Serere District

To cut the story of Apio short - she had been married for 20 years, and she has got adult children, like 18 and so on, teenagers, but she had never handled Shs 1 million in her life. She did not have land. When she got the land, when she got the Shs 1 million, she did not have her own land. She had to go and hire three acres from somebody else, grow maize, sell the maize, put some of the money back into agriculture, and then buy those sheep the ones you saw. When I was there during campaigns, she told me she had now 60 sheep. For me I did not know about sheep. Who buys sheep? She is the one who told me that, “No, South Sudanese like sheep, they buy.” Therefore, our people are clever when supported. They even know things we do not know. I did not know anything about sheep. Even in my dreams, I cannot dream about sheep, but she knew that sheep have a market in South Sudan. Nabutono, I do not know who buys Ssekkokko. I have no idea. But they know. So what they lack is support. Therefore, I want the Kisozi model. I do not want to live in a parish with poor people. That is what I told them. N’abe Kikisozi nabagamba nti sagaala kulirana baavu. Njagala kugenda mu ggulu (I want to go to heaven.) I do not want the angels to block me, saying, “ You were in Kisozi, you had neighboring poor people, and you kept quiet.” I must tell you - I told them. Now, you saw the house of Lule - let us watch that video with that man - show it to us again, his house and the coffee plantation. ( A video presentation was made.) - The man of Kisozi - see the house, car, coffee - that is how they are now. Therefore, leadership is not for ego, but for the people and the country. In agriculture, it is possible to have a Pan-Ugandan rural transformation. In the Kisozi area, I have nine villages with 2,048 homesteads now. As of today, all 2,048 homesteads have joined the money economy with coffee, bananas, dairy farming, goat rearing, and poultry. You did not show us the video with my manager at Kisozi, Nalwanga. Don’t you have her video? I have got a girl whom I have educated from P2. She went to Ndejje, and she is the one managing - Nalwanga - these people do not like my useful people. Nalwanga tebamwagala wano . In the cattle corridor, most of the original families have joined the money economy through dairy farming. In order to stabilise agriculture, we are addressing the issue of irrigation. Apart from the big irrigation schemes such as Mobuku, Doho, etc., we are developing many micro solar-powered irrigation schemes, working with a British group known as Nexus Green. As we speak, they have worked with the Government to put solar-powered irrigation schemes in Ngora, Serere, Bukedea, Amolatar, Kwania, Apac, Kassanda, Masaka, Mukono. Those are some of the irrigation schemes. In conclusion, however, the two residual problems with the peasantry are, as I pointed out above, some of them still rely on okusetura , free range, which underutilises the land. A square mile of a well-cleared farm, no bushes, no muteete , no shrubs, no acacia, will cater for 300 long-horn cattle, including the calves. With pasture growing and zero grazing, a square mile will cater for 6,000 cattle.

The Independents, we have: Hon. Acom Esther, District Woman Representative Serere, Independent. At least I know the two, and forgive me when I mix them up. I am only two days old, but at least I know Hon. Acom Esther, Serere. Hon. Akoth Angela Nzokire, District Woman Representative, Tororo, Independent. Hon. Kinobere Herbert Tom, Kiboko County. Please, members, want to know you. Hon. Ongiertho Emmanuel Jor, Nebbi Municipality. Of course, the committee is only constituted when we have the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. I put the question for the approval of the designated members. I thought so. Leader of Government Business. I put the question that the names that have been read be approved by this Parliament as designated members of the Standing Committee on Appointments. (Question put and agreed to.)

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

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

18417 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 26 MARCH 2026 In the VIP Gallery this afternoon, we have Members of Parliament-elect. They have come to observe the proceedings. They include: 1. Hon. Alex Ekoro Irukan - Bunya County East 2. Hon. Jane Frances Amongin – Kaberamaido District 3. Hon. Jeniva Arinaitwe Nalongo – Rubirizi District 4. Hon. Patrick Musinguzi – Kashari North County 5. Hon. Wilfred Babanga Erima – Terego East County 6. Hon. Johnson Nyeko – Lamwo County 7. Hon. Harriet Joyo – Obongi District 8. Hon. Adrine Katusiime – Sheema District 9. Hon. Peter Ojiit – Pingire County 10. Hon. Noel Matilda Kataike – Budaka District 11. Hon. Peace Tibyase 12. Hon. Etilu Margaret from Amuria 13. Hon. Ogwal Joseph Jones from Dokolo 14. Hon. Kiyimba Emmanuel from Bukoto County West 15. Hon. Kibaju Charity, Mbarara City 16. Hon. Nabaduka Annet from Kibale 17. Hon. Acom Esther Lucy from Serere 18. Hon. Kasule Ismail, Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) from Hoima West 19. Hon. Twinamasiko Onesmus – Old Boy (OB) (Applause) 20. Hon. Ahebwa Wilber from Nakaseke 21. Hon. Ssewagudde Robert, representing Persons with Disability and; 22. Hon. Mulemya Ismail Sowedi from Busia. Join me in welcoming them. You are all most welcome. (Applause) Honourable members, can we now hear from the minister because this is a serious matter?

