Otuke District

kings, were captured is in my constituency. That is in Kangai Subcounty. The site is under construction. I must appreciate the Government for doing that. However, a historical site without infrastructural development is not going to work out. When this road is tarmacked, it is going to connect us to other parts of the world. I would also pray, if possible, we connect this road to Alebtong, and from Alebtong, we connect to Otuke. Our people of Otuke can use this road to access medical services from Abim. Those who are far from the Otuke centre go up to Abim General Hospital and Morulem Health Centre III to access medical services. It is a shortcut for us. I personally use that road when I am connecting from Dokolo to Kampala via Nakasongola. Secondly, Mr Speaker, the Head of State mentioned an issue about development of health services. Dokolo Health Centre IV is a referral hospital to us, simply because all the health centre IIIs in the different subcounties refer to this health centre IV. However, the number of patients that are being attended to on daily basis is very high. Bearing in mind that Dokolo Town Council does not have a health centre III, all the residents within the town council move to the health centre IV as their initial facility seeking medical attention. Kongai Subcounty is a new subcounty, and it does not have a Health Centre III, and yet it is a Government policy that all the sub-counties at least would have a Health Centre III. It is my prayer that if this is done, then we shall move forward. Lastly but not least, Mr Speaker, Dokolo Health Centre IV does not have a maternity ward, and this is an alarming situation. They do not have a female ward, yet it is a referral hospital to us. I would pray, if possible, that the concerned ministry, the Ministry of Health, makes an intervention so that we leap forward.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Climate change is almost universal. Both animals and human beings are suffering. Honourable minister, you know that some villages in Otuke do not even have clean water. The wells where animals and human beings compete are all drying up. In Otuke town, the population are still lacking water, honourable minister. Fortunately, electricity was extended two months ago to Otuke. This electricity has to be connected to pump water but we cannot use it. So, honourable minister, I am begging you please, could you help people of Otuke town? If the village people cannot get clean water urgently, let the town people get water connected from electricity. Thank you.

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

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

Thank you. I put the question – let us first hear from the minister. It is not a matter of putting a question when there is a revenue implication. We are going to do supply. When we are doing supply, Hon. Omara will be there looking at me. He wants roads in Otuke, Abim, or wherever. At the end of the day, if we do not have the money

Do you know why I am asking about how much has been allocated? This is because even after that allocation, we do not find the roads being worked on. What did you say about the Kampala-Jinja Expressway? As you look for that, we also need to synchronise the issue of the regional mechanical workshops. You find a district like Bundibugyo with a regional workshop in Fort Portal – It is in Mbarara, not even Fort Portal. You find the one servicing Soroti in Bugembe. We are wondering what happened to the – because Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) used to be very organised. They had regional offices. What happened to those offices? What happened to the equipment that they had? Where are the regional labs? Before we start talking about the roads and whatever, how do we test the materials? Where are those labs or the regional mechanical workshops? Then, what happened to the UNRA roads? Honourable chairperson, you may need to enlighten us on that because we are giving you a lot of money. Now, the fact that you have a lot of money, tell us which roads you are going to give us – when we are doing appropriation – which roads are we working on? I told you about the road leading to Buhweju. You cannot even think of passing there. There is the road from Lira-Otuke-Abim up to Karenga; it is very bad. When you look at Kachonga-Butaleja-Tororo- Namutumba road, it is terrible. Look at where Hon. Joan comes from, Madi-Okollo. That road of Madi-Okollo connecting to Arua - I can tell you all the roads now. Let us look at the critical roads and make sure that we use the money effectively. With all this money that is being given, we must achieve what we need to achieve. You find the roads in Kampala – like my road, somebody is working on McKinnon Road, but I have failed to pass there for a whole two weeks. Nothing is moving. I was wondering why they removed my little tarmac which was there; they should have left it the way it was. Therefore, honourable chairperson, there is a big problem in your sector.

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

Honourable members, the rains in eastern Uganda have ravaged various districts, notably in Kapelebyong, Otuke,

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

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, Madam Speaker. We are neighbouring Kitgum District, Otuke, Pader but all the nearest trading centres and subcounty headquarters that are neighbouring us are connected with power. When you go to Laita and Lumoi, both in Omia Pacwa, Wol in Lugungu, Okwadoko, which borders Lagoro, and then you go to Aywee Garagara –

So, Rt Hon. Prime Minister, we are aware in this country, there are parts of the country, like northern or eastern, you know, there are parishes without primary schools. There are those communities that are willing to construct a school, but they lack some of the materials. Therefore, can we identify those communities or parishes, for example, I have Ajur in Ogwete, in Otuke, or Gotojwang, where these parishes are really too big, and highly populated. Can we identify these kinds of parishes and give them roofing materials, so that kids can go to school? This is my appeal.

You mention Otuke.

I do not know about Otuke but in Etek and Wiodyek, we do not have seed secondary schools. My proposal is, we go back and review.

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

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I also wanted to comment on that because when I went to Otuke, it was the same scenario as you have elaborated on. They are called the “Matooke eaters.” When the “Matooke eaters” go to Otuke, they access the payroll, spend maybe three months there, and then run away. Therefore, the people of Otuke also proposed that we should at least recruit people from the neighbouring districts who understand the terrain and the food and can easily adapt to the place. Therefore, I think it should be a policy issue, and we will escalate it further to ensure our people do not face difficult times while they serve. We also must look at the issue of the hard- to-reach allowances. Some time back, the Ministry of Public Service did this, but due to the shortage of funds, they have not added more districts. I feel we must roll it out, review and evaluate the other hard-to-reach areas, and make sure this money is provided for. The two teachers work in the whole school. I think we need to talk to the area Member of Parliament. We can probably discuss the details and make sure this school gets teachers. I have very few remaining. The former leaders; we should rationalise the benefits. Yes, it is still under discussion because we noticed some people got cars at Parliament and other cars from the Ministry of Public Service. You find one person with the double or maybe triple benefits. We therefore need to rationalise this. One should benefit from the latest former employment, not all the benefits, because some people are very lucky to have spent years in Parliament and served in several offices. Some staffing levels in local governments are still below 50; it is true - some are even at 30. We have agreed, that those who have recruited and are at least up to 80 per cent, should first hold on, we pick money from the budget and allocate to those still lagging and at least pull them up to 68 or 70 per cent, so that they can also serve their people well after recruiting human resource. I think I am done. I thank-

Which means, that a kilometre will be at Shs 106 million, yet the Ministry of Works and Transport’s indicative figure is Shs 9 million. For us, in Otuke, we use Shs 5.1 million to do a kilometre. How do we arrive at these figures? With Shs 1.7 billion, we can cover more kilometres of murram roads in the district. Would the Prime Minister be able to explain that? Secondly, we need - (Member timed out.)

