like to join my colleagues to thank the minister for the good statement, more specifically the honesty with which he presented it. I come from Isingiro, which is one of the biggest districts. Therefore, accessing road equipment is very difficult. Even the one we had at the district is now very old and almost obsolete; it is in a dangerous mechanical condition. Whenever you consult the district about a certain emergency – like recently, the last few days, we experienced heavy rains. Some two villages of Kyakabindi A and Kyakabindi B are cut-off now for over a week because whenever I request a machine, I find it has been down and is also located at another end of the district. I am of the view that we could wait until we collect enough money and get road equipment. I have not seen the guidelines but for sure the district should be allowed to buy the equipment with some of this money instead of concentrating on maintaining the old one -(Interjection) - I said we wait until we get enough to buy equipment; I am not saying Shs 1 billion is enough to buy road equipment. Secondly, my colleague from Kabale said that the equipment centre should shift to Kabale, but I think we are near Mbarara where the road equipment is – but the road equipment is also not enough. Many times we have gone to Mbarara as neighbours to borrow that road equipment, but it is never available. Whenever you ask for it, it is either in Kisoro or in Kabale – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I appreciate your statements to this House today with regard to this Higher Education Scholarship Fund. It is not the first time you have mentioned but also, on national television about the idea of revising admission to some of these universities - because it rewards those who are better off; those who have paid fees for their children in better schools. However, for people largely from the rural areas, who struggle there, it is a tug of war. I want to attest to you and to this House, Mr Speaker, that last year when this scheme was running; it was able to support 65 students from Karamoja. A number of them are doing Medicine in Mbarara University, Bushenyi Campus, and a good number are doing Information Technology here in ISBAT University along Lugogo bypass. It is an equaliser for many parts and when the Chancellor invited me, I found that there were a number of students from Acholi, deep in Kisoro, who were there. I said, “this is great.” This is helping because for you to qualify, it is just enough to be admitted to a recognised institution of higher learning and then, you get the fund. Let us put affirmative action on this initiative. It is helping a lot of young boys and girls from across the country. Mr Speaker, this is October and those children already had admissions. What are we going to do - because not many universities take children in January? Can we understand the numbers that will be - Should we go out immediately and inform our young people that there is a window of or an opening and who have got admissions from any organised university in the science area, can we collect these numbers and prepare them for the January intake? That is the further clarification I want to get from the minister. Thank you.

Honourable members, it is true that we lost people due to floods in May this year in Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukungiri and part of Kasese. The President, in his wisdom – As you know, he is a caring President - (Applause) – provided support to the relatives of the people who lost their lives; Shs 5 million and Shs 1 million to those who were injured in the process. So, he chose a number of ministers with my guidance and we delivered that support. Mr Speaker, the number was overwhelming, as you may know. We still have a few whose identity - and the relatives were not yet identified at the time the burial ceremonies of those people were conducted. Therefore, I request the Member to help us with the nitty- gritty of those people who lost their lives and were not assisted. The President is helping and he will definitely care.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have an emergency. You remember Kisoro Road was cut off in May. Up to today, the Ministry of Works and Transport has never intervened. As we speak now, it is cut off completely. To access Kisoro, we have to pass via Rwanda.

Mr Speaker, it is not true, as the honourable member has said, that to access Kisoro, you have to pass through Rwanda. What I am aware of is that we had an issue – a landslide – and we had a contractor. However, because of inadequate funds, he abandoned the site. We are doing all that is possible to get money for him. Alternatively – the road is narrow; it cannot accommodate two lanes. However, the vehicles are crossing using one lane. We are working hard, as the Ministry of Works and Transport, to ensure that transport on that side moves as usual.

You see, honourable colleagues –(Members rose_)- now, we are standing up here; we want to contribute on the matter. The question is: what value will you add if the contractor needs 10 days to mobilise – apart from the fuel? (Laughter) Honourable minister, please, hold a meeting with the MPs from Kigezi subregion, especially Kabale, Kisoro and Rubanda. Please, ensure that you hold a meeting so that, indeed, you comfort them. Show them what you have done and what is in the pipeline so that they are able to explain to their people. (Mr Niwagaba rose_) Hon. Niwagaba is also here; he is from the same area.

Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for the role you play in promoting tourism. I also thank honourable colleagues who go on promoting tourism in this country. I stand to raise an issue of national importance where, while we promote tourism, access to tourism destination areas is a very big problem. We have the Kisoro-Rubuguri-Nteeko-Muko Road, which is 72 Kilometres. Both the President and the Cabinet have directed that this road be taken as a priority because, on that road alone, we earn close to Shs 300 million per day during the tourism season. Both tour operators and investors in this area are threatening to demonstrate because Government has not taken this road as a priority. It is my prayer that Government prioritises this road and shows cause or prove that they are going to commence and when. Secondly, as Government or Parliament, we should categorise roads into those, which contribute to economic value and those that have political value. I would think that roads of economic value should be better considered than the political ones. The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities is only interested in getting money, but does not look at any corresponding returns. When you go to that Ministry, you notice that they are “sleeping.” Even in the appointment of the Board, the people appointed are incapable and not transparent -

Okay, you were only putting in “fuel.” (Laughter ) Anyhow, honourable minister, I used that road when I was going for gorilla tracking. I have also talked to many people who say they cannot come to that side; they would rather go to other countries because of that road. I used around three hours to move from Kisoro to Rubuguri yet, it is a very short distance. With the money you are collecting from that road, you do not you feel ashamed that it is not constructed yet?

Madam Speaker, thank you very much. The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development comes from Rubanda. He uses the road from Kabale to Kisoro. He has made a serious commitment here that he will send money to the districts to handle roads. Is it procedurally correct to have the road from Kabale to Rubanda in a very dangerous situation, when we can have a serious accident anytime yet the minister has not provided resources? This road connects Kabale to Kisoro and is part of the great lakes trunk road. Is it procedurally right for the minister not to provide money for a national road in his own district?

Madam Speaker, since a matter concerns my name as well as my district, I want to clarify as follows: Recently, we got a terrible landslide that hit the entire Kigezi Subregion and left the Kabale– Kisoro Road broken into two, particularly at Hamurwa. Hamurwa is in Rubanda East Constituency where I come from and it is actually the road that links me to my home village. Madam Speaker, we have been –(Interruption)

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

9230 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT district as a hard-to-reach area so as to benefit from funds earmarked for such areas. His questions are: a) What criteria is used to determine hard-to- reach areas? b) What is the possibility of including other areas in the hard-to-reach areas category? c) Which areas are categorised as hard-to- reach? My response is that the Ministry of Public Service observed that there were areas in some local governments that had consistently failed to attract and retain skilled and capable human resource, leading to inadequacies and gaps in the delivery of services. This was observed through inspection reports, support supervision exercises and payroll status reports. These areas were, therefore, defined as hard to reach. Hard-to-reach areas are defined as remote or insecure areas that are unable to attract and retain sufficient numbers of motivated staff because of difficult living conditions. They are, therefore, “hard to work in and hard to stay in.” These areas are characterised by remoteness, insecurity and poor infrastructure, among others. In the Financial Year 2010-2011, Government approved payment of hardship allowances of 30 per cent of the basic monthly salary for public officers working in the local governments defined as hard to reach. The following 24 areas are categorised as hard-to-reach: Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Abim, Moroto, Kaabong, Pader, Kitgum, Nwoya, Amuru, Kalangala, Gulu, Bundibugyo, Adjumani, Kisoro, Kanungu, Bukwo, Ntoroko, Buvuma, Lamwo, Namayingo, Napak, Mayuge (specifically Malonge Island), Bugiri (specifically Sigulu Island), and Mukono (specifically Koome Islands). Over the years, the Ministry of Public Service has received requests from various local governments to be considered hard-to-reach areas. Consequently, the ministry carried out a study, in the year 2020, in order to review the hard-to-reach and hard-to-stay areas in the country based on the criteria of remoteness, insecurity and poor infrastructure. Out of the 63 districts that had requested to be considered, 54 were found to have hard- to-reach and hard-to-stay spots eligible for payment of the hard-to-reach allowance. In total, 340 hard-to-reach spots were identified as the qualifying localities within the 54 districts. Madam Speaker, allow me to lay, on the Table, a full list of the hard-to-reach and hard-to-stay areas in the country. In the interest of time, Members can access it. Madam Speaker, based on the criteria used, I would like to inform the honourable member that Rubanda was not categorised as a hard-to- reach and hard-to-stay district. It is also important to note that the Ministry of Public Service has not yet implemented the revised Hard-to-Reach Framework. The current priority of the Government is the salary enhancement of all public officers in a phased approach. Madam Speaker, I got another question from Hon. Francis Adome, MP for Moroto Municipality. His question was to know the Government’s plan to rehabilitate government- aided schools in Karamoja. My response is that the Government of Uganda, in collaboration with education development partners, has been providing infrastructure support to both primary and post-primary institutions in the Karamoja subregion. All the post-primary institutions (11 secondary schools and two PTCs) benefitted from infrastructure support under the Irish Aid. All secondary schools in the Karamoja subregion implementing Universal Secondary Education were provided with additional infrastructure under the World Bank support and were provided with additional classrooms to attain the recommended classroom-student ratio of 1:60. [Ms Nabbanja] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