The final one, Madam Speaker, is the issue for which, one – first of all, I would like to thank the President and the Government for taking the position to compensate the people of Lango, Acholi and Teso with five cows each. However, the concern is in relation to a letter that was written on Monday, 23 March 2026, by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Dr Aminah Zawedde, directing that the village chairpersons update the household registers between the 26 th and 5 th - which is less than 10 days. I have called the Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) of Serere and Soroti and they have not yet received the letter. Now, if you are giving them such a short time, they will not be able to have this verified. That is how we have always had problems. So, I request that this office extends the days for the parish chiefs to update –

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I stand here to support the motion. The southern part of Lake Kyoga lacks infrastructure to connect to the northern part of the lake. I am here to support it because this is one of the roads we have been advocating for in the physical infrastructure committee for the past 10 to 15 years. I am pleased that today this has reached what it is. Mr Speaker, additionally, the people of Serere – Kasilo – Kaberamaido and Kalaki will be beneficiaries of this project. It will improve the connectivity between the northern part and the southern part of Lake Kyoga. Needless to add, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development should also look into adding a stop in Nakasongola to Galiraya, so that if you are coming from Masindi, you do not have to go to Kampala. You can connect from Masindi, Nakasongola, Kayunga, Isimba Dam, then to Kamuli, Kaliro, and finally to Pallisa. The other two roads that the minister for finance needs to look into are: Kamuli to Irundu and then Kaliro to Irundu. Once you do those roads on the southern part of Lake Kyoga, you would have improved the connectivity between the northern and the southern parts of the country. Definitely, with the ferries that are already operating and those that we are proposing to introduce on Lake Kyoga, you would reduce the time that we spend getting to Kampala. I could sleep in Kasilo and come here; within two hours, I would be in Kampala from Kasilo, rather than spending five hours. On that note, Mr Speaker, I stand here to support this loan for the construction of this road. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I would like to appreciate the minister for the responses. Aware that this Parliament passed a loan to work on the Kumi- Ngora-Serere-Kagwara Road, the Rt Hon. Speaker went ahead and informed the people –

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

17707 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 6 AUGUST 2025 waste time getting counterpart funding but get it as a package, a matter which Finance is still discussing to see how practical that will be. Otherwise, we are ready for the Kumi–Serere- Kagwara Road. Madam Speaker, this will also be picked up by the Bukungu-Kagwara-Kamuli (BKK); the two ferries and they should be ready by October. What delayed them was the landing sites because the contractor who had been contracted lacked money and deserted the construction landing site. Hopefully, we shall be able to finish that. Kyabakuza-Matete Road -( Interjections ) - No, no. We know about Kalungu.