16476 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION –section 3 or 4 – all aspirants for presidential positions are allowed to hold consultations in preparation of their manifestos, but also gathering the necessary information. One of the intending aspirants, hon. Jimmy Akena, the MP for Lira East, has kick-started his consultations. He was in Alebtong and Otuke, and the police interfered with his consultations to the extent that they fired teargas. Madam Speaker, hon. Jimmy Akena is consulting on behalf of UPC, and we plan to do further consultations in Teso, beginning on the 1 st . Yesterday, Madam Speaker, you issued a warning to NUP about how to enter Teso - (Laughter) We are now getting worried because the people of Teso have invited us to go there but yesterday, you said that certain things will not happen –

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I would like to add my voice to the committee report. These animals do not require a travel visa or passport, so they just move anywhere. Whatever affects Abim affects Otuke as well. Each year, we have buffalos which come from Kidepo that is about 190 kilometres from Otuke. Just last year in July, we had two lions which escaped and came to Otuke. The situation was worse because by 7.00 p.m., everybody would go to bed because they were living in fear. The only way is to advise the Government to come up with a solution of installing a fence; this is what will help. If we do not do this, even people in the districts which are far away from the game parks will always have these challenges. They will always be killed. Just last week in Bweyogerere in Kampala, there was a leopard; I do not know where it came from. I personally saw it at night when a dog was barking throughout - a huge wildcat. In the night, we do not know what is going on. We do not expect to have any animals coming to these places. Thank you.

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

Honourable members, I welcome you to this afternoon’s meeting. Yesterday we stood over the reading of the National Teachers’ Bill, 2024, pending harmonisation on some issues that appeared in the minority report versus the major report which is ongoing. So, the Bill will be coming back soon. Honourable members, as committees prepare to embark on the Budget Framework Paper, I want to urge the leadership to finish all the work that is pending before them, bring it to the House and start on the Budget Framework Paper. Also, our colleague, Hon. Acon Julius Bua, the MP of Otuke, who recently wrote a book about his journey from childhood, to Olympian, to now Parliament. He wants to invite you people to have a look at his book and to give a donation to our library.

15298 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR [The Speaker] scholarship. I had three primary schools in my village which were seven kilometers, nine kilometers and ten kilometers apart. My father was too poor So he made sure that I went into these schools on three different days. When I am chased away, I jump through the window and then go to the next school. Finally, when competitions began, I competed and won the championship for Otuke. Later on, it was declared that there was no transport to come to Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira. Otuke is 71 kilometres away -I ran at the age of 11, when I was in the P6. I ran 71 kilometres. I do not remember the time but- were not even there. I made it to Lira, won the championship for Otuke. I was given a scholarship to Makerere College School in Senior One and that is what made me who I am. Then in 1994, I was the only junior athlete under 20. I was 17-to represent the country in World Junior Championship. I flew to Portugal without shoes. By the time I was competing, I bought shoes from a Kenyan, and won a gold medal for Uganda in 1,500 meters - (Applause) - I was granted a scholarship to go to United States in Virginia, George Mason University, where I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Communication for four years. I competed for Olympics in 1996 and 2000 where I was the Ugandan team captain twice. I ran 11 World Championships for Uganda and two Commonwealth Games. I was third in Africa and got bronze medals twice. From there, I retired, won some money and decided to build a health center called Christine Nile Health Center in 2012 in memory of my mom, who was killed during the war. Now we are treating 600 patients in this health centre. In 2021, I was chosen as the best humanitarian in the continent of Africa and I was nominated as the World Olympian for Life. I am still competing at the older age, where last month, I was offered 200 boreholes for my community and each village will get boreholes. I was also awarded Shs 2 billion to build an operation health center in my village. Colleagues, I just want to donate this book. More of the story can be read; I think you will get to know each and every one’s story. Thank you, so much. I beg to lay.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to begin by appreciating the mover of the motion. I am here to second the motion based on the following reasons. In Uganda, we have agencies that support our country. One of the reasons why we are urging for this Bill, these people use their money to do their surveys in our districts. One of the reasons that touched me is when they said that Lango Subregion is not much affected. However, if you go to Lango, you cannot compare Otuke with a district like Kole and Oyam. At least for them, they have some bit of food for their people. As for us, if our country had that money to carry enough surveys, they would equate us to Karamoja. Therefore, Otuke as a district is at the level of Karamoja, not at the level of the Lango Subregion. Two, the OPM investment plan of 2021/2024/2025, they just wanted Shs 3.28 trillion in five years to support this programme. Since this money was not provided, the research that we have is that if you invest $1 at the end of the day, in the end, you can harvest $30 out of the $1 that you have invested. If you multiply this $30 by 3.2, our country is losing Shs 98.4 trillion that could have been for other issues. Thank you, Mr Speaker, but our motto for this Bill is; we need money for nutrition and we need nutrition for money. Thank you.

Mr Speaker, I beg to proceed. We have the minutes and I think I will tender them in. The report of the Sectoral Committee on Education and Sports on the State of Selected Public Universities, Tertiary Institutions, Seed Schools, and Public Sports Facilities in Northern Uganda. Introduction The Committee on Education and Sports was among the committees selected by the Rt Hon. Speaker to undertake an oversight visit to the Northern Region to assess projects under their jurisdiction. The Northern Region is composed of sub regions of Acholi, Karamoja, Lango and West Nile. The Government of Uganda attaches great importance to education and sports, as it plays a vital role in ensuring attainment of both social and economic transformation as envisaged in the Uganda Vision 2040, NDP III, and the NRM Manifesto. There are notable changes in the sector with the Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education in addition to higher learning institutions under BTVET and universities all considerably supported by Government and supplemented by other non- state actors countrywide. The committee therefore visited some selected primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and public universities in the districts of Arua, Pakwach, Nebbi, and Madi- Okollo in West Nile sub region. Gulu District in Acholi sub region, Abim District in Karamoja sub region, and finally Lira, Dokolo, Otuke Districts in Lango sub region. 2.0 Objectives of the Field visit. The main objective of the visit was to ascertain the existence and status of development projects in selected Traditional and Seed schools, Tertiary Institutions, and Public Universities in the Northern region. 2.1 The specific objectives include: i. To ascertain the status of implementation and progress of the UgIFT projects in selected schools.

