Obongi District

Thank you, Mr Speaker. On behalf of the people of Pakwach, allow me to extend my heartfelt condolences to the President, to you, the Speaker of Parliament, and the family of the late Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali. I stand here to testify about the late Gen. Moses Ali as a peace builder. In 1986, I was a young girl; one morning, three vehicles appeared and parked in our compound. Soldiers jumped out, and my late father was seated under a tree. Out of the car, a towering tall soldier emerged - who was our late elder. I started beckoning to my father because I was bringing something to him. He whispered to me and said, “Run away.” All the girls and women ran away and why was that? Because it was well known that soldiers were very good at raping women. That is why my dad asked us to run away, although later on, we were all called back. He had been sent to go and talk to my father, who was a prominent opinion leader, to mobilise the people of Jonam to welcome the NRA with green leaves. Indeed, today, as people of West Nile, we have lost a general who fought to see that there is peace in West Nile and saw to it that women are no longer raped by the current UPDF. For that, we thank him. Mr Speaker, somebody here stated, “We should not pay tribute by just talking but rather with action.” The President mentioned two of our critical roads, both of which are of economic value. The Nebbi-Vurra road and Panyimur– Wadelai–Obongi road - (Member timed out.)

where Uganda has been, where Uganda is, and where we are going. It also demonstrates that for the last 40 years, the NRM Government has shown the way. The President highlights three specific issues: 1. Wealth creation. 2. Human capital development. 3. Infrastructure development. The PDM programme, which is our flagship programme, has been inclusive, including even the last man at the village level. I stand to support the motion to appreciate His Excellency for such a wonderful State-of-the- Nation Address. In the area of infrastructure, we have a road that runs from Pakwach all the way to Difule, the border between Uganda and Sudan. The President emphasised that our infrastructure development supports wealth creation and trade. We remind the Government about tarmacking the road from Pakwach through Madi-Okollo, through Moyo and Obongi up to South Sudan. Thank you.

Rt Hon. Prime Minister. She will be followed by the honourable lady from Karamoja. Is that Karamoja? From Obongi, sorry. Then, Hon. Emma.

Thank you. Member from Obongi?

Mr Speaker, Obongi District is linked to Adjumani to Obongi using the MVA ferry. However, as I talk, the MVA ferry is operating on only two engines instead of four, which is a potential risk for the people given the increase in the flow of traffic. Therefore, Mr Speaker, I want to kindly request the Prime Minister to have a response as to when we shall be rescued or given ferry operation.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I stand to support the motion to take this loan. My reservation will only be on the criteria. I see that we are looking at areas that occupy about 10 to 20 acres. In Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi, because of the dry spells, we do not have this capacity. So, as we acquire this loan, let us take into consideration areas that have as small as five acres, so that it reaches all the areas. When I look at the other criteria, which considers farms that are a year old – we clearly do not have farms that are one year old with a 10-acre capacity. Therefore, for that matter, this loan is required by areas – (Member timed out.)

Thank you. I am back, after five years. We are making permanent records for generations to come. Therefore, it is very important for the views of Members, particularly those who are deemed to be sitting on the Opposition side, to be captured when supporting such a motion. On behalf of the people of Obongi, whom I represent and, on my behalf, I would like to say that I support the motion that Rt Hon. Robinah Nabbanja be approved by this Parliament as our Prime Minister. (Applause) This is for the reason that, being a Prime Minister, if you take it to the simplest level of leadership – even at the school level – you are the head of other leaders: head girl or head prefect. You are supposed to be the supervisor and mobiliser of these people whom you are leading. Being the Prime Minister of a country that has been in existence for some time means that there were other Prime Ministers before you, and, therefore, you carry forward the work of the Office of the Prime Minister from your predecessors. This is where I come with a testimony. When Rt Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda was the Prime Minister, there were issues which were handled – (Break in recording)- him as the Prime Minister and Gen. Moses Ali and I, as the people of West Nile, on the issue of Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo Road being tarmacked, supported by the World Bank. There were some issues which were not captured properly. When she came, I personally went to her office. I thought she was going to say, “Those issues were for Ndugu Rugunda; let them be for that time”. Offices are continuous. I found it nice that Rt Hon. Robinah Nabbanja touched buttons here and there, and our issues were streamlined very fast. (Applause) Now, our road is being done. Even for the gaps which were in the design, she promised that she would cause those gaps to be closed in the process of completing the road, to serve all the refugee-hosting districts in West Nile. Therefore, I second her being approved here as the Rt Hon. Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda. I beg to submit. (Applause)

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.)

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I came from West Nile two days ago. When I went to fuel at Total, petrol was at Shs 9,900 in Arua City, just opposite the Arua Regional Referral Hospital. The following night, it was sold at Shs 11,000 in Arua, and the prices kept on escalating. During the day, they bring it down to Shs 6,000 or Shs 7,000. In the evening and early morning - I drove at 4.00 a.m. What are you going to do for these people upcountry in Adjumani, Moyo and Obongi? Prices have kept rising day in, day out. How are we supposed to handle this? If we have oil reserves, what are you doing for the people upcountry, especially West Nile, and particularly the districts I have mentioned? Thank you.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. The ministry has money for refugee-hosting districts but people have been bruised. On the Floor of Parliament, we promised that we were going to start with Obongi and the committee was to go there. Unfortunately, up to now, they have not gone to Obongi, and the constituency has remained without poles. The two MPs have been removed, and if you go to Terego, they told us they were starting in March. We have money specifically for refugee- hosting districts - If you go to Madi-Okollo, we are fed up. Something drastic should be done in that ministry. Tables should be turned so that they know that this country cannot only talk, but it can bite. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to support the motion for approval of the Budget Framework Paper. I have three observations. Observation number one is related to the performance of externally financed projects. Whereas on the one hand we blame ourselves, the ministries, departments, agencies and Parliament, on the other hand, there are certain practices within the donor conditions that constrain us. A case in point is the World Bank- funded projects. An example is the Uganda electricity scale- up project that was supposed to extend power to a number of communities that have not been connected. A case in point is Obongi constituency where the project started two to three years ago and a resettlement action plan has to be approved by the bank. The ministry is waiting for that approval from the bank, which to me is micromanagement. As Government, we need to sit down with our partners to review some of those micromanagement conditions. Two, external financing to the humanitarian community has grossly reduced, especially in refugees hosting districts. This has resulted in laying off of many Ugandans in the social service delivery sector. Our schools and health facilities are understaffed because UNHCR, OPM, and many international and national organisations have laid off staff. We would like to see, in the Budget Framework Paper and the ministerial policy statement, the ultimate allocation of resources for wages to recruit staff who have been laid off or made redundant. Last but not least, Mr Speaker, while the President was traversing the country, he made many pledges; for example, he promised a hospital for Obongi District. These are social contracts that should be considered in the annual work plan and budget, in the ministerial policy statements, and in the Budget Framework Papers that we look forward to. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance pertaining to a road connecting Obongi to Moyo District, which is a national road serving both host and refugee communities. This road belongs to the Ministry of Works and Transport. A company called Jetcom was given a contract to work on it. What they did basically was grading. The road is in bad terrain that requires improving the drainage, offshoots, and culverts. Unfortunately, for about four or five months now, the company has abandoned the site. Apparently, when it rains, Obongi is cut off. My prayer is that the Ministry of Works and Transport, which supervises that work, ensures that Jetcom does good work. In the event that Jetcom has abandoned the site and is not ready and willing to do work, the ministry for works under force account responds to that road as a matter of urgency because Obongi is getting cut off from Moyo. Thank you.

Sorry, you guided. Thank you. You guided, Mr Speaker, that the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development liaise with the Members of Parliament from Madi Sub region to come on the ground to have a first-hand assessment of the situation of connection of electricity to Obongi District. While West Nile was being connected to the National Grid, the people of Obongi wanted to boycott coming to participate in the connection of West Nile to the National Grid. There was an assurance made by the President that before the end of this year, Obongi would be connected to the national grid. To date, there is no evidence of action being taken for three consecutive years. The connection of Obongi has appeared on the budget, but no action has been taken. Is it procedurally right that you guide the minister, and no action is taken to first track the connection of Obongi to the National Grid? I submit.

Thank you. Honourable for clarification. That is not a point of procedure. I just wanted to first clarify to you, but I was patient enough because I have not been here for some days. I cannot, you know, come and start reprimanding colleagues. Honourable minister, did you visit Obongi, and what plans do you have? I remember you committed here, and it is in your neighbourhood. It should be near.

With the honourable Member from Obongi.

Yes, we actually committed that they are going to be a priority on the Electricity Access Scale-up Project, and we are doing the evaluation now. I would request that he come to the office, and we go through what plans we have for Obongi and also the date when we expect to reach Obongi.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Honourable minister, the Obongi ferry is on the verge of being closed because Sinyanya is cut off. A joint assessment team came on the ground and recommended improving the drainage. No action has been taken. A call- off order was initiated in February; to date, no action has taken place. Secondly, Shs 2.4 billion was sunk in a bridge called Kochi Boma, with support from the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project. The project has stalled because of Shs 800 million, which was saved and swept back to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Minister for finance, we would like assurance on when that money can be returned to the district to work on the strategic Kochi Boma Bridge. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity. I would like to thank the honourable minister and the team for the work done, amidst a lot of challenges being faced. He talked about stations, which are not active, and that is where the Madi Subregion lies, because we have our station in Moyo. Can he elaborate on the challenges that are preventing these stations not being active and how and when he is going to ratify, so that our challenges are addressed? Two, on the Sinyanya-Obongi Road, some of our learners study from the Obongi side. The Sinyanya road is cut off; therefore, many learners are not going to school. Can the Government prioritise this road? Lastly, the honourable minister promised to decentralise the regional mechanical workshops, and I agree. However, before we do that, can the honourable minister bring a report on the status of these workshops so that we can jointly provide remedies or recommendations on how to make them more active, especially the one in Gulu? Thank you so much.

17706 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT own resources. The challenge, of course as I said, is resources but we know the roads. Masindi-Gulu potholes were filled by our people. For Masindi-Biso, we owe the contractor, China Railway No.7, Shs 111 billion. It was in my report. Therefore, we need to pay the contractor so that they can finish the road. Regarding Koboko-Yume-Moyo, I have talked to the Minister of Internal Affairs and I think that will be addressed. Laropi Ferry and Laropi Bridge. We have finished the design for Laropi Bridge and it has been approved by an independent consultant and the bank is willing to fund it. We are now in the final negotiations to fund the Laropi Bridge and then we shall remove the ferry. Possibly, we will take it down to Obongi where we have a challenge with its ferry. Talking about the ferries, we are actually in advanced stages of doing a detailed and comprehensive rehabilitation of the ferries. Most of them are not doing very well but we are going to rehabilitate them. This will answer the Bussi Ferry which has been doing some work under the Pakwach Bridge which was being threatened by the floating island. We had to take the Bussi ferry there. I am in talks with the Bussi team and we are soon finalising the landing site, and the ferry will come back. On the Katine-Ochero Road, we had moved to the final stage but then we got a whistle-blower. Now, when a whistle-blower comes in, the bank stops everything. The company that had been selected had issues and the bank stopped the process and advised that we re-advertise and get new contractors which has been done. We are going to the selection process. Madam Speaker, the bank has a system that for every stage, they must get a no objection from their headquarters, which has been delayed but I think it is now on the right course. Therefore, the Katine-Ochero Road will soon be completed. Regarding compensation for Nyakambu- Nyakabirizi-Nsika at Kabwohe, the compensation of these people has not yet been done and we need about Shs 29 billion. This is what I told the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; that if we get Shs 29 billion, we can start the compensation so we can acquire some land for the contractor to start as we get more money. As I said in my report, compensation is one of the biggest challenges we face on the project. I have already answered Atiak. On maritime, we are keeping an eye on maritime transport. We are not neglecting it. We have rehabilitated MV Pamba and it is now plying between Port Bell, Mwanza and Kisumu. MV Kawa, which was also grounded, is now about 85 per cent ready. We hope that by September, it will be back sailing. Madam Speaker, there is a private player who has also put a big ferry on the waters of Lake Victoria called Mpungu, which can take 20 trailers. It is a drive-on and drive-off. You can put on 20 trailers of cargo and it moves up to the other side. We are cognisant of the fact that Tanzania is aggressively developing the standard gauge and very soon, it will be in Mwanza. Therefore, traders may be moving towards using that corridor. So, we must be able to evacuate the cargo if dropped at Mwanza. We are developing that capacity within the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC). Of course, URC is still challenged with no funding; they are just struggling. We have a project under the African Development Bank moving slowly but we will be moving. The Busongora—Nyakalingijo Road is a national road. We cannot tarmac it as of now. However, I will make sure we maintain it. Madam Speaker, Kumi-Serere-Kagwara Road project is under the Islamic Development Bank and mostly everything has been done. The Islamic Development Bank is in talks with the finance ministry to finalise the financing terms. One of the new issues that the bank is bringing up is that they want to pay everything, including land compensation so that we do not

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

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. When my colleagues are talking about transformers and money being collected from people during connectivity, in Obongi, I am still pleading that we want to see an electricity pole in the whole district. (Laughter) Madam Speaker, through you, to the Prime Minister, when are we seeing an electricity pole in Obongi District? Thank you.