17544 BUDGET SPEECH are there – the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is there but is quiet, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) is there, the Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) are there – I will go for them and they will have to answer. (Applause) If the Shs 1.3 billion is not enough, tell us, because the feeder roads are very crucial. I found out that in the case of Bunyangabu, they were mixing up issues: The Shs 1.3 billion is to maintain the roads which are already made, but they were saying, “Oh, we want to make bridges across swamps.” No, you cannot do that with the Shs 1.3 billion. That is new money for a new project. Maintain the present roads the way they are, so that you have the murram there and gravel, they are compacted, drainage – this is a must. I will check and if I find – there will be casualties among the Local Government people there, even the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs). Why should this be the case when all these people are there? Now for the voters – that is why you need to vote for people who care, not the ones who give you money. On the issue of the implementation, so much money has already been availed for so many roads; I have a whole list here. Masaka-Mutukula, the money is there. The money for Lusalira-Kasambya- Nkonge-Lumegere. Roads like; Moyo-Afoji, Katuna-Muko-Kamuganguzi, Kumi-Ngora- Serere-Kagwara, Kampala-Malaba metre gauge, Kitgum-Kidepo, Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area roads. The MPs should follow up on this money which is already provided. I have a long list here of the money already provided, some of it from loans – even for education and health – all this money is here. Now, finally, you get misinformation. For instance, the other day I was in Lyantonde and some of the Luweero veterans were talking about some issues but when I checked, we had already provided Shs 218 billion or something like that for the a kasiimo and the a kasiimo was supposed to be Shs 5 million for each of the leaders and Shs 1 million for supporters. Now, Shs 218 billion, which has already been provided, is too much money. So, what happened? Who took this money? And yet I heard some of them were complaining – we are going to dig up the whole thing. Then you get the cattle compensation for Teso, Lango, Acholi. We have already spent Shs 200 billion on that. Who got this money? And we have now budgeted for another Shs 80 billion. You heard it being read here. So, you, the leaders should follow up on this money. Of course, I will also follow up now that I am involved. Then, you have things like the stadiums. Quite a bit of money has been sent to some of these stadiums. So, the National Council of Sports needs to explain to us. I hear some money has gone to stadiums like Kakyeka – a number of them, to do this and that. Others are going to be done massively, like Akii-Bua et cetera. So, the National Council of Sports should also come and brief Mama about all this money. Finally, I saw some issue about the digital number plates of vehicles – about fines, fines, fines – that people are being fined for I-do-not-know-what. But the issue about the number plates is not fines but rather anti-crime. I would like my people to put on the projector a picture I saw in today’s newspaper – put that picture, if you have it. (A photo was displayed on the screen.)

No, it is not only Kampala City. It is any Vote holder. An accounting officer in Bukedea has to come and seek for authorisation in Parliament. Next? MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT TO AUTHORISE GOVERNMENT TO BORROW UP TO UNITED STATES DOLLARS (USD) DEVELOPMENT BANK AND (USD) FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UPGRADING OF KUMI-NGORA-SERERE- KAGWARA ROAD (98KM)

Madam Speaker, I beg to move a motion to authorise the Government to borrow up to US $106 million from the Islamic Development Bank and US $25 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for development for upgrading of Kumi- Ngora-Serere-Kagwara Road (98 kilometres). I beg to move.

Madam Speaker, the actual name of the road is Kumi-Ngora-Serere-Kagwara- Kasilo Road.

17293 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA W EDNESDAY, 14 MAY 2025 do you want to debate? I put the question that Parliament approves the request by Government to borrow $106 million from the Islamic Development Bank and $25 million from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for upgrading of Kumi-Ngora- Serere-Kagwara-Kasilo Road (98 kilometres). (Question put and agreed to.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to also thank the Members of Parliament for even approving the loan before the committee lays it before the House. That shows that there is need for this road to be worked on. Madam Speaker, this road has been pending from the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII). Now we are in the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). I am happy that the Government of Uganda was in position to secure funding from the Islamic Development Bank, $106 million and $25 million from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for the upgrade of Kumi-Ngora-Serere-Kagwara Road. The committee scrutinised the loan and we made our recommendations. I also want to thank the area Members of Parliament from Serere, Ngora and Kumi who attended the meeting with us as we were scrutinising this loan. I, therefore, want to take this opportunity, to lay the report of the Committee on National Economy on the proposal to borrow up to $106 million from Islamic Development Bank and $25 million from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for the upgrade of the road. Madam Speaker, while we were scrutinising this loan, we realised that the town councils through which the road was passing were not catered for. As a committee, we recommended that whatever contingency that will accrue from the loan should be utilised to upgrade roads within the town councils in which the project is going. These include; Kasilo Town Council, Kadungulu, Kagwara, Serere, Ngora Town Council, Ocaapa and Kumi Municipality. I beg to lay the report of the committee.