9122 BUDGET SPEECH, 2023 commence next financial year. Forty-nine per cent of the right-of-way for the Kampala- Malaba Standard Gauge railway has been acquired. The construction of the Malaba- Kampala Standard Gauge Railway will commence next financial year, for which Shs 535 billion has been provided. Madam Speaker, in the air transport sector, the redevelopment and expansion of Entebbe International Airport is at 85 per cent complete and due to be completed by July 2024. The construction of Kabalega International Airport now stands at 91.7 per cent and will be completed by September 2023. We shall also rehabilitate and upgrade the following aerodromes that are under feasibility studies: Kidepo, Pakuba, Mbarara, Gulu, Arua, Kisoro and Kasese. Madam Speaker, an allocation of Shs 4.5 trillion, representing 13.3 per cent of the total budget has been budgeted for road maintenance and construction; railway development and rehabilitation; and water and air transport development. Of particular significance, an allocation of Shs 1 billion has been provided to each district, city and municipality for road grading, murram and compacting. In total, Shs 176 billion has been allocated for this purpose. (Applause) We have also secured US$ 608.7 million, equivalent to Shs 2.25 trillion to address flooding, traffic congestion, poor road infrastructure, un- signalised junctions and unemployment in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) covering Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and Mpigi districts and their municipalities. This will upgrade 504 kilometres of roads including junction signalisation in eight urban authorities; rehabilitation of 30 storm water drainage points; upgrade 23 markets and construct 25 artisanal parks, and industrial workspaces for small-scale manufacturers. (Applause) In collaboration with the World Bank, the Government is implementing a $360 million Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme to improve infrastructure and address operational challenges in the cities and municipalities. Power infrastructure Power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure have continued to expand. Generation capacity increased to 1,378.1 Megawatts as at March 2023 from 1,343.9 Megawatts in March 2022, an increase of 34.4 Megawatts, although that is again not enough. With the commissioning of the Karuma Hydropower Project planned for September this year, generation capacity will increase to 1,976 Megawatts. The 6-Megawatt Nyagak III Hydropower project is also due for commissioning by end of this month. In transmission, a total of 417 kilometres of transmission lines were added to the main grid during the year, bringing the total transmission line network now to 4,011 kilometres. To enable evacuation of power from the 600-Megawatt Karuma Hydropower Project the 248-kilometre Karuma-Kawanda, the 55-kilometre Karuma-Olwiyo and the 76-kilometre Karuma-Lira lines have been completed. Twekubireko mu ngalo . (Applause) Next year, 761 kilometres of transmission lines and associated power substations will be constructed to improve the stability and reliability of the networks. We will also build the capacity of the Uganda Electricity Generation and Transmission companies to manage the generation and distribution networks after the expiry of the ESKOM and Umeme concessions. Madam Speaker, next financial year, Shs 1.3 trillion has been allocated for electricity interventions. Digital transformation Turning to digital transformation, 4,717 kilometres of optic fibre have been laid across the country. Geographical coverage of broad Band services stands at 66 per cent and 25