17636 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME of lower voltage and those ones can easily be replaced so long as they are not blown up. If a request is made specifically that in this area, the power is dim, we can now easily remove the small transformer and bring you a bigger transformer. We do not lose anything and there is some little funding which we have under UEDCL, where we are buying new transformers for replacement because of the rapid development of our country. So we can actually take those ones on a case- by-case basis. We now have regional offices; you do not have to come to headquarters. You can make a request. Recently, in Kumi for example, they got some transformers in areas where there was rapid development. You can make that request and we take care of it. Now Obongi, with stranded lines- stranded lines are our priority. We are actually going to provide transformers for those stranded lines and string them. However, stranded lines are of two types. There are certain lines which were constructed by politicians and we do not have a record of them. Therefore, for those, we are going to look for new money. However, for the lines where there was a project, we are actually going to take them up. Obongi is our priority. Obongi, is about 13 kilometres and we are actually going to provide connected electricity to Obongi, possibly before the general elections. (Applause) Yes, we are going to do that. The President was recently there and he gave a directive- we are going to deliver power to Obongi. So Obongi, you are on top of our priority. Bukomansimbi, we carried out a survey, Madam Speaker. You sent him and we carried out a survey of Bukomansimbi. Some of the areas- but not every village is going to be connected to electricity. We are going to focus mainly on schools, and health centres. It is very difficult and very expensive for us to take power to every village. We have not yet reached there.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity. You hinted on your tour, though you did not go physically, but your office went to Madi Subregion. From Obongi to Adjumani, they took three hours instead of only 30 minutes. Therefore, I am requesting that the Minister of Works and Transport takes special interest on our connection from Obongi to Adjumani district. The Sinyanya Road is very bad. We also need to take special interest on culverts and bridges. Some roads are just cut off because we do not have culverts and bridges. Let the Minister of Works and Transport bring a special report on culverts and bridges. Lastly, you reminded us of the electoral road map for general elections. Apart from the issues of the roads, there are service points that we also need to talk about, especially in the areas of education. One of the issues that challenges us so seriously is performance in education. Many of the schools do not exist in our parishes. The schools to be coded in some of our subcounties are not coded; for example, in Ituji, in Arinyapi Subcounty, we have Itoasi. We have been requesting it, but it has never come to implementation. We have one in Arinyapi Subcounty. We have another one in Ofua, Dzaipi. The issues of service delivery need to be discussed before we go to the final point of the general elections; otherwise, they will hit us like the roads.

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

17543 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 12 JNUE 2025 the victims of corruption. The population that is deprived of these services are the victims of the corruption. In the 1960s, we would go to the people. They had all the information. The big changes that are happening in Uganda are being led by the following actors: 1. The National Resistance Army (UPDF) that liberated the country and has been ensuring peace ever since. 2. The wealth creators in the four sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT; 3. The Government scientists who make innovations, and 4. The members of the political class are responsible for supporting the NRM programmes. It is, therefore, not fair for some actors to spoil these successes. Some people say that they give bribes because Mr Museveni is giving the khaki envelope to members of the population – mureke okutaha amizi ne byondo. (Do not draw water mixed with mud.) Do not mix up issues. The brown envelopes I give are part of the ancient tradition here. It is called Okurongora . It is the king who does that, to the singers or wrestlers, etc. The President is the modern king. (Laughter) You are not kings. I have a budget for that; I do not sell my cows to get money for the Okurongora singers. Mulekerawo omwenkanonkano. This is a Luganda word. It summarises the whole thing – omwenkanonkano. Stop trying to be like the one who is bigger than you. Tell those people that Museveni gives the envelope because he has a Budget for it. He is the President. Why do you want -? Fundraising was and is premature. The healthy fundraising is okusonda whereby you make small equal contributions but by many contributors. In the 1950s, Mzee Kaguta, sometimes, would participate in okusondera to contribute to enzoga , which is a potful of banana alcohol. At that time, enzoga , a potful was Shs 5. Five people would contribute Shs 1 each. That is the okusonda (fundraising). You contribute equal small amounts that you can afford. What is happening now with the rampant fundraising is that the MPs carry the whole burden. It is really extortion but it was instigated by the MPs who created the impression that they had that type of money when they did not have. Church leaders and other elders should ask those young mistake-makers the following question: “ Naye mwana wange, sente ezo zona ozijawa?” That is what I would ask my people, if I saw young people throwing around money. That is what a responsible parent should ask a son or daughter or a muzukulu (a grandchild), if he or she sees him or her throwing around money. The translation of that question is: “My child, where are you getting all this money that you are throwing around?” Responsible parents should not accept stolen gifts or mabanja from their children. This is what I wanted to comment on regarding the issue of political corruption and other corruption. Now, I am getting information about obutalondola (not supervising Government work). I keep hearing, for instance, of bad feeder roads – that feeder roads in some areas are not good. Yesterday, I was in Kakumiro, and the feeder road I rode on looked good when I was going to Kagadi. It was a short one, but it was good. The other time I was in Obongi and the feeder roads there were very good and we rode on them. The other time I was in the Bugweri area of Budaka, Pallisa, from the cassava factory – I think we were going to Kamonkoli; the feeder roads looked good but when I drove from Busunju to Mityana, the murram road there was bad and also the other road connecting to the tarmac road, but that one is being worked on. And when we were in Bunyangabu, this issue came up. The question is; what are the districts doing with the Shs 1.3 billion we are sending to them? What is happening? I am going to quietly send my spies to check on some of these roads and once I find that the road is not worked on and yet the Government people

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank you for raising in the House the plight of staff that got affected by the rationalisation exercise. While I was travelling yesterday from the constituency, I had an opportunity to interact with the staff of Obongi-Sinyanya Ferry. These are staff, some of whom have been put on as skeletal staff to continue the operation of the ferry services. Their salaries have not been paid for long. There are staff who have been laid off, expecting their severance package, as well as their terminal benefits. These have not been paid. Further still, just across the ferry, there is a very bad spot that threatens to cut off the ferry service. Call-off orders have been put to the Ministry of Works and Transport, and six months down the road, no work has started. Vehicles travelling from Arua to Juba via Obongi incurred losses, damages to their vehicles, rotting of goods because of inaction by the Ministry of Works and Transport, caused by the inaction of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to make resources available. This beats the spirit and the intentions of RAPEX. We urge the Government, as you have already stated, to take action to address the plight of the workers who are languishing. I submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I thank the Government for constructing our beautiful road, Atiak-Omi Road, which is almost done. However, we have a big challenge connecting us to Obongi via Sinyanya Road. Annually, people get cut off. Yes, the ministry has tried, but I will propose that you think of a more permanent solution, knowing that we do not have proper roads in Obongi. That is the only road that can aid our movement from Obongi to Adjumani and vice versa. The second issue is about the maintenance of our equipment at the regional centre. The regional centres can give us backup, but the amounts voted to maintain our equipment are inadequate. Therefore, I move that we look at that vote and we add more money. That is our next option to rescue the districts. Issues of bridges and culverts to support the districts can be a priority. I have places which are cut off totally just because we cannot provide

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I would like to thank the committee for the report. I have two issues that I would like to observe and pray for. First, 23 years ago, gallant men and women who were fighting for their rights sat down and agreed with the Government to speak and sign peace. That is why on the 12 th of April, His Excellency the President is going to West Nile to commemorate the 23 years of peace. The ex-combatants, who laid down arms, were promised ex-gratia by this Government. but twenty-three years down the road, they have not been given their ex-gratia. While the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs has been preparing with the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus to mark 23 years of peace, one of the messages that was passed to them was that on that day, they will be commissioning the payment of their ex-gratia, but it turns out that there is no budget provided for it. We would like this committee to clarify to the House what happened because many of these are men and women who have aged. And they are in a desperate state. The second issue is related to the new districts that have either no central police station or very small police stations. Others are operating under trees; a case in point is Obongi. We look forward, in the ministerial policy statement for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to have a roadmap for the construction of befitting central police stations for these new districts that do not have them. Thank you.

16847 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 9 APRIL 2025 of those trafficked. That is why you see these numbers going up. Either parents trafficking their children or our children going abroad to seek employment. I think we need to put our heads together, not just ministry for internal affairs, but even Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to see how to tackle this huge problem; and maybe, even create incentives here to deter these young people going to risky places abroad. On utilities, Hon. Kivumbi, I want to say that there is power in Kololo. I do not have the statistics but that solar plant is working. Maybe, I will ask Hon. Oboth to get more concrete information and share with Parliament about that matter. In Kawempe, you talked about arrests going on. I want to say I need more information about this because there are other offenders other than, maybe, political offenders. I would want to know before I make a specific response. There are arrests in Kawempe and also in other areas to the extent that people break the law. I want to have that substantiated so that we can answer authoritatively. The other question was from Hon. Frank. He talked about the need for a comprehensive approach. I cannot agree more about case backlog. Even Hon. Kivumbi talked about it. Building more prisons is not the solution, I agree. It is a matter between us and Justice, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and all those players. We need more innovative ways of addressing this backlog other than building more prisons. Welfare of service personnel, shelter, working conditions; Hon. Frank talked about Nalutuntu transport. That is why we are here. The means of transport are too few and far between our stations and their maintenance costs. The other day in Cabinet, we talked about and passed the need to introduce electric motorcycles to offset the costs of fuel, which Members have mainly talked about. Therefore, we are awake to the concerns of Members. With the support of Parliament, the means - of course, it comes to that – we shall address these logistical challenges of our men in uniform. Somebody talked about reservists and auxiliaries being called up for missions abroad, that they are not paid. What I want to acknowledge is that there may be delays in payment but there is no segregation between active people in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and those who are reservists. If they go to a mission in Somalia, they all get paid the same. I want to get more substantiation here so that I refer it to the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs to give more directed answers to that concern. Hon. Kugonza on subcounty policing model and accommodation lacking, I want to take it up with you. It is unfortunate that we send people without matching accommodation. Where we send people, we should provide uniports. This is a right and there is no roundabout about that matter. Hon. Kugonza, we shall take it up and ensure that our people in that area get accommodation. Hon. Bhoka Didi, 23 years of peace there has been a backlog regarding the veterans of West Nile. It is always sensitive, especially around election time but that backlog has been addressed incrementally. We even had to set up the veteran docket under the ministry for defence to handle that matter dedicatedly. The backlog is reducing. There may be some outstanding people who are not paid but they will be paid. I want to promise. The police station at Obongi, we shall examine that one. However, I want to suggest that we review plan for police posts countrywide so that we decide what is possible within the means available and what can be spread over the medium and long term. Hon. Brenda Nabukenya asked about motorcycles for police stations, and residential places: It has been talked about. On fuel and then specific requirements for female inmates, I will consult with the prisons

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also thank the committee chairperson and the members for the report. The report discusses access to information and communication technology and services as a fundamental right. There are observations that have been made that allude to, instead of having universal access to ICT in this country in general, and the project sites that have been visited in particular, we still see digital divide - a gap between regions, districts, and communities that have access to ICT services and those that do not have. We appreciate that, very recently, the Government and Parliament approved some resources that were intended to boost investments in both hardware and software to improve access to ICT, particularly for those who are left behind. The Parish Development Model (PDM) programme envisages that we have a parish development management information system that is digitally driven. There are many parishes and subcounties in this country, including districts that have not accessed the fibre optic network and broadband assets. That denies them the right to ICT services. As we adopt this report, I pray that the Ministry of ICT provides this House with a status update on efforts to fast-track the extension of ICT hardware and software to parts of this country that have not been served, especially my constituency, Obongi constituency, and district. Thank you.

Mr Speaker, I got a written question from: 1.Hon. Afidra Olema Ronald (MP, Lower Madi County) “Rt Hon. Prime Minister, aware that RAPEX affected the different agencies including UNRA Ferry Services, Rhino Camp to Amuru Ferry was to be commissioned on 3lst December 2024 by UNRA and a new ferry was supposed to be provided by Government. Prayer 1 When will the Commission and provision of ferry services be done to enhance water transport for the people of West Nile and Amuru on River Nile?” Response Mr Speaker, progress of Phase 1 of the vessel assembly is currently at (85) per cent, pending the installation of the engine’s Civil Component. Similarly, progress of construction of ferry landing sites at Rhino camp (Yikuriku) in Madi Oko1lo and Amoor in Amuru district is at 72 per cent and operations will commence very soon. Prayer II “Last year on 1l to 13 Aprll 2024 during H.E. the President’s tour of West Nile, he directed to consider Security/ Tourism Road from Panyimur-Pakwach- Rhino-Camp Obongi and Difule to be upgraded to tarmac. Works on Kia-Kai and Aringa bridges, Olionga to Ewanga swamps and Achaa Swamp have all stalled. When will these projects be upgraded, as directed by His Excellency the President?” Mr Speaker, upgrading of the Panyimur- Pakwach-Rhino Camp-Difule Road (200km) has been considered in the NDP IV and will be worked on soon. The second question came from Hon. Lawrence Songa, Ora County, Zombo District. His prayers are: i. “Does the Government have any plan to build a district hospital in the border district of Zombo and what is the progress? ii. In the meantime, as we wait for the district hospital, can the Government provide full financial, personnel and infrastructural support to the Holy Family Missionary Hospital of Nyapea? iii. Why can’t the Government make Nebbi General Hospital a regional referral hospital to serve the greater Nebbi?” Mr Speaker, I wish to respond as follows: i. On the progress of a new hospital construction, the Government has recognised the need for a district hospital

16568 THE CONTRACT FARMING BILL, 2023 which merged many entities. Right now, many ferries in this country are parked for lack of fuel. The Obongi ferry will be parked from tomorrow for the same reason. All these ferries were given cards by UNRA to get fuel from Total Energies petrol stations, but when UNRA was merged with the ministry for works, the cards were withdrawn by the ministry, and now we do not have fuel for these ferries to operate. The minister is here telling us that things will work out. From tomorrow, my people will not cross for services in Adjumani, and other ferries have been grounded. What are they going to do for Ugandans? This is not easy, but we need to ensure that these services are delivered to the Ugandans.