17085 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 15 APRIL 2025 Two, Mr Speaker, on the issues of incomplete projects, the committee chairman knows that in 2018-2019 – water for production – the ministry came and drilled holes in Kasilo County, Soroti County and in Amuria. The one of Serere, specifically in Bugondo Subcounty, has never been evacuated. How can we not have that money to complete that project, seven years down the road? I have raised this with the ministry many times and it has not happened. Can we get to know why it has happened? Honourable minister for energy, the project under your ministry which we started - I think it gives clouds to the Government when you come and commission them. If they are completed and you do not commission them, what does that mean? May I now invite you to Kasilo County to commission the project that you set up there? Of course, there are some irregularities. Please, that is how a Government can be felt. There is the issue of afforestation. The National Forest Authority (NFA) has land in Bugondo Hills in Bugondo Subcounty. It is a forested place with baboons and is the only natural forest that we have in Kasilo. However, people have encroached it. Your staff are there, and they are not helping the situation. People are cutting down trees, and if it is not followed up, it will be a very big problem in the next one or two years. It will just be a desert. Please, I request you to ask the NFA people to up their game and have that issue sorted. Finally, on the rural electrification extension, when we passed that law here, we thought it would be passed to every subcounty - (Member timed out.)

16912 APPROVAL OF BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2025/2026 We started the data bank in the ministry for the emigrants who are out there. This financial year, which we are ending, we did not get the money to continue with the process. We pray that the funding for the data bank be enhanced so that we can continue with the process. In fact, we have already launched. As you enter the ministry now, just last week or two weeks ago, we have launched an area where we are going to be receiving the issues of emigrants, listening to them and for those who need support. The staff have already been recruited. They are going to be getting all the information. Unfortunately, some of our people, because of the porous borders, keep going on their own. When they have a problem, they come back to the Government. Those are very difficult to track. The ones who go through the right system, we can track them. Just as in her case, we have been able to track the matter because we got in touch with the institution that took her there. However, some of our young people, especially those from Busia and Bugisu areas, then those from the other side of Karamoja, just cross and then you hear them stranded because they do not have any documentation. And then for some young people who, after the two-year contract, because we give them two years, and they come back to their community. But after the two years, they begin thinking that they know that country and change to other areas different from where they were initially taken. We cannot track such a person because they were supposed to come back, but instead remained moving throughout the United Arab Emirates, and when they meet the Speaker, they say, “I am stranded here,” yet they have not come back to Uganda to apply afresh. So, there are also such cases. On the issues of negotiations, my minister is really busy with this. We are even trying to get to the European market to see how we can talk about professionals. How do we take them out there? We have also come up with bilateral agreements, which are strict, so as to help the immigrants who are out there. It is work in progress and we shall give a report here on what has come out of the meetings. On the issue of the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) - some people said, “It is not in my village.” I agree that all the money that we put in the first round went out and got finished. It is also true that the money did not go to all the regions. All of you will agree with me that the headquarters of banks are in Kampala. Some of those banks already had women’s facilities because that was one of the conditions for them to support us. For example, Finance Trust Uganda, DFCU Bank, and Centenary Bank have programmes for women. So, when they received the money, they already had women who were in businesses who grabbed 10 per cent because that was a very good deal for a businesswoman who already had a business. While we who came from Serere, like Hon. Asamo, were still waiting to move to the bank, we realised that the money had gone out. When we reported to the Cabinet, the President directed that we should regionalise this, and we are working on this. The remaining Shs 185 billion has to go to the regions. But we shall start with the 19 regions. The money will be allocated at that level through the same banks. The money will, therefore, be going to those districts in the next phase. This week, my GROW office met with the World Bank, and we agreed on the modalities. We are also negotiating for areas where there are no banks. For example, if people have a good cooperative society, money can be deposited there because we know districts – for example, in the Bukedi Subregion, where I come from, Butaleja District does not have a bank.

Most obliged. I will cross- check. Thank you. I was raising this because they have continued arresting fishermen from Kasilo and detaining them in Kamuli. I do not know why they cannot detain them in Serere if they have committed any crime on the lake. That will help us. On the issue of the dams desilting, I am one of the people who are supposed to have benefitted from the desilting of dams. Two years ago, the ministry came -

