Kotido District

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

I would like to make us a bit more uncomfortable by drawing a few more figures. It has been three months since rainfall last came to Karamoja in what is supposed to be a wet season. 1.15 million acres of crops have been decimated; 21 days of food 20 days ago was had in Kaabong; 40.5 per cent gam rates in Napumpum in Kotido; 20 people have so far died in Rengen Subcounty in Kotido and the Government has acknowledged 16; six months until the next rains in February; eight weeks for the window remaining to distribute seedlings to those communities that might have a second season in the September to December window.

Mr Speaker, the Government moved ahead of this motion and already, something is being done. We already supported the people of Kaabong, Kotido and some parts of Moroto, especially areas that are famine-stricken. My office -

321 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY,14 JULY 2026 with a number of people in the cattle corridor, transforming not only the cattle corridor, but the rest of the country today. He gave an example of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Uganda of US$ 3.6 billion in 1986. Today, we are at US$ 69 billion, going to US$ 500 billion. He gave the example of life expectancy rising from 43 years to now 68 years and infant mortality reducing from 122 to 36. He mentioned that poverty had reduced from 56 per cent to almost 16 per cent. Honourable colleagues, in terms of tracing the history of NRM and the work of President Museveni, we must applaud him for the dedication to this country – (Applause) - bringing us from a state of hopelessness to hopefulness. However, the historical mission of NRM in Karamoja is not yet done. As we talk, the vulnerabilities to weather are still persistent. We appeal to this House and country that Karamoja is now in a state of dire need of food. More than 900,000 people are affected. People are starting to die in Kotido, Kaabong and some parts of Moroto because of bad weather, which is actually affecting the whole country. In Karamoja, without a cow - and most people lost animals to insecurity. There is a dire need to refocus the mission of NRM in Karamoja to equalise this country. We were talking about education and equity here, but there is still more to be done in Karamoja. In terms of monetary poverty, Karamoja stands at 74 per cent. In terms of multidimensional poverty, Karamoja stands at 56 per cent. We are the best in all bad indicators - infant mortality, life expectancy; all of these. We need to focus and find a better strategy to address the challenges that face that part of the country. Karamoja constitutes 10 per cent of this country, and it is now starting to deliver to the rest of the country in terms of minerals. We already have four new cement factories helping us. We have now got a clinker factory, so we do not have to import. We have marble; we are getting materials for tiles. Therefore, let us support Karamoja so that it can support this country. (Applause) My appeal to the Government and to this country is, let us re-focus on the historical mission of NRM under – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to also emphasise the registration bit. I lead a county that borders Abim, Kapelebyong and Kotido. There are villages like Aolio that are shared. Sometimes, you find that the LC1 chairperson does not know where he belongs. Therefore, he registers people from Abim and Napak, so we often find confusion about where it belongs. My prayer to the Minister of Local Government is to find a way for them to open the border for us so that we can know where some of our LC1 areas belong.

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

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

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.)

Madam Speaker, I want to tell the minister for finance not to get worried about the threshold because you can do what we call voluntary registration. It is allowed. If somebody wants to collect or claim their VAT, they can voluntarily register. Even under the Income Tax Act, those who have not been allowed to file tax returns for a turnover of Shs 500 million or less can only pay on the gross amount they are taxed on. Therefore, this is in line with the Income Tax Act. Madam Speaker, there are two smaller things that I want the minister to help me understand. I deal in fuel. When a motorcycle comes and takes fuel, it pays Shs 1,500. Those pumps do not issue electronic invoices or receipts under the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution system (EFRIS). How do you want to manage the businesses that have no capacity to issue EFRIS receipts whenever they make a sale? Why should you penalise them if it is not their own making? Secondly, Madam Speaker, we are talking about returns on investment. If we want to increase returns on investment, we should promote local investment. To encourage locals to invest, we should make it easier for them to go to rural areas by offering more incentives. I want to agree, first of all, with the minority report on the $500,000 threshold. If I want to invest in a village in Kotido, how do you encourage me to go there? I should go there with $200,000 dollars -

18636 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 Madam Speaker, we have just passed an amendment on the copyright law. We strongly recommend that this money be provided to open up this facility. Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Madam Speaker, despite the recent recruitment of 125 state attorneys for which the department is grateful, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions staffing stands at 759 against the approved 1,734, which represents 43 per cent staffing level. There is still a critical need for recruitment of both legal prosecutors and administrative staff to expand the scope of reach of criminal prosecution services. The office of the DPP requires an additional funding of Shs 10 billion for the recruitment of both legal prosecutors and administration. The committee notes that with the improved staffing, state attorneys will reduce the current workload and improve the perusal of case files. The committee finds this requirement critical and recommends an additional Shs 20 billion, instead of Shs 10 billion requested for, be provided to the Office of the DPP during the Financial Year 2026/2027 to facilitate the recruitment of staff to close the prosecutor- case ratio and increase the scope of criminal prosecution services across the country. Honourable colleagues, there is a need for a prosecutor for every magistrate at the district courts. This is because you find one prosecutor serving three magistrates. Therefore, you cannot have the proceedings continue unless this prosecutor has moved from this court to another, hence, the justification for an increase from the requested Shs 10 billion to Shs 20 billion. Establishment and operationalisation of offices in 32 districts The Office of the DPP is not present in 32 districts and more than 100 outer courts with Grade 1 Magistrates. This has affected the delivery of prosecution services. In order to establish and operationalise a Resident State Attorney station, the Office of the DPP requires an additional Shs 8 billion to establish a Resident State Attorney Station in each of these districts at a unit cost of Shs 250 million. The committee deems this requirement very important and, therefore, recommends that the Office of the DPP be provided with Shs 8 billion to implement the construction of these stations. Construction of offices and residential premises in hard-to-reach and hard-to-stay areas As part of strengthening criminal prosecution service delivery, the Office of the DPP has established 148 offices, both at the regional and district levels. However, officers fail to find decent offices and residences for accommodation in some of these areas. The Office of the DPP requires Shs 20 billion for the construction of offices and residential premises to attract officers to serve in the hard-to-reach and hard-to-stay areas. The committee makes a recommendation that Shs 20 billion be provided for the development budget of the Office of the DPP during this financial year to construct their own up-country offices and residential premises. Transport Equipment The committee observed that the Office of the DPP requires Shs 18 billion for the procurement of 72 vehicles to support the movement of officers to and from courts to avoid sharing public transport facilities with suspects, relatives and their accomplices while in prosecution of case files and other sensitive documents. Officers who serve hard-to-reach and stay areas of Bukwo, Yumbe, Pakwach, Maracha, Kalangala, Kotido, Koboko, Bwera, among others; including supervision by management. The committee recommends that Shs 18 billion be provided to the Office of the DPP during this financial year to provide transport equipment for those areas.

Thank you so much, honourable members. Honourable minister, Chairperson of the Budget Committee and the members, I want to thank you so much for handling the supplementary. Honourable minister, I know you have considered a number of roads. Thank you but I have some very crucial roads that should be considered: Lira-Aloi-Otuke-Abim-Kotido road, we have Lira-Apala-Otuke, we have Buhweju road, we have Kachonga, Butaleja, Busolwe, Tororo - that tells you that I have gone through this country –Dokolo-Namasale- Otuke. Honourable minister, we need to look at those roads. Then there was part of the road that we are working on in Isingiro towards Tanzania. We also have the BKK 1 and 2 ferry. We are opening it in January. Hon. Agaba?

Once they get that authority, they spend the money. The stations do two things. Let me explain; One, they supervise what we call framework contracts. There are works which may be too big for the station to handle. So, we engage contractors in what we call a framework contract. They go on those roads and do the framework. For example, I recently received a problem between Kotido and Kabong -

Yes, courtesy of the Speaker. My station manager in Moroto has already sent a framework contractor to handle the Kotido-Kaabong section. The Kotido station will handle the section between Kotido and Moroto, and my station in Moroto, on the first account, will handle the section between Moroto and Lopei. Therefore, these stations are active. The station in Soroti under Olupot has been handling the work between Soroti, Katakwi, and other areas. If your station has not yet been active -

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I thank the Government for its efforts in the construction and maintenance of roads. However, we still have a lot of challenges. I bring to the attention of the minister that we have the Moroto-Lokitanyala Road that is under construction, and is almost getting to completion. However, we have the majority of the Project-Affected Persons not compensated. Honourable minister, I want to know when you are going to complete the compensation of those project-affected persons before the road is completed. Thank you. Then you talked about the Moroto-Lopei and Kotido-Karenga roads. Honourable minister, we have a tarmac road that is not more than 15 years old. From the road at the Moroto-Kotido Junction up to Moroto Town, that is on Moroto- Soroti Road, we have a stretch with tarmac that has deteriorated so much to the extent that it does not even have potholes on the road, but water ponds. What are you thinking about repairing that part? And we have Moroto-Lokiriama Road, Lokiriama is in Kenya. That road has totally degenerated, and it is under the Ministry of Works and Transport. What are you thinking about the maintenance of that murram road? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would also like to thank the minister and the ministry, for that matter, for maintaining the Kotido-Moroto murram road under your courtesy. However, I would like to inform and remind the minister that there is a road from Kotido, via Abim, Amuria, Kotido, Abim and Otuke, which is in a very deplorable state and yet, we are now receiving heavy rains. This is a road that is mainly used by buses from Kotido to Kampala, Soroti and Lira, but they get stuck

17699 THE ELEVENTH P A RLIAMENT O F U G A N D A WEDNESDAY, 6 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 there for almost two days. This road should attract urgent attention from the ministry for its maintenance. Secondly, there is the Kotido-Kabong-Kidepo Road, which has been earmarked for quite a long time to be tarmacked. I saw, in the NDP IV, that it is still at the feasibility stage; it has been there for 15 years. I am wondering how long the feasibility study for the Kotido- Kabong Road will take. Thank you.

Yes, Madam Speaker. Kitgum-Matidi-Waal-Kalongo Road is a big challenge and as it slopes down in Kalongo, the terrain is very challenging and I know the district cannot manage. We shall ensure that Kitgum station addresses the issue of the Kitgum-Matidi-Waal-Kalongo Road. On the Pajule-Pader-Patongo Road, under the project we are doing now; Rwekunye- Apac-Lira-Puranga Road on the section of the Puranga-Acholibur Road, we are going to have a loop to Pader District through Pajule. So that will address the Pajule issue and some tarmac into Pader. Madam Speaker, Pader is just like Kalungu. There is no tarmac in Pader. Tarmac goes like this - but we will get there. Obongi Ferry is not in a very good state. We need to have a full rehabilitation of the ferry. Hopefully, when we start the construction of the Laropi Bridge, we shall relieve that more serviceable ferry and bring it downwards. The Koch Goma Bridge is under the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP) in the Prime Minister’s Office so I cannot respond on that. Lira-Otuke-Abim-Kotido Road is the road in the National Development Plan (NDP) IV. We will see whether we go through Achanpi or we first go to Kotido to Abim through Lira. Otherwise, we may eventually go to Achanpi and down to Soroti. Madam Speaker, Kotido-Moroto-Kaabong Road is a tourism project. Already, the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the contractor who did the Entebbe Expressway, is in discussions with the finance ministry to pre-finance the project all the way from Moroto, Kotido-Kaabong-Karenga and up to Kidepo. Regarding the challenges of the station in Moyo, Madam Speaker, I do not think they have a lot of challenges. The challenge has been the delay to enable them to work, but that one we are resolving. The station managers who are out there are very industrious. They want to work. Once we solve this issue of them being allowed to operate their accounts, I think you will see a difference. Regarding the Karugutu-Ntoroko Road, there is already a contractor; Afcons, who is supposed to do that road. It has taken a while because, I think, again, of funding mechanisms. However, this is an oil road. It is package four of the oil road. It is going to be done soon because we are doing Lusalira-Nkonge now to Lumegere to Sembabule. So when we do that, Afcons will also come and do Karugutu-Ntoroko. Therefore, the maintenance of Fort Portal- Bundibugyo is critical because that is the only route which the people of Bundibugyo have. We have also China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) on that route to do a framework contract for maintenance up to Lamia. What are the adaptive engineering technologies which we are adopting to ensure that our roads survive the vagaries of nature? These are things which we do most of the time. All our projects, 90 per cent of them, must have the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) done and through that, we ensure