16533 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2025 they occupy, the asset inventory for the PAPs on public land in Nakawa East Constituency was updated and new valuation reports were compiled. The review of these reports is being finalised for submission to the Chief Government Valuer by the end of this month. After approval by the Chief Government Valuer, the values will be disclosed to the affected persons. The second question came from Hon. Lawrence Songa, MP for Ora County, Zombo. The 120-kilometre Nebbi-Goli-Paidha-Padea- Zombo-Zeu-Warr-Vurra-Lia-Adramacaku Economic, Revenue Generating and Border Security Road appeared in NDP II, NDP III and the NRM manifesto. Why is it still appearing to be at the feasibility stage in the NDP IV, yet the final detailed engineering design for tarmacking was completed in March 2018? Madam Speaker, the feasibility studies and detailed designs for the upgrading of the Goli- Paidha-Zombo-Zeu-Warr-Vurra (l00km) and Arua-Lia (15km) was completed in March 2018. The Ministry of Works and Transport is in touch with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to ensure commencement of the procurement of the civil works contractor. Civil works are expected to commence in the Financial Year 2025/2026. His second prayer was: What is the progress of seeking funding from BADEA, African Development Bank and others for prioritising the tarmacking of this road in NDPIV? My response, is that BADEA carried out an appraisal for the upgrading of Nebbi-Goli (16km) during the period 26 February to 4 March 2024 and are currently in discussions with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for the financing of this road. His prayer number three was: why is the construction of bridges, including Adoka, Umol, Aniza, Ora, Nyagak and Ayuda, moving slowly? My response is that for the bridges; Adoka (Odrua), Omolo (Umol), Aniza, Ora, Nyagak and Ayuda along Nebbi-Paidha-Padea-Zombo- Zeu-Warr-Vurra-Lia, only Odrua Bridge is under construction with the bridge structure complete and the construction of access roads ongoing. Umol, Aniza, Ora, Nyagak and Ayuda are in fair condition, although they are single lane. They will be upgraded during the upgrading of Vurra-Goli-Nebbi Road. The contractor is already on site. His prayer number four was: Can Dei- Panyimur-Pakwach-Wadelai-Rhino Camp- Obongi-Laropi-Dufile economic, tourism and security road be included and fast-tracked as an oil road, since it is in the oil belt? My response is that oil roads are those meant to facilitate the exploitation and transportation of oil. The Ministry of Works and Transport will engage the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to assess and advise whether the stated are oil roads. Feasibility studies and detailed designs will be carried out in the medium-term, as resources may permit. Question number three came from Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, the MP, Mawogola County. Her first prayer was: With the successful launch of Electricity Access Scale-Up Project, could the Prime Minister explain why there has been a delay in the project’s implementation? My response is that the Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP) was designed to increase consumer connections in the country by targeting over one million new connections. Connections commenced in March 2024 and over 100,000 new consumers have so far been connected. The connections are limited to no- pole and one-pole service, on a first come, first served basis. The connections programme is, therefore, ongoing. Her prayer number two was: furthermore, could there be clarification as to whether the project prioritises grid extension or service connections for the beneficiaries, and what timelines are in place for its roll-out?

16534 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME My response is that over the last 10 years, the Government concentrated on grid extensions across the country with minimum service connections. The Electricity Access Scale- UP Project was, therefore, designed to make service connection for optimal utilisation of the existing network. The project covers no-pole connections, one-pole connections, transformer injections in a radius of about three kilometres from the existing network. The third prayer from the honourable member was: on what basis were the beneficiaries selected? Given that the project obtained financing of more than $600 million, the Government must justify why people of Mawogola North remain underserved. My response is that based on the above project design, Ssembabule is a beneficiary of the Electricity Access Scale-up Project. The Government is also developing the Grid Expansion and Support to Parish Development Project to address issues of un-electrified administrative offices, public institutions and value addition centres, of which Ssembabule is a beneficiary. Surveys have started from West Nile and will soon roll out to other parts of the country. The next question was from Hon. Rose Obigah, the Woman Representative, Terego District. She requested for an update on the illegal mining activities in Onivu Village, Okavu Parish, Odupi Subcounty, Terego District. My response is that on 20 January 2025, a joint team visited the site where the illegal mining activities were reported. Upon investigation, it was established that the illegal mining activities were being conducted by Li Kuang Mining Co. Ltd, a company holding Exploration Licence EL00383, with jurisdiction of operation in Yumbe and Obongi districts. The company was found to be operating outside its licensed area, specifically in Terego District, in violation of the terms of its licence. As a result, all mining activities at the site were immediately suspended, and operations were halted to prevent further environmental degradation and oil spills in the area. To further address this matter, the ministry, through the inspector of miners for the West Nile region, undertook a detailed inspection visit to the area on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. It was confirmed that the operations were not within the jurisdiction of the company licensed. The operations were illegal, being undertaken under an exploration licence. Li Kuang Mining Company Limited was directed to remove all its machinery and equipment from the site, and vacate the site entirely. The company was advised to restore environmental damages caused by its activities. Madam Speaker, artisanal miners were encouraged to form associations to register and acquire artisanal mining licences. Madam Speaker, a Show Cause Notice will be issued to the company for potential cancellation of its licence (EL00383) due to non-compliance. Hon. George Bhoka Didi,MP, Obongi County:the Obongi-Sinyanya ferry operations have been on halt since the 10 th of February this year, due to a bad landing site and mechanical problems. Efforts have been made to contact the Minister of Works and Transport regional and national offices, to provide urgent repairs to the Obongi ferry, but repairs have not been done up to now. The breakdown of this ferry affects pupils who cross from Sinyanya on a daily basis to attend classes in Obongi, patients who access health services in Obongi Health Centre IV, and the business fraternity that transports goods from Arua and Adjumani, to Juba in South Sudan. His question is that: what steps have been taken by the Ministry of Works and Transport to expeditiously restore the Obongi ferry operations? My response is that between August and early December 2024, the water levels, as you all know, at the Obongi-Sinyanya ferry crossing,

16535 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2025 increased tremendously, and this necessitated us to raise the landing sites to match the new water levels, in order to ensure safe ferry operations. Between mid-December 2024 and January 2025, the water levels at the same ferry crossing dropped significantly, making the ferry operations risky and challenging. Despite the operational difficulties, the ferry team was able to continue with ferry operations up to the 10 th of February this year, when the ferry itself experienced a fatal challenge on one of its three operational engines. The new engine challenge led to the temporary closure of the ferry crossing in order to safeguard passengers and the ferry crew. Madam Speaker, the repair of the faulty engine is ongoing and will be fully restored. In addition, temporary civil works should also be completed by – that was 26 February 2025 – I think they must have completed by now. It is expected that the ferry operations at Obongi-Sinyanya ferry will resume today. I hope, today, they resumed. We shall find out whether they have resumed. The sixth question came from Hon. Juliet Achayo, MP Ngora County. She started by thanking the Government for constructing a bridge at Aleles, that connects Ngora to the neighbouring Pallisa District. The construction of the bridge is complete and the road is, by and large, usable. However, since the completion of the bridge, part of the road that connects to the bridge has not been properly worked on to provide seamless transition from the road to the bridge structure. There is a sudden change in elevation at the bridge, that is a potential cause of accidents. Furthermore, after heavy rains, water tends to flood in the area surrounding the bridge, making it look like an island and rendering the road impassable. Her prayer is that the Ministry of Works and Transport quickly responds to this concern, and ensures that a proper approach is constructed to allow a smooth access to the bridge, and also introduce culvert crossings that are necessary to eliminate the flooding at Aleles. My response was that the Ministry of Works and Transport signed a contract with M/s Coil Ltd and Motorways Construction JV, on 21 April 2019 for the construction of Aleles Bridge in Pallisa District. At the time these concerns were raised, the contractor had completed the bridge, although the approach road work was still ongoing. The contractor provided a temporary diversion to allow limited access to the community. I am pleased to report that the project, including the bridge and the approach road, has since been substantially completed and is now being used by the community for its intended purpose. The seventh question came from Hon. Ephraim Biraaro, MP, Buhweju West County. As we may be aware, His Excellency the President, through the NRM Manifestos of 2016-2021 and 2021-2026, and his several public pronouncements, has been pledging Bwizibwera-Nsiika-Nyakashaka-Nyakabirizi Road, with two spurs; Kabwohe and Bihanga- Katerera. Madam Speaker, the process has not only been delayed, but tampered with. According to the current plans geared by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), the road now apparently stops at Nsiika, but priority is given to the Kabwohe Spur. While we would not envy any question of the road being worked on, our concerns are raised by the total neglect and side-lining of an important section of 45.8 km of Nsiika-Nyakasharara-Nyakabirizi Road, which was meant to serve several tea factories, traversing these three districts of Buhweju, Sheema and Bushenyi.

Before you raise your procedural matter, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have a group of student leaders from the Guild Representative Council of Makerere University. They are represented by Hon. Bashir Kazibwe and Hon. Shamim Malende. You are most welcome. Where are you? Students, stand up. Join me in welcoming them. (Applause) They are here to observe the proceedings of this House. Thank you for coming to your House. Again, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have a group of students from Madi Subregion, which includes Obongi, Moyo, and Adjumani, under the Madi Students’ Union. They are represented by Hon. Jesca Ababiku, Hon. Tom Aza, and Hon. James Mamawi. They are here to witness the proceedings of this House. Thank you. Please stand up and we see you. Thank you so much for coming. Yes, procedural matter?

15993 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2025 2. The EC should consider extending the deadline for the verification exercise due to the disruptions experienced at the beginning. Irregular removal of voters from the voters’ roll. Honourable colleagues, the EC explained that it is not within their mandate to remove voters and that the process for removal is elaborate under Section 26(3) of the Electoral Commission Act. They add that any voter who has been removed erroneously has an opportunity, in this period, should be reinstated but also during the display of the voters’ register, which is upcoming – I think within three or four weeks from now. If you go and realise that you are not on the voters’ register, there is going to be a tribunal. You raise a complaint and you can be reinstated. The committee recommends that: 1. The EC introduces mechanisms that prevent the removal of voters contrary to the provisions of the law in order to ensure a credible, accurate and transparent voter register. 2. Any person whose particulars are missing from the voters’ register after the current voter verification period can have the particulars included in the voters’ register during the period of voter display as required in Section 25 of the Electoral Commission Act. Regarding the issue of charging money from voters by Parish Internal Security Officers (PISOs), the Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs), and local councils (LCs), the Electoral Commission acknowledged that indeed some complaints had come up and said they were making follow-ups to ensure that such do not take place and it is illegal. Recommendations The committee recommends that - 1. the Electoral Commission informs the public about fees payable, if any; 2. the Electoral Commission makes complaint reporting and handling processes simpler and more accessible to the people; 3. the Electoral Commission engages investigative agencies of Government to investigate and prosecute persons who impose any fees on the voters; and 4. The Electoral Commission makes the verification of voters simpler and removes unnecessary procedures and processes that may be used to perpetuate corruption. Honourable colleagues, the issue of the use of the 2014 Census results in the demarcation of electoral areas - we heard that in some areas where we used to have three or four councillors, now there is either one or two. This was caused by the usage of the 2014 data in the demarcation of electoral areas. The Electoral Commission explained that because they are time-bound, they had to demarcate areas, yet the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is not ready with their statistics; the data of the 2024 Population Census. The reason UBOS gave us was that there were conflicts in many areas of the country. Below are the areas they gave us. (a) Apaa - there is a dispute in Apaa between Amuru and Adjuman; (b) Pararo Oroko area; (c) Ombechi/Kochi, Legu/Ramogi, area (the dispute is between Yumbe and Obongi districts); and (d) Dispute in Nyamisingiri area. The UBOS said they are waiting to sort out these disputes with the Minister of Local Government and the local leadership. Thereafter, they can be able to release the 2024 data which goes up to the subcounties, villages, and parishes. We have recommended as follows: 1. The Electoral Commission reviews the demarcation of electoral areas in all the parishes in Uganda to ensure that using

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. I want to, in the same vein, thank the committee and congratulate them for a wonderful report. Mr Speaker, two to three weeks ago, on the Floor of Parliament here, my sister from Obongi brought a report where a hippo broke the bone of somebody. Two weeks later, the hippo also broke the bones of two people and killed animals. To date, there is nothing done for these people who are hospitalised. In addition, the minister has said they are going to reduce on the time but compassionate contribution, if at all, is supposed to be merged with the contributions at the end or compensation. Honestly, treatment is an emergency issue. I kindly request that the period for helping such persons be as urgent as possible. Lastly, UWA prefers animals to human beings. I can tell you that West Nile has gone through a lot. We were here on the Floor of Parliament talking about Karuma Road. We have not come back over this issue of Karuma Road. UWA is already charging our people. This was a presidential directive. UWA loves money. They spend money at source but they cannot fence at all. How can normal human beings erect wooden fences and they are destroyed by termites? Wooden fences can be treated. What happened? Luxury in spending taxpayers’ money! I think UWA should wake up and do quality work rather than just come here - you treat our people like they do not matter. I want to understand why you are charging our people before Parliament has pronounced itself. The road is not yet complete; our road is so badly off. Do you want us to die on that road? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I want to applaud my chairperson and Hon. Ssemujju for presenting the views from both sides. I start with Article 32 of the 1995 Constitution, as amended. I want to read it verbatim; “The state shall provide affirmative action in favour of groups marginalised on the basis of gender, age, disability, or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom, for the purpose of redressing imbalances which exist against them.” I want to thank my Government for addressing this specific constitutional right, to some extent. We know that in this House, we have Affirmative Action represented. The women are here, people with disabilities are here, and the age limit has been removed, but there is one critical thing that, in my view, the budget should address. These are imbalances created by history. What is this history about? The marginalised community we have in this country. History has taught it in all the indicators we have in this country. The education indicators; when the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results come out, there are regions in this country well known, from history, that will be coming last. This includes Karamoja, West Nile, and in particular, my district. In the previous PLE, Obongi, Madi-Okollo, Lamwo – they are consistently coming last. In my view, these regions have been marginalised. For us, as Parliament, to improve them and bring them equity and match other regions, we need to reflect it in the Budget Framework Paper. To what extent has this budget addressed this imbalance in education performance? I will cite more, Mr Speaker. In my district, Madi-Okollo, we have 1,700 teachers required to teach in 78 primary schools. But as we speak now, we only have 600; a ratio of one teacher to 250 pupils. How can this community continue to thrive if they are being marginalised over time? Therefore, I would like to see this being addressed across all the marginalised communities reflected in the budget. The second issue, Mr Speaker, all of us have come here for this budget, which is the cake; it is a national cake. My district and my constituents want to see what is in this budget that shall be going back to them. And this can come if the Budget Framework Paper, to some extent, can be broken down into different regions, especially the development bit. It will be to our surprise or not to our surprise. At the end of next financial – (Member timed out.)