(NRM, Otuke East County, Otuke) : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also would like to add my voice to pay tribute to our fallen heroine, the late Rebecca Cheptegei. It was very hurtful when we heard the news. Mr Speaker, we, athletes or sportsmen, generally come from a very deplorable background. For you to be a good athlete – or succeed in any sport – you must come from a very poor background, where your parents cannot pay school fees or afford one meal a day. It is very unfortunate that we lost our sister. Imagine waking up in the morning to run 12 to 15 kilometres daily because you are trying to find a way to survive! Mr Speaker, not many years ago, women athletes were not supposed to compete or do any sports. However, I am happy to see that the generation is changing and the Government is also putting a lot of effort into making sure that sports transform or change the lives of the youth. We do sports as part of employment, Mr Speaker. You heard what the honourable minister read in regards to the performance of this wonderful young fallen heroine. She had already made her way and her family was surviving with the small money that she earned. It is very unfortunate that she did not make it. Honourable minister, I know that there is some money, which they are paying to the well- performing athletes, who have won medals. Can the Government continue supporting or paying that money to the family of our fallen heroine for some few months since she left many children - three – as you have said? Mr Speaker, I would also like to ask the Government: if they cannot build a stadium, then let me request something simple: maybe a school. I think this would motivate other young female athletes or sports ladies in this country. It could even be a road. I think this would be simpler. We have two occasions to pay tribute. Normally, we do it when somebody is still alive and, secondly, when somebody is dead. However, we must do something to remember our fallen heroine, Rebecca Cheptegei. If we do not do this, it is just going to end like this; she will not be remembered. I feel so disheartened by what happened and I cannot speak much. May her soul rest in peace. Thank you.

Thank you, Chair. Let us have Hon. Aza, Hon. Judith Achan, and Hon. Timuzigu. Honourable member, a point of information is raised when you have a Member holding the Floor. Womam MP Otuke and PP, I am going to give you a chance, honourable colleagues, but let us use a short time so that as many colleagues as possible can contribute. I already allowed the Hon. Achan.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I just want to inform him that the only original site of tourism in the Lango Subregion is Got Otuke. I was surprised when he did not mention Got Otuke, yet it was chosen as the site where the only Won Nyaci is going to be crowned. You are not a child, I have forgiven you, but please include that before you submit. Otherwise, God is seeing you.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I want to appreciate your good vision for seeing me today. Mr Speaker, what I want to let this House know is that when you look at history, you notice that the tribes that live in Northern Uganda all originated or departed from Otuke in the early 70s to 90s. Therefore, I would like to ask

14202 SECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT the chairperson of the committee to consider Otuke as one of the greatest tourist places. In 2002, I remember a Whiteman from California flew to Otuke just to take a photograph of a red lizard; look at what Otuke can bring to this country. (Laughter) Mr Speaker, we have the coronation of our Won Nyaci in Lango on 2 November 2024, which will take place in Otuke. So, I want to urge the chairperson and committee to make sure Otuke is included. Mr Speaker, the road from Lira–Alebtong- Otuke-Abim should be tarmacked. I would also like to say this: if you climb Got Otuke, you will find footprints of all the tribes in Northern Uganda who were gathered in this place. You will find footprints of the Iteso, Acholi, Jabwor, Lango, and Kumam. These are the things I wanted to raise in this House; they were burning me and I could not hold them. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Allow me to first start by appreciating you, Mr Speaker. Yesterday, you took your time and came to my home to pay your last respects to my beloved husband who departed from us. I also thank other honourable colleagues who moved with you. Thank you so much. My family will forever be grateful. (Applause) May the soul of my husband continue to rest in peace. Mr Speaker, I wanted to give information but according to the rules, the Member is already off the Floor, so I cannot. Thank you for giving me way. I want to respond to Hon. Acon that not all northerners came from Otuke. For us, the Acholis, our origin is from Bahr el Ghazal, Southern Sudan. So, is it in order for Hon. Acon to allege that all northerners came from Otuke? At least to the best of my knowledge, I originate from South Sudan.

You can have friends in Otuke.

Oh yes and Hon. Acon is one of my best friends from Otuke. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I had requested permission to lay on the Table a copy of the minutes of the committee and a copy of the report. I beg to lay, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, this report is rather bulky, and in the interest of time, I request that you permit me to take the House through an executive summary that I have prepared. As I said, this report looks at the functionality of the district service commission and city service commission and also on personnel management in selected local governments across northern, eastern, and western regions. Mr Speaker, we already know the mandates of our committee, and in line with these mandates, the committee conducted an oversight visit to selected cities and districts of northern Uganda such as Arua, Maracha, Terego, Yumbe, Zombo, and Moyo in West Nile; Gulu District, Gulu City, Nwoya, Kitgum, and Pader in Acholi; Moroto Municipality, Moroto District, Amudat, Nabilatuk, Karenga, Kaabong, Kotido Municipality, and Kotido District in Karamoja; Lira City, Lira District, Amolatar District Local Government, Kole, and Otuke in Lango, to assess the functionality of the District and City Service Commission and to analyse the personnel management issues within local governments. Mr Speaker, the committee has made a comprehensive report with a detailed version of its findings, observations and recommendations, giving examples and scenarios from local government to bring out the issues affecting the functionality of these commissions and the staff. Without prejudice to the comprehensive report, this Executive Summary highlights the key issues as follows: Committee findings, observations, and recommendations. On the functionality of District Service Commission, Mr Speaker, 1. We looked at gaps in the commissions. The committee found out that 98.6 per cent of the District and City Service Commissions were functional by end of the Financial Year 2022/2023, and most commissions were fully constituted. However, there are some districts that are non-functional with insufficient number of commissions. For example, Amudat District had only one District Service Commission member, which severely affected the recruitment processes, leading to delays and increasing the risk of corruption. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Local Government, together with the Public Service Commission, should ensure that all commissions are fully constituted for efficient service delivery in local governments. 2. Delays in Public Service Commission approval processes The report highlights delays by the Public Service Commission in approving Service Commission nominees, often without providing reasons for rejection. This lack of transparency and delayed approvals impede the recruitment process and affect service delivery. In Moyo, delays in submitting approved names to the Service Commission were noted, attributed to negligence. The committee also noted poor grievance handling by the Public Service Commission, which has been slow in responding to appeals, leading to prolonged disputes and inefficiencies. The committee therefore recommends the following;

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker, I am raising two issues. We have the roads that link to Agago North County. One of them comes from Kitgum Corner Alango, Kitgum Matidi Wol to Kalongo, and then it proceeds to Paimol. Another road comes from Pader, Pajule-Pader to Kalango. On the other hand, there is a road that comes from Otuke-Patongo to Kalango. [Mr Ngoya] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

14173 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 29 AUGUST 2024 Secondly, Madam Speaker, we were in Kyankwanzi for our first retreat. You were not there. After the people’s presentation before Mzee, Mzee requested that since your parents died, but left behind children, why can’t we give two to four cows per household, or to every surviving family? However, people who had a hand and had negative feelings towards this never accepted it. So, as a woman and a child... So, as a woman and a child whose people in Otuke suffered this fate - I would even go for the motion that they proposed today, to reinstate each and every household.