17496 ADDRESS ON THE STATE OF THE NATION 6. The PCR kit developed by scientists at Makerere University to conduct more than two million tests at 50 per cent of the cost of imported alternatives. This has saved the country $37 million in imports per year; 7. Gulu University developed highly effective rapid test kits for crop diseases – for cassava and sweet potatoes; 8. The engineering development and innovation centres in Rwebiteete, Kiruhura District and Namanve are enhancing capacity for industrial technology, metallurgy, electrical and electronics, civil engineering, automotive technology, agricultural mechanisation, and construction machinery. 9. The Presidential Initiative on the Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) plant in Bushenyi – can you show us that one? Bushenyi banange! If you don’t want to die from a heart attack, you eat our bananas. They have got potassium for your heart muscles. The Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development plant in Bushenyi has significantly increased commercial production capacity to 140 metric tonnes of fresh Matooke – “Matooke” is bananas – per day. The plant has sales orders from the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Italy. Over the last 17 years, the NRM Government has prioritised infrastructure development, especially the roads, railways and electricity. We now have a solid foundation to support industrial development. All parts of the country are interconnected using tarmac and good murram roads. This means that whatever is produced in the country can easily reach the markets. It also means that the cost and time of moving goods has reduced significantly, facilitating both investments and trade. The stock of tarmac roads is now 6,199 kilometres, compared to only 1,900 kilometres when the NRM took power in 1986. Of these 1,900 kilometres, only 114 kilometres were in fair condition, while the rest, totalling 1,786 kilometres, were in poor condition. The roads to commence construction to tarmac standard next financial year include: 1. 23.6km., Yumbe-Ure Road and bridge. Are my people from Yumbe happy? Awadifo. (Applause) 2. 69.3km., Katine-Ochero Road – apwoyo, apwoyo, apwoyo – and 2.9 kilometres of town roads in Kaberamaido and Kalaki towns. 3. 105km. of Kyenjojo-Kihura-Bwizi-Rwamwanja- Kahunge and Mpara-Bwizi. Mwebale muno. 4. 56.3km., Iganga-Bulopa-Kamuli-Jinja. Mwebale ino . 5. 127km Mbulamuti-Kamuli-Bukungu – at long last. 6. 10km., Jinja City roads. 7. 115km., Kitgum-Kidepo. Apwoyo, apwoyo! (Applause) 8. 88km, Ishasa-Katunguru Road. Mwebale munonga . 9. 65.3km, Luku-Kalangala-Mulabana Road. Do the bassesse have their own language? Bogera Luganda? Kale bagenderawo. 10. 10.67 kilometres on the seven town roads in Kalangala. 11. 72km, Nabumali-Butaleja-Namutumba. 12. 73km, Karenga-Kapedo-Kaabong. 13. 69.6km, Kotido-Kaabong Road. Alakara noi noi . 14. 25km, Bubulo-Bududa Circular Road. Akaguto ako banange. Aba Masaaba. 15. 21km, Mbale-Nkokonjeru Road . 16. 46.4km, Kabwohe-Nyakambu-Bwizibw - era and Nyakambu-Nsiika Road. Abany - abuhweju, at last. The Government is repairing the 78.9km road from Nebbi to Arua and I am also negotiating for more money to tarmac other roads, namely: Kabujogyera-Kitagwenda-Kamwenge Road – a batagwenda bangye mutebwo amastiko; Muhaanga-Rwamuchuuchu-Kisiizi-Rubaare Road with a branch to Nyakisheenyi and another one to Kebisooni – Abahooro, Abakiga tindabasa kubebwa; Lyantonde-Lumbugu- Rakai – abakooki baffe eyomunda eyo;

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

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. I would like to join my colleagues in thanking the committee for the well-elaborated presentation. On behalf of the people of Lango, we would like to thank the Government for the Apac-Rwenkunye road and the rehabilitation of the Soroti-Kamdini Road. Lango is the third highest payer of taxes in this country, but our road bitumen coverage is three per cent, and these are mainly roads that the former Governments constructed. Since the inception of this Government, it has constructed only the Apac-Rwenkunye Road. I request that the Lira-Aloi-Abim-Kotido Road be especially put in this budget. This has been in the manifesto for two consecutive terms. There was even a time we were called for a handover; the ministry disappeared up to date. This would boost business because we have enough industries to supply northern Uganda. We need a connection. Thank you so much. (Applause)

17155 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2025 III, where work had already started. Things like valuation, the technical work that people do, but the same roads are in NDP IV. However, what is coming from the report of the committee is that some of the roads, which we had already started, have not been captured in the report, and are also not in the budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026. For example, honourable minister, you know the Lira-Aloi- Otuke-Abim-Kotido Road, which honourable Linda referred to, is 179 kilometres covering six districts of Lira City, Lira, Alebtong, Otuke, Abim and Kotido. How come after the work has been done - because we were excited. That was the first tarmac road that was going to pass through some of our places. You did the valuation, and people were waiting to be compensated - we were expecting now for the graders to start working, but they are not even in the plan. How do we defend the plan of the Government, which is in the NRM manifesto and the NDP III and IV? Mr Speaker, we need to look at the list again. As the Committee on Budget, we shall align it with NDP IV and see how we arrived at some of them – (Member timed out.)

17005 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 15 APRIL 2025 3) Oxygen plants Page 18, the committee recommends that additional Shs 8.6 billion be provided to the Ministry of Health to complete and commission the remaining oxygen plants and additional Shs 11.85 billion be provided to procure transformers that will stabilise the power supply for the oxygen plants and newly acquired medical equipment. 4) Medical equipment The Ministry of Health reported that it had acquired new imaging equipment, like CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound machines, for regional referral hospitals. This equipment requires constant maintenance that can cost Shs 7.7 billion annually. The committee recommends that additional Shs 7.5 billion be provided for the maintenance of that equipment. 5) Upgrade of health centres We can go to the recommendations on page 19. i) We need Shs 60 billion to complete the upgrade of health centres that had already been started. ii) We need an addition of Shs 7.6 billion for equipment that will be required to functionalise the upgraded health facilities. 6) Inadequate funding for the renovation and equipping of health facilities. In the second-to-last paragraph, the Ministry of Health reported that in 2024/2025, it had planned for the partial rehabilitation of 13 general hospitals. These include Kambuga, Masindi, Apac, Koboko, Kotido, Kamwenge, Kitgum, Katakwi, Amuria, Kasana Luweero, Kapchorwa, Itojo, and Muko. The total budget was Shs 39 billion, but the cumulative release from quarter 1 to quarter 3 was only Shs 12.7 billion, which is only 32 per cent. Recommendations on page 20 (i) The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development should provide additional funds amounting to Shs 46 billion to complete rehabilitation, expansion, and equipping of Masindi, Kambuga, and Itojo General Hospitals, which are currently very old and dilapidated. (ii) The Ministry of Finance should provide Shs 20 billion, which is required to commence the rehabilitation of the foreign general hospitals, Apac, Koboko, Kotido, Kamwenge, Kitgum, Katakwi, Amuria, Kasana Luweero, Kapchorwa, in a phased manner. The Ministry of Finance should prioritise the release of the transitional development grant to address the issues of delayed rehabilitation completion. Hard-to-reach areas, such as Mayuge, Namayingo, Kalangala, Buvuma, and the rest, should be given affirmative action regarding health service delivery. 7) Status of ambulances There are 158 constituencies that have not received ambulances. The honourable members are complaining. Also, we have 14 boat ambulances, but very expensive to maintain in terms of fuel and servicing. The recommendations i) The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development provides additional Shs 54 billion to procure 158 ambulances for the remaining constituencies, including mine. (Laughter) ii) Additional funds amounting to Shs 17 billion, that is, fuel – Shs 12.8 billion and Shs 5.6 billion for servicing, be provided for the maintenance and functionalisation of the current fleet of ambulances under the National Ambulance Call and Dispatch System.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, and I thank the committee for a very good report. When the committee came to Abim, I was on the ground and it saw the mood of the people. In that meeting, the committee was informed that five subcounties in Abim are affected by wildlife, especially elephants. Regarding the two persons whose names were read by the chairperson, one was killed by a buffalo and the other was killed by an elephant, and this was a very young person. The honourable colleague is saying we need to weed out the old ones, but I would like to inform this House that even those old ones are very dangerous. Just yesterday, we lost two people, the bazungu , while they were doing spot hunting in Kidepo National Park. Therefore, I have sent an appeal to the minister. There was a presidential directive to fence off Kidepo National Park. Abim, for example, does not border any park. The seven affected subcounties do not border any park or wildlife reserve. However, you can imagine elephants walking from Karenga, passing through Kaabong, coming to Kotido and being residents of Abim. (Laughter) It is very unfortunate. Mr Speaker, from the time the committee left Abim, nothing has changed. The affected families do not have food; they have not been supported. I appeal to the Government to support their supporters who are going to vote tomorrow. I would also like the minister to ensure the presidential – (Member timed out)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On the 20 th of October, every year, the entire Uganda - the majority of the people who are 99 per cent Christians - go to Panyimur to celebrate and pray as pilgrims. This is because there are two martyrs; Jildo Irwa and Daudi Okello. This coming Sunday on the 20th, many people are going to move to Panyimur for the same. However, all the roads that lead to Panyimur in Agago North, are impassable. Whether you come from Karamoja, Kitgum, Pader and Lira side. And this year’s celebration is going to be led by the diocese of Kotido. Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Works and Transport should take urgent action so that on the 20th people can go and pray in Panyimur Shrine. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. If you read Section 54(2) of the Local Government Act, it gives a provision for the constitution of the service commission, of which out of five members, one is supposed to come from the urban. We faced a situation in Kotido that took us six months to resolve. It was not until the Attorney- General had to advise. We had the lower urban councils - these are town councils - and the municipality. However, the law says “from the urban”. The municipality recommended a member, as the upper urban council. The town councils, again, recommended one other member. When it came to the council of the district for approval, it became a problem. The district went on to approve a member of the lower local urban council and left out that of the municipality. I wrote a letter, as a Member of Parliament for the urban Kotido Municipality and the mayor wrote a letter, too. There is a lacuna in the law that needs to be rectified, whereby the autonomy of the urban should be given to the upper urban councils in terms of boards and commissions. Even today, with the district land board, we had the same problem. The Attorney-General should advise on these lacunas. Secondly, the Local Government Act also spells out why a member can be removed. However, in Kotido, it was a different situation. One of the members of the commission, who was supposed to serve a second term, after heavy recommendation, was rejected by the council based on political influence. These are some of the issues that are on the ground. I pray that the law or policy is put in place to regulate the appointment of these members by the local councils. I submit.