As Kasilo County. All the ministers were there and we commissioned it. However, two years down the road, it is on and off. May I know from the minister when these projects will be completed? I also request that the committee chairperson and her team lead a committee to these areas to see the progress of desilting these dams. They are supposed to provide fishing ponds and access roads, but nothing has been completed up to now. There is the issue of tractors, which we only hear of. They have promised us tractors over and over again. I would like to know the criteria for giving tractors to the farming communities. Serere Research Station – Dr Okaasai over there knows it. When shall we rehabilitate it to what it used to be, when Hon. Okaasai and the team just joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries? Year in, year out, when are we going to rehabilitate Serere Research Station? As I conclude, there is the issue of animals that they gave some districts. My chairman informed me following what the committee chairperson has talked about - I do not know whether they check the service providers. How can they say that they are bringing bulls for breeding and they bring a castrated bull? (Laughter) How can that happen? I would like the honourable minister to get in touch with the chairperson – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is with concern that even if we have these issues going on, the most critical is that some of the contractors who were contracted by UNRA have even abandoned work, and when you find that - for example, some roads have high traffic - like the population of people that use it - the number of accidents that have been recorded. Just the other day, I was checking the traffic flow on Serere Road, and there is a particular place which is very dangerous, but the contractor, when called, said, “But now, we cannot proceed”. This is what we are dealing with. Besides that, I also want to support my colleagues on REA. In one of the villages in my constituency, they put poles, mapped it, and scoped it, but the contractor removed the poles and took them away. Now, we all know that, truthfully, this season is very dangerous. If it were the beginning of our term, we would take it while lying down, but now it is a critical matter that needs to be discussed. To help us as Members of Parliament, we are now in a century where power is relevant for every activity. We must not have parishes and subcounties without electricity. It is not possible now. Mr Speaker, I think you should help us with this issue. Thank you.

Thank you. Is it seconded? (Members rose_) It is seconded by the Chairperson, Committee on Finance, the Attorney-General, the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Service, the minister in charge of veterans, the minister in charge of Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Ogwang, Hon. Kabanda, Hon. Nekesa, the honourable member from Bunyole, the honourable member from Rwampara, the honourable member from Serere, the honourable member from Koboko, Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho, Hon. Akifeza, Hon. Avur, Hon. Faith Kunihira, Member representing the elderly, Hon. Afidra, Hon. John Faith Magolo, Hon. Patience Nkunda, my uncle – you know, we do not mention the name of an uncle - Hon. Basil Bataringaya, Hon. Donald Katalihwa, Dr Aabuka, Hon. Ochwa, Hon. Phyllis Chemutai, Hon. Atima, Hon. Maximus Ochai, Hon. Esenu, Hon. Mugisha, Member for Sheema, Member from Kyankwanzi – Kyankwanzi and Nakasongola are close to each other – Member from Buhweju, Dr Otaala, Hon. Sarah Najjuma, Hon. Faith Nakut and Member from Jinja. Would you like to speak to your motion?

Madam Speaker, in relation to that, there is a Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO) – I am on record - called Joseph Orujuma. He is the GISO for Soroti West Division. This GISO is not only asking for money from the people of Soroti West Division to stamp on the forms but also asks: “Whom do you support?” There is a lady called Loyce Akello in Majengo who wanted to transfer to the West. He asked her, “Where have you been?” She answered, “Serere.” He asked her whom she was going to vote for. The lady responded that she would vote for Ebwalu. The man chased her away. The lady is called Loyce Akello. It is on record. Therefore, some GISOs are not doing what is correct.