9094 ADDRESS ON THE STATE OF THE NATION not mine. The other one was mine, but this one now- mbigira dala mu Baibuli - In the book of Genesis 1:9, God commanded the water to separate from the dry land. Imagine, Katonda , in the Book of Genesis says, let water and dry land be separate. “Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place and let the dry land appear. And it was so.” That is what God said. But a Ugandan comes and says God was wrong. What was water, I will turn it into a garden- Eeeh bana Uganda tebatya . God said, this is water and you say no, he made a mistake - we shall get time and talk. All the death from landslides, floods, etcetera, come out of rebelling against God, rebelling against science and rebelling against common sense. Water bodies and their miiga - miiga is a Runyankole word for the edge of the water body, are not for human settlement. They are for water conservation. Priorities: The Government approved, the Agriculture Value Chain Development Strategy which recognises that intervention under the Parish Development Model will prioritise the following; 1. Guiding farmers on enterprise selection; 2. Ensuring adequate quantities and qualities of seed, breeding and stocking material; research and breeding; 3. Ensuring sustainable high yields through control of pests, vectors, and diseases for crops and animals; 4. Facilitating precision agriculture, that is, water harvesting, irrigation infrastructure and machinery; 5. Provision of farm power, that is the land opening, cultivation machinery and assorted post-harvest and small value addition equipment; 6. Ensuring that the materials planted survive through ensuring adequate farmer education and extension services; 7. Ensuring that there is proper post-harvest management to avoid pre and post-harvest losses; 8. Supporting primary processing through the provision of skills and assorted equipment to address specific value chain needs; 9. Supporting medium to large scale model or extensive farmers, because these create effective demand for the small scale and intensive farmers. Tourism Tourism is another area that has got significant potential for the economy. We have the best tourism sites, including our national parks of Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Elgon, Rwenzori, Kibale Forest, Lake Bunyonyi, and many game reserves across the country. Uganda’s tourism sites rank highly in international media outlets and global tourism agencies. Despite the global lockdown, we received about 500,000 tourists in 2021 and revenue of $530 million. The number of tourists coming here has recovered since the lifting of the COVID-19 lockdowns to 814,000 by December 2022 and earned us $1 billion in the calendar year 2022. To harness the tourism potential further, the Government is undertaking the following interventions in the tourism sector: 1. Ensuring the security of the country and tourism sites 2. Construction of tarmac roads from Kitgum to Kidepo - 116 kilometres. Lake Bunyonyi-Kisoro-Mgahinga - 74 kilometers. Karenga-Kapedo-Kaabong - 70 kilometers. Kisoro-Rubuguri-Muko – 65 kilometres which are soon starting;

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

Honourable members, listen. 1) Vote 601: Arua City - Shs 36,948,486,000 2) Vote 602: Fort Portal City - Shs 21,749,696,000 3) Vote 603: Gulu City – Shs 26,555,638,000 4) Vote 604: Hoima City - Shs 14,982,706,000 5) Vote 605: Jinja City - Shs 38,446,052,000 6) Vote 606: Lira City - Shs 25,298,264,000 7) Vote 607: Masaka City - Shs 28,740,158,000 8) Vote 608: Mbale City - Shs 36,977,607,000 9) Vote 609: Mbarara City - Shs 33,853,374,000 10) Vote 610: Soroti City - Shs 18,894,719,000 11) Vote 701: Apac Municipal Council – Shs 8,494,655,000 12) Vote 702: Bugiri Municipal Council – Shs 5,045,364,000 13) Vote 703: Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Council - Shs 10,811,439,000 14) Vote 704: Busia Municipal Council - Shs 6,584,841,000 15) Vote 705: Entebbe Municipal Council – Shs 14,974,279,000 16) Vote 706: Ibanda Municipal Council – Shs 12,652,788,000 17) Vote 707: Iganga Municipal Council - Shs 6,354,604,000 18) Vote 708: Kabale Municipal Council – Shs 15,642,752,000 19) Vote 709: Kamuli Municipal Council – Shs 6,980,978,000 20) Vote 710: Kapchorwa Municipal Council – Shs 8,378,122,000 21) Vote 711: Kasese Municipal Council – Shs 14,834,120,000 22) Vote 712: Kira Municipal Council – Shs 20,650,861,000 23) Vote 713: Kisoro Municipal Council – Shs 3,648,099,000 24) Vote 714: Kitgum Municipal Council – Shs 6,670,002,000 25) Vote 715: Koboko Municipal Council – Shs 7,501,016,000 26) Vote 716: Kotido Municipal Council – Shs 7,454,417,000 27) Vote 717: Kumi Municipal Council – Shs 6,938,873,000 28) Vote 718: Lugazi Municipal Council – Shs 7,853,940,000 29) Vote 719: Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipal Council – Shs 13,864,172,000