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. I stand to support the recommendations of the committee and the work well done. Mr Speaker, when we look at Karamoja, the conflict is not a new one, but there is an apex of conflict that I expected the committee to have visited, that is Kotido. As we speak, there is another gruesome rise of insecurity moving from cattle theft to targeted killings. Within a period of two to five years, Kotido District has lost five LC III chairpersons, and of which, on the 14 th of this month, we lost our dear LC III Chairperson of Kotido Subcounty by the name of Mario Lotyang Lokaino who was gruesomely killed by armed warriors. We pray that the Government looks at this new form of killing, targeting local leaders. The chairpersons are not only elected leaders. We are not only elected leaders. There are also chairpersons of security of their sub-counties. When they are targeted, there will be panic and total chaos in the community. I pray that the Ministry for Defence and Veteran Affairs, together with all the security personnel, look at this matter and investigate why the leaders are being targeted by the local people, so that we can give confidence to our people. I pray.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I will talk about, one, the killing of the LC III chairman. That one is a matter of investigation. I think it could be politically motivated or any other reason, but it is very unfortunate. Surely, Kotido has lost quite a number of LC III leaders to some criminals. On the brigade for Kaabong, I do not know whether you people know what a brigade is. You do not know. What I can assure you is that we will make - I will talk to the Division Commander because Karamoja was reinforced. Karamoja is one of our reinforced divisions and the President gave quite enough manpower. The only problem may be how that manpower is being used. I want to assure the people of Kaabong that we shall make sure that they have adequate security because Kaabong has very few raiders. Kaabong is not a raiding community, they need to be protected very well and we shall make sure Kaabong has adequate security. ( Interjections)

14180 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT in Karamoja. In Karamoja, the biggest burden of household welfare is shouldered by the women. They must ensure that there is food, a home, and that the children go to school so, you can imagine the burden our women are carrying. When they are overwhelmed, the children automatically support and they become labourers. The rate of child labour in our region is so high. When they are overwhelmed, they end up in the streets begging. The children do it to support their mothers. We have repatriated a number of our children from the cities in our country. Two years ago, there were women and children here in Gulu City coming from Kotido. About 60 of them had come to look for a living. We sent them back to Kotido. There was another group that came from Kaabong to Busia. We sent them back to Kaabong. There are thousands of children from Napak who are begging in Kampala. The reason is this: because of our cultural dynamics, the mothers are overwhelmed. They cannot afford both household welfare and now the cost of education. I support this motion and I appeal that you support us in this one, honourable colleagues. When you do it, you will liberate not just the children who cannot access education at the moment, but also the women so that they will be able to focus their energy on other welfare needs, because the burden of tuition, in addition to what they are already carrying, is too much. I plead with you, colleagues, that we allow this to pass. It will be good for the region. For every woman in Karamoja who does not have an income or even a living to sustain this burden, that burden is multiplied by six because we produce six children. And then you produce six children who will also be poor. The multiplier effect on the economic burden for this country is so high if we cannot have these children access education. I submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. As I rise to amend the motion, I would also like to make a substantive contribution. Mr Speaker, peace in Karamoja is a prerequisite for socio-economic transformation in the neighbourhood. Like Fr Onen said here, for long we said, “We cannot wait for Karamoja.” Since we did not wait for Karamoja, our neighbours have suffered. I think it is now time that we move together. It is on record that the Kabaka then, Muteesa II, sacrificed his whole salary as a king to support education in Karamoja in the 1960s. It is also on record that the likes of hon. Pulkol, whom again Fr Onen tried to allude to, went to school through force. The parish chiefs, at that time, the Nyamparas, would collect children and take them to school forcefully. However, these were not Government schools; they were church schools. My late father used to tell me that he would walk from Kotido on Saturday, be in school on Sunday, attend classes up to Wednesday, and walk back to Kotido, because there were no boarding schools. That was in Lotome in Napak district. Given all the circumstances, Mr Speaker, we made an effort, as the Karamojong, and introduced something called Alternative Basic Education for Karamoja (ABEK). We thought that we needed to help the learners to continue to do their work. One thing we found out was that if you removed a boy child or a girl child from the household to school, there would be a disequilibrium of labour, because each of them has a role to perform. Therefore, ABEK was introduced to allow the herds boys to study in the morning, after

14184 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT milking the animals, before they graze, and go to graze in the evening. That recorded progress because we produced graduates out of ABEK. Unfortunately, conflicts in the region and cattle rustling could not allow the mobile school to continue. Mr Speaker, I would like to make the following amendments to the motion: that besides the idea of having a policy on free and compulsory education, we would also like to urge the Government to support the Karamoja Peace and Technology University to build a chain to support the education in Karamoja. Karamoja Peace and Technology University is a university that is going to be established for the first time in Karamoja with the support of the Catholic Church, the International Catholic Lawyers Association and the Government of Uganda. President Museveni is the founding chancellor. Why should this university be adopted or included in this motion? As already submitted by the mover of the motion, the children of Karamoja need to get to the schools but there is also need to have the schools that will pick on them. Like Fr Onen said, “Where did these educated Karamojong come from?” People studied outside Karamoja and those who studied outside Karamoja were children of chiefs. Those of us whose parents were not chiefs - I remember, for two years, I used to ride a bicycle from Kotido to National Teachers’ College (NTC) Ngeta in order to be in school. How many Karamojong can do that now? Mr Speaker, my proposal to amend the motion is to add the words, “To also urge the Government to support the Karamoja Peace and Technology University in Karamoja”, because it is going to be a catalyst of mindset change; it is going to be a catalyst of economic transformation. We believe that in the next 10 years, we will have taken 350,000 school-age-going-children to school and that will be the joy of Fr Onen, because there will then be more Christians coming to seek for penance and prayers from Fr Onen. I thank you, Mr Speaker.

14227 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 30 AUGUST 2024 In our recommendations, the key one is that due to the huge burden of sickle cell disease, Lira Regional Referral Hospital needs to be equipped with an electrophoresis sickle cell testing machine to avoid the transport – or having the samples sent to Kampala for testing. Karamoja subregion We noted that in terms of the burden of disease – there were also cases of mortality – there was a high malaria burden and, in addition, we also noticed that there were high cases of liver cirrhosis. This was mainly attributed to two factors: Hepatitis B infection; and alcoholism – as reported to us. On the specific findings on distribution of health facilities, Karamoja has a population of 1.4 million with three general hospitals that are Government’s, two private not-for-profit facilities and one private for-profit facility. Notably, we were informed that one of the private not-for-profit facilities, Matany Hospital in Napak district, was facing financial constraints due to an impending total withdrawal of funding from the Italian funders. We have recommended that the Government should consider taking over Matany Hospital as a Government facility, plus planning for other health centres IV and III. The status of infrastructure Mr Speaker, this is one of the areas where there were big challenges in Karamoja subregion. We noted several buildings within Moroto Regional Referral Hospital that were dilapidated, having been constructed in 1948. Also, they did not have a functional mortuary and, therefore, have to rely on Mbale and Soroti regional referral hospitals. They, also, did not have a functional ICU despite having the equipment, because they did not have the space. In addition, they had the highest rate of caesarean section. What is acceptable is that for every 100 mothers that come, a maximum of 15 should undergo a caesarean section for delivery. However, the figures were as high as 45 per cent, and this was attributed to non- functionality of some of the theatres in the health centres IV. We also noted that one of the big constraints in terms of infrastructure development is because they were not among the major beneficiaries of Uganda Government Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) programme because they had the Karamoja Infrastructure Development Plan, which delayed to commence and, as a result, many of the health centres II have not been upgraded to the level of health centres III. We also noted that Abim Hospital and Kotido General Hospital had not received the required funds for renovation. For example, Abim, since 1968, has never had any renovation. We also found out that the facility did not have any water supply available. So, we recommend the provision of the necessary funds. Notably, Abim Hospital did not have three-phase power, which was critical for running some of the equipment that they have within the lab and, also, in the imaging. Status of human resource On the status of human resource – these are the same observations that we made across the subregion. However, notable was that there were staff working in critical areas, majorly as volunteers without substantive appointment. As regards the status of diagnostic services, we noted that the digital X-ray in Abim Hospital has not been functional for the last seven years. This is a new digital X-ray machine, but because of lack of three-phase power, it has never been installed. The ICU is also not functional despite having 10 ICU beds that were delivered there two years ago. Therefore, there is need for intervention on the diagnostic services. As regards availability and utilisation of medicines and supplies, we noted that,

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also want to thank the committee for this good report. They have rightly observed what is taking place in our health facilities and hospitals for that matter. Kotido General Hospital is just by name from the time it was upgraded from health centre IV to a general hospital. It still has the structures that were meant for a health centre IV. Kotido General Hospital has a very large catchment area, simply because the district and the constituencies do not have a health centre IV. So, the whole population goes to this general hospital. Kotido General Hospital does not have a theatre. Even the available mini theatre is not commissioned for performing surgeries in the hospital. Usually, what happens is that critically ill patients who need referral, are referred to Matany Hospital, which is 75 kilometres away from Kotido. They incur high transport costs, which also becomes a very big burden to the patients. Kotido General Hospital also does not have X-ray machines. Therefore, people still have to go to Kaabong, Matany and Abim hospitals to access these X-ray services. You can see how pathetic the situation of Kotido General Hospital is. Coming to human resources, Kotido General Hospital is being served by workers that have been seconded from health centre IIIs, and volunteers. This hospital needs very urgent attention from the Government. Lack of blood is still a serious situation that we are faced with. Mr Speaker, we have five subcounties that do not have any health facilities, not even a health centre II. You can imagine how big the burden is faced by these communities. Therefore, there is need to consider Kotido General Hospital for funding, to take care of the infrastructure, recruitment of the personnel, and the many services that the people of Kotido would get from this health facility or general hospital for that matter. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

14100 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT xi) Napiananya, between Nakapiripirit and Mbale; xii) Kocomin/Nacomin Bridge, that is between Amudat and Nabilatuk; xiii) Karita Bridge, between Amudat and Kween; xiv) Dingdinga Bridge between Amudat and West Pokot, which is a part of Kenya; xv) Nabokotom Bridge between Amudat and West Pokot, which is at the URA border point; and xvi) Dopeth Bridge between Kotido and Abim. In terms of the aerodromes, the region considered: i) Nadunget Airfield in Moroto which needs to be upgraded; ii) Amudat Airstrip; iii) Morulem Airstrip in Abim; and iv) Kotido Airstrip. This is the addendum that the region considered to be included in the infrastructure report. Thank you.

14107 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 29 AUGUST 2024 We also recognise and appreciate the decision to elevate three municipalities into cities. These are notably; Gulu, Lira, and Arua cities plus Moroto which is not yet operationalised, but it was passed. This elevation status has created immense opportunities for the region, which, if properly harnessed, will bolster the development of this area. Your Excellency, we also recognise that northern Uganda is not a homogeneous society. The different subregions within northern Uganda have peculiar realities which impact on their growth and development. However, there are cross cutting realities notably; the post war recovery, the high level of poverty and ever growing youth population a fair number of which are unemployed, a large track of arable land, averse national resources, the high influx of refugees, environmental degradation, limited transport infrastructure, heavy reliance on subsistence agriculture, limited value addition to agricultural output, retrogressive cultural practices such as cattle rustling, and the subjection of women and girl child, the enormous water resources, lack of health facilities and lack of enough schools. For instance, if you look at Gulu, Gulu City does not have a Senior five, A-level school. While we have a number of issues that affect each and every area that is; West Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja. Then delayed compensation of war victims and lack of compensation for the land that was taken over during the insurgency. Your Excellency, the sitting specifically took cognisance of the need for mindset change as a major catalyst for increased production and social-economic transformation in the northern region. In addition, the House recognised the need to embrace viable cash crops, livestock agriculture, agricultural mechanisation and value addition, and sustainable organic farming, among others. The Sitting recognised the importance of reliable transport and communication infrastructure as an enabler of growth and development. To this end, Members raised the need for the rehabilitation and development of strategic national roads infrastructure in the different regions notably; Moroto-Kotido- Kaabong-Karenga Road, Koboko-Yumbe- Moyo Road, Kitgum-Kidepo Road, Nebbi- Goli-Paidha-Zombo-Warr-Vurra Road. They are very many of them plus bridges and we shall hand it over to you. Including our famous Karuma Bridge that is about to give way. Your Excellency, at the end of this Sitting, I will submit to you a memorandum detailing the specifics of the areas of concern that this House has passed, that the committees found on ground and need to be worked on in the northern region. Members noted the need to work to ensure the success of the prevailing government development initiatives such as Emyooga . The 4-acre model may not be vital in this area because we have all the land. What we need is to do mechanisation, provide some funds in societies, create market for these products, identify the cash crops to be grown in this area to have a participatory approach to what is being done in this area and have a micro- credit scheme by adapting such programmes to local realities in order to achieve meaningful outcomes in the region. Your Excellency, at the end of the Sitting, we will transmit these resolutions for your relevant action as the Chief Finance Minister of this country. All these relate to finances. Our work is to find out what is lacking but at the end of the day, it all comes back to the Chief Finance Minister who is none other than your good self. As the leadership of the Legislature, we intend to have the regional sittings as a salient aspect of our legislative culture and vision of taking Parliament to the people. We, being a people- centred Parliament, we believe in evidence- based legislation and this can ably be done by our committees who go to the ground and find out what is happening there and report back to Parliament. Your Excellency, I now take the singular honour to invite you to address the House and

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. I want to thank the committee for their report. However, Madam Speaker, as you have sent us to go to all these areas in Northern Uganda, I want to re-echo again on the issue of Kitgum- Karenga-Kidepo-Kaboong-Kotido Road, which is actually one of the busiest roads that gives us a lot of money from the tourism sector. I want to inform you that when we went on the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, there were other members of Parliament who could not cross from Moroto to Kotido because of Lopei Bridge which was flooded. At the same time, we could not even cross to Abim passing via Kotido to Aleret. Secondly, Karenga is going to host –

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.