16005 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2025 6. UWA engages in the sensitisation of people living in districts prone to human-wildlife conflict on the cause and dangers of human- wildlife conflict as well as compensation rights and procedures under regulations in case of harm to life or property; and 7. UWA ensures the timely payment of claims for compensation that are due to claimants in compliance with Clause 15 of the Uganda Wildlife (Compensation Scheme) Regulations, 2022. Problem animals in human-wildlife conflict Mr Speaker, from the submissions that the committee received from UWA and from residents in areas where human-wildlife conflicts have occurred, wild animals that have caused mayhem include elephants, hippos, buffaloes, chimpanzees, monkeys in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, followed by crocodiles that have killed humans and caused injuries in some parts of Buliisa, Oyam, Apac, among others. Furthermore, Caracals have been reported by some residents in Katakwi and Serere districts to frequently predate on domestic animals and birds, including sheep, goat, cows, turkeys, chicken and ducks. Mr Speaker, we have attached an image of the Caracal, for those that do not know it, on Appendix J. Mr Speaker, the committee further observed that whereas Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Act, Cap. 315, provides for compensable wildlife species whose damage creates liability for compassion, including elephants, lions, leopards, crocodiles, buffaloes, hyenas, hippopotami, gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons and bush pigs, damage to property and lives is caused by other wild animals including monkeys, caracals, squirrels, edible rats, snakes, for which the law does not provide compensation. Recommendations of the committee 1. Mr Speaker, the committee recommends that in order to safeguard communities from incidences of human-wildlife conflict, UWA should take deliberate steps to relocate identified problematic animals to gazetted national parks and game reserves; and 2. The Government should amend the Wildlife Act, Cap. 315 to include other wild species like caracals that cause destruction to human lives and property, but are currently not included in schedule four of the Act. Behavioural instincts of wild animals The committee observed that wild animals have instincts and unique behaviours. For instance, herds of herbivores like zebras, impalas, antelopes, elephants, and buffaloes will migrate to different locations following specific routes, purposely to feed, breed, and raise their young ones. Carnivores like lions, hyenas, and leopards are territorial in nature and will mark their hunting grounds with urine as a sign of their dominance over their grounds. According to research carried out on elephant migration triggers and effects on the surrounding environment, it was established that elephants’ migration is unique because elephants do not migrate innately like other species such as zebras and hummingbirds. These species are born with an innate sense to migrate every year at a certain point without fail. The study stated that elephants can make a concise decision to migrate based on when they feel necessary, and that causal factors that may lead to their migration include habitat loss, search for nutrition, and avoiding predators. Migration of elephants can be triggered in some ways and this migration causes considerable damage to the surrounding environment. Mr Speaker, the committee observes as follows: 1. Some causal factors like increasing human population that lead to habitat loss have driven wild animals like elephants out of

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the committee for the report. This is an emotive matter. I am a victim of this. We suffered because of cattle raiding. We suffered because of the activities of Lakwena. This is an emotive question, and our hearts are bleeding. Our people have really suffered. Now that they are resettling, they are asking, when shall they be compensated by the Government, not only on the question of cattle but on the collapsed institutions of Government such as schools, health centres, roads - name them. We have suffered. Let me tell you a story. In 1987, the Government by that time said, “We have now captured power and civilians should hand over the guns.” You remember that very well – (Interjections) – honourable members, I do not want interference. I said this is an emotive matter. The people handed over the guns. The Government of Obote by that time had recruited militias among the civilians who were protecting their property. When the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came in and said we are now free of this, people handed over guns. The following day, raids occurred. Over 50 kraals were raided of over 200 cows in Soi – (Interjections) – some honourable members may take it as a joke but this is the truth. If you go to Serere Bugiri, Soroti, or Bukedea, right now, those Sabinys are there. For those who survived with their cows, as they were moving on the way, their cows were confiscated by the security forces again and taken. Their names are appearing now on the compensation list of Teso but the names “Che…Che” cannot again be compensated in Teso. This is where the problem is. How do we really manage this situation? Attorney-General, you have said that Sebei is not part of your mandate. Do you need a law for it? Do you need a law? We appreciate the fact that you have talked about the issues to do with the Acholi. Yes, very right; they suffered. Teso suffered. Equally, other subregions suffered the way Members have raised concerns, we are talking about equity in terms of the distribution of resources in this country. If we had regional referral hospitals, then we would be happy. If we had health centres iv, we would be happy. If we had ambulances, we would be so happy because that is the process of compensation of resources and equity in this country. Thank you. (Applause)

Thank you. The report is accordingly referred to the Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development. (III) THE PROPOSAL TO BORROW UP TO UNITED $ 106 MILLION FROM THE ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK AND $ 25 MILLION FROM THE ABU DHABI FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UPGRADING OF KUMI-NGORA-SERERE- KAGWARA ROAD

Madam Speaker, I beg to lay on the Table the proposal to borrow up to $106 million from the Islamic Development Bank and $25 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for the development of the upgrading of the Kumi-Ngora-Serere-Kagwara Road, 98 kilometres. I beg to lay.

Madam Speaker. I congratulate the minister, the chairperson, and Kasilo here, Kabale, Rubanda, Moyo, Laropi, Ngora, and Serere - I congratulate you. However, I have a concern for the minister of finance.