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

Is the motion seconded? Okay, it is seconded by Hon. Komakech, Hon. Rose Obiga, Hon. Amos, Hon. Ssekikubo, the Member for Otuke, and the Member for Lyantonde. Thank you. Honourable, would you like to speak to your motion?

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, the question I am raising is: in 2016, I know this country had the opportunity to extend electricity deep into the rural areas, which has been going on, and in Otuke we appreciate what the Government is doing. The problem that we are having is that there are two projects, one is for the World Bank and the other for the sub-counties - the concern is that there are some people who are being compensated in order to allow electricity or electric poles to pass through their land or compound, so it is delaying all these projects. Hon. Prime Minister, would you clarify to this country, not only for Otuke, so that whenever an electric pole passes through someone’s land, it should be very clear whether they should be paid or not, because some people are blocking this development? Thank you.

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

Madam Speaker, I can provide the details on the districts that have offices, and they are the following: Lamwo, Abim, Amuru, Kiryandongo, Kamuli, Buhweju, Bundibugyo, Lwengo, Rubirizi, Butaleja, Adjumani, Butambala, Otuke, Luuka and Nakapiripirit. Those are the 15 that have offices. The rest do not have. Madam Speaker, the second issue is Cabinet support and policy development. We have a gap of Shs 1.976 billion. Our total request is Shs 4.579 billion. What was provided for is Shs 2.603 billion and we request for the balance to be provided. Regarding the facilitation for RDCs, our budget is Shs 21 billion, but what was provided is Shs 14.8 billion, leaving a gap of Shs 6.2 billion. That is what we are recommending. On facilitation of the project management team for the Intelligence Transport Monitoring System Aware that in July 2021, the Government signed an agreement with Joint Stock Global Security. Subsequently, a committee to oversee this project was established by the Office of the President and we request for the facilitation of this committee; we request for Shs 3.5 billion. Support to the Afro-Arab Youth Council for headquarters construction Madam Speaker, we are about to lose a prime opportunity to construct an office block, a stadium, and a cultural heritage centre, among others, because the Government of Uganda signed an agreement, in August 2023, to host the headquarters and the condition given to our government is to provide land. The duration of the project is only five years. We have only purchased 23 acres and we are left with 27 acres. The money we are demanding so that we comply is Shs 5.4 billion minus that we shall lose this prime opportunity. Monitoring the mainstreaming of the manifesto commitments Aware that the governance of this country is dependent on the manifesto –

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Allow me to thank the committee and its chairperson. I am touched by the recommendation of the committee on the security situation in Karamoja. In their report, they have stated that 368 firearms and 3,334 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, but Karamoja is estimated to have over 15,000 guns in circulation. Now, when we have recovered only 338 and then we say the situation is okay, let us reduce the money, I do not think this is fair. Secondly, around 2012, Karamoja was so peaceful that one could travel at night and during the day without any problem, but later on, the situation got bad. Parts of my family are in Otuke and Alebtong. I feel touched if we are thinking that because the cattle rustling has gone down a little bit then the security situation in Karamoja is okay. It is on this ground that I urge this Parliament that we do not pass this recommendation of the committee, but instead amend it and ensure that the Shs 27.5 billion is maintained - (Applause) - so that better operation - It is not only about cattle rustling, but ensuring that Karamoja is pacified and it becomes peaceful, permanently. (Applause) Mr Speaker, the committee had recommended the provision of money for traffic and road safety by providing Shs 8 billion for motorcycles and about Shs 19 billion for the inspection of vehicles by the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV) and putting mobile stations. However, as I have been listening to presentations here, my concern is that the Government has provided the resource envelope for the budget, but our recommendations are calling for provision of additional money for additional activities under the unfunded priorities. Now, I want to understand: as we make recommendations on this, where do we expect, either the Committee on Budget or ministry of Finance to expand, yet the resource envelope has been provided for the Budget and it is limited? This is what has been puzzling me and as we move forward, this question must be answered so that we see how to deal with reality. This is because if we are providing for additional resources then it will require us to look for sources of – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me time. I appreciate the honourable member for Nyabushozi for the good report. As a representative of the people of Otuke, the recommendation of the committee that the Shs 27 billion be revised downwards is actually not good news at all. Last year, the President invited the Members of Parliament from Karamoja, Lango, Acholi and Teso to my constituency and they all came. The matter was about insecurity in the region. We have just had a lull of peace and tranquillity, but that does not mean the problem has gone away. So, we should keep the money. I recommend that this money be stayed so that we can look at the issues of insecurity in the region. (Applause) The second issue is about the pay for members of our security forces. We have been looking at the numbers. The committee chairperson said that Shs 1.3 trillion for wages for UPDF - We have always calculated that if we are going to pay the army more than Shs 1 trillion then as a basis for the ordinary soldiers, at least they should get Shs 1 million. I have seen the recommendations of the committee and I think we need to look at every soldier at the lowest level and as a bare minimum, they should have Shs 1 million as pay. I think the same thing should stand for the police and even the prisons officers. We need to sit down with the ministry. As a Budget Committee, we shall investigate and look at those priorities. I think one of the demotivating items is pay. We just need to make sure that our soldiers are paid well. A lot has been talked about housing. In the last financial year, we gave UPDF Shs 40 billion for housing and I think UPDF has made progress. For the police, it has been alleged that they bought mabaati . That is a colonial mentality; that is how we were treated in the past. This Government should be able to build decent houses for the police and I want to recommend –