13591 THE E L E V E N TH P A R L I A MENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY , 25 J ULY 2024 I would advise them to take this path and not go and terrorise the people. Just speak normally and there will be people who will be at your side to talk about Karamoja and of course, the region. You know, with us who have been ministers, it is not easy even to say, we are coming out to say we want this. No, but we tell them to speak. With us who have been in the ministries, you speak on the side of your ministry, but this man was particular. Imagine, when I was appointed to go to the docket of Karamoja, they all came, including Hon. Remigio. We were designing what we could do to make sure the place is completely peaceful. I told them, join me. We were moving to the ground. I have already addressed people in towns and should now go to the bush. I have already gone somewhere and I met groups in Kotido, Matheniko. We said we must talk to these people who are disturbing people and get the children out. Why? Then he came and we looked at the plan they had made. It was very nice. It would come to Cabinet and Parliament, on how to develop Karamoja. Then, this time, we were lucky that some investors came there and said they wanted to construct cement factories. He was among the negotiators, and negotiated for one in Nadunget. We have finished the one which is being constructed. They were now negotiating for another one to be built in Katikikili. He was now having protracted talks with the P roject- A ffected P ersons (PAPs) and the investors. They finished last week and he was all the time sending information to me. Look at this, what do you think about this? I would also reply and say, maybe it should be like this and we would discuss it. The day when he met his death, he rang me at 6.00 p.m. and said, “Sir, I have finished with these people and we have agreed.” He sent me a text. I asked, when are you coming? He said, “I am coming tomorrow.” Little did I know that he had started the journey at night because it was already late. I went to sleep, waiting for them to come so that we go and sign, but what did I hear in the morning? Somebody told me, “Sir, it looks like ‘ASPRO’ - that is his pet name - “has had an accident.” I said, is he hurt? He said, “It looks like he has even died.” What? Died! That was bad news for me. I said, let us go. We were now travelling to the office and when I went there, I found the Right Honourable Prime Minister had already known, everybody had known. People were running around in disarray to try to find a way of making arrangements to bring the body here. They said the body was already on the way and I said, that is very good. We had a meeting in the office and I found the Right Honourable sharing. I told her, excuse me, I cannot attend this meeting because I could not hear what was being spoken and then I left. That is how the news came. Thinking of a person you knew from childhood up to now, what he has been saying about Parliament, the man was good-hearted and consultative every time. That is what I liked about him. He is now here lying when we had expected he had now reached maturity and would be advising us but that is how nature is. All of us here; one by one, one time we shall not be here. Where are those who were here before? They have gone. The only thing we ask God is, take us slowly but I know we shall go. For people like us, I am not of your age, as you look at me like this. That is why I call him my son yet he is an honourable. I have been here for some time and I have also worked for the Government before. For sure it is good manners to behave well and be dexterous with what you are dealing with. I want to repeat by appealing to the House and those who are hearing, especially His Excellency. When I went to talk to these children, I looked at them and told them, “Do not mind because people die. Do not commit suicide, God will come to your side.”

13605 THE E L E V E N TH P A R L I A MENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY , 25 J ULY 2024 The intention of that association was to put our elites together so that we can augment our contributions to the transformation and development of the region so that we do not work in silos and for the members of Parliament to work with others in different sectors to contribute meaningfully. He understood that to develop Karamoja needed all of us, the sons and daughters of the land. However, the founder chairman has gone when it is still in baby stages. We will miss him dearly. That association was the one that accompanied us. The last time he appeared here, he was at the gallery a few weeks ago when the issue of Karamoja Development Agency (KDA) was being presented. The association was supporting the Karamoja group with information required to put our case to you, Mr Speaker. He was a man, as members have said, who loved the unity of Karamoja, not only love by words but also by deeds. He would take his time and invest money in meetings to unite and keep us together. Honourable colleagues, you are aware that even when you are colleagues from the same district, somehow, you can disagree. He organised several meetings. We have had some meetings as Members of Parliament from Napak District. The last meeting, he organised, we all became busy and it did not happen. He loved the unity of leaders. He told us that that was how we could serve the people better. That is the man who has gone. He had a broader lens than mine. He looked at not only Napak or Moroto where he served; he looked everywhere else. Mr Speaker, you are aware that we had Karamoja District when Uganda came into being. Moroto plus Kotido equals to Karamoja. After that, our unity ended there. We now became 12 tribes in one. But when we got too many districts, we began looking at our boundaries. We began looking at ourselves not as one people. And Hon. Aleper has spent a lot of energy trying to unite the region. He made us go back to a time when we were one Karamoja District. Now, we have missed him; he is the pillar we have missed. Let me tell you what happened a few weeks ago. When the Uganda Police Force was recruiting, I was in Napak for a ceremony. He was there too. Then the people of Napak complained that their names had been missed in the recruitment process for the police force. They gave me a duty to come and complain and submit a petition to the leadership of the Uganda Police Force so that they could be given a second chance. I came to the Police together with my district chairman to submit a complaint for the people of Napak because I knew I had their mandate, though I could not do it for all the other districts. However, my district chairman had already informed Hon. Aleper that we were going to the Police to report that matter. He came and found us discussing; I was negotiating a deal for Napak District. When Hon. Aleper entered, the picture changed. My mind had been narrowed to Napak but the picture changed to the entire region. Uganda Police Force accorded Karamoja a second chance after that meeting. That was him. (Applause) We have missed a person of that kind and so, who will look at the bigger picture? Who will look at the region? Who will look at the country? I do not know what kind of replacement we can have for such a person; it cannot happen. He maintained a high level of objectivity in everything he did and in every meeting we had. He would look out for the facts and not for the rumours or blackmail. Actually, he was above blackmail. No amount of blackmail could lower him down. He would not believe it if you told him a rumour. He looked out for what the facts were, and he would stick to that even when he was alone. Members here have talked about his strength being that of speaking his mind, no matter how hard it was. I want to say that that is not a strength. It is a weakness. Even though he

13610 TRIBUTE TO THE L A TE H ON. S I MON P E TER A L E P E R The late Hon. Aleper was a very resourceful person and leader who was very vibrant and assertive. Whenever he took on an issue, he would never give up on it. He was very principled and results-oriented. That is why the little you hear has been done for the Karamoja was his work. The late championed the promises by the Government to tarmac some of the roads in Karamoja, for example, the road from Lira via Alebtong, Otuke, Abim to Kotido although it is not yet done, it was on his agenda. He also championed the issue of the road from Soroti to Amuria, Kapelebyong via Otuke, Abim, and Kotido. Although it is not accomplished, he talked for it. Mr Speaker, from 2010 to 2015, I was the NRM CEC Member for Karamoja. In 2015, when I sought to get a second term, that was when my brother came up and two others. At the intervention of our party Chairperson and for purposes of harmony - we are a marginalized region, and at times we do not want to struggle, we all had to step down and elected him unopposed. This is the person. We knew he was capable and he did not shame us. He could consult even when he was a CEC member whenever there were issues and posted on all the WhatsApp groups. Some of us were too shy to contribute on WhatsApp groups. However, considering that I was his elder sister, he would come to my inbox and ask - He did not even call me honourable, not even my name but he would say “ Maama, what is your view on this” and we would share with him. This is the gentleman we have lost today. As other colleagues have said, to the family, these things happen. We want you to be together and united as a family and see how to champion the legacy he has left. We have seen some families when such an occurrence happens, they go into disarray but we pray that you will be together and the rest of us will be there. We are aware that most of the children are in school and like other Members have said the Government and NRM Party need to do something for the children of the late Hon. “Rock’ Aleper. With those few remarks, colleagues we want to thank you for the love, and Mr Speaker, we want to thank you. I want to thank the President, for honouring our brother, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

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

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,

12723 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 12 APRIL 2024 16 billion, for renovation of the College of Health Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Shs 3.4 billion for the restoration of funding for the Infectious Disease Institute and Shs 2.4 billion for restoration of Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre. Then Shs 12.3 billion for reinstatement of the budget for scholarships, education materials, research outstanding, in- house retirement benefits arrears and contracts gratuity, and Shs 14 billion for increase in Government-sponsored students’ food and living-out allowances. Vote 304: Kyambogo University The committee recommends that Minister of Finance, planning and Economic Development commits additional Shs 6.39 billion for wages, Shs 0.5 billion for research and innovation, Shs 9 billion for renovation of student`s halls of residence, Shs 2 billion for removal of asbestos sheets from buildings, renovation of 20 accommodation facilities. You cannot believe that this still exists in our universities, Madam Speaker and some schools in Kampala Capital City Authority. The committee also recommends that the finance ministry provides Shs 9 billion for construction of a boundary/perimeter wall. Madam Speaker, there are threats already of land grabbing at that university and people have started building houses. The university always fights with those squatters day and night. Vote 309: Gulu University The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits a total additional Shs 5.6 billion for salary harmonisation, Shs 2 billion for the gazettement of the Gulu Central Reserve Forest and degazettement of Gulu University Land in Nwoya. Then, Shs 17 billion for construction of a business and development centre and teaching facility in a phased manner, Shs 3.36 billion for repurposing of Kotido Primary Teacher`s College (PTC) as a learning centre. Shs 2 billion for procurement of five new transport equipment, Shs 4.7 billion for construction of a multipurpose building and Shs 2 billion for preparation of architectural and engineering designs and production of bills of quantities for the proposed Jacob Oulanyah L’Okori Memorial Law Studies Block. Vote 306: Muni University The committee recommends that the Minister of Finance, Planning and Social Development commits additional Shs 2 billion for the construction of the University Administration Block, Shs 4.8 billion for salary shortfalls, Shs 5 billion for renovation and expansion of Madikola farm. Vote 308: Soroti University The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits Shs 25 billion for completion of the anatomy block, which has stalled for quite a long time. Commit Shs 8.8 billion for shortfalls in living out allowances for Government sponsored students, outreach services and clinical placement for students in the school of health sciences and Shs 7.2 billion to address the wage shortfalls. Vote 321: Uganda Management Institute (UMI) The committee observed that the institute struggles with a number of challenges and it recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Social Development commits a total of Shs 10 billion for construction of a new multipurpose building at Kampala branch, Shs 4 billion be provided to construct a new classroom block at Mbale branch, Shs 1.32 to address salary shortfalls, and Shs 2 billion for research and innovations. Vote 310: Lira University The committee recommends that the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commits an additional Shs 11.5 billion to address the recruitment of critical staff.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also thank the committee for the elaborate report. Mr Speaker, on behalf of the people of Karamoja, I applaud the men and women in uniform for ushering in the peace that we are enjoying in Karamoja today. (Applause) The committee has observed rightly that the security situation in Karamoja is beginning to stabilise, but I disagree with the recommendation that the budget should be revised downwards because the security situation in Karamoja is still very fragile. A few guns have gone silent. We are still being attacked by the Turkana, especially in Kotido, Kaabong and Karenga Districts.