The Speaker has ruled otherwise, my sister; we shall discuss it later on. (Laughter) Finally, Madam Speaker, it is of interest that people from the cotton growing areas know this. Let me tell you how the duplication of mandates affected cotton production. The National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere traditionally was for cotton seed production. When CDO came in, it encroached on NARO’s mandate. There was a push-and-pull on who produced cotton seed and who should not. NARO gave away the mandate to CDO, yet we know that the real competence of research in seed production is with NARO. So, all the

Madam Speaker and colleagues, Uganda will join the rest of the world to commemorate the 44 th World Food Day on 16 October 2024. This year’s event will be celebrated at the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere District. NaSARRI is one of the institutes of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, every 16 th day of October, the global community comes together to celebrate the World Food Day, calling on everyone, including the Government, academia, civil society, private sector and individuals from various sectors of society, to rally against hunger and build sustainable food security. The event, which coincides with the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, raises awareness and calls for action to support those who suffer from hunger and to ensure food and nutrition security for all. The theme This year’s event will be celebrated under the theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future”. This theme emphasises the fundamental human right to access safe, nutritious and sufficient food, as a foundation for ensuring healthy lives today and sustainable futures for coming generations. Better food underscores the legal and moral responsibility to ensure that every Ugandan has access to nutritious and safe food. The country stands to address the pressing need to eradicate hunger and malnutrition by ensuring that adequate food is central to improving health, boosting productivity and ensuring the well-being of communities. Addressing food security positively impacts on education, employment and economic stability. Having sustainable food systems and agricultural practices today will secure food availability for future generations. Investing in sustainable farming, efficient water use, and agricultural research and innovation is key to ensuring food security in Uganda, amidst climate change. National celebrations Madam Speaker and honourable colleagues, as earlier highlighted, the national celebrations will be held on the 16 th at NaSARRI in Serere. NaSARRI, located in Serere, Teso Subregion, is one of the oldest agricultural research institutions under NARO. The institute will also be holding its centenary celebration, as we celebrate this World Food Day. As a key institution focused on semi-arid and dry areas, NaSARRI plays a vital role in reviving traditional and orphaned crops such as cotton, millet, sorghum, cow peas, groundnuts, sunflower and simsim, which are highly suited to Uganda’s semi-arid regions.

14800 THE NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUTHORITY, UGANDA (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 The above crops, once staples in many parts of Uganda, have seen a decline over the years due to the introduction of more commercialised crops. However, NaSARRI has worked to revive them, recognising their resilience to drought, nutritional value and importance for food security in regions with unpredictable rainfall patterns. NaSARRI’s research has highlighted sorghum as particularly beneficial for diabetic patients, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Sorghum is rich in dietary fibre, which slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to better control of glucose in the body. Other nutritional benefits of sorghum include being rich in antioxidants, gluten-free, high in proteins, mineral-rich, rich in B-vitamins, and a key contributor to agro-industrialisation, as it is a raw material for beer-making. Madam Speaker and colleagues, Her Excellency, the Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo has been invited to preside at the function in Serere. I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, to invite you, Rt Hon. Speaker, and all the honourable members to join Her Excellency the Vice-President, the people of Teso and the rest of Ugandans in this commemoration of World Food Day in Serere District. The main event will be preceded by a tour of selected agricultural value chains and model farms in Teso Subregion, concluding with a fish, sorghum-porridge, and coffee night tonight. This is in recognition of the importance of these crops to Uganda. This will constitute a testimony of the various investments the Government has undertaken in agricultural research and development in the Teso Subregion, progress made in agro- industrialisation, and also demonstrate the importance of the agricultural enterprises being promoted in the area. A number of exhibitions will also be organised, showcasing research and value-added products including groundnuts, fish, beans, sorghum, coffee, millet, sweet potatoes, as well as mechanisation and irrigation technologies, among others. Madam Speaker, on the same day, we shall launch newly released crop varieties successfully developed by our NARO scientists. I call this a major highlight because it is a great breakthrough for researchers who spend a lot of time with countless hours in laboratories, fields, and trials, incubating, grafting, and testing the new crop varieties. This is always great news for researchers, farmers, and the entire country. In line with this, NARO’s focus is on producing climate- smart and resilient early-maturing crops or seed varieties. It is these varieties that will sustain food systems in the country. The newly released bean varieties are NABE 14R and NABE 12CR. These are superior because they are resistant to the bean anthracnose and root-rot disease. The newly released groundnut varieties are NARONUT 3R, NARONUT 4R and NARONUT 5R. These have exhibited higher levels of resistance to diseases, drought and are expected to contribute significantly to Uganda’s agricultural landscape. Call for action Madam Speaker, allow me to inform you that the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is coming up with great innovations and technologies. If well-funded and fully commercialised, these products and prototypes will solve bottlenecks faced by the different enterprises along the agricultural value chains. The Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has visited some stations and is impressed with the innovations. For emphasis, improved funding from the Government will give impetus to agricultural MINISTERIAL STATEMENT [Mr Bwino]