15724 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME 5. Engagement with stakeholders The Government - like I am doing now - will continue to engage with key stakeholders, including Parliament, financial institutions, other political leaders, civil society, and community leaders to ensure a collaborative approach to ending this practice. This will include dialogue and consultations aimed at identifying and addressing the root cause of this issue. Mr Speaker, confiscation of National Identity Cards as security for loans is a deplorable practice that must be stopped immediately. The Government is fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of our citizens by ensuring that their National Identity Cards retain their integrity and remain in their possession, and are used only for their intended purpose. To achieve this, citizens themselves must cooperate by avoiding this illegal practice as much as possible or reporting to authorities to retrieve the confiscated National Identity Cards. Question 2 is from Hon. Noman Jimbricky Ochero, Abim District. He says that Abim Hospital was constructed between 1969 and 1971 during the Obote 1 regime and enjoyed decay up to date. The hospital is dilapidated to the extent of becoming non-functional. Every time the government allocates money to its renovation, it is made at the tail end of the financial year and gets caught up and swept back to the consolidated fund before being utilised. His questions are two. 1. Why is Abim Hospital the only one in the country that suffers from budget cuts and its money swept back into the consolidated fund? 2. Who decides which hospital takes the first call on the releases? My response: Abim General Hospital was constructed in the 1970s and like any other general hospital that was constructed during that period, it needs serious renovation of its infrastructure and expansion to cater for the increased population and demand for health services. The estimated cost of renovating and expansion of this hospital is about Shs 40 billion. However, the G overnment has been allocating funds for critical infrastructure renovation of these hospitals and Abim General Hospital received Shs 2 billion for uplifting key service delivery units to improve service delivery. The funds were extended to the District Local Government but, which failed to provide accountability and the IGG took over the issue of investigation. Additionally, the Ministry of Health has submitted to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) a project proposal to renovate/refurbish all general hospitals in that category. The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has committed to mobilising funds to undertake these capital-intensive projects in the medium term. 3. Hon. Dr George Didi Bhoka (MP, Obongi Constituency) There is a persistent border conflict between Obongi –

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The other question is from Hon. George Didi, Obongi Consistency and he said that there is a persistent border conflict between Obongi and Yumbe districts that has been raised on this Floor of Parliament as an urgent matter of national importance without action taken by the Government.

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

Mr Speaker, as Government, we need to address the issue of quality. These roads were done by the NRM; they are depleted within the time when the NRM is there. We need to improve on supervision for quality. We still have districts like Obongi in West Nile that do not have access to electricity. We have issues with rural connectivity; also Nebbi-Jukia-Vurra Road still has issues. We have those key issues. Therefore, as we celebrate, we want the NRM Government to take note that we will continue to support it, but these issues we have mentioned should be attended to.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH ON THE OVERSIGHT VISIT TO ASSESS THE STATUS OF ABATTOIRS/SLAUGHTER FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY No Name Constituency Party Signature 1 Hon. Dr. Ruyonga Joseph Hoima West NRM 2 Hon. Dr. Opio Acuti Samuel KoI"ffSh, Ind .#q#|- 3 Hon. Bebona Babungi Josephine Bundiburyo NRM 4 Hon. Laker Sharon Balmoyi DWR-Gulu NRM 5 Hon. Isaac Otimgiw Padyere NRM \ I 6 Hon. Nebanda Andiru Florence DWR-Butaleja NRM 8 Hon. Kayagi Sarah Netalisire DWR- Namisindwa NRM r\a__,/ 9 Hon. Rutahigwa Elisa Rukungiri NRM 10 Hon. Ayebare Margaret DWR-Mbarara NRM w{* 11 Hon. Dr. George Didi Bhoka Obongi NRM @' t2 Hon. Chelain Betty Louke DWR-Amudat NRM 13 Hon. Sekyanzi Benard Kirya Budyebo NRM T4 Hon. Dr. Ninkusiima John Paul Ibanda South NRM sill 15 Hon. Nandagire Christine Ndiwalana Bukomansimbi North NUP 16 Hon. Dr. Kagabo TWaha Mzee Bukoto South NUP l7 Hon. Dr. Kamara Nicholas Thadus Kabale Municipality FDC 18 Hon. Dr. Batuwa Timothy Jinja West FDC llPage

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance concerning the hippopotamus that has been attacking the people and destroying crops of the community in Obongi. Last year, in October, a hippopotamus attacked a man called Sunday Dudu in Yakinemiji Ward, a Kenyan village. The gentleman was in his field harvesting his crops and a hippopotamus came out of the river to attack him and broke his leg. The man was hospitalised in Moyo General Hospital for one month and up to now, he is still undergoing treatment. This year, on 17 January 2025, a man by the name of Modesta from Ewafa Subcounty, Achimari East Village, Ewafa Parish, was again attacked by a hippo that came from the water at the landing site after fishing since he was a fisherman. The young people of Obongi have an association called “Obongi Vegetable Growers”, where they plant greens, watermelon, cabbages, and all their crops were destroyed by the hippo. My prayers are: 1. For the young people who have been growing vegetables and whose crops were

15628 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT destroyed, the ministries in charge of disaster and agriculture should help them with seeds so they can also plant again; and 2. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) should intervene in that matter. We do not have a field office for UWA in Obongi; the field office we have is in Adjumani. Whenever such matters happen, we call UWA officials and they do not respond. So far, this Modesta man is in Yumbe General Referral Hospital undergoing treatment, but one leg has been chopped by the hippo. This means he has become a disabled man who can no longer be resourceful to his family. 3. The Uganda Wildlife Authority should come to the rescue of these people who have been affected by the hippo because they are going for treatment and they also have other things to do. The UWA people are not responding to – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Speaker. On this Floor, we have risen to talk about Obongi severally. Now, if you restrict us to

15649 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 21 JANUARY 2025 only speak about meters, Obongi does not have a single pole. What should Obongi talk about? We are asking the minister to respond to Obongi -

Madam Speaker, Dr Bhoka Didi George is my name. I am the Member of Parliament for Obongi Constituency, Obongi District in West Nile. I am also the Vice- Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My name is Maneno Zumura, the Woman Member of Parliament for Obongi; the only district without electricity in this country. Thank you.

I have the following, Madam Speaker, to highlight. We have a strategic security and tourism road from Panyimur, Pakwach, Rhino Camp, Obongi, up to Difule, that for the last 15 years has been highlighted in both the party manifesto as well as the NDP III. It has not been mentioned. The same applies to the road that comes from Arua City through Obongi, Adjumani to Elegwen International Road. Lastly, under transport, water transport is very important, Madam Speaker. In the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, West Nile was served by steam ships that plied from Nimule to Namasagali. In our strategic plan, there has been a highlight about reintroduction of water transport system that would reduce the cost of movement of people and goods. I pray that the Committee on Physical Infrastructure as well as the Ministry of Works and Transport take interest in investing in water transport as an alternative means of transport to improve the movement of goods and people. I thank you so much, Madam Speaker.

14061 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024 Arua City, Terego, Obongi and Yumbe on a road that has a political name. It was first called FDC Road but when NRM won elections, it is now called NRM Road. That is the road from Manibe-Wandi to Ore Bridge . This road is a section of about 54 kilometres. It has appeared in the manifesto of NRM about four times but up to now, it is not considered anywhere. We request that the Government works on it. Two, we have –

Madam Speaker, we have a road that connects Obongi and Moyo Districts, that is Obongi-Moyo Road, which is being maintained by UNRA. Right now, if a miracle happens here that Parliament is taken to Obongi, all these vehicles are going to get stuck on that road. As I speak, the road is flooded for the last two weeks but UNRA is not paying any attention. Secondly, on Obongi-Yumbe-Terego-Arua Road, which is also a national road, the side of Obongi is also flooded. Therefore, I urge the ministry and UNRA team to rush to Obongi and take care of the roads that are under their docket. Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the Ministry of Works and Transport for giving

14062 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT us road equipment as a new district. However, some of the components of road equipment are missing. The ministry should do something so that those components that are missing should be submitted to the district for easy road maintenance and improvement of the road connectivity in the district. Madam Speaker, year in and year out, after every five years, there is a critical road that whenever His Excellency the President of Uganda is campaigning in Obongi, speaks about. And that is Pakwach-Rhino Camp-Obongi-Wadlai up to Moyo District, proceeding to South Sudan. He calls it a security road but the road always features nowhere. I urge those who are drafting the manifesto of NRM, this year, to help us leaders of Obongi, Pakwach, Madi-Okollo and Moyo; not to indicate that road in the manifesto because it has over featured but the Government is not doing something about it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me the chance. The whole of North West Nile Region is affected. The region comprises Adjumani, Obongi, Moyo and Yumbe. Mr Speaker, there are godfathers who are seated like God seated on his heavenly throne, commanding each and everybody to cut the trees. Who are these godfathers? Trees have been felled indiscriminately and the whole area has now been deforested. We are scared that in two or three years’ time, there will be completely nothing for us to talk about. I would like to request that we investigate these godfathers. Otherwise, the civil, political and all those other elected leaders have tried their best to stop this vice but have failed. Thank you.

13974 PRIME MINISTER’S TIME months ago. According to him, to date, the tractor implements such as ploughs have not been purchased, hence making the tractors idle despite the farmers being ready to use them. His prayer is: when does the Government intend to purchase the tractor implements to allow the farmers in Obongi to use the tractors effectively. My response is that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries supported the northern subregion with both high and low- capacity tractors, that is, the 2WD and 4WD implements to all the districts including the skilling and capacity development of the selected personnel as operators and technicians to support in the operation and maintenance of the mechanisation equipment and machinery. For the case of Obongi, Mr Speaker, and other districts where the 4WD and 2WD tractors were delivered, other implements will be delivered. The assorted units of the tractors and implements are now under shipment and are expected to be delivered by the first week of September this year. 6. Hon. Kiiza Kenneth Nyendwoha, Member of Parliament, Bujenje County, Masindi District His concern is about the continued falling of sugarcane prices across the country yet there is scarcity of the raw materials of sugarcane. Most millers are harvesting sugarcane at 12 months. His prayer is, what is Government’s intervention to mitigate this? Mr Speaker, my response is that the sugar industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the economy of Uganda under the manufacturing sector contributing over Shs 300 billion in taxes annually and employing over 100,000 Ugandans directly. The annual production of brown sugar is 600,000 metric tonnes and the industrial refined sugar is at 75,000 metric tonnes. The industry also produces over 150 megawatts of electricity from bagasse (sugar cane pulp), of which about 70 megawatts is supplied to the national grid. In a liberal economy like Uganda, the prices of commodities are determined by market forces of demand and supply. We have recently experienced a decline in sugarcane prices and this is attributed to the following reasons; i) Decline in sugar prices globally. The price of sugar has declined from Shs 250,000 per 50-kilogram bag in January 2024 to currently between Shs 140,000 to Shs 154,000 per 50-kilogramme bag. This decline directly impacts on the price of sugarcane which contributes 60 per cent of raw materials. One tonne, that is 1,000 kilograms of sugarcane, produces 100 kilograms of brown sugar; at least two bags of sugar. The practice is that the farmer and the miller share the output by 50 per cent. Therefore, the farmer is paid half of the cost of the two bags of sugar produced, leaving the miller with another half. ii) The second one is importation of brown and white sugar by neighboring countries, especially Kenya and Tanzania, from outside the East African community duty- free. The imported sugar from global leading producers such as Brazil and India is much cheaper, and renders Uganda’s sugar uncompetitive in the East African market. When there are external forces that distort the market, cane prices definitely drop. iii) The third one is farmers growing cane without off-take contracts with millers. Some farmers with cane fields that are not registered suffer miserably because millers prioritise crushing cane from their registered farmers and nucleus estates only. The Government has put in place the following measures to mitigate the fall in sugarcane prices:

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Obongi District, as known by each and every one in this House, is a new district. It is four years old now, but it does not have a general hospital. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, when shall we have a general hospital in Obongi for us to reduce on that number that has been referred from Obongi to Moyo on a daily basis? Thank you.