12552 SECTORAL C O MMITTEE R E P O R TS In this one year, we have been attacked by the Turkana and Kotido alone has been attacked four times in just this month. Many of our herd boys have been slaughtered by the Turkana and our animals taken. I think the peace that we have realised should be nurtured for some time so that we are able to achieve sustainable peace and be able to also contribute productively to this country. Mr Speaker, I also observe the recommendation by the committee on the budget to support recruitment. While I support this budget for recruitment, we have always faced a challenge during the recruitment process. We have tried to mobilise our young people to join the UPDF, but shockingly and surprisingly, the recruiting team comes with a fleet of young people from unknown destinations. They do not respect the recruitment quota of the people of Karamoja. These people tend to take up the recruitment quota and our people are left out of the recruitment. Lastly, I thank NIRA for the job well done, except for the only challenge we have and which I know is across the country. NIRA district collection points are quite a distance from the communities. For example, in my district, I have the farthest point, which is 70 kilometres from the collection point and you find that when people come, they have to wait and sleep - This is a very big challenge. Therefore, they do not go with their identification. I would recommend that NIRA staff be facilitated to go nearer to the subcounty points in order to give people their identification cards. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Bzsiness Deuelopment and. Qualitg Assurance (1) National business development services guideline developed for 200 men, women, and youth & mainstreamed in the BFP in Central, Northern, West Nile & Eastern Regions. (2) 220 MSMEs of men, youth and women entrepreneurs trained on making Business Plans, Financial Literacy, Resource Mobilization, and Record Keeping. Kiruhura, Rwampara, Kabale,Rubanda, Mitooma, pallisa, Serere, Oyam, Kalaki and Otuke. (3) 60 youths, women, and entrepreneurs prepared to attend trade exhibition in South Sudan Capital, Juba. (41 160 MSMEs of men, women, youths PWDs mobitized and sensitized on the importance of product certification, aud.its, food fortification, and GHp for enterprises in Kotido, Napak DLG, Abim, Amudat, Zombo, Arua, Madi-Oko1o Serere & Kole. (5) T\ryo (21 Business tinkages established between MSMEs and large-scale enterprises for men, women and PWDs. in Soroti City, Amuria, Katakwi, Kumi, Busia, Tororo and Butaleja for men, women and pwDs. (6) 850 MSMEs profiled per region of the country and MSMEs database populated for 212 youths 212 women, 25Omen and 176 pWDs. in Central, Northern and Western Regions. Process ing and. Marketing (1) A detailed study and assessment on various stages of the textile value chain in Uganda from yarn production to manufacturing conducted. ( t u , T +n {> ,.:'._J!!}.$F (\-.

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.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the committee for the report and also thank colleagues for the informative discussion. As you have rightly mentioned, Mr Speaker, not all suffocated employees in this country may succeed in raising petitions to Parliament. Speaking as a lawyer, we have established, under the Employment Act, the Industrial Court - And now that the Attorney-General is around, we need to be briefed. The last time I checked, the Industrial Court, out of the five would-be judges, had only two with one or two registrars and it is positioned in one place; Ntinda. The same Industrial Court must serve a country called Uganda with hundreds of districts. When you look at its enabling provisions being supported by labour officers, most of them do not exist in some regions and even for those regions where we have labour officers, their operational procedure and transaction is not regulated. They are very slow – someone can lodge a complaint and it takes five to 10 years without receiving attention whereas the provisions of the Industrial Court require that the majority of the petitions are referred by labour officers. We must deal with the challenges of employees and employers in a broader way. We need to be briefed by the Attorney-General and the Government: what undertaking are they making to empower the operations of the Industrial Court in line with labour disputes? As we speak, many other employees are struggling with petitions and complaints within labour offices across the country. The Industrial Court is located in Ntinda. How will someone in Pallisa or Kotido travel to the Industrial Court? Where is that empowerment to offer justice to these complainants? We need to interrogate this matter thoroughly and Parliament must be briefed so that we have a conclusive solution. Thank you.

11655 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2024 Cattle rustling The committee established that cattle rustling is not only a prestigious activity to some people but also a commercialised venture in the subregion and one of the key drivers of insecurity in Karamoja and the immediate neighbourhood. The cattle rustlers use mountainous, hilly areas and caves as bases from where they operate to raid communities for animals and other household items and other property. The committee was informed that Kotido is an epicentre of insecurity in the entire subregion due to cattle raids conducted largely by the Jie community. The areas most prone to cattle raids in the subregion are highlighted on page 6. All the above attacks, among others, contribute to the destabilisation of the socioeconomic activities in the region and contribute to exposing the region and the neighbourhood to famine. Cross-border raids and prevalence of illegal arms The committee established that Karamoja is susceptible to cross-border raids and proliferation of illegal guns. The raids and illegal firearms enter Karamoja subregion through Toposa in South Sudan, the Turkana and Pokot of Kenya who have formed alliances with Ugandan pastoral communities and are the key trading partners. Accordingly, the Government of Uganda is implementing a disarmament programme and other strategic operations such as operation “Usalama Kwa Wote” to ensure that peace and security return to the subregion. The committee commends the Government for this but is concerned about the poor coordination of this programme with the neighbouring countries of Kenya and South Sudan. The committee observes that the poor coordination of the disarmament programme with the neighbouring countries provides an enabling environment for continuous proliferation of firearms for the Karamojong rustlers, leading to persistent insecurity and instability. The porous nature of the borders The committee established that the porosity of the Uganda-Kenya and the Uganda-South Sudan borders poses logistical and human resource constraints to effectively maintain the security and stability of the region. The committee observes that the porosity of the borders makes it difficult for the Government to do effective and efficient deployment, hence affecting total control over the borders, which exposes the subregion to raids, contributing to famine. Poor accessibility and connectivity in insecure areas The committee established that poor accessibility and connectivity of most parts of Karamoja subregion inhibit movement and easy access to insecure hotspots such as the Kobebe corridor between the Matheniko, Turkana and the Jie, which hinders timely deployment of security personnel to respond to the activities of the rustlers. In an effort to curb the resurgence of the insecurity situation in the subregion, H.E. the President directed the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in May 2022 to avail Shs 699.6 billion to the Ministry of Works and Transport to finance the opening and rehabilitation of security roads in Karamoja subregion. Consequently, a joint inspection was conducted by a team comprising staff from the Ministry of Works and Transport, UPDF and the Uganda Road Fund (URF) in which four security roads totalling 250 kms were recommended for prioritisation. They are listed here. Additionally, the Government also prioritised two roads to be worked on from the neighbourhood, that is, from the Acholi and Teso subregions. They are also listed here.

Honourable colleagues, I was in Karamoja particularly Kotido, late last year. It is a pity, we can create [Mr Okwalinga] SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT

11667 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2024 allocated towards the construction of staff houses in the Financial Year 2023/2024. The strategy is to cut down construction costs by adopting different designs, using low-cost solutions/Force on Account, and phasing construction using the incremental approach of 500 staff housing units, starting with 900 housing units. Shs 46.5 billion is required to construct the 900 housing units in different designs and sizes using Force on Account as shown in the table below. I think the honourable members have it. The design One is to have a block of two houses (two- bedroom and self-contained). A total of 150 blocks of 300 houses are planned at a unit cost of Shs 0.140 million. The quantity required is 150 and the amount needed is Shs 21 billion. Two, a block of four houses (two-roomed houses with external sanitation facilities) – 150 blocks of 600 houses. The unit cost is Shs 0.170 million, quantity needed is 150 and the total amount needed is Shs 25.5 billion. The total for the 900 housing units is Shs 46.5 billion. Provided in the budget is Shs 1.4 billion and so, the shortfall is Shs 45.1 billion. Another issue raised is mistreatment of prisoners. They recommended that we strengthen the monitoring department to periodically interface with the inmates to identify issues that affect them. The response is that the monitoring and observation of human rights for both staff and prisoners is conducted through the regular supervision of all human rights activities, supporting and monitoring the activities of staff and prisoners’ human rights committees in 266 prisons. The Service has a Department of Inspectorate and Quality Assurance headed by a Commissioner of Prisons and charged with the responsibility of monitoring human rights of observance. However, this needs to be strengthened in terms of both human resource, financial support and facilitation. In addition, in order to strengthen human rights monitoring observance, we undertake to appoint and induct visiting justices in accordance with Section 109(1) and (2) of the Prisons Act. In the Financial Year 2022/2023, the Service appointed and inducted 33 visiting justices to undertake supervision of prisons in the Eastern Region in respect of human rights observance and compliance to custodial standards. In Financial Year 2023/2024, the plan is to induct visiting justices to monitor human rights practices and observances in northern, southern, Kooki, mid-central, north-central and mid-western regions. Shs 2 billion is required to appoint, induct and facilitate the visiting justices to monitor human rights observance and practice in all prisons countrywide. Another issue was the distance between prisons and courts of law. The committee’s recommendation was that the location of adjudicating courts of law should be well planned to be in proximity with prison facilities to reduce distances that inmates have to travel. Our response is that there is a misalignment of prisons locations to courts of judicature, which overstretches prisons operations in delivery of prisoners to court in terms of long distances between courts and prisons. The Service has been in constant engagement with other criminal justice agencies as well as the ministry of finance, to have the misalignment of the criminal justice agencies addressed, especially prisons and courts. As a result, the Service established new prisons at Paidha, Nebbi, Amuru, Oyam, Lugore, Koboko, Kapchorwa, Sheema, Kyenjonjo, Nwoya, Mutufu, Kotido, Nyarushanje, Mityana West, Patongo West, Sanga, Nakapiriprit and Amudat. The challenge of misalignment still exists as reflected in the table that follows: i) Rubirizi - Bushenyi - the distance in between is 45 kilometres; ii) Rubindi - Mbarara – 43km;

My second prayer is that there should be a consideration by this Government to compensate people for what they lose out of its failure to carry out its responsibility. My last prayer is that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries should go on the ground immediately to carry out an assessment and address issues from the technical point of knowledge, and not sit in Entebbe to address issues of Kazo, Kiruhura, Kotido and Bukedea where animals are being affected. Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I wish to designate the following to the standing Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline: 1. Hon. Abdu Katuntu – Chairperson; 2. Hon. Rev. Fr Charles Onen – Deputy Chairperson; 3. Hon. Yusuf Mutembuli - Bunyole East County; 4. Hon. Catherine Akumu Mavenjina - Older Persons Representative; 5. Hon. Margaret Aleper Achilla - Kotido; 6. Hon. Dorothy Nyakato - Kitagwenda; 7. Hon. Yoweri Ssebikaali - Ntwetwe County; 8. Hon. Isaac Otimgiw - Padyere County; 9. Hon. Robina Rwakoojo Gureme - Gomba West County; 10. Hon. David Wakikona - Bushigai County; 11. Hon. Peter Abrahams Lokii - Jie County;

11138 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT viii) There is poor coordination during implementation, shoddy and incomplete work in most of the facilities. Madam Speaker, like I said, the committee visited the two sub-regions of Karamoja and Teso based on the background information that is highlighted below. Karamoja’s prevailing pastoral and agro- pastoral production systems are characterised by long dry spells and cyclical droughts that are exacerbated by climate change. The scarcity of water associated with the drought is considered the greatest risk to agricultural development. In addition, a considerable number of valley tanks - up to 20,000 cubic metres and wells - have been constructed across the sub-region, but most have dried up due to the long dry season. Much of the existing water storage infrastructure suffered from consequences of years of utilisation without proper operation and maintenance. Furthermore, water catchment areas supplying water to the water storage sites are under threat due to overgrazing, forest destruction, bushfires and increasing charcoal production. Like in other regions, Teso sub-region depends on agriculture as a key economic activity. However, the area has been experiencing erratic and unpredictable rainfall, which has resulted into frequent floods, water logging and severe prolonged drought, contributing to food insecurity. The Government has established a number of water-for-production facilities, but the demand is still high. It is against this background that the committee conducted a field visit to Karamoja and Teso, to assess the selected water-for-production facilities. The objectives of the field trip are captured under 3.0, the methodology is under 4.0. After the field trip, the committee had an engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; Ministry of Water and Environment and; Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The sites that were visited are in 4.2 that is; in Moroto, Nakonyen Valley Dam; Amudat District, Katotin Small Scale Irrigation Scheme and Kosike Valley Dam. In Kaabong, the committee visited Longoromit Valley Dam and Usake Valley Dam. In Kotido, the committee visited Kaoyangorok Valley Dam and Kailong Valley Dam. In Abim, the committee visited Kawomeri Valley Dam and Kanu Valley Dam; in Soroti, the committee visited Alere Small-Scale Irrigation scheme; in Bukedea, Acomai Irrigation Scheme and Akero Valley tank. In Kumi, Amosingo Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme and Agurut Valley tank; while in Serere, the committee visited Opapa Small- Scale Irrigation Scheme. Findings in Nakonyen, Moroto District. The committee was informed that work commenced in January 2023. The facility, after completion, would have a capacity of 1,580,000 cubic metres and would serve the people of Tapac and the neighbouring communities. The committee was informed that a cost of Shs 9.1 billion was to be spent. Committee observations The cost of the project has been increasing over time. The original cost was Shs 8.1 billion, but at the time of the committee visit, it had increased to Shs 9.1 billion. As of October 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries had revised the cost to Shs 10.9 billion. After nine months, the project is behind schedule and may not be completed within the planned activities.