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

12232 COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR are you building health centres every year in Otuke that others do not have? (Laughter) If you are digging boreholes, how many of them are you digging and where, so that we do not get people like Hon. Yona Musinguzi crying from here? I receive it. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for my offer. (Laughter)

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. My condolences to the people of Namibia. Mr Speaker, on your communication on Tarehe Sita today, I would like to appreciate what the UPDF is doing. On Saturday, I drove from Otuke via Lira and Kiryandongo, where I found massive cleaning by the UPDF soldiers happening. My main concern would be, how could we step in to continue with the general cleaning as a country? When you look around, the whole environment is messed up with plastic bags and other kinds of things. I think this is where the country would step in to let the general cleaning, which the UPDF introduced, to continue. It should be on a weekly basis, as other countries do. I think this would really make this country remain great. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I hold the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Whip in high regard. Finally, Madam Speaker, one moment I will live to remember was in 2012, when Lango was confronted with a land conflict in Otuke that led to the death of one of the cultural leaders. We assembled as members of the Lango Parliamentary Group and had a visit to Otuke District. While in Otuke, Atat played the role of an atat in the culture of the Lango. The situation was exceedingly volatile. That meeting of Otuke culminated in another meeting with the President in Rwakitura on the land question. That was another very volatile meeting. It took the wisdom of the Hon. Atat lying here, knowledge of the Hon. Atat , understanding and a wealth of experience. That is the elder I am talking about. In any society, there is always this one elder that everyone would coalesce around when it comes to a critical moment when there is a storm and Atat would be that elder for Lango. When there was a storm regarding the matters of land, Atat was the only one who could calm down the storm in the presence of the President. Hon. Atat , I thank you, and I say that your commitment, dedication, zeal and stamina in fighting for the cause you believed in, will live as your legacy. We can only promise you, as the Joshua generation, as envisaged in the Bible, that we will try our best to follow in your footsteps. Rest in peace, Hon. Atat Cecilia.

11039 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2023 When you look at the number of households that benefited, the figures we got from the MoFPED shows that they were 787,566 households while from the PDM Secretariat and MoLG 817,099 households had benefited by that time. According to the MoFPED, Shs 776,980,000,000 was disbursed while on the side of the MoLG, they indicated that by that time, they had already disbursed Shs 775,998,795,274. When you look at the balance that had not been disbursed in total, it amounted to Shs 371,157,381,210. However, Madam Speaker, the MoFPED also provided a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet on PDM disbursement performance and the committee observed that the total figures of the amount released, amount disbursed and number of beneficiaries deferred from its own table of summarised figures in the report. Committee observations The committee observed the following: (i) Some SACCOs still have arrears arising from Shs 17 million of the Financial Year 2021/2022 that they should have received. For instance, Otuke had 27 SACCOs pending payment under the first disbursement. In other words, these are parishes that never received money in the first displacement. (ii) Much as the SACCOs were meant to receive Shs 17 million each in the Financial Year 2021/2022, MoFPED released less amounts, ranging between Shs 7 million and Shs 10 million for most of the SACCOs across the country. However, there has been no clear explanation why MoFPED released less than what was appropriated. (iii) There were variations in the figures provided by the MoFPED compared to what was provided by the Ministry of Local Governments and PDM secretariat (as indicated in Table 1 above). (iv) The committee observed that nine parishes had not been funded and according to the MoFPED, this was due to the following reasons: a) Nadunget Parish in Moroto District, Kanabu Kei in Yumbe District and Kitwe Parish in Bushenyi District were found to be non-existent, according to the MoFPED. b) Nyakitojo, Rwenkuba and Kitaka -

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Allow me to also congratulate you. I am also “ Min rudi” ; thank you for joining the association. I am rising on a matter of national importance caused by “shopping out” good civil servants from vulnerable districts like Otuke. I stand here to regret and mourn the “shopping out” of two very good past Chief Administrative [Mr Niyonsaba] LAYING OF PAPERS

10969 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2023 Officers (CAOs) from Otuke, one who is now serving in Wakiso District. Right now, the Ministry of Local Government has given us a CAO –

Honourable members, I want us to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Hon. Opolot here will say the CAO is only serving me, but they are supposed to serve the district; the people of that area. I want to request the Minister of Local Government - I see all of them here; Hon. Abwooli and Hon. Magyezi are here. Please, get the information from Hon. Abeja because she is a little emotional. Where the CAO has a problem, carry out an investigation. If he has a problem, as is being said, do not “shop” the way she has said it and do not transfer. Let us not rotate around with these problems. Today, you are removing someone from Otuke; another day, Kole or Bukedea. Don’t we have educated people? Just fire that person. (Applause) I want a response on that issue, but not on the Floor.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the honourable minister. As we celebrate World Food Day, honourable minister, I wish you would have a chance to go to some of the districts, villages or communities. As we talk, you know that Uganda is blessed. We are a country that God loves so much. In Otuke, when they were buying maize seeds, a kilo was at Shs 40,000. However, as they harvest now, they are selling maize at Shs 600 a kilo. I want to repeat: a kilo of maize seeds was at Shs 40,000, but now that the harvesting season has begun, the farmers are selling maize at Shs 600 a kilo. Where are we heading? In December, you will find the entire country facing food shortage. I would also like to appeal to the ministry for water that there is a big challenge. In some of the communities in this country, there are people who have never seen clean water in their villages. There are people who have been drinking water from local swamps, together with animals. We really need to work on this, honourable minister. We talk about the promotion of agriculture. In Uganda, we do best in coffee farming. Even in Parliament here, if you want to drink coffee, getting it is like getting a blood donation. It is hard to get coffee for drinking yet we are promoting coffee. It is true –(Member timed out.)