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

8234 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENTS & BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR THE FY 2023/2024 The committee recommends that the Ministry of Education and Sports liaises with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to provide for the necessary wage bill amounting to Shs 6.7 billion to implement the scheme of service in the education sub- programme. g) Inadequate staff housing across education institutions The committee recommends that the Ministry of Education and Sports liaises with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and other stakeholders in order to provide staff housing for teachers and tutors in different education institutions across the country, especially those in the hard-to-reach areas. h) John Kale Institute of Science and Technology The committee observed that the Project 1368 John Kale Institute of Science Technology was exited from the Public Investment Plan (PIP). We recommend that the Project 1368 John Kale Institute of Science and Technology is reinstated in the PIP since it was a Presidential pledge, and will also address the needs of the people in the Kisoro sub-region. i) Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) There is inadequate funding of the lower secondary curriculum. We recommended that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should allocate DIT with an additional Shs 11.44 billion for training of 14,016 secondary school teachers on Assessment Training Packages (ATP) and Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) approaches to ensure the full implementation of the lower secondary curriculum. Mr Speaker, we observed, during our oversight trips, that most of the secondary school teachers implementing the lower secondary curriculum have not got the hands-on skills that they are able to transfer to those students. j) Higher Education Students Financing Board As I already communicated above, the committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development urgently allocates the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board additional Shs 20.664 billion in Financial Year 2023/2024 to enable 4,189 students already on the scheme to continue with their studies, and enable 1,500 new cohort attain higher education by accessing loans through the board. Mr Speaker, there is a big problem here. The board has not been provided with the funds because of those cuts and the universities are threatening to dismiss the students from studies. k) Shs 14.59 billion be allocated towards clearance of fees domestic arrears accrued with the various universities to avoid litigation due to non-payment – they made MOUs with universities and some universities, especially the private universities, are threatening to sue the board. l) The Ministry of Education and Sports implements section 42 of the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board Act, as has always been recommended by the committee, to vest all kinds of Government scholarships with the board as was envisaged in the Act. As we speak, most of these scholarships are still scattered in different places, including the central scholarship in the Ministry of Education and Sports. m) The funds the Government allocates to the 4,000 students, on merit, be allocated towards the board funds so that we can help more needy students to access higher education through the loan scheme. The reason the committee is recommending this is because we have realised that most of the 4,000 students who are admitted, on merit, to these universities are from the high-notch

Mr Speaker, thank you. I also thank the committee for the work that they have done. Mr Speaker, I do not see why when the population of the country is growing and the number of children going to school is growing, you cut down the budget. This means there is economic and social sabotage. The Education budget should be regarded even more than the one for defence. This is because without education, you cannot get a good army. So, we need good soldiers, who are well schooled. Secondly, the people who manage education in public schools are undermining public education in favour of private schools because these private schools are owned by many people in the Government. So, we should look at the reasons why education cannot be well funded. Another issue, Mr Speaker, is about the standardisation of education. We have a number of universities, but there is the issue of the employability of the graduates. We need to put more money into the standards of education and set specific standards for our graduates. In this region, you may not recruit graduates from other universities – you may find it is only Makerere, Kyambogo, Nkozi or KIU. We have no standards because of poor budgeting. I would like to thank the President for recognising the people of Kisoro by establishing a public university or institute there because it helps to improve the human capital development. Investing in education means you are investing in human capital. There will be inflow of foreign capital from Rwanda, Burundi and other countries because of the institute called John Kale Institute. I thank you.