11140 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT By the time the committee visited the dam in Longoromit, it was not functional and completely run down. Observations The committee observes that even the wild animals from Kidepo National Park have escalated the rate of the silting of the dam because they also drink from the same dam. We were informed that some water weeds have invaded the park and that is why the wild animals are getting scattered everywhere. Longoromit Dam is dilapidated to a large extent and would require a substantial number of resources to rehabilitate. Recommendation The Ministry of Water and Environment should budget for the fencing and rehabilitation of Longoromit Earth Dam in the coming financial year and the funds should be released during the first quarter. Madam Speaker, sometimes we appropriate monies to some of these entities, to do due diligence to water for production, but the monies are not released. The committee recommends that effective Financial Year 2024/2025, Uganda Wildlife Authority should budget for the fencing of Kidepo National Park to stop the animals from escaping from the park and also provide drinking points for the animals. Usake Dam For Usake Dam, located in Ik Constituency in Kaabong, the work is currently ongoing and it is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. It is expected that when completed, it will have a capacity of 2,880,000 cubic metres and will cost Shs 6.9 billion, of which at the time of the visit, Shs 4.7 had already been spent. Observations Progress on construction works is between 50 and 60 per cent, yet the completion date is nearing. The equipment and manpower on the site, that we saw, were inadequate. There is a permanent water source that makes that site very strategic, and the watering traps were constructed. However, there is no adherence to the environmental and social safety standards. We did not see any tree around the dam that is being constructed. There is also, of course, lack of community involvement. Recommendations The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries should ensure the timely completion of the Usake Dam. The contractor should be urged to plant trees around the project site to demarcate the land and reduce soil erosion. Kaoyongorok Valley Dam Kaoyongorok Valley Dam, in Kotido, was constructed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries at a cost of Shs 9 billion. During the visit of the committee, the district officials reported that the dam had never been handed over to Kotido District Local Government. Observations The dam is located in the wilderness in a very remote and insecure area. The place is uninhabited, has no road and it is hard for the intended beneficiaries to access and utilise it. The committee also observed that water was covered with algae, water weeds and swamp vegetation, which made it difficult for livestock to drink from that dam. Recommendations The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries should complete the project and hand it over to Kotido District Local Government for further management.

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

11042 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT of release of funds was expected to have a negative effect. For example, where money for agriculture enterprises came after the planting seasons had passed. In Karamoja, funds were received around the same time when a cultural festival was taking place and there were reports that the funds went into merrymaking. In Kole District, it was reported that some beneficiaries died before receiving funds applied for. In other cases, people believe it was free money from the Government; they used it for household purchases, sharing with family, construction and gambling. Some referred to PDM as “Personal Drinking Money” and this is a case in Karenga district. ln a few cases, beneficiaries declined to take the entire Shs 1 million, opting for small amounts they felt could be repaid easily. The Parish Revolving Funds available for borrowing are likely to reduce due to cases of extortion, excessive charges and operational costs. For example, those in Karenga, Abim and Napak Districts in Karamoja have to travel over 100 km either to Kitgum, Kotido or Moroto District to access banking and mobile money services, which is extremely costly to the beneficiaries. Committee observations The committee observed that: (i) It may be too early to conclude on whether funds were properly being utilised, since funds were being received in tranches and some beneficiaries had just received the money. However, incidents of misuse were noted. (ii) Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development emphasised the need for all stakeholders to ensure proper utilisation of disbursed funds by the households. (iii) Ministry of Local Governments acknowledged most of the challenges and explained that some efforts were underway to resolve them. The ministry noted that the main PDM guidelines should be followed, while others were clarifications on the guidelines that were not properly understood. (iv) It was observed that some banks have provided some gadgets to SACCOS, for example, Post Bank and Centenary Bank to ease the processes. In August 2023, Post Bank developed the Wendi platform as a mobile wallet to enable beneficiaries to access the funds without having to go to the bank. Other banks had also deployed apps for PDM and some were already rolling them out. (v) Most beneficiaries, especially in Karamoja subregion were incurring a lot of expenses in the process of fulfilling the requirements to receive the funds. For example, the beneficiaries from Abim, Karenga, Kaabong and Napak have to incur costs on transport, accommodation and feeding as they travel to either Kitgum, Kotido or Moroto to access banking and Mobile Money services. This has a far-reaching impact on the success of the programme, since they have to refund monies they could have borrowed to facilitate all these processes after receiving the PDM funds. (vi) The beneficiaries from some districts, on top of travelling long distances to access banking services, have to spend nights on the verandahs due to the large number of clients that the banks have to serve. This example is in Napak where sometimes over a hundred people have to spend a night in front of the bank, waiting to be served the following day. The committee recommends that; (i) The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should ensure that all funds are released as planned and in a timely manner.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Congratulation on your twins and welcome to our club of the Ssalongos and Nnalongos . I would like to reflect on the performance of Emyooga, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) WEP and Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP). That should be able to inform what PDM is doing. We do not seem to have had a proper reflection. In Kotido, we have had a situation where the RDC kept on running around, but everybody left Kotido to either go to the kraals where there were guns – the RDC could not go there - or run to Kampala. What is going to happen to the question of sustainability in terms of PDM? Which structure is in place to do recovery? You have seen how the bank struggles. How prepared are we? If the recoveries are not there, then there will be no revolving fund. (Applause) The other issue is what my brother from Dokolo has brought. Some of us have been thinking that Karamoja is being crowded to a Uganda, which has already understood money. Imagine that you are getting some woman in the village who has never handled Shs 1 million? How do you expect her to behave in the village? Priorities will automatically change. Above all, the timing of the money. The money for farming cannot be brought after the harvests. By the time we are beginning to do cultivation, people will not have money to buy seeds, to buy implements, or to clear gardens. My view is as good as the one of Dokolo, that; the Minister of Local Governments and the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should think of how to remodel PDM for Karamoja. In the absence of that, we should not expect Karamoja to change until Jesus comes. I am not a prophet of doom. (Member timed out.)

10999 THE E LEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF U GANDA T U E SDAY , 21 N OVEMBER 2023 Hon. Margaret Zziwa taught us girl guiding. We had a Girl Guides Association in this Parliament because a number of us were young. By then, we were only 39 women representatives and the country had only 39 districts. The late was representing Mubende and I was representing Kotido, which is the current Abim, Kaabong, Karenga and Kotido. It was such a large district. I am getting tempted - In the future when that amendment by my sister comes, we need to look at it. We have lost a great lady, a great mentor, a great educationist, a widow who stood on her own and did not leave behind shame. She has died at a time when we needed her most. We needed her as our dictionary to take us through and tell us more about harmonious living. We have lost you, my elder sister. Condolences to the family. May your soul rest in eternal peace. (Applause)

10801 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2023 the prescribed time to ensure the timely preparation of the treasury memoranda and timely implementation of recommendations of Parliament; NOW, THEREFORE, Parliament, in accordance with Article 163(5) of the Constitution and Section 19(4) of the National Audit Act, 2008, resolves to adopt the recommendations of the Auditor-General in respect to the following local government entities: Entities under the Public Accounts Committee (Local Government) 1. Mbale District Local Government; 2. Mbale City; 3. Namisindwa District Local Government; 4. Manafwa District Local Government; 5. Bulambuli District Local Government; 6. Kibuku District Local Government; 7. Tororo District Local Government; 8. Sironko District Local Government; 9. Budaka District Local Government; 10. Busia District Local Government; 11. Busia Municipal Council; 12. Butaleja District Local Government; 13. Kapchorwa District Local Government; 14. Kapchorwa Municipal Council; 15. Kween District Local Government; 16. Tororo Municipal Council; 17. Bukwo District Local Government; 18. Pallisa District Local Government; 19. Bududa District Local Government; 20. Soroti District Local Government; 21. Soroti City; 22. Amolatar District Local Government; 23. Kaberamaido District Local Government; 24. Kalaki District Local Government; 25. Serere District Local Government; 26. Amuria District Local Government; 27. Dokolo District Local Government; 28. Bukedea District Local Government; 29. Katakwi District Local Government; 30. Kapelebyong District Local Government; 31. Otuke District Local Government; 32. Kumi Municipal Council; 33. Kumi District Local Government; 34. Ngora District Local Government; 35. Nabilatuk District Local Government; 36. Nakapiripirit District Local Government; 37. Karenga District Local Government; 38. Kotido District Local Government; 39. Kotido Municipal Council; 40. Amudat District Local Government; 41. Kaabong District Local Government; 42. Moroto District Local Government; 43. Moroto Municipal Council; 44. Abim District Local Government; 45. Napak District Local Government; 46. Kamuli District Local Government; 47. Kamuli Municipal Council; 48. Iganga District Local Government; 49. Iganga Municipal Council; 50. Jinja District Local Government; 51. Jinja City; 52. Northern Division, Jinja City; 53. Southern Division, Jinja City; 54. Kaliro District Local Government; 55. Buyende District Local Government; 56. Mayuge District Local Government; 57. Bugiri District Local Government; 58. Bugiri Municipal Council; 59. Namayingo District Local Government; 60. Namutumba District Local Government; 61. Njeru Municipal Council; 62. Lugazi Municipal Council; 63. Luuka District Local Government; 64. Bugweri District Local Government; 65. Buikwe District Local Government; 66. Mukono District Local Government; 67. Mukono Municipal Council; 68. Wakiso District Local Government; 69. Nansana Municipal Council; 70. Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipal Council; 71. Kira Municipal Council; 72. Mpigi District Local Government; 73. Nakaseke District Local Government; 74. Luwero District Local Government; 75. Mityana District Local Government; 76. Mityana Municipal Council; 77. Buvuma District Local Government; 78. Entebbe Municipal Council; 79. Butambala District Local Government; 80. Kayunga District Local Government; 81. Nakasongola District Local Government; 82. Masaka District Local Government; 83. Masaka City; 84. Kimaanya-Kabonera City Division; 85. Nyendo-Mukungwe City Division; 86. Kalungu District Local Government; 87. Gomba District Local Government;

10691 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2023 To construct a kilometre of tarmac road in Tanzania, it costs Shs 2.1 billion, in Kenya it costs Shs 1.6 billion and in Uganda, it costs Shs 4.1 billion. In other words, it is twice as expensive to construct a road in Uganda than in Kenya and Tanzania. It also means that the same money we are using right now, Uganda can get twice. We are constructing about 900 kilometres of roads and it means that we can construct an extra 900 kilometres of roads. That means every subregion in this country can get 40 kilometres of tarmac roads. The Ministry of Works and Transport, in their Financial Year 2021/2022 Budget Framework Paper, said that by the end of the Financial Year 2023/2024, they would have ensured a reduction in the cost of road construction to Shs 2.7 billion. However, we are at Shs 4.1 billion. We are aware that in Lango Subregion, we are among the most marginalised. Yeri Corner- Aboke road is 55 kilometres, Dokolo-Ochero- Namasale road is 88 kilometres and Lira-Aloi- Kotido-Abim road is 120 kilometres. These are presidential pledges that are being recycled for the third time without fulfilment. I would like a statement on that. Secondly, although the Ministry of Works and Transport committed that by end of this year, they would have reduced road construction costs to Shs 2.7 billion, that has not been achieved. My prayer is that the Committee on Physical Infrastructure inquires into the high cost. I have all the data that has been analysed, more than 40 Votes for that –

First check the First Schedule. Let us resolve one issue at a time. The First Schedule has Kampala and districts of Uganda. Bundibugyo and Kasese are in Rwenzori; Busia, Butaleja, Pallisa and Tororo in Bukedi and Abim, Kaabong, Kotido and Moroto in Karamoja. Mbale, Sironko and Manafwa are in Bugisu, Bukwo and Kapchorwa in Sebei while Adjumani and Moyo are in Madi - Should I read all?