Thank you, honourable minister, for the clear statement. Honourable colleagues, I will pick 10 Members and the criteria used will be six Members from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) side, two from the Opposition and two from the Independents. Those from the Opposition side will include the LoP. Therefore, I will pick the LoP and the Member of Parliament from Jonam. I will pick three Independent Members of Parliament because they have tried to attend: Hon. Nsereko, Prof. Mushemeza and Hon. Otuke. On the NRM side, I will pick the Commissioner, Hon. Silwany, Hon. Chemaswet, Hon. Alex Byarugaba, Member of Parliament from Iganga, Hon. Aisha Agaba who made a special request earlier that she wants to submit on this matter and Hon. Martin Muzaale. Honourable colleagues, we have other matters where I will pick you. Let us start right away, use two minutes each because we have other business to handle. Hon. Ebwalu, I will pick you on the next item. I know that you are a strong character on every topic.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Allow me to also appreciate the minister for the statement concerning the Independence Day celebrations. I have picked only one statement from the minister. I am known in my district as a doctor, but I am not. However, when you talked about a medical camp, I was going to carry my people to Kitgum for the eye medical camp. Now that my people have not benefited from this one, I am requesting your ministry, which is the President’s ministry with a lot of money, to do this countrywide. Otuke has suffered a lot and we do not have clean water. Our people have a lot of problems with their eyes. When you are doing something, do it uniformly so that everyone benefits from what Government is giving. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to add my voice and appreciate our minister for the statement. Based on the theme of this year’s celebration, like my colleagues have also mentioned: “The teacher we need for the education we want” , honourable minister, I think this does not apply to districts like Otuke. When you say, “the teacher you need”, I notice that other teachers are being motivated with an allowance for working in hard-to-reach areas. One time, on the Floor here, I raised my issues; that my teachers were not being motivated, but in the districts surrounding mine, the teachers were being motivated. Hon. Veronica has just talked about this. We have a technical school in Otuke and the teachers there do not have where to sleep, but you have employed them. At times, you do [Ms Kakande] STATEMENT

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I support the recommendation of the committee. I have only two comments. One, the chairperson of the committee reported to the House that there is no loan recovery policy, which has been put in place. I noted that the loan scheme has been in place for nine years. It is totally inconceivable that after nine years, we don’t have a loan recovery policy. No wonder the institutions are just holding the transcripts of the students who have not yet fulfilled the payments. Can we have that policy put in place? Secondly, the inequity about the loan scheme is also appalling. I have noted that for the last nine years, the people of Otuke only were able to send 35 students while Ntungamo sent 488 students. I am wondering what criteria has been used. Is it poverty, academic prowess or population? Madam Speaker, there must be clarity in terms of the criteria of selecting those students. The recommendations, which we are going to adopt is on the quota system so that we can determine the fate of students like those in Otuke who qualify for higher education. I submit.

9587 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 12 JULY 2023 people and the one of Otuke is a mere 120,000 people. Therefore, it would be unfair to have the same number of students at the university benefiting from that scheme. Nevertheless, just last week, we were talking about Government policies; the best policies Government developed but it is failing to sustain. We are talking about the issue of failure to pay medical interns. Right now, we are talking about the issue of the loan scheme, which is a very good policy. Last week, I talked to a student who missed joining a university on a medical course by a mere 0.5 points. He hoped that he would maybe join the university on this scheme but his dream is being shattered by failure to provide the money for this loan scheme. Therefore, my recommendation would be that the House and the Government find money to put into this loan scheme so that this programme and good policy continues to be sponsored in this country. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Allow me to join colleagues to appreciate the chairperson and the committee for the report. I am very concerned, especially on the issue of the contractor on the project of the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT). The chairperson of the committee actually gave an elaborate report and mentioned the issue of the contractor and the challenges they have experienced. I have a case in my constituency; there is a contractor that was awarded a contract for the construction of a seed secondary school. The contractor is called Mesco Uganda Limited. Madam Speaker, the site was handed over in January this year but to date, the contractor hired the local community to dig the foundation and the community was not paid their money. There is a lot of chaos now the reason being, the contractor has almost over 10 contracts. There are three contracts in Agago District, it has a contract in Otuke; other contracts are in other districts. I am wondering why the Central Government gives contracts to one contractor that is not effective and delays the process of the implementation of the contracts; this is a problem. Parliament needs to come up with a decision. If we talk about decentralisation, why don’t we give the opportunity to local governments to manage such contracts? This will make the work more effective. It is my humble appeal that Parliament comes up with a decision which is concrete on the issue of the contractors. I thank you.

Madam Speaker, I join the honourable colleagues in supporting the motion to pay tribute to our gallant son who is lying before us here. If you experienced what we went through because of the war in northern Uganda – when we talk about what this gentleman did to pacify northern Uganda, you cannot just share it lightly. Maybe you can share it lightly if you heard about it as history or read about it in a book. However, if you were there when we were being killed, when our ears were being cut, when the roads were being blocked, when we could take an entire week to come from West Nile to Kampala… It saddens that we have lost one of those who sacrificed to create peace in that region. Madam Speaker, when I saw my name on TV that I had been appointed state minister in charge of veteran affairs, I was so anxious that I had to look around because I did not have any background of being in the military. My first thought was about the ministers who were in that office that I could look out for. Madam Speaker, I looked for Hon. Charles; I looked for the minister whom I replaced and also looked for our former Clerk. I wanted them to take me through and tell me how things were handled there. Hon. Charles told me: “Where you are, it is formalised; it is the best place that you are going to enjoy. Just respect yourself, follow the rules and you will not get into any trouble.” Two weeks ago, because of the challenges of the raiders we were facing in Karamoja Subregion, one of the MPs of Otuke stood up here and told us that: “I wish Hon. Charles was still the minister for defence.” That is because when he was there, they did not suffer the way they are suffering with these Karamojong raiders. So, I stood here and said: “My sister, we shall do exactly what Hon. Charles did.” However, after committing myself that we were going to go to Otuke with the Member, I had to look for Hon. Charles. I said: “Hon. Charles, you created shoes that our feet are failing to fit in. I have promised my colleagues that I am going to Otuke, but I will not go there alone. I am waiting for you. Give me a day and we go together so that I can learn from you.” He promised me that: “My sister, we are going to go together; that is my profession.” However, before we could do that, he is here today. It is very unfortunate and saddening. I felt very bad and asked many questions. For a senior soldier, why did he decide to open the car door in the direction where the gun was being shot from? Why didn’t he use the other door, hide himself first and then plan to see who the enemy was? I have many questions that I cannot answer. He is not there to answer any of them. May his soul rest in peace.

8267 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 20 APRIL 2023 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. we look at the terminologies we are using as we work on this documentation. Secondly, the Equal Opportunities Commission put at one per cent of the tarmac road, just like you said it is being done in your area. However, we had a meeting with the President together with the religious and political leaders from Lango and Acholi and he actually promised that at least he will build two roads in Lango; the one from Lira-Aloi-Otuke to Abim and the road from Namasale-Dokolo-Aloi-Ogul. I want to understand from the chairperson - and the minister is here - UNRA is saying they are not going to build any other new roads but the President made this pledge in front of the religious and political leaders and all the stakeholders in Lango. So, we have the provision because he said that before the end of this kisanja that at least these two roads would have been worked on. Thank you.