8256 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENTS & BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR THE FY 2023/2024 of our aerodromes in Kisoro. The committee was informed that resurfacing that aerodrome and other works requires Shs 6 billion. That will help us to deal with the challenges we have been having with the tourism sector in that corner. The committee was also informed that Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is supposed to undergo The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit this September but they lack key security and safety equipment. The requirement for that is Shs 11 billion. This has a reflection on the country so the committee recommends that funds be reallocated from the three proposed items under the Ministry of Works and Transport for an additional Shs 3 billion for the aerodromes. Also, Shs 6 billion for surfacing and Shs 11 billion for security and safety equipment. On failure to fully fund road equipment for the 16 districts, the committee observed that there has been partial funding. There are 16 districts which do not have road equipment. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said we should budget for it this financial year but there are no resources for that. Our recommendation to the Committee on Budget is to see where they can get money to ensure districts without road equipment are given the balance of Shs 27 billion. There is a table which shows the proposal allocations under the Ministry of Works and Transport. The committee recommends that a total of Shs 46.8 billion be allocated as follows: a. Civil Aviation Authority, Shs 3 billion for aerodromes, Shs 6 billion for Kisoro and Shs 11 for security and safety equipment; b. KCCA, an additional Shs 20 billion to the Shs 10 billion they have been given for the rehabilitation of roads and maintenance in Kampala; c. Ministry of Works and Transport, Shs 6.2 billion for upgrading of urban roads under the local ceiling. Mr Speaker, the committee observed that UNRA has continuously failed to make payments to contractors pending interim payment certificates. The outstanding areas as of 31 st March stand at Shs 453.5 billion. UNRA has therefore continued to accrue interest to a tune of Shs 227 million per day, at a rate of 15 per cent per annum. The outstanding interest payment obligation is Shs 14.28 billion from the arrears only. The committee was informed that in the meantime, UNRA should not enter any new contractual obligations until their outstanding debt payments are completed. The committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should avail the required funding to pay off the outstanding debt obligations by UNRA to its contractors. Under reduction in the nonwage budget, the committee recommends that the nonwage budget components should be increased to provide for supervision costs for ongoing, planned projects and privatisation of the critical roads within the Financial Year 2023/2024. Under the right of way, the committee recommends that the Government should ensure that substantial right of way is acquired to at least 60 per cent continuous section and the corridors demarcated prior to the signing of contracts for these projects. Kampala Capital City Authority Inadequate funding for road maintenance and drainage infrastructure; Mr Speaker, Kampala Capital City Authority expressed dissatisfaction over the inadequate funding for the road maintenance and drainage infrastructure. They gave us their network and how it is divided in different divisions.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My concern to the Rt Hon. Prime Minister is about a situation in my constituency, which affects specifically Kasambya Subcounty. There are two parishes, Semuto and Mutembo. We have a small sanctuary of chimpanzees; unfortunately, it is not a gazetted wildlife reserve. These chimpanzees are growing in number and affecting the communities. Because the population of the chimpanzee is growing, the food in the forest is not enough and so, they keep reaching out to the communities. In doing that, they destroy gardens. Two people have so far been mauled by these chimpanzees. Recently, a kid of three years was killed. This renders most of the families to keep their children at home for fear that they will be killed by the chimpanzees. Madam Speaker, Nayebare Innocent of Genza LC I was mauled by a chimpanzee. Another one called Banturaki Sitidia of Kisoro LC I was also mauled by a chimpanzee and the child who was killed was Tumukunde Abrah. This happened on 31 January 2023. The girl was aged three years. My prayer to Government is that these families should be compensated. The lasting solution, however, is that the chimpanzees should be relocated from that place. This because Kihaimira Central Forest Reserve, that I am talking about, which is only five square kilometres, cannot sustain the ever-growing number of chimpanzees. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. My points are only two: the issues we are talking about today are of a national character, from West Nile to where we are today, from Karamoja to Kisoro. I beg to draw your attention to the sample our colleagues used for the purpose of the analysis; Kibuli Secondary School, Gayaza High School, King’s College Budo, Nabisunsa Girls’ Secondary School, St Mary’s College Kisubi - Oh my God, all these are from the Greater Kampala. Therefore, this analysis has no national character at all. (Applause) There is no way a Parliament with a national character can agree to pronounce itself on this matter. Lastly, if you have a vehicle and it fails to take you to where you want to go, does it mean it is useless? We have had this law in place; our colleagues say that the law exists and that the law can work, but this law has failed to help us. Our car has failed to take us anywhere. Therefore, I say, let this car be taken to the garage. Let this law be amended in a strong way to ensure that it helps us. Thank you.