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

9093 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY 2023 My people have mixed up my papers but I will manage them. They have put page 21 before 20. Let me read it the way it is. They will sort it out. Here, they are saying districts of Buhweju, Bushenyi, Ibanda, Isingiro, Kabarole, Kamwengye, and Kanungu. They are talking about irrigation and saying, as a result, 2,373 acres have been added to the area under irrigation enabling 14,961 farmers to produce cabbages, tomatoes, apples, onions, pineapples, watermelons, green pepper, etc. They are still talking about irrigation. The following medium-scale irrigation schemes have been completed: Ngenge 808 hectares - Honourable Members of Parliament, get to know these things. These people may say “completed” when it is not. So, this is an opportunity for you to help them. We have: 1. Ngenge in Sebei - 808 hectares irrigated; 2. Rwengaju - 116 hectares; 3. Tochi - 500 hectares; 4. Mubuku II - 480 hectares; 5. Doho II - 1,000 hectares; 6. Olweny - 600 hectares and so on. Communal Valley Tanks The Government has constructed 44 communal valley tanks in Nabilatuk, Kotido, Amudat, Kaabong, Karenga, Soroti, Butebo etc. This has created a storage capacity of 6.6 billion litres serving 89,000 livestock. This is where they have mixed up. They put page 20 after page 21 but this is not the end of the world. (Laughter) Ekitatta muyima- ffe abaganda, tulina eddagala ly’ebizibu bino. Awo wengambila nti kasita obeera n’obulamu, ensobi zingenda kutelera. These people put page 21 before page 20. Somehow you can combine them. There has been a major disruption to transportation arising from the damage of Katonga Bridge which was washed away by floods. The floods also led to the eroding of wetland vegetation and gardens in the upstream parts of the catchment. This flooding was caused by a dam breach along the four- kilometer stretch of the Kalungu- Gomba Road in Bugomola Village, Lwabenge Subcounty in Kalungu District. The water had progressively built up on one side of the road due to blocked culverts, creating a damming effect. This created a massive force beyond the capacity of the road, creating a dam breach, which led to a sudden release of a large volume of water that moved downstream the Katonga River. As the flood wave moved downstream with a lot of papyrus and gardens causing significant damage to infrastructure. The interventions to address the problem of floods involve the protection of water catchments and the general environment so that they perform their function of storing and releasing water safely, even when there is increased rainfall. Regular maintenance of water bodies and rivers so that they perform their water storage and conveyance function. Demarcation and protection of lake shores, riverbanks and wetlands. To limit encroachment by settlements, construction of water storage facilities, agricultural activities and other developments. Strengthening of the early warning systems and enforcement of the water and environmental laws at all levels. People who damage the environment, do so at their own risk. Have we not seen enough examples? Nantabulirwa yasabala bwa bbumba . That is what we say in our language here. “The one who does not listen to advice insisted on using a clay boat on the lake and drowned in the lake”. Somebody made a boat from clay and people told him that clay cannot make a boat, do not do it but he could not listen. He made a clay boat, put it in the lake and drowned there. And that is how our people here in Buganda got a proverb, Nantabulirwa yasabala bwa bbumba . We tell people that please - in the book of Genesis- Ate bino bya Katonda - this is now

9103 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY 2023 South Sudan. I wish to assure Ugandans and investors that Uganda is a secure and peaceful country. The recent isolated incidents of misuse of firearms and killing of innocent people is being handled with immediate response. These include, among others; strengthening the capacity of security agencies to address emerging security threats; addressing discipline issues of security personnel in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, in the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Prisons Services; enhancing the security infrastructure to detect crime before it happens; and addressing the welfare of personnel in security uniforms. The ability to manage a huge preannounced event like the recent Martyrs Day without any insecurity incident, while terrorists are still running around in neighbouring countries such as Congo and Somalia among others, demands salutations to our security personnel, weaknesses here and there notwithstanding. (Applause) An event like Martyrs Day, which is preannounced, is a big magnet for terrorists. They would love to come and cause trouble there. They plan but we do not allow them. So, while we quarrel with our security personnel, they are really miles away from many of the groups in the world. Although there are a few weaknesses here and there - Otherwise, an event like that, preannounced – We were following groups in Congo planning to – You do not know how many of them are in prison now, who would want to come and kill people during an event like this one of millions of people who gather in a preannounced huge event. So, while we criticise our security personnel, we should also appreciate them. Anti-livestock theft and disarmament operation in Karamoja Government has enhanced troop levels and combat capabilities in Karamoja to combat cattle theft. Disarmament operations, code named “Operation Usalama Kwa Wote” remain on course. A total of 125 guns with 1,323 rounds ammunition have been recovered since January 2023. Similarly, an estimated 4,771 stolen livestock were recovered and handed over to their rightful owners. At bilateral level, Uganda and Kenya entered a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Defence and Security, which was signed in April 2022. The agreement provides for concurrent disarmament operations in both countries. There have been mistakes and some corruption in the disarmament in Karamoja. I am now in direct touch with the raiders. The raiders came and met me; they looked for me and I met them. So, please do not arrest me, that I am aiding and abetting raiding. (Laughter) These young people have their own issues; those issues are not very difficult to deal with. There have been so many mistakes by our own people. I am now in direct touch with the raiders; some have already come out. They came and I took them around. They visited all these places. They were wearing suits. When they arrived back in Kotido, everybody could not recognise them because they were totally changed. Some have already come out and others seem to be ready to come out. The corrupt elements in the army that stole the money of the vigilantes will be punished, and so will all the corrupt that undermined the total peace we had achieved in Karamoja between 2007 and 2018. Between 2007 and 2018, we had total peace in Karamoja. Everybody agreed, but then what happened? It was destabilised by the mistakes of mainly our people, civilians and the army. The Turkana of Kenya are also another problem. They must stop entering Uganda with guns and I do not want to hear even one incident of those people again raiding in Uganda, if they want to stay here. (Applause) All the points put forward in the recent Executive Order - I gave an Executive Order recently, dealing specifically with the cattle rustling. It must be fulfilled. I think I will be able to bring back other clans of Karamoja

8848 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT [Ms Ababiku] The committee further established that the different stakeholders, the Members of Parliament, the district chairpersons and mayors from the Karamoja Subregion, were instructed by the Accounting Officer, OPM and the Minister of Karamoja Affairs to submit individual beneficiary lists towards the planned 3,339 beneficiaries for iron sheets, thereby resulting into parallel lists across the districts. These details are attached as Annexure 9. The committee established that although the UPDF commanders were part of the district verification committees, their involvement in the selection and verification of the beneficiaries was minimal because of poor coordination between the offices of the UPDF commanders and the district local governments. For example, in Kaabong and Kotido, the respective brigade commanders informed the committee that they were not aware of their membership and roles in the verification committees. Observations: The committee, therefore, observes that the correct list of reformed warriors should have originated from the UPDF commanders under the Third Division Command, who were taking the lead in the disarmament process in the region. The reformed warriors were registered and issued cards for ease of identification where need be. Therefore, the same registers should have been used by the district verification committees rather than generating new lists. The committee further observed that although the number of beneficiaries required by OPM to be registered as beneficiaries of goats was equal across the parishes in the subregion; some districts have more reformed warriors than others. The committee further observes that if OPM had limited the implementation of this project to 5,000 targeted reformed warriors, much of the mess in relation to the generation of the different lists by different stakeholders would have been avoided. Recommendations: 1. The OPM should set clear and consistent guidelines and mandates while engaging with different stakeholders to ensure harmony in the implementation of its planned activities. 2. Hon. Dr Mary Kitutu, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs be held accountable for issuing varying guidelines on the selection of beneficiaries. 3. The existing lists of beneficiaries submitted to the OPM based on the conflicting guidelines should be discarded. 4. New lists of beneficiaries be generated with strict adherence to the definition of a reformed warrior, with the help of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces taking the lead. 5. The OPM should immediately dispatch and distribute all the iron sheets procured under the Community Empowerment Programme to the intended beneficiaries using the correct lists. Procurement and distribution of iron sheets: Mr Speaker, we have provided details on how much was spent at the time of procurement and what was supplied by the suppliers. It is on this page. Allow me to go to the release and distribution of 10,000 iron sheets. The committee established that His Excellency the President launched the Community Empowerment Programme in Karamoja on 12 June 2023. The launch involved the distribution of iron sheets and goats to beneficiaries. To facilitate the launch, a total of 10,000 pre- painted iron sheets were requisitioned by Mr Joshua Abaho, Personal Assistant to the Minister for Karamoja Affairs to be released from the OPM store on behalf of the honourable minister. The Under Secretary authorised the release of the items in the same memo and the details are

8862 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT reported non-adherence to this requirement by the suppliers, as most of them resorted to makeshift grounds or military barracks to hold animals for some days, with the exception of Kotido and Amudat. Accordingly, some suppliers distributed directly to beneficiaries without holding them. For instance, Catalyst Investment Limited supplied goats to Abim District on 17 June 2022, as per the goods received note, and the beneficiary consent forms also indicate that the beneficiaries received the goats on that very day. This did not conform to the required 14 days in the holding grounds. The committee further established that some district veterinary officers assessed, verified and vaccinated the goats from the holding grounds of districts of origin. This includes the district veterinary officers of Abim, Napak, Moroto and Karenga, and yet this was to be done in each of the receiving districts at the respective holding grounds. The committee also established that some of the holding grounds did not have the capacity to hold a large number of animals. Holding of goats originating from different places in one holding ground by some districts in the region potentially facilitated the high spread of disease amongst the supplied goats; for example, in Amudat, the district veterinary officer indicated that he was overwhelmed with the 1,250 goats in one holding ground. Committee observations The committee observed that there were no detailed specifications for holding grounds in the contract, and as such, the suppliers and the districts allowed the goats to be kept in makeshift holding grounds incapable of sustaining the high number of goats due to lack of water and pasture required for 14 days. The committee further observed that with the exception of Kotido, all districts in the subregion do not have established animal holding grounds, and yet they are under the animal corridor region. The committee also observed that the entire planning process did not provide for comprehensive due diligence on the safe delivery and distribution of the goats, which is why the safe holding of the goats was so problematic. It was due to this poor preparation that many animals got infected as a result of the mix-up of the goats from the different parts of the country and Kenya at the delivery and receiving points. Recommendations 1. Comprehensive feasibility studies and clear specifications of the contract requirements for the implementation of the targeted Government projects be conducted before the commencement of projects. 2. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries should construct standard animal holding grounds with the required infrastructure such as water, feeding grounds and dips per district in the Karamoja Subregion. Widespread death of goats The committee was informed by some beneficiaries during the visit to the subregion that there were widespread deaths of goats under the Community Empowerment Programme, owing to sickness, tiredness and failure to adapt to the environment. For instance, in Abim District, the LC III chairperson of Abim Town Council stated that out of the 494 Boer goats received, 455 representing 92 per cent of the goats died. In Abim Subcounty, the chairperson LC III said that out of the 450 goats, 278 died representing 62 per cent. The committee was further informed by the District Veterinary Officer of Nabilatuk that as of December 2022, out of the 4,000 East African female goats received, 2,076 died representing 52 per cent. The committee also interviewed people in Nabilatuk Town Council through random sampling from the beneficiaries who interfaced with the committee and established that 72

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have a few burning issues. Honourable colleagues, you know that in our country when they realise that development is coming up, those near the roads begin constructing or planting trees. I would like UNRA to ensure that we put a road reserve. This is one of the key things that this country has forgotten. For example, a couple of months back in Lango or Otuke, the Chinese went to survey roads in order to construct the proposed road from Lira; Alebtong-Otuke-Kotido. The community members started planting trees close to the road so that they could be compensated. In this country, we are losing a lot of money in compensating people during road construction. This is one of the key things I really wanted to raise.