Rt Hon. Prime Minister, yesterday, they were promised electricity, if they can also be promised a hospital today, it would be a good week for Obongi. (Laughter)

Mr Speaker, Obongi District is a new district, just four years old. If you are aware, we are moving in phases and we will definitely cover Obongi and get there.

13919 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 14 AUGUST 2024 All district headquarters have been electrified except for Obongi, which is a newly created district, Kalenga District, which recently shifted its headquarters, and Buvuma District, which is an island. otherwise, the rest of the district headquarters in the country have been connected. Projects have been initiated to electrify these three distinct headquarters; I am talking about headquarters. The Government has also embarked on electrifying subcounty headquarters; this has been our policy. With only 410 subcounties still remaining out of the 2066 Subcounties, town councils, and Division headquarters; 410 remain unconnected. The power distribution grid has increased from 6,496 kilometres, in 2005 to over 80,000 kilometres, currently. We have 2,228,384 customers who are grid-connected. Ninety-five per cent of which are domestic. This leaves a balance of about 8.2 million households that need to be connected to the electricity grid. My ministry, together with the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, continues to develop new projects and mobilize financing to propel the country to universal access by 2030 using both on-grid and off-grid solutions. Mr Speaker, the challenges in implementing the rural electrification programme are as follows: 1. The inadequate counterpart funding by the Government is a key challenge to the implementation of the Rural Electrification Programme. Whereas my ministry has contractual and Project Affected Persons(PAPs) compensation obligations totalling over Shs 440 billion, the Budget provision for the Financial Year 2024/2025 is Shs 55 billion only. The demand is Shs 440 billion; the budget is Shs 55 billion only. Whereas construction works under the Subcounty Project financed by the Exim Bank of China have been completed, the Government has since released Shs 2.2 billion for compensation out of the required Shs 38 billion. Similarly, construction works have been completed for the Uganda Rural Electrification Access Project (UREAP) financed by the African Development Bank but the Government has only released Shs 2.6 billion for compensation to date. 2. The trend of inadequate counterpart funding has resulted in delayed implementation of the project and may be the case with EASP where the World Bank requires the ministry to compensate Project Affected Persons before construction works commence. If the subcounty under UREAP projects required compensation of PAPs before the commencement of construction works as required with EASP, these two projects would be stranded to date. 3. Vandalism remains a major challenge to the Power Supply industry. As already indicated, addressing this issue requires enhanced security measures, and community awareness, which we are doing and I call upon everybody to join me. It requires strict legal penalties. I thank you, Mr Speaker and honourable colleagues when you supported the amendment to the 1999 Electricity Act, where we introduced stringent punishment for people involved in vandalism. This is still with us. Mr Speaker, I would like to conclude, by requesting this august Parliament to note the progress made by the Government in the implementation of Bridging the Demand- supply balance gap through the accelerated Rural Electrification Programme funded. I would like you to note the progress made by the Government in the implementation of the Electricity Access Scale Up Project. I would also like you to note the progress made by the Government to electrify the entire country. I have also mentioned the challenges and I would like this august House to note the challenges faced in the implementation of the

13923 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 14 AUGUST 2024 arrival of the high voltage power to the West Nile is good but the minister is silent on the electricity distribution challenges there. The last mile connection run by WENRECo in Madi-Okollo and Obongi districts. Mr Speaker, as I conclude, I have a few prayers. Number one, I pray that this august House finds that there are many substantive issues of energy governance to be addressed by the Executive, beyond the minister of energy. Some of the matters I have raised require the input of the Attorney-General as well as the ministers responsible for privatisation and finance. Lastly, I pray that the statement and that of the minister be referred to the relevant committee, that is, the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to enable Parliament to debate and make recommendations on rural electrification with a background of energy planning and governance in our country. I beg to submit, Mr Speaker. (Applause)

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. First, I would love to appreciate the minister and the ministry. I want to congratulate her - much as she is busy with her colleagues - congratulations upon connecting West Nile. I was on that Committee on Environment and Natural Resources together with the Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker here, pushing for West Nile to be connected and it took so long. I nearly developed ulcers but I am now happy that, yes, finally, something has happened. Secondly, the issue of connecting the three places, Buvuma, Karenga, and Obongi, is something we cannot wait for forever. We must stay nationalists. How can we afford to let the whole country get connected, we start on new projects all the time, but there are three places which have not been connected to date? We do not want to demonstrate. This one should be taken seriously. I now speak as a countryman. We need to help those areas. Back to Kumi, Mr Speaker, we have had incomplete projects arising from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). In 2017, we pushed for the Government to help us with rural electrification. Some areas were given poles but to date, people are not using their power. It is now seven years down the road. I remember when REA was being phased out, some money was transported to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Where did this money go because I thought that that money should have been able to complete for us these projects? To date, some of the places are not working. That one, I can tell you.

Thank you. Honourable colleagues, I remember very well when I was on that committee. Nearly every year we would be told about those three districts, Obongi, Buvuma - no, Karenga is recent because they are saying for Karenga - they transferred the district headquarters and that is what caused the problem. Then they were saying, for Buvuma, they are getting the marine cable and this was up to around 2021. For Obongi, what is the problem? In fact, I want to know what is so unique about Obongi, that we announce it every - Honourable minister, on Obongi, what is so unique that since I was a member of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, they say “Obongi, Obongi” - (Hon. Alioni rose) - Is Hon. Alioni from Obongi? (Interjection) No, for Obongi, we have Hon. Zumura. Yes, I know but Hon. Zumura is here. We have Hon. Zumura Maneno.

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. It is true that Obongi is the only district in this country where the people have never seen a pole of electricity. For them to see a pole of electricity, they should first cross the river to Adjumani, that is when they will see a pole of electricity. They should go to Moyo, that is when they will see a pole of electricity, and yet they have been singing Obongi in black and white, but implementation is zero. Mr Speaker, recently when the President was touring the country, he made a promise that by November 2023, Obongi will receive electricity. Up to now, there is nothing.

13928 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Mr Speaker, the people of Obongi are hosting refugees. If you take the population of refugees in Obongi, they are more than the host community. Under Component Three of Refugee-Hosting Communities to be connected to electricity, Obongi has been left out. Obongi is not connected. Why? Why is the ministry marginalising the people of Obongi? Mr Speaker, recently you gave directives for the ministry to go to Obongi. I am here to inform you that none of them reached Obongi. Up to now, up to tomorrow, no minister has gone to Obongi. Since the minister is here – I do not know whether Obongi is in Uganda and if they do not want us in Uganda, since we are bordering South Sudan, they can give us permission and we move with the refugees, that Obongi belongs to South Sudan, and then we start demanding for electricity from South Sudan. Mr Speaker, before I rest my case, let the minister explain to us why they are always defying your directives to go on the ground and investigate projects and report on the Floor of Parliament. Thank you.

Hon. Nankabirwa, I know you will be in Obongi tomorrow. I know you very well.

Mr Speaker and colleagues, I actually enjoy working in the field and I do not remember any time when you instructed me specifically to go to Obongi, and I defied. I have gone to the remotest places in this country and I am standing here to pledge that my ministry is committed to making sure that we conclude the loop of West Nile on grid connection. For Obongi, I think the distance could be about 12 kilometres and when we were in West Nile recently on the 3 rd , I committed myself before the President that my next move now is to make sure that we connect Obongi. I am standing here again to make a further commitment that before you go back to face the voters, Obongi will be smiling. (Applause)

Thank you. Honourable colleagues, you have seen that on this project, priority is being given to refugee- hosting areas and since Obongi is one of them, I hope it can be sorted quickly. Yes, I had allowed Hon. Niwagaba.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise to thank the minister and her team. A week ago, the minister sent her team to West Nile to find out the most shining and best district built. It so happened that Terego was the best and they launched electricity in Terego. I am so grateful. Mr Speaker, I would love to behave like Oliver Twist. The electricity went straight to the district headquarters but elsewhere, we are still in darkness. I pray after launching in the district headquarters, let us spread it to the subcounties and schools so that Terego, which shines at the district shines elsewhere. Last week, I was in Obongi. I will do a disservice to West Nile if I do not say this. The people of Obongi almost locked eight of us, Members of Parliament asking, “What are you coming to do here when you people cannot allow us to have light?” Mr Speaker, the Obongi District Chairperson was supposed to travel and he needed to apply for an online visa. However, due to power shortage, and rain, he could not use the internet to apply for a visa, so he failed to travel. I am here to say that Obongi should be the number one priority. Lastly, I attended a meeting of SynBio Africa. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - of this very important scientist, is a Ugandan but now he heads synthetic biology at the eighth-best university in the world, which is in Singapore, that can turn all the waste we are complaining about in Kitebi into electricity –

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank the honourable minister for an elaborate statement. I thank her team for the job so far done. We know with time, everything will be fine. I also want to thank the minister for the interventions that have been made in my district, Abim. I know some of the areas are already connected, like from Morulem Town Council to Nyakwai Subcounty. However, it has not been switched on. I do not think switching on power requires a budget. Honourable minister, if you are still busy, just tell us how to switch on and we do it on your behalf. (Laughter) Mr Speaker, in some of the subcounties like Alerek Town Council through Magamaga to Adea, most of the poles are wooden. Wildfires have burnt some of the poles already and the termites have eaten some. Electricity in Abim was commissioned in 2022. Honourable minister, the best thing to do for some of those areas is to provide concrete poles, which are very durable. The other subcounty, which is almost like Obongi, is Opopongo Subcounty, the farthest in Abim. There is nothing but total darkness. Therefore, we request, honourable minister, that you use your powers to ensure that some of these areas that are not connected also get the services that they deserve. Otherwise, we want to thank you very much and wish you the best in that docket. We are proud of you, at least. You are my mentor. Thank you. (Applause)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join the rest in appreciating the comprehensive report by the honourable minister and the team. Mr Speaker, allow me to put the status of Madi Subregion right. We have three districts, including Obongi, Adjumani and Moyo that have been connected but the power is not reliable at all. We have even codenamed it as Aziko , something that comes and goes without warning you. Our request has been that, as we recognise what you have done for West Nile where we belong, you need to have special consideration for Madi Subregion so that we can also get reliable power. There is also uniqueness with the poles you have taken to Adjumani and Moyo. Any slight drizzle, not even heavy rains, the power goes off. We do not know the type of poles that you have taken to our area. Honourable minister, we represent Government and Parliament when we are in our constituencies. For two years, you people have promised to me in writing that you are going to visit Adjumani. I have the letter. I have the name of the officer. You have never gone to survey so that you connect the subcounties. People have developed a mistrust. I was with Hon. Mamawi in his subcounty and people almost chased us away. The subcounty is trying to fundraise to connect power in Itirikwa Subcounty because you have misinformed or misled us and we went and reported on your behalf but the subcounties are not connected. We have service delivery units like the Health Centre IV where people are doing operations. People go to the theatre but we do not have power. We request that you look at the health services units like the health centres, the schools and the headquarters. Also, be with us. I pray that you visit Adjumani as you promised. I am happy that the state minister is here. We need your commitment so that we give hope to the people because we know you cannot do miracles to fulfil all these things at once. My request – (Member timed out.)

13391 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 MAY 2024 b) Construction of two Lake Bunyonyi ferries and their landing sites; c) Construction of permanent ferry landing sites and their access roads; and d) Continue to operate the 11 ferries namely Nakiwogo, Kiyindi, Bisina, Masindi, Kyoga-I, Kyoga-II, Albert Nile-l, Laropi, Obongi, Amuru, and Sigulu. Shs 592.08 billion to address flooding, traffic congestion, poor road infrastructure, un- signalised junctions, provision of street lighting and storm water drainage enhancements in Kampala. Tourism Development a) Shs 11.29 billion for the Mt Rwenzori Tourism Infrastructure. This includes improving the existing trails and establishing shorter ones, improving the existing bridges taking into consideration the flush floods, providing eco-friendly accommodation facilities, improving the safety of tourists by establishing rest points along the trails, among others; b) Shs 8.24 billion for the development of Museums and Heritage Sites for Cultural Tourism; c) Shs 12.77 billion for the development of Source of the Nile tourism - infrastructure that includes the construction of modern piers, docking places for boats, and other amenities. Human Capital Development Health Services 1. Shs 702.79 billion - Global Fund for TB, AIDS and Malaria; 2. Shs 349.68 billion - GAVI Vaccines and Health Sector Development 3. Shs 57.8 billion towards Uganda’s COVID-19 response and emergency preparedness; 4. Shs 57.4 billion for the construction and equipping of the Uganda Heart Institute 5. Shs 38.56 billion towards infrastructure development at Uganda Cancer Institute; 6. Shs UGX 20.05 billion towards rehabilitation and construction of general hospitals; and 7. Shs 12.7 billion for the establishment of Regional Oncology and Diagnostic Centres. Members, what is important here is that we have provided Shs 27 billion for buying ambulances for the remaining constituencies. The details are in the annexes attached. Maintenance of equipment at Mulago National Referral Hospital An addition, Shs 10.4 billion for the completion of the 150 staff housing units; Shs 26.35 billion for local government primary health care services On education a. Shs 4 billion towards grant-aiding of 38 primary schools, and Shs 11.28 billion for grant-aiding of 46 secondary schools; b. Shs 14.3 billion towards the renovation and the expansion of facilities in 36 secondary schools; c. Shs 27.52 billion towards the higher education students’ financing board for the new quota of students of about 1,200 for the coming financial year; d. Shs 20.9 billion towards teacher education and training, inclusive of setting up and operationalising Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education (UNITE), and establishment of the National Teachers Council; e. Shs 16.94 billion towards physical education and sports for support to primary, secondary and other education institutions;

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. I thank you for the concern you have shown for the people in the north and West Nile who are affected by the close or the restrictions on the use of the bridge. I have two key issues that I would like to observe. We thank you for the guidelines that have been provided, but there are two issues that the people of West Nile and the northern region are uncomfortable with. The first is the restrictions on the travel hours from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm. The second is the issue of the escalation of the travel charges, especially by the buses. For example, the proposed bus fare for Obongi to Kampala is going to double from Shs 50,000 to Shs 100,000 which is very prohibitive. Madam Speaker, the other issue is related to a time bomb we are sitting on, which is the Pakwach Bridge that recurrently, in every year, has been cut off. As we speak, there are already fears that as the rains intensify, the bridge is going to be cut off. That means the people of West Nile are going to be cut off. The Laropi Bridge would have been an alternative gateway to West Nile. Madam Speaker, this Parliament passed a loan from the African Development Bank in the 10 th Parliament; to date, the people of West Nile have not gotten an update on what is happening. Where is the money? When is the bridge construction project on Laropi Bridge starting? We pray, that when the minister comes with an update, will be able to talk about the status of procurement of works for the construction of Laropi Bridge as an alternative gateway to West Nile. I submit.