Mr Speaker, thank you very much. Colleagues, we have Kisoro Airport, which has been supporting internal flights. It is 3,000 metres, but the tarmac is 1.2 miles. The airfield is in a sorry state. It is now a danger to our airport. Flights cannot go in and out because the tarmac on the runway is now worn out and there are more flying stones and potholes on that airfield. My prayers are that: i. Government should urgently take up the matter to rehabilitate Kisoro Airport to promote internal tourism and regional integration; and ii. They should expand it to 3,000 metres. Thank you.

Minister of Works? Hon. Ecweru was here. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, the Member wants you to talk about the upgrade of Kisoro Airfield, which is in a very poor state yet it attracts very many tourists. It has potholes. I have landed on that airfield. When you are on the runway, that is when you know that 30 seconds is a very long time. That area attracts very many tourists because of the mountain gorillas and all that, so, the Member needs your intervention. When is this going to be done because they had promised?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. During the time we went to Kisoro to campaign for the same Member of Parliament, I landed on the same airfield. I saw the state in which it is. Today, the Ministry of Works and Transport is doing a review and I saw Kisoro Airfield and others – Kasese and the like - on the programme. I think it is work in progress.

No, the answer for Nakasongola may be different. Therefore, I take the responsibility to come back next week and deliver the answer because these are two districts with different geographical issues. Hon. Julie Achayo, Member of Parliament of Ngora Constituency asked another question and the question goes: “The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the head of public service in the district, the head of administration of the council and the accounting officer of the district. He is, therefore, a very important person. The last three consecutive CAOs who have been transferred to Ngora were all officers who were about to retire. The current Chief Administrative Officer, the fourth in the row, is also pending retirement. Whereas they may have the experience, the danger is that they characteristically fear to take certain critical decisions. They are not innovative, and prefer to play it safe as they wait for their retirement, thus, making the district lag behind. Why has the Ministry of Local Government, consistently deployed CAOs in Ngora District who are due for retirement?” My response is that the chief administrative officers and their deputies, and the city and municipal clerks are employees of the Central Government and are appointed by the Public Service Commission, in accordance with Articles 188 and 200 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended). The chief administrative officers, deputy chief administrative officers, city and municipal town clerks are, therefore, deployed by the Ministry of Local Government, which is also responsible for monitoring their performance. The history of the last five CAOs deployed in Ngora District, is as follows - I thought that it is necessary for us to give the history: i) Mr Lawrence Wadada was 57 years at his deployment at Ngora in 2020 and his home district is Sironko. He is still in service in Ngora. ii) Mr Andrew Mawejje was 52 years when he was deployed in Ngora in 2018 and his home district is Kibaale. He is in service at Kakumiro District and he is doing a very good job. In Kakumiro, we are very proud of him. iii) Mr Bruno Mwayita was 58 years in 20l7 when he was deployed in Ngora and his home district is Budaka. He has retired. iv) Mr Alex Kwizera was 49 years old in 2014 when he was deployed in Ngora and his home district is Kisoro. He retired in 20l8. v) Mr Davies Dembe Bayeza was 50 years old in 2011 when he was deployed in Ngora and his home district is Kanungu. He retired from Sheema. Mr Speaker, the retirement age in the Public Service, except for Justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of appeal, is 60 years. It is evident that it is not true that the chief administrative officers deployed in Ngora Local Government are those nearing retirement. It is also not true that public officers nearing retirement pose a danger to the service because of fear to take certain critical decisions and that they are not innovative.