Min.2 - Communication from the Chair. In his communication, the Chairperson guided that the meeting was convened to consider Policy Statements and Budget Estimates for Public Universities for the Financial Year 2023n4. Min. 3 - Consideration of the Policy Statements and Budget Estimates for FY 20,3,n024. 3.1 Kabale University. The Accounting Offrcer for Kabale University presented the University's Policy Statement and Budget Estimates for FY 202312024 (see written memoranda for details) 3.2 Mountains of the Moon University. The Accounting Officer for Mountains of the Moon University presented the University's Policy Statement and Budget Estimates for FY 202312024 (see written memoranda for details) 3.3 Gulu University. The Accounting Offrcer for Gulu University presented the University's Policy Statement and Budget Estimates for FY 202312024 (see writte memoranda for details) Observations/issues reised The Committee sottgh to establish; (a) whether Mountains of the Moon University enrolled students who were direct beneficiaries of the students loan scheme: and whether such students rec€ived funding from the University; (b) the kind of support services and facilities that Mountains of the Moon University required in order to deliver on its mandate; (c) causal factors for recurring increment on non-wage budget component for Mountains of the Moon University; (d) the status of construction of the Students' Hostel at Gulu University that was being undertaken over by a private individual; (e) whether Culu University communicated to Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on non-release of funds appropriated to the Universityl (fl on the status and fate of Kotido Primary Teachers' College (PTC) given reports that Gulu University was scheduled take it over; 3

Responses to issues ruised The Committee was informed that. (a\ for Kabale University, Govemment released Shs.2.9 billion in consideration of 100 Govemment sponsored students; and that the funding for the cunent 400 student population had remained the same giving rise to a funding gap of Shs.8.6 billion. (b) some students at the Mountains of the Moon University were direct beneficiaries of the students loan scheme that they received from the Higher Education Stud€nts Financing Board (HESFB); (c) Gulu University land reverted back in the names of Gulu University Council and that Council worked on processes of Hostel ownership revert back to the University; (d) Kotido PTC was not considered a core PTC and hence could not be phased out and owned by Government; (e) Gulu University Council expected rcceipt of funds Public Service Commission regarding issues of harmonisation; (f) Gulu University made cfforts to liaise with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to ensure funds appropriatcd by Parliament were released. (g) School dropout rates were informed by statistical data compiled from the time of student enrolment/admission to higher institutions of leaming. The Committee was informed that' a Stated that it is as though the Ministry seelcs to collect money from Universities that it is not willing to give them back. b. htfurmed the Committee tlat there is money that s approved in the supplententary Budget and the money is not allocated the consequenl Universilies. c. Brought it to the notice of the Committee that the Ministy of Education and Sports is nol supporting Universities, d. Complained as to how the Ministry responds to the issucs of the Universities. e. Finance has taken on the roll ofthe Parliament of Uganda f. Complained on the continuous behaviour of the Ministry of Finance cutting budgets for Govemment entities and violating the mandate of Parliament by appropriating money as it wishes. g. Appreciated the Kabale University for attracting professors ln their University as part of their staff. h. Commented on the understaffing in Universities and suggestcd that something is done about it. i. Further informed the Committee that a lecturer in Gulu University is paid lesser than other lecturers in othcr Public Universities. 4

j. Stated that, the Committee should invite the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and his team to appear before Committee. k. Requesrcd them to give accountability for the 7.2 Billion for Salary Harmonisation /. suggested that Gulu University is well funded so as to support other constituent colleges. m. Supported the idea of Gulu University taking over Kotido PTC. n. Suggested that the issue of construction of a teaching hospital should also be taken into Consideration since Gulu University has a very phenomenal record when it comes to teaching medicine. o. the status and fate of over 2.000 school dropouts in Gulu University. p. Requested that the Minister of Finance is communicated to come with the formula to cut the budget of the different entities. Min.4 - Adjournment The meeting was adjoumed at l:33 p.m. Recorded by: Mo Ninsiima Diana Oleny COMMITTEE CLERK b Iohn Ntamuhiira, MP CHAIRPERSON 5

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, the matter is about the 21 boys who were released from Gulu Remand Home last week and had been starved. They are now in Kotido being taken care of by the Church of Uganda Health Centre II. One of the boys died and was buried. They were starved in a remand home. What are you going to do to help Kotido Health Centre II to restore the lives of those boys? Secondly, to the family that lost their dear one - because they were deliberately starved - are you going to do something to compensate or comfort the family? Thirdly, the remand homes in Uganda are many - and I am aware that they have no resources to take care of the juveniles. What are you doing about this?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have two brief questions. One, I have the most dilapidated hospital in this country called Abim Hospital. In 2002, they constructed a sewerage line but after five years, it broke down. In 2006, they fitted bulbs but after five years, all the bulbs collapsed. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, why do you renovate this hospital piecemeal yet most hospitals are renovated at once? They do it in parts. You put the bulbs but they all collapse. Secondly, I was with the Minister of Works and Transport – I must thank the Government that plans to tarmac the road from Lira to Kotido are underway. Mr Speaker, I was hopeful because we were told in April - maybe he will announce the same thing – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My concern to the Rt Hon. Prime Minister is to do with the people who are dying in Kotido District, specifically in Panyangara and Rengen subcounties, as a result of total lack of food. Yesterday, we were in Kotido with 12 Members of Parliament. We got disappointed and some Members began crying when they saw elderly women dying on empty stomachs. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, what urgent interventions are in place to rescue these lives?

Madam Speaker, we now have to focus on Kotido, Panyangara Subcounty and Ngenge. Let me direct the minister: Hon. Anyakun, I am directing you now to start with Kotido.

Hon. Minister, I want food in Kotido because our people are dying.

7362 SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE STATE OF AFFAIRS IN NSSF AND WHEREAS climate change in the Karamoja sub-region and heavy locust invasion from 2019 to 2021 led to the low crop production, driving the subregion into famine that, according to the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC), is at IPC Phase 3+, which is defined as a crisis situation; AWARE that in a bid to ameliorate the situation in Karamoja, Parliament passed a supplementary budget of Shs 39 billion to the Office of the Prime Minister to support the disarmament process as well as the coordination of peace-building operations, support livelihoods of the Karamoja youth through provision of some relief items as an emergency intervention to improve peace as well as reduce and eliminate cattle rustling in the region; FURTHER AWARE that following numerous engagements with the district local governments of Karamoja, the Central Government, Parliament, Members of Parliament from the sub-region and the President, it was agreed that goats at a cost of Shs 22 billion and 100,000 iron sheets at a cost of Shs 8 billion be procured while Shs 800 million be directed to support the regional councils, Karamoja Parliamentary Group retreat and the peace caravan; NOTING that owing to the food insecurity situation in Karamoja subregion, Shs 135.198 billion was released from the Contingency Fund in Financial Year 2022/2023 following a Cabinet directive in Minute 227 (CT 2022) dated 11 July 2022 to support households at the risk of food insecurity in the Karamoja Sub-region and other parts of the country; FURTHER NOTING that Shs 135.19 billion was earmarked for the purchase of relief items of maize flour and beans for a period of three months for an estimated population of 518,000 persons in the subregion; COGNISANT that the First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataha, initiated the Karamoja Feeds Karamoja project in partnership with Namalu Prison Farm in 2014 to feed school children in order to minimise school dropout rates; FURTHER COGNISANT that Namalu Prison Farm harvested 3,500 bags of maize in Financial Year 2020/2021, from which the Minister for Karamoja Affairs recently picked 500 bags to feed UPDF soldiers, contrary to the original purpose of feeding children in primary schools across the region; CONCERNED that Shs 8.2 billion, being the balance of the Shs 39 billion supplementary budget, stands unaccounted for and of 100,000 iron sheets only 650 iron sheets were distributed in the entire region on 7 June 2022 when the President officially launched the distribution of iron sheets and goats in Nadunget Subcounty, Moroto District; FURTHER CONCERNED that less than 35 per cent of the goats have been distributed to the intended beneficiaries and in districts such as Napak, 70 per cent of those goats died within the first two weeks because they were sick, while in Kotido, 80 per cent of the goats died owing to ill health and their failure to adapt to the new environment; CONSIDERING that the Minister for Karamoja Affairs has obviously mismanaged the distribution of goats, iron sheets and maize in the subregion and her actions amount to abuse of office, misconduct, misbehaviour, corruption, diversion of public resources and breach of the oath of allegiance and oath of a minister; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by this House that: (i) Parliament, through the relevant committee, inquires into the alleged mismanagement of relief items in the Office of the Prime Minister, and; (ii) The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Dr Mary Goretti Kitutu and the Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Agnes Nandutu, do resign - because we have waited for them to step aside - to allow proper investigations into the matter.” Madam Speaker, I submit. [Mr Achia] MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

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

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

Mr Speaker, my prayers are that Government accords this part of the country affirmative action in order to promote education for the Karimojong children who will become teachers. Secondly, that the Ministry of Education reviews its decision on the phasing out of Kotido PTC and reconsiders its retention and upgrade to a core PTC. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is true that Kotido PTC is one of those to be phased out. It is also true that Kapchorwa PTC is another one among those to be phased out. As for the request by my colleague to upgrade both to core PTCs, that is not possible at the moment. We have had discussions with the local government to see what they think are the best services that such institutions will be able to deliver to the community. There are quite a number of ideas that have come up. (Interjections) Maybe, when we -

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I would like to support the motion to pay tribute to an admirable son of Uganda, the late Paul Ssemogerere, a political stalwart and a principled man who was admired by many. The late Ssemogerere was a very objective person and he provided objective checks and balances that contributed to the good governance of our country. He was an Opposition leader who was admired by many. I also admired him because I worked with him at a tender age when the people of Kotido voted me for being a very good person who completed education without getting derailed. I am speaking about a person who was my father and whom I admired very much. Mr Speaker, the late Ssemogerere was a very calm person and very cool headed. I think that is the reason he is said to be the longest serving DP President; he served from 1980 to 2005. He was also a man who was down-to-earth and he mentored very many, including some of us who are seated here. Therefore, we have lost a great man, we have lost a “Bible” and a dictionary for the country – (Member timed out. )

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

Madam Speaker, I come here to support the motion. I want to give a testimony that when I was young in Karamoja, we were hearing of a great person in your place called Kalongo. You know I am from the south and Kalongo is near the north. I decided that one day, I would go to see these people. I was told that the man was carrying out orthopaedic surgeries and people were coming from Kenya through our place to go for treatment in Kalongo. One time, my father fell sick when I was working in Kotido as a junior officer in Nya County. The father of Hon. Nakwang told me, “if you want your father to survive, bring him and we take him to Kalongo.” I decided to pick my father who chest pains. When we reached there, that is when I saw Rev. Fr Dr Ambrosoli. He examined my father and gave prescriptions and we went to collect the medicine. We got white tablets whose names I did not get to know. My father was asked to swallow the medicine for five days. I took him back to Kotido and after five days, he was alright. I waited again for a short time to see if he could relapse, but he did not. When I took him back for review, he was okay. I cannot forget this great Rev. Fr Dr Ambrosoli, of Kalongo. In fact, Kalongo Hospital is synonymous with Rev. Fr Dr Ambrosoli. Because of those pertinent issues, I have respect for this person; I praise that Reverend Father. He was very prayerful all the time. If he had not been taken by force to Lango, he would not have gone. May his canonisation have God’s blessing. (Applause)

5902 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION We have been constantly reporting inadequacies in terms of our facilities, especially the mortuary. Mr Speaker, in the whole of Karamoja region, there is no functional mortuary. When someone dies in Moroto or Kotido, they have to transport the body to Mbale for treatment, and then back to Karamoja for burial. The Ministry of Health should address this issue because it is very urgent. Otherwise, this has been going on for quite some time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also want to thank the committee for this good report and to echo a few issues concerning the Uganda Prisons Service. The concern that I have is about the inadequate housing for the staff and prisoners. Kotido Prison is one of the oldest we have in this country. In fact, it has dilapidated structures – the walls are almost collapsing. The point in case is when they attempted to break into the armoury just because of the weak and poor structures that the prison has. It has a chain link fence – of I do not know how many years back – with patches. This can be an avenue for prisoners to escape. I think Government should pursue the idea of low-cost housing since prisoners are engaged in brick-making and Government can cover the rest of the costs. Mr Speaker, many of our prisons are also filled with cattle thieves – as my colleagues said before – and they are not screened. I have some prisoners from Kotido – who are cattle thieves – andhave been in Moroto Prison for over three years, but they have not even been presented before court. I think this is because of tlack of information that they need to have legal representation. I think it is important that Government screens these cattle thieves because we cannot have chicken thieves there and – (Member timed out.)