12587 THE E L E VENTH P A R L IAMENT O F U GANDA THURSDAY , 11 A P R IL 2024 (i) African average is 636 kW (ii) Sub-Saharan Africa is at Mr Speaker, if we do not invest in energy, we lose the focus even on development. I would like to also point out that we are implementing an energy strategy for transition because we are careful on the environment. We have got to move out from fossil fuels, although we have petroleum, we should be moving out of it. We should move away from using biomass which is destroying our environment, including charcoal so we should be very careful. I was getting worried, but we shall discuss with the chairperson if we are pursuing a transition plan for energy. One of the safe sources of energy is liquid petroleum gas so there is need to be very careful about this. We shall also discuss moving money from liquid petroleum gas and converting it to electricity. I would, therefore, advocate for additional money to take the two fronts forward. We should be worrying more about our environment and climate change and whatever we are proposing as a ministry, we have that in mind. What I will be asking for is an affirmative action for the energy sector like we did for infrastructure, that is, the roads. This is what we need, if we are to achieve our target. Look at where we are; at a per capita of 215 v other countries which have developed. On petroleum, we need additional resources. We do not have a benefit of time. If we are to benefit from petroleum production, it must be now because within the energy sector, we are saying, “look, we have got to move out of fossil fuels”, but we need to get the money from petroleum and to do that, we need to invest heavily to speed up the extraction of fuel and put it into the market. If we delay –2025 - If we remove any money from the petroleum, especially the Petroleum Regulatory Authority, then we would be contradicting ourselves. Let us retain that money and reallocate it within the petroleum. What are our priorities? Can we put that money there for now to enable us to get the petrol out of the ground within the time that we have? There are questions that have been asked, but I will generally answer them. We are committed to providing electricity and this can only happen when you give me the funding that I require or else we shall be moving in circles, blaming me for not delivering and I will be blaming you for not supplying. The loan that you provided is spent. You all have allocations per district and when I look at what I have allocated - You all know it – when I tell you that for example Hon. Okiror’s district, I am giving you 20 Kilometres of extension, but he is demanding a lot more than that. Therefore, the resources that I am asking for are to increase the allocation that I have given you. Consider the project which you gave me, spent money. To give you what you desire I need additional resources. This time we are trying to equitably supply electricity to every district and therefore, it goes to every constituency. We have a plan. Initially, we wanted electricity to go to the district headquarters. I am comfortable except for one district headquarters. It is only Obongi that has not been given electricity at the district headquarters. It is the commitment of the ministry to provide electricity to Obongi District Headquarters.

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am here to present the report of the Committee on Equal Opportunities on the state of refugees and refugee hosting communities in Uganda. I beg to lay. Allow me to lay the minutes of the meeting of the committee with various stakeholders from the refugees and refugee hosting communities of Uganda. Mr Speaker, with your guidance of yesterday, I would like to go through, very briefly. This report focuses on the situation of refugees in camps distributed throughout the country that the committee visited. In the methodology, while preparing the report, various districts hosting refugees were visited. We held meetings with the leadership of the district local governments of Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Adjumani, Lamwo, Kiryandongo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, and Isingiro. We also visited the host communities. Allow me take you to page 8 where we have the overview of the status of refugees. The settlement camps in Adjumani, Palabek in Lamwo, Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Yumbe, Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego, Kampala settlement, Kiryandongo settlement in Kiryandongo, Kyaka II settlement in Kyangwali, Koboko, Nakivale settlement in Isingiro, Palorinya in Obongi, Rhino settlement in Madi-Okollo and Ramwanja in Kamwenge were visited. Page 18 has the achievements of interventions by Government and the different actors who are working to support refugees and refugee hosting communities. They range from integration of refugees to different services like education, health, food security and livelihoods. I believe you have the report and will be able to read it. Allow me to take you to page 24 where we have challenges, observations and recommendations. One is about the compromised healthcare quality and the pressure on education and the schooling system. Mr Speaker, the committee observed that the above challenges were aggravated by secondary factors. The committee came up with the following recommendations: (i) The Government of Uganda and its partners such as UNHCR should put in more resources for infrastructure like construction of classrooms, latrine stances and recruitment of more teachers to be able to cope with pressure on the existing education facilities and human resource. (ii) The Ministry of Education and Sports should develop an in-service refresher short course aimed at specifically equipping teachers of schools in refugee settlements to respond to the unique needs of learners. Another challenge is water, sanitation and hygiene. The committee observed that poor waste management, unmanaged pressure on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, increased dependence on donors for service delivery such as water supply and poor adolescent hygiene, especially for girls risks undermining gains made in refugee management in Uganda. The recommendations under that - 1. The committee recommends that Government needs to engage implementing partners to have continuous engagement with refugees and host communities on water user fee to enhance sustainable WASH management in the long run.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to thank you for receiving and recognising the presence of my district leaders, led by the Speaker as well as the district chairman in this august House. (Applause) I am equally very happy that they had the opportunity to listen to the debate on the issues and concerns on refugees and host communities. Obongi is one of the districts in Uganda that hosts Palorinya Refugee Settlement. Unique amongst refugee hosting districts in Uganda is that whereas the district has only a population of about 55,000 nationals, 135,000 people in Obongi District are refugees and therefore, as we discuss and debate this important issue of equity in access to opportunities for host and refugee communities, know it touches our hearts. Refugees and host communities have a right, the Government and the international community has a duty to protect, provide and facilitate the progressive realisation of the rights of refugees for quality services. However, within this context, we need to be guided by the global compact on refugees that requires us to see to it that there is safety and security for the refugees wherever they are. That demands that we have access to services but importantly, it requires that host countries and communities are supported by the international community to ensure they provide, in an equitable way, services for both the hosts and refugees. I thank you once again for giving me this opportunity. I submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We thought it wise to raise this as a matter of national importance. The road from Adjumani to Obongi is cut off by flooding of the Zoka stream. Where this road is, we have a stream called Zoka, which joins River Nile. We wonder why engineers from Ministry of Works and Transport decided to make this road along this area? We would like to know from the Government, what they can do to help the people of Adjumani and Obongi to see that this road does not disturb our people every year? If there [Ms Nabbanja] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

It is a UNRA road joining Adjumani and Obongi districts. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I beg to designate the following Members to the standing Committee on Climate Change: 1. Hon. Lawrence Biyika Songa – Chairperson; and 2. Hon. Jacinta Atuto - Deputy Chairperson. The following are the members: 1. Hon. Enos Asiimwe - Kabula County; 2. Hon. Kabahenda Rwabuhoro – Kyegegwa; 3. Hon. Anthony Esenu Alden - Kapelebyong County; 4. Hon. James Mamawi - Adjumani East County; 5. Hon. Judith Achan – Nwoya; 6. Hon. Benjamin Kamukama - Ruhaama East County; 7. Hon. Christine Nakwang Tubo – Kaabong; 8. Hon. Nathan Nabeta-Igeme - Jinja South Division East; 9. Hon. Grace Kesande B. – Rubirizi; 10. Hon. John Bosco Ngoya – Bokora County; 11. Hon. Betty Engola Awor – Apac; 12. Hon. Patience Nkunda Kinshaba – Kanungu; 13. Hon. Zumura Maneno – Obongi; 14. Hon. John Faith Magolo - Bungokho County North; 15. Hon. Molly Musiime Asiimwe – Rwampara; 16. Hon. Joanne Aniku Okia – Madi-Okollo; 17. Hon. Hellen Wandera Auma – Busia; 18. Hon. Prossy Mbabazi Akampulira - Rubanda; 19. Hon. Norah Bigirwa - Buliisa; 20. Hon. James Nsaba-Buturo – Bufumbira County East; 21. Hon. Jenifer Muheesi Abaho - Woman Rep. Kazo; 22. Hon. Flora Natumanya - Kikuube; and 23. Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro – Youth Rep. Female. Madam Speaker, I beg to designate.

10848 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT allocating 15 per cent of their annual budget to improve the health sector. The health sub- programme budget has been increased in nominal as well as in percentage terms. In the Financial Year 2021/2022, the allocation had reached 14 per cent. Government enhanced the salaries of scientists, mainly the medical personnel. This will push the ratio even higher. Government also reported that in the medium term, given the change in focus in the National Development Plan III to prioritise enhancing the productivity and social well-being of the population in the country, more investment is expected in the sector in the medium term. In the budget for the Financial Year 2023/2024, Government has prioritised the human capital development programme to which the health sub-sector belongs. Starting with the Financial Year 2023/2024, Government is committed to annually increasing the budget for antiretroviral treatment by Shs 50 billion per annum. The committee recommends the provision of adequate funds to the health sector as per the Abuja Declaration to enable the sector improve the health needs of the citizens. Recommendation 16: The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should provide adequate funding to the National Environmental Management Authority to maintain and sustain early warning systems where applicable. The Government reported that the total budget for Vote 150 for National Environmental Management Authority has been increased from Shs 18.943 billion in the Financial Year 2022/2023, to Shs 41.360 billion, in the Financial Year 2023/2024 to facilitate recruitment of additional staff and strengthening environmental protection. The committee recommends that this should be done. Recommendation 17: The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should increase funding to provide adequate accommodation to police officers - Mr Speaker, there is a long narrative that follows; I will try to summarise it. In the budget for the Financial Year 2022/2023, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development provided Shs 26.212 billion for the following: i. The construction of seven accommodation blocks - 10 units per block - in the districts of Nakasongola, Sheema, Busolwe, Mitooma, Kanungu, Kakumiro, Katwe- Kabatoro and Ntungamo; ii. Completed the construction and commissioned seven blocks, a total of 420 housing units of the Naguru Apartments; iii. Construction of Kira Division staff apartments, 24 units is at 80 per cent; iv. Erected and installed 5,410 double- occupancy uniports out of 6,446; a total of 84 per cent across the country; and v. Constructed 45 housing units, five units each block, in Butebo, Bukwo, Namisindwa, Amudat, Alebtong, Nabilatuk, Karenga, Kwania and Obongi, pending commissioning. In the budget for the Financial Year 2023/2024, the budget for residential buildings is Shs 26.412 billion, a slight increase of Shs 0.2 billion from the level of Financial Year 2022/2023. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should give special consideration to the development budget of Uganda Police Force. Mr Speaker, by way of summary, permit me to state the following – that the report captures recommendations in respect to: i. The Ministry of Water and Environment (page 21); ii. The Petroleum Authority of Uganda, (page 23); iii. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (page 23);

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance about ferry operations across River Nile in Laropi Subcounty, Moyo District. On Sunday, 22 October 2023 at around 7.50 p.m., hundreds of passengers using the Moyo- Adjumani route via River Nile were left stranded after a fuel tanker failed to disembark from Laropi ferry at Laropi Landing Site in Moyo District. This is because the ferry uses only one engine. If you remember, a month ago, the ferry engines were serviced, but as I speak, there is only one engine that is working. The passengers were advised to use the longer route via Obongi as a temporary alternative. Others have opted to use local boats, which are also risky. Mr Speaker, our prayers are: (i) Can the ministry replace or service the three remaining engines which got spoilt? (ii) Honourable minister, can you please fast-track the bridge construction process across River Nile at Laropi in Moyo District? Thank you, Mr Speaker.