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

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance on the raid carried out in Otuke District last night. An estimated six Karamojong cattle raiders, armed with AK-47 guns, came to Otuke last night and raided Ogwete and Olilim subcounties. The raids have been going on for the last two weeks. Very many people have been injured and an estimated 400 heads of cattle has been taken away. As of now, only 27 have been recovered. These Karamojong – they are really not just Karamojong raiders, but Karamojong thieves – are causing problems to the Government. The Attorney-General, seated there, is supposed to compensate for the last raids that took place. However, before he completes that, these same people are adding problems to the Attorney- General – the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development says there is no money to compensate our people. My prayers are: 1. The Government should provide transport to the UPDF soldiers who are there to enable them respond during the attacks; 2. The Government should improve on the security roads because when these people take off with our cows, it is hard to follow them; 3. Our ex-soldiers, who are on the ground, know all the corners where these people pass. Voices from the neighbouring districts of Alebtong, Otuke and others are that they should recruit these ex-soldiers to support the UPDF; 4. The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs should visit the area and see these corridors by himself, in the company of – mark my words, Mr Speaker - the former Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Okello Engola tried to handle these people, and two, the Minister of Internal Affairs, since he is a General - I know the current state minister, but I do not want to say anything. 5. Lastly, Mr Speaker, Otuke is a very lovely district to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni –(Interjections) - yes, I am proud of him. He helped us during the days of the Kony insurgency on the side of Okwang. On the side of Otuke East, we also need his intervention. Thank you, Mr Speaker. [Ms Muhanga] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you very much. Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the Member for raising the issue. One, I commit that the Ministry of Defence and Veter - an Affairs, together with the Members of Par- liament from Otuke, will be in Otuke to follow up on this issue –(Interjections)– honourable member, I will be with you in Otuke to follow up on the issue. (Applause) Two, I would like to state that we have already deployed the UPDF on the ground. I am aware that the number might not be enough, but there are already people on the ground; the army is following up on the issue. That is why some of the animals have already been recovered, but they are still in the process of recovering more. The issues of the lost animals that are normally raided by these Karamojong are not only in Otuke District. Therefore, almost every day, the UPDF is recovering raided animals. All recovered animals will be returned to the owners. Three, the current ministers in the Ministry of Defence will do the work that the former minister who was also in that ministry - they will do it. Please, put your trust in them; they will do the work. Thank you. (Applause)

Thank you, honourable minister. Madam Speaker, the country is having serious issues as a result of the disasters. In some cases, like it happened in Mbale, entire bridges and community roads are washed away. The same thing is happening in the west. We also had famine in Karamoja and Otuke. Madam Speaker, the ministry seems not to have money yet Section 26(1) of the Public Finance Management Act provides for the provision of a contingency fund, which is 3.5 per cent of the previous financial year’s budget. This money is commanded in the law, but it is not provided for during the budget process. If we are keen, the Minister of Disaster would not be requesting for money when these emergencies occur.

Lango Subregion has nine districts and one city namely: Kole, Dokolo, Apac, Oyam, Kwania, Alebtong, Amolatar, Otuke, Lira; and Lira City, comprising 21 constituencies. Our terms of reference were: 1. To determine the exact amount of approved funds that have been disbursed to the various parishes. 2. To examine the eligibility of the various categories of beneficiaries of the PDM funds. 3. To assess the effectiveness of utilisation of disbursed funds by PDM beneficiaries. 4. To establish the extent of adherence to the PDM guidelines and procedures by the various actors in the implementation of PDM. 5. To examine any other matters incidental and make recommendations for corrective action. Methodology Our methodology involved meetings with district officials and PDM focal persons; meetings with PDM SACCO leaders; meetings with selected SACCOs; and review of PDM district reports and documentation. I now present the findings, observations and recommendations. The report is already uploaded on the iPad under the northern region reports. TOR No.1: To determine the exact amount of approved funds that have been disbursed to the various parishes Lango Subregion registered 597 parish SACCOs and 9,771 enterprise groups. In the Financial Year 2021/2022, the Government committed to disbursing Shs 17 million to each of the parish SACCOs. Out of the 576 parish SACCOs in Lango Subregion, only 175 SACCOs received the full amount equivalent to 29 per cent. A total of 277 SACCOs received

Madam Speaker, it is really a pity. Yes, the rains can be a blessing but at the same time very destructive, especially to our schools. We have received those complaints already from some parts of the country. One is this of my colleague in Otuke. Honestly, children have nowhere to sit because the roof was blown off yet we do not have an immediate emergency measure like providing tents. It appears my friend is requesting for iron sheets from the Office of the Prime Minister but the Department of Disaster Preparedness seems not to be having iron sheets to address such emergency measures. Therefore, in that case -

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. This is an issue that requires a response from a competent authority, which is the Ministry of Agriculture. However, I undertake, on behalf of the Frontbench, to inform the minister to either come to Parliament or link up with you and an explanatory note is offered. However, we apologise to the people of Otuke for the seeds that were supplied but could not germinate. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the people of Otuke, I rise to support the motion to pay tribute to Justice Opio Aweri. Madam Speaker, some of you might not have known this gentleman who has gone. In 2016, I met him in Otuke - He is from Dokolo, and from Otuke to Dokolo is about 150 kilometres. He had a garden there and I also had a garden. I was surprised and I said, honourable Justice, how come you do not have a bodyguard? Your friends in Kampala are carrying around bodyguards like the medals that we win in the Olympics. ( Laughter ) I joked with him and he laughed. He said, “Acon, you see, when you are a simple man, wrong things do not happen to you, but when you begin to carry these security guards like the medals you are talking about, that is when the wrong people follow you”. Madam Speaker, this gentleman would drive himself without a security guard. I really feel that when you remain simple, God becomes your bodyguard and nothing can happen. I want to urge Members of Parliament: let us raise our children in a good way, and not the other way around. I said to him, “There are cattle keepers around here. Do not let them make your name to be judged here.” – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker for giving me this opportunity. On behalf of the people of Otuke and on my own behalf, I would like to express our deep condolences to the family for the passing of our elder. Madam Speaker, the late Justice was my closest neighbour in Lira City; his home and mine are only a distance of 100 metres, and every holiday, we would have time to exchange views about the country and about the environment. People have talked a lot about his humility. One morning, I heard somebody knocking at

6692 TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE RUBBY OPIO AWERI [Mr Omara] my door at around 7.00 a.m. When I walked out, who did I see? It was the Justice and he was actually barefooted; he had walked from his house to see me. I asked him why he was barefooted and he said, “You know, it is very therapeutic”, he was very simple in all his ways. Madam Speaker, he was a family man and educated all his children well and mentored them. No wonder five of them are lawyers, just like him, and each one of them has been successful in their own career. Maybe it is a challenge to us as parents – what are we to our children and how are we grooming them? As an environmentalist, Madam Speaker, he has farms everywhere in Lango and Acholi Subregion. He has one in Otuke where he has been planting trees. I think, in terms of our efforts towards having a better climate, we need to take this initiative of planting trees. ` Finally, Madam Speaker, as lawyers here, his judgements have been legendary and I think it has gone down into the annals of our courts and has improved our jurisprudence dramatically. And I know that the future lawyers and judges will quote him in a good way. I thank you.