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.

The Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker, honourable members present today, distinguished guests, habari zenu, waheshimiwa wazuri. (Applause) Jina langu ni Phiona Rwandarugali. I am a daughter from the borders of this country. I come from Kisoro and I have roots in Mbale and Karamoja. It is a pleasure for me to stand before you -

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Honourable Members of Parliament and the citizens in the Gallery, I greet you all in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. (Applause) To our Muslim brothers and sisters, allow me to greet you in the greatest salutation of all; Assalamu alaikum . (Applause) Mr Speaker, I hail from the Netherlands of this country – Kisoro. ( Interjections ) When I came to Buganda, most people call me, Enume eyo lulyo – (Laughter)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, you visited Kisoro and Kabale the last time - when you were supporting Hon. Kwizera - and you witnessed loadshedding.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am from Kisoro District. Kisoro shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The matter of national importance I am raising is that whereas we have the East African Community that allows free movement of goods and people, at Kyanika border point, which is between Rwanda and Uganda, there is no such implementation of the treaty. As a result, business in Kisoro is at a standstill. Banks are threatening to close and it has also affected the economy. Although one of the ministers said that the Ugandan economy got an accident, in Kisoro, the economy is very hard. (Laughter) Worse still, the Bunagana border between Uganda and the DRC is also closed. We ask the government to work with the local community in resolving those conflicts because we are one people, although separated by the borders.

Thank you. Honourable minister, on top of that, you need to reassure the people of Kisoro, the people across the border and the people of Uganda that indeed, you are making very good progress in addressing this matter.

Thank you. Honourable colleagues, this statement is for information purposes, but I can get two MPs from the affected areas. I have Mubende, where the case was found, and Kisoro. Colleagues, not everyone will speak on this matter. We have other matters to consider. Hon. Pascal?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. As you are aware, Kisoro District borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the time when Kisoro, for example, is receiving very many refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. You are well aware that we have got our brothers and sisters in the DRC. Mubende has just been affected simply because of that big gold mine, where people want to go and make money. Similarly, Kisoro may be affected because earlier in the morning, I called our medical personnel in Kisoro to find out whether there could be any cases. Fortunately, there is no case there. Putting in mind that, and all of us well aware that Uganda is a tourism country, this matter must be treated with serious urgency. I expect and I request the ministry that if this problem has been identified in Mubende, it should be an emergency and the ministry should not sit here in Kampala. Instead, they should go to Mubende and find out all those people with the symptoms, isolate them, and ensure that this is put to an end. If this is not done, we are going to see it in the newspapers - both local and international newspapers - that Uganda is now affected by Ebola.

. Uganda Community Museums Association o Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development . Uganda Law Society . Uganda Tourism Association . Association of Tour Operators in Uganda r The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda . Uganda National Cultural Centre . Bahinza Cultural Heritage Foundation . Uganda Tourism Board o Uganda Law Reform Commission o Madi Oko1lo District Locai Government r Kisoro Tourism and Conservation Association e National Culture Forum o Buglrrere Culturai Institution 4.2 Benchmarking Study in the National Museum of Kenya The Committee undertook a bench marking study in the National Museum of Kenya for purposes of comparative analysis. 4.3 Visit to the Uganda Museum The Committee undertook a field visit to the Uganda Museum in Kampala for purposes of ascertaining the status quo at the Museum. 4.3 Document Review The Committee reviewed and made reference to the following documents: .3. The 1995 Constitution of Uganda .1. The Historical Monuments Act, Cap 46 {. Uganda National Culture Policy, 2019 .i. National guidelines for establishment and management of museums and 7 lr NJ d, collections in Uganda 4 I