10653 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2023 too timid and cowardly to demand from the relevant authorities to make a proper account of both the happenings on the fateful days, as well as demanding justice for the victims’ families? Mr Speaker, we have a good recollection of the many innocent Ugandans who were murdered whereas others were grievously injured while on the campaign trail of Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu during the 2021 elections. Mr Speaker, for the record of Parliament, I repeat the names those who were murdered in cold blood; 1. Mr Senteza Frank Kalibbala. 2. Michael Kalinda aka Ziggy Wine 3. Rita Nabukenya 4. Daniel Kyeyune 5. Ibrahim Mutaasa 6. Willy Kayondo of Kubbiri Roundabout 7. Sophie Kusasira of Kalerwe B Market 8. Baker Kato Lubwama shot from Namulanda 9. Martin Owekikye 10. Elijah Tusubira 11. Elijah Mukibi of Luweero 12. Umaru Ssemakula of Entebbe 13. Katwere Kimuli of Seeta 14. Musisi Allan Kitete of Mukono 15. Peter Mwanje of Nansana 16. William Mugerwa of Wankulukuku 17. Baatio Sofi of Obongi 18. Norbert Alionji of Obongi 19. Fungaroo Moro of Obongi 20. Saraf Shaaba of Obongi 21. Akim Abile of Obongi – deliberately drowned by the UPDF on 15 January 2021 22. Nuhu Bukere was abducted from Mukono Municipality, murdered and dumped in Kalangala. The relatives of the deceased are still reeling in bereavement, with no hope of ever receiving justice for the death of their loved ones. We question whether the people’s Parliament is complacent in these wanton murders and, therefore, unable to demand accountability and justice. Mr Speaker, the fate of missing Ugandans On more than one occasion, I have tabled to this honourable House a list of Ugandans missing over the last two to four years. These people were picked from their workplaces and homes by State security agencies. The detailed accounts of their arrest and eventual disappearance have been provided by families and friends to whoever cared to listen; only the State can account for their whereabouts. Mr Speaker, is Parliament so frightened, complacent or disinterested in demanding that the Government prioritises human rights guarantees before anything else for the sake of building a durable rights record and entrenching the rule of law? Did the Parliament buy into the flimsiest and derogatory reasoning of the Government and its agencies? That the addresses and next of kin of the missing persons are not known? Mr Speaker, for the benefit of those who might for one reason or another missed out on the record of missing persons for whom the Government has ignored accountability and justice, the following Ugandans matter; 1. Moses Mbabazi 2. Dennis Zzimula 3. Shafik Wangolo 4. Martin Lukwago 5. Peter Kirya 6. John Ddamulira 7. Michael Semuddu 8. Muhammad Kanatta 9. John Bosco Kibalama; who was last seen by the Prime Minister. 10. Vincent Nalumoso 11. Yuda Ssempijja 12. Musisi Mbowa 13. Mustafa Luwemba 14. Hassan Mubiru 15. Isma Ssessazi 16. Godfrey Kisembo 17. George Kasumba 18. Joseph Baguma.

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

{ t t7 Hon. Kambale Ferigo (New ) Kasese Municipality 18 Hon. Ruhunda Alex Fort Portal Central r9 Hon. Sekyanzi Benard Kirya Budyebo County 20 Hon. Wandwasi Robert Bungokho South County b"L I 2I Hon. Hashim Sulaiman Neebi Municipality ,@a} 22 Hon. Maneno Zumura DWR Obongi - 23 Hon. Nangoli Gerald Elgon North County a 24 Hon. Ababiku Jessica DWR Adjuman lY! 25 Hon. Wakabi Pius Bugahya County 26 Hon. Linda lrene DWR Fort Portal \ ) 27 Hon. Kamukama Davis Bunyangabu County 28 Hon. TWalla Fadil Tingey County 29 Hon. Nsibambi Yusuf Mawokota South County t ?2b^t 30 Hon. Ekanya Geofrey Tororo County 31 Hon. Okot Santa DWR Aruu North 32 Hon. Auma Kenny Kwania North 33 Hon. Sebamala Richard Bukoto Central 34 Hon. Okupa Elijah Kasilo County 35 Hon. Mpindi Bumali RvDs Rep ffiru 36 Hon. Nsanja Patrick Ntenjeru County South I A 37 Hon. Acora Nancy DWR Lamwo *=d1 38 Hon. Mugema Peter Iganga Municipality rr\Flry\- 2

10145 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 5 S EPTEMBER 2023 First of all, he is aware that Government has never fulfilled its policy of a primary and secondary school per subcounty; a primary school in every parish and a secondary school in each subcounty. And today, to calm the nerves of the House, they have added a slogan, “compulsory free education”. So, all the troubles have been solved. He is aware that as we speak, there are simply so many primary schools without the minimum number of teachers required. He is also aware that each pupil in our primary schools receives less than Shs 10,000 per year, and they are supposed to use that to hire more teachers and also run the schools’ day-to-day programs. We are still discussing education in those same phrases: education for our children and the future of this country. Madam Speaker, I think we can be so nice and speak niceties; but the honourable good doctor and minister needs to do justice to his quality. He is supper good; he is not himself. Let him return and speak to this House. Is Government prepared to educate freely and compulsorily the country’s children, facilitate the schools, pay the teachers, recruit enough teachers, and make sure that there are schools in every subcounty as notified? Madam Speaker, I have been travelling in the country and the subcounties without schools are several. I was in Obongi; primary school children board a ferry every 12 o’clock to return home for lunch and return to school in the afternoon at 4 o’clock for afternoon lessons. Madam Speaker, the minister needs to return to the drawing board and unfortunately for my good friend and mentor, where I work, you cannot even debate his statement because it has no space. This kind of output has no space in my programme - we cannot debate it. It does not meet the minimal standards for our space to debate it. This is our country; education is for all of us. We need to discuss it in terms that even inspire a young pupil who is at home watching television - that we are actually planning for them. So, we cannot discuss this Madam Speaker. So, will the honourable minister, be kind and say, “I humbly retreat, let me go and prepare.” You have my support doctor; be sure you will have our support and bring what you need to do. We know there are challenges in the sector; they are not your personal challenges; you did not create them. We can handle them together; this is our country. Expose the gaps and we shall support you. Just be aware there are challenges but this does not pass the minimum test, I am afraid. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

9657 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 18 JULY 2023 It is, therefore, our considered belief and conviction that the policy platform of the nation, at any single moment, should aspire to uphold stellar standards of conformity to globally acceptable levels of human rights. This is if we are to be true to the fact that we are a signatory to a plethora of international instruments on human rights, where we should be seen to walk the talk. Madam Speaker, I will briefly outline, in the next moment, our key observations and departures, including concurrences on a few issues obtaining to the state of the nation. The right to life Madam Speaker, the right to life is a fundamental right, whereby without it, the enjoyment of other rights is not possible. As a minimum, the right to life imposes upon states the duty to abstain from arbitrarily killing individuals under their jurisdiction. The paradigm violations of the right to life are the extra-judicial executions understood as killings that are committed, condoned or acquiesced by governments. We are disheartened by the number of people who have been killed under the watch of the State. I will list some of the killings that have remained unaccounted for and uninvestigated, yet the government operatives had a direct link to these atrocities. We shall not relent in reminding ourselves and demanding a report on the infamous November 2020 shootings, where over 54 people lost their lives, scores were maimed and are still nursing grave injuries without any support from the Government. Even the promised selective compensation to the victims and their families has never materialised. Madam Speaker, we remember the President saying the victims have classifications. There are those that are innocent who will be compensated. There are those that were directly involved; he gave them a description that does not require to be on our record. Nothing like compensation has ever materialised, meaning that it was political rhetoric. Additionally, many citizens were killed and others injured while on the campaign trail for the NUP Party President, as we recollect, who was contesting for the presidency in 2021. I have listed those who were killed, starting with his bodyguard, Senteza Kalibbala, who was buried in my constituency. He was killed in broad daylight at Busega. We actually have, on record, a military vehicle that knocked him deliberately. No investigation, no report. He is somebody’s son and somebody’s father. Michael Kalinda, Ritah Nabukenya, Daniel Kyeyune, Ibrahim Mutaasa, Willy Kayondo, Sophie Kusasira, Baker Kato, Shotfrom Namulanda, Martin Uwekiche, Tusubira Elijah, Mukiibi Elijah of Luweero, Umaru Ssemakula of Entebbe, Katweli Kimuli of Seeta, Musisi Allan of Mukono, Peter Mwanje of Nansana, Mugerwa William of Wankulukuku, Sophie of Obongi, Alioni Nobert of Obongi, Fungaroo Moro of Obongi, Shabba Shafiq of Obongi, Akim Abile of Obongi, deliberately drowned by the army on 15 January 2021. No investigation, no report. Does the family have information on the participants? Nothing. These are records on our faces. The President ought to have spoken about these violations and offered the nation hope. He was mute. Is he an accomplice or not aware? Madam Speaker, under a human rights compliant state, the obligation to respect the right to life goes beyond straining and refraining from intentional and unlawful deprivation of life. The State must take appropriate steps to safeguard the lives of those within its jurisdiction. This includes measures aimed at controlling and limiting the circumstances in which State agents may use firearms to, in some cases, the provision of some commodities to keep one alive. It was last year that thousands starved to death in Karamoja. The relief purportedly advanced to them was nothing but dummies and superficial. Up to now, families in Karamoja are still starving. That is a denial of a right to life. The State has a duty to the people of Karamoja to have food.

9589 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 12 JULY 2023 do not have a legally functional Board that can take a decision that it can be accountable for. The professionalism of the management of finances is not there; it is non-existent. So, who are we talking about? Madam Speaker, this institution is the oversight institution. We need to take action now. If you were to ask me to give my opinion, we have to halt this scheme until we re-evaluate how it has been managed. I was looking at this and I thought that maybe, I am not reading well in terms of the Ugandan record. There is this district called Madi- Okollo. In nine years, it got four people. In nine years, there is a district called Mbarara, which got 416 students. I think there is another one; Obongi, which got four students. In nine years, Ntungamo got 488 students. This cannot be happening in Uganda. In the Parish Development Model, we have already identified 39 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. Where do you find the 39 per cent? (Applause) Let us first show - Somebody is not thinking about the policy and how to properly manage this country economically. So, let us rethink. Madam Speaker, I am very sorry; I am not criticising anybody but I am saying the people we have put in charge are not in charge. You cannot bring this report before us. We have a record of 39 per cent of people living below the poverty level. Where are their children going to school? Who is sponsoring their education? The fathers of this nation diagnosed three challenges to drive this country forward. Whether you are talking about Korea, you have to look at the three pillars; disease, ignorance and poverty (DIP). You have to structure around those three. We then added “S” for security. Madam Speaker, I am saying that we need to fix corporate governance. We need to halt this system until we have put our priorities right. That is my contribution. I beg to submit.

22 18 Hon. Ruhunda Alcx Fort Portal Central NRM t9 Hon. Se$anzr Benard Krrya Budyebo County NRM sffi,-. 20 Hon. Wandwasr Roberr Bungokho South County NRM 2l Hon. Hashim Sularman Neebi Municipalrty NRM Hon. Maneno Zorrlura DWR Obongi NRM 23 Hon. Nangoh Gerald Elgon North County NRM 24 Hon. Ababrku Jessrca DWR Adj uman NRM 25 Hon. Wakabi Pius Buga hya County NRM -:.\ 26 Hon. Linda lrcne DWR Fort Portal NRM 27 Hon. Kamukama Davis Bunyangabu Count5r NRM 2a Hon. Tw'alla Fadrl Tingey County NRM 29 Hon. Nsrbambr Yusuf Mawokota South County FDC q+ -.,1--tt 30 Hon. Ekanya Geofrey Tororo County FDC 31 Hon. Okot Santa DWR Aruu North PPP 32 Hon. Auma Kenny Kwania North UPC .).) Hon. Scbamala Richard Bukoto Central DP 34 Hon. Okupa Ehlah Kasrlo County IND 35 Hon. Mprndr Bumali RrDs Rcp IND 36 Hon. Nsanja Patrrck NtenJeru County South IND 37 Hon Acora Nancy DWR Lamwo IND 38 Hon Mugema Peter lganga Municipalrty IND 39 Hon. Roland Ndyomuglenyi Rukiga County IND &^^.*r*i

9372 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT Infrastructure development, especially roads and bridges, are enablers of wealth creation, poverty alleviation, faster movement of goods and services, movement of ambulances for referral cases to the hospitals and communication as well as security. Mr Speaker, for all these, I would like to thank the President for the development so far achieved. On the other hand, the ferry services in Obongi and Laropi in Moyo District, across the Nile, often break down and this interrupts the free movement of goods and services. Hence, there is need for a bridge across the Nile at a place called Laropi. Mr Speaker, the procurement process for the tarmacking of Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo Road started in 2017, but up to now, we are not seeing any results on the ground. So, we request for the fast-tracking of the procurement process because as, I talk, the road is unmotorable; very muddy, very corrugated, thereby causing accidents –

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a point of national importance regarding an unresolved land conflict between Obongi District and Yumbe District. This land involves the villages of Mureliam, Kali in Kali Parish, Itula subcounty in Obongi District. This is a protracted matter that has been on right from the time Obongi was under Moyo District. Efforts were made by Moyo District Local Government to have this matter resolved and an inter-ministerial committee was set up. Recommendations were set to resolve this border matter but to-date, Government has not taken any action. Consequently, farmers have been evicted from using this land. There are Government programmes that have been planned by Itula subcounty and the most recent was the land fill under Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP) that was stopped by security operatives from Yumbe District Local Government. Mr Speaker, this same land resulted in bloodshed and loss of property. My prayers are: 1. That the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development expedites the process of resolving this border conflict – (Member timed out.)

Honourable member, that is not a prayer. Honourable colleagues, I do not know why we have these issues. Parliamentary resolutions were very clear on the boundaries of districts when they were being created. I remember we had a very big war on boundaries between Madi-Okollo and Terego and then Moyo and Obongi. I am told the one of Madi-Okollo and Terego are not yet resolved. Rt Hon. Prime Minister?

Mr Speaker, an inter- ministerial committee, headed by myself and involving the Minister of Local Government, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Attorney-General and the Minister of Internal Affairs, has had three consecutive meetings on the boundaries of a number of districts. It is not only about Obongi and Moyo or Madi-Okollo and Terego. Mr Speaker, we shall handle this matter until it is concluded and report back to this House.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a point of national importance regarding an unresolved land conflict between Obongi District and Yumbe District. This land involves the villages of Mureliam, Kali in Kali Parish, Itula subcounty in Obongi District. This is a protracted matter that has been on right from the time Obongi was under Moyo District. Efforts were made by Moyo District Local Government to have this matter resolved and an inter-ministerial committee was set up. Recommendations were set to resolve this border matter but to-date, Government has not taken any action. Consequently, farmers have been evicted from using this land. There are Government programmes that have been planned by Itula subcounty and the most recent was the land fill under Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP) that was stopped by security operatives from Yumbe District Local Government. Mr Speaker, this same land resulted in bloodshed and loss of property. My prayers are: 1. That the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development expedites the process of resolving this border conflict – (Member timed out.)