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

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I am very proud that today, I am talking about Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, who mentored most of the leaders you are seeing here. When we joined the Democratic Party, we actually joined the UYD, which was the youth wing of DP. He always trained us. What I remember about Dr Ssemogerere is that he was devoid of corruption. He was a very incorruptible person. Secondly, he was a down-to-earth man; a very humble man. You would not even think that he was once a Prime Minister of this country. Mr Speaker, one time he said, “If there is anything to die for, you should die fighting for your country.” I think whatever he did, in his capacity, he died fighting for the rights of the people of this country and for that, we shall remember him. I was reminding Mama Cecilia here that in the 1996 elections, I was with her and Dr Kawanga Ssemogerere in Otuke, but she could not remember and so, I reminded her. I was the one pushing the car of Dr Ssemogerere to mobilise the people to support him. I moved with him and I learned from him that if you want to do something, you should get determined to do it and you will always achieve it. Having pushed the car, I am rightly in this House as a Member of Parliament because of his training. (Applause) Lastly, Mr Speaker, he died thinking of Federalism. I heard Mama Cecilia talking about it; he was one of the 47 people who actually walked out from the Constituent Assembly. One of the things he died thinking about is how this country, one day, will attain a Federal status. He even gave an example of the German model. He loved it and thought that this is the only way this country can get balanced development. Mr Speaker, if it could be necessary, one day that topic could be brought to this Parliament for us to discuss and probably, give Ssemogerere the best he could achieve for this country; a Federal system of governance. I thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

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.

5814 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT interpret his complaint and it became very difficult to help this person. The second one was also at a hospital. Therefore, we can never talk about inclusiveness if the deaf are left out in terms of communication. Now, many times, we present reports here; but my view is that Government should adopt this presentation as a strategy to be included in the review of the education curriculum. Recently, there was a review of the education curriculum by Government, and the idea that certain languages should be taught in schools must be adopted in our curriculum such that they are not left out. We are talking about the placement of interpreters, but how many do we have? Sign language has become a comprehensive communication pattern. In that way, I think we can achieve what we talked about in terms of inclusiveness. Thank you very much. Mr JULIUS ACON (NRM, Otuke East County, Otuke): Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I would like to appreciate the honourable minister for elaborating on her statement; today, I am her PA for the time being. I would like the minister to include the deaf people among those who should be given jobs. I would also request the honourable minister to make sure that these people are not discriminated against. They should do activities such as sports - because, in the world of sports, I have not met Ugandans representing the deaf. They also lack several institutions such as schools in the Lango subregion; I think we have in Lira. So, such a person has to walk or come from Otuke which is 72 kilometres away, which is a long journey. Honourable minister, these are the people who create a lot of challenges for parents or caretakers, and if we do not bring them together, I think it will be very difficult for us to take care of them. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Honourable colleagues, I suggest that as Members of Parliament in our small villages, let us give ourselves the task to plant at least a tree in front of our kitchen. It would show a good example. Secondly, in this country, there are laws. Let there be tree planting; the law should not defeat us. A tree does not talk to human beings. It talks to the rain and God alone. In Northern Uganda, people are cutting down mango trees. Mangoes are useful fruits, but the trees have all been cut down. The shea trees have all been cut down. These things are food to the people. Therefore, we need to work very hard in this situation. For charcoal alone, in my district Otuke, people are carrying it 24 hours – (Member timed out.)

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, you are aware that on 11 July 2022, the National Forestry Authority went to Otuke and slashed down the crops for the community and the people of Otuke East constituency. And, I remember we raised this issue on the Floor and you promised that these people will be compensated. To date, nothing has been done. I had requested by then that if Government cannot give money, let food be provided to the families whose crops were slashed down. Could you please respond? If you are ready, my truck is there to carry this food for them today. Thank you. (Laughter)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank our minister for the statement. Honourable minister, you have talked about a technical school that has not been constructed; but I wish you moved in the whole country and checked on the technical schools where the money has not been spent. When we were in Baralegi, I raised the issue concerning Okwang Technical School. It is now coming to 10 years; we only have two structures. I do not know where the money is lying, but that school was directed to be constructed using Shs 3.5 billion. Right now, Otuke has received only Shs 575 million. So, the rest of the money - I wonder where it is. I ask you to look into that matter.

Madam Speaker, when we state on the Floor that schools do not exist, then before even one minute elapsing, the same member says there are white elephants - Madam Speaker –(Interjections)- absolutely. A member is saying the schools do not exist on the ground but I presided over the commissioning of four of the seed schools: Apac Seed Secondary School in Apac, Aduk Seed Secondary School in Kwania, Ogor Seed Secondary School in Otuke, and Abia Seed Secondary School in Alebtong. And we dispatched a team of ministers all over the country to commission schools that had been finished at that time. Hon. Odur is here, a school in his constituency was commissioned by hon. Grace Kwiyucwiny. All the schools built under UGIFT phase one, are supposed to be equipped. For instance, computers are supposed to be 28. Honourable members, this fight against corruption must be collective. I was in Kwania and I found Shs 272 million that was cause listed for construction of a seed school, diverted. An arrest was ordered. The acting DEO is on interdiction pending investigations because I found only 14 computers. I went with a checklist. Therefore, that is the reason I am pleading with you to please give us these reports because we need to join hands so that when I come to your district and order - because the Constitution allows that on reasonable suspicion, that is a constitutional provision - please do not start calling me, honourable minister, so and so, no because I did that even in my own district. I ordered the arrest of my own DEO in Alebtong.