Honourable member, that is not a prayer. Honourable colleagues, I do not know why we have these issues. Parliamentary resolutions were very clear on the boundaries of districts when they were being created. I remember we had a very big war on boundaries between Madi-Okollo and Terego and then Moyo and Obongi. I am told the one of Madi-Okollo and Terego are not yet resolved. Rt Hon. Prime Minister?

Mr Speaker, an inter- ministerial committee, headed by myself and involving the Minister of Local Government, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Attorney-General and the Minister of Internal Affairs, has had three consecutive meetings on the boundaries of a number of districts. It is not only about Obongi and Moyo or Madi-Okollo and Terego. Mr Speaker, we shall handle this matter until it is concluded and report back to this House.

7846 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT chiefs for easy mobilisation of members and keeping the data of the Parish Development Model. We also need capacity building for the parish chiefs instead of the heads of departments being trained on the Parish Development Model because it is the parish chiefs who are in touch with the communities. They should be trained and given capacity to empower the communities with whatever knowledge they get from that training. Lastly, in Obongi, the Parish Development Model has not yet been activated. Now that the President is moving around talking about wealth creation, the technocrats are running up and down; they want to disperse the funds without training the beneficiaries. If these funds are given to the beneficiaries without them receiving the training, it is going to be the same story as that of Emyooga and the Youth Livelihood Programmes. Thank you so much.

Mr Speaker, I join the rest of my colleagues to celebrate the life of a fallen hero. Fifteen years ago, I got to know the Rt Hon. Oulanyah and the family when we worked together with his wife at UNICEF, Uganda. When Oulanyah came to mobilise votes for the NRM in West Nile, I told him that I was contesting for the Obongi Constituency. He told me, “Dr Bhoka, I want to meet you,” and he gave me 45 minutes. Those 45 minutes made me come to Parliament. I remember him for that. A year ago, when paying tribute to our fallen former Speaker, we pledged that we would improve advanced cancer diagnostic and treatment services for Ugandans. I would like to find out from the Ministry of Health and Government the actions taken to progressively realise that.

- travel to the regional headquarters where these recruitments are. The plight of the youth of Obongi is that instead of telling them to go to Arua, Moyo and Adjumani to be recruited in the forces, can the recruitment be taken nearer to them? Many of the districts could not fill their quota because of the access factor. I thank you.

Can you use a sign, can you write on paper and you show us? Okay she is making a sign of yes, so please record it. Hon. Lamwaka Margaret Yes Hon. Lokeris Teko Peter - Hon. Lokii John Baptist - Hon. Lokii Peter Abrahams - Hon. Lokoru Albert - Hon. Lokwang Hillary - Hon. Lokwang Philiphs Ilukor - Hon. Lugoloobi Amos - Hon. Lukwago John Paul Mpalanyi - Hon. Malende Shamim - Hon. Masika Apollo - Hon. Masiko N Henry - Hon. Mbabazi Pascal - Hon. Mbadi Mbasu Wilson - Hon. Moriku Joyce Kaducu - Hon. Mpuuga Matthias - Hon. Mugira James - Hon. Mugisa Margaret Muhanga - Hon. Muhoozi R David - Hon. Muhumuza David - Hon. Muhwezi Jim Katugugu - Hon. Mukasa Aloysius Talton Gold - Hon. Mulimba John - Hon. Musasizi Henry Aliganyira - Hon. Mushemeza Elijah Dickens - Hon. Mutasingwa Diana Nankunda - Hon. Mutebi Noah Wanzala - Hon. Mutuuzo Peace Regis - Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi Muhammad - Hon. Muwuma Milton Kalulu - Hon. Nabbanja Robinah - Hon. Nafuna Muloni Irene Margaret - Hon. Nakabuye Juliet Kakande - Hon. Nakadama Rukia Isanga - Hon. Nakato Mary Annet No Hon. Nakayenze Connie Galiwango - Hon. Namanya Naboth - Hon. Nambeshe John Baptist - Hon. Nambooze Teddy - Hon. Namuganza Persis Princess - Hon. Namuyangu Kacha Jenipher - Hon. Nandala-Mafabi Nathan - Hon. Nandutu Agnes - Hon. Nantaba Ida Erios - Hon. Ndeezi Alex - Hon. Nekesa Victor - Hon. Ngoya John Bosco - Hon. Ninkusiima John Paul - Hon. Nkunyingi Muwada - Hon. Nsamba Patrick Oshabe - Hon. Nsubuga Paul - Hon. Nyakato Asinasi - Hon. Nyamutoro Phiona - Hon. Nyeko Derrick - Hon. Nyirabathisti sarah Mateke - Hon. Nyongole Enock - Hon. Obiga Kania Mario - Hon. Obongi Vincent Shedrick - Hon. Oboth Markson Jacob - Hon. Obua Denis Hamson - Hon. Ocan Patrick - Hon. Odong Jeje Abubaker - Hon. Odur Jonathan - Hon. Oguzu Lee Denis Abstain Hon. Ogwang Peter - Hon. Okaasai Sydronious Opolot -

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance and the issue is about challenges of transport and communication across River Nile at Laropi Town Council, causing delays, suffering and loss of lives to our people. A section of leaders and residents of West Nile in general - Obongi, Moyo and Adjumani districts in particular - have requested Government to expedite and fast-track plans to construct a bridge across the Nile at Laropi that will connect Moyo and Adjumani districts. Of late, travellers get stranded for hours - and others for days - as they wait for the ferry at Laropi, due to the increase in population and traffic flow. Madam Speaker, travellers who normally opt to travel via Arua take more than 14 hours instead of the usual eight hours. The ferry also frequently breaks down and routine maintenance usually takes half a day. The Laropi ferry starts operation at 7 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. It has a vessel capacity of 120 tonnes and it carries on average 1,500 to 1,800 people per day with a minimum of 12 trips and a maximum of 22 trips. It takes 30 minutes loading and offloading while the time to cross is between 10 to 15 minutes. The ferry has a capacity of 180 passengers and cargo of 90 tonnes. IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA Official Report of the Proceedings of Parliament SECOND SESSION - 4TH SITTING - THIRD MEETING Parliament met at 1.59 p.m., at Parliament House, Kampala. PRAYERS (The Speaker, Ms Anita Among, in the Chair.) The House was called to order. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for your protection. I was trying to make references to my submission. Thank you very much for the protection. We also request the inclusion of Laropi Bridge and Laropi-Moyo-Afoji Road Project in the Financial Year 2023/2024 Sector Budget Framework Paper. 3. Thirdly, we wanted to know about the progress with the environment and social impact assessment and plan for resettlement and compensation of the Project-Affected Persons. We wanted to know about the expected time for commencement as well as to when this project will end. Then the contingency plans to address unforeseen circumstances. Lastly, Madam Speaker, we request Government to operationalise the ferry services between Obongi in Adjumani District at Senja landing site. Secondly, to operationalise the ferry services in Madi-Okollo and Amuria District. I thank you very much for having given me the time.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to add my voice in speaking to the report that was laid on the Floor. I would like to thank the 10 th Parliament for creating new administrative units in the different districts in this country. The administrative units were created with the view of taking services nearer to the local people at the district and subcounty levels. However, Madam Speaker, I would like to report that there are new subcounties that were created in different districts, which are not yet operationalised up to now and no funds have been allocated to them. The Ministry of Finance should do something regarding the subcounties that were newly created in these districts. Secondly, decentralisation has not been understood well in this country. The local revenues that are collected by districts are sent to the consolidated account. This is making service delivery to the people hard in the districts that are collecting these local revenues. Thirdly, how do you expect a local government to perform in a district where there is no electricity? How are they going to perform, especially in Obongi? The people of Obongi have never seen an electricity pole; how will the local government perform, honestly? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

6608 ACTION TAKEN REPORT ON THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE 11 TH PARLIAMENT Mr Speaker, in the same region, we have a complete district of Obongi, which has no single electricity pole – and this is in Uganda. So, we expect the committee to also give us a report as far as Obongi in Madi Subregion in West Nile is concerned. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. First, I would like to thank the committee for the report presented. I have three observations: Obongi is the only district in West Nile without power. To the chairperson, you used a scientific approach of sampling. We have three scenarios in West Nile, ladies and gentlemen. There are districts completely without power, there are districts with lines and poles that have not been connected with power and there are districts with unreliable power. The recommendations cover the unreliable power. We have not heard about those poles standing without lines on them. We have not even heard about the poles and lines without power. What have you recommended on that? Finally, for Madi-Okollo and Obongi districts that have no power completely, that should be considered a matter of urgency. I beg to submit. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I want to thank the committee chairperson for the report that he presented here. I kind of got anxious that West Nile is about to see light. I was there not long ago; I think the honourable member for Nebbi will bear me witness. Madi Okollo, Obongi and Terego did not have electricity – because I was there physically. We cannot continue to talk about connection; the people of West Nile need electricity in their homes, industries and at their places of work so that they can do value addition, and also be able to join this country to transform their communities. Mr Speaker, I have listened to the Members. I do not want to tell you what happens in Kyegegwa; that I also do not have electricity. I would like to propose that the Ministry of Energy comes here to Parliament with a profile of each district and how electricity coverage is per district – (Applause) - so that we know which district has five per cent, which district has 10 per cent because we all cannot come up with motions. The electricity coverage in our districts ends up only seeing lines as tourist attractions, but not electricity in the houses, industries and workplaces. Mr Speaker, I would like to implore the ministry to come up with a profiled electricity coverage scale-up and plan for each district. Thank you.

So, I am concluding by assuring those whom I have committed to go to their regions that I will go. Abim and Obongi districts, I am coming.

Thank you, honourable minister. You have seen that you still have very many issues. The Speaker also directed you to bring a response to the issues raised by the Shadow Minister of Energy and Mineral Development on power outages. I will give you space on Thursday. You were directed to bring it this week. So, I will give you space on Thursday and I hope you will be ready. (Applause) It is on the issue of the national outages that we continue getting – and a permanent solution. Secondly, I saw the report you gave in relation to what the Leader of the Opposition said – on the areas that are going to benefit from the loan. It is not helpful at all. When you list that Mukono will get this much, Mitooma this much, Obongi this much: how will I know whether my constituency is in or not? We need details. (Applause) The project must have gone into detailed designs and, you know, which village, parish and subcounty - those are the details we need. The list you gave is not helpful at all. (Applause) So, if you need more time, we can give you more time, but you give us a detailed list, which Members can respond to. Finally, this is a word of caution, generally. Honourable minister, I think you see why Members are raising very many issues with your sector: it is to do with service delivery. There is a general belief among Members that even if we had issues of service delivery, they were worsened by the merger of the Rural Electrification Agency with the ministry. (Applause) Now, again, you are proposing to merge the whole energy sector into one entity. I wish you success, honourable minister, in regard to that. (Laughter)

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.

5877 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2022 Students’ Affairs; 9. Mr Innocent Kihika - Chairperson Appointments Board; 10. Dr Fredrick Kitoogo - Chairperson ICT Committee; 11. Mrs Jolly Uzamukunda - Chairperson, Staff Development; 12. Eng. Kagoda - Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Chairperson Estates and Works Committee; 13. Mr Yusuf Kiranda - Former Guild President Makerere University and University Secretary; 14. Dr Tanga Odoi - Chairperson Makerere University Convocation; 15. Prof. Muhwezi - Deputy Principal, Makerere University Business School (MUBS); 16. Prof. Winston Ireeta - Chairperson Committee on Legal and Rules; 17. 17. Mr Chris Ninsiima - the representative of National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) on Makerere University Council; There are several members of staff of Makerere University who have accompanied the team. Please, join me in welcoming them. Thank you. Colleagues, also in the Public Gallery this afternoon, we have members of Obongi Students’ Association. They are here to observe the proceedings of the House. They are represented by Hon. Bhoka George Didi and Hon. Maneno Zumura. (Applause) Join me in welcoming them. Thank you. Honourable member, would you like to speak to your motion? You have three minutes. Is that a procedural matter?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I second the motion that Government should establish a bank for farmers. My reasoning is that wherever we establish the bank, it should be accessible to the community. If it is going to be regional, let it go to every region such that the farmers, who are deep in the villages of Obongi for example, will also be in position to access it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. This is a response to the question raised by Hon. Ababiku Jesca, Adjumani District Woman MP, on the impending expiry of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) project in refugee hosting districts. We have a running programme in 11 refugee- hosting districts of Adjumani, Terego, Madi- Okollo, Moyo, Obongi, Yumbe, Lamwo. They have signed a civil works contract for a total of 36 sub-projects. Right now, they have reported full mobilisation of their contractors with varying stages of construction ongoing. Mr Speaker, about the expiry of the USMID; USMID is supposed to expire in December 2023. Nevertheless, as a ministry, we have started engaging all the stakeholders to enable us have a successor-project that will benefit our cities and some of the municipalities. That is the statement as of now. I beg to submit. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am in possession of a copy of a document entitled, “List of shortlisted applicants for the position of probation police constables, general duties and drivers.” Mr Speaker, my concern on this list is the variance in the number of applicants per district. There are districts, for example, Obongi with two applicants shortlisted; Maracha with four; Madi-Okollo with three; your own district Mitooma with only three; Gulu City with 33 applicants shortlisted; and Kiboga has only two.