14801 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA TUESDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2024 research, innovation and development that is best suited for the Ugandan context. May I also remind you, honourable members, that historically, the venue for this year’s event - the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) handled both crops and livestock research, making it an integrated centre for semi-arid agriculture. However, over time, the livestock research component was shifted away from Serere, which, in hindsight, may have been a strategy to increase the specialised centres of excellence. However, livestock remains a critical part of the livelihood in the semi-arid regions where pastoralism and mixed farming systems are prevalent. As part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries’ commitment, there is now a strategic effort to restore livestock research and production to the region of Teso and the surrounding areas. In conclusion, I wish to point out that from the policymakers, researchers, to the multipliers and off-takers, distributors, retailers and farmers who produce the various foods we consume, we each have a role to play in ensuring that not only adequate food is provided but should be safe and nutritious for all. Together we can promote the right to food for a better life and future in our country. Thank you. I beg to submit.

Thank you, honourable minister. The statement is self-explanatory and not subject to debate. Go and attend the World Food Day which is going to be at NaSARRI, in Serere. Please go and see what is there.

Last month, the two ships were lowered. Unfortunately, because Government owes contractors a lot of money, Terrain Services that was constructing the dock has withdrawn because they have not been paid their balance of Shs 2.9 billion. They cannot complete the work yet His Excellency the President is supposed to go and commission these ferries in November, on his tour to the Eastern side. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, can you use your powers to direct the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to release this money such that it is not an embarrassment to Government, such that the contractor goes back on site and completes this project properly? Finally, again I want to thank the Government for starting the students’ loan scheme under the Higher Education Student Financing Board. This is a list of the students who have been provided for, for this loan scheme. The unfortunate part is - when we adopted the report of the Committee on Public Accounts (Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises - COSASE) we realised there was unfairness in the distribution. This thing was supposed to be on a quarterly basis. However, it is surprising that there are districts that have been given 65 slots and others one. We do not know where this unfairness is coming from. I can see in: i) Karenga, only one person; ii) Kapelebyong, four; iii) Lira, they are 25; iv) Mbarara, 36; v) Ntungamo is 75; vi) Wakiso, 75; vii) Amudat, three; viii) Amuria, six; ix) Buliisa, three; x) Bushenyi, 39; xi) Busia, 58; xii) Buvuma, three; xiii) Serere, eight, and xiv) Hoima, 21. Last time we said, let us be the last. I have a list for all these districts. This is very unfair because this was intended to harmonise and bring equity. When you look at where the Executive Director comes from, there are 58. Why? That was the same problem in our COSASE report. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, before they report, call these people to order and let this thing be equitably distributed on a quarterly basis. The population census has just been released today. You will get to know the population. Even where the honourable minister comes from, they are very few. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, we beg you. There is even a student from Kasilo who got 16 in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). He is admitted to Mbarara University. He applied for engineering and he was left out. We want to request you to take action. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We passed money here for the recruiting of teachers in the grant-aided seed schools, but to date, despite the Education Service Commission conducting interviews, the teachers have not been deployed. May we know why that is so? Two, on the issue of universities, my belief is that when they talk about these regional universities, it is just by location. Any Ugandan should be able to go to any of them regardless of the location. That is how we shall be able to build nationalism in this country. However, people think that when a university is in Soroti, it is only meant for Iteso. No! It is only based in Soroti, but any person should be able to go and study from there. I think that mentality should change. The location of a university does not mean you must have a quota. You should be able to go anywhere in this world. Some of us who can crisscross and study across this country feel so comfortable and free because from Teso to Kabarole to Mbarara to Kampala, you feel all round; this mentality of taking universities as a local government should stop. Mr Speaker, on the issue of the Student Loan Scheme, I want you to give me time next week. I have a list here of students who have benefited from the loan scheme. How can Moroto District have only one student being given? Then you find a district like Tororo has been given 47. How? Karenga, one. Is that a quota? When you look at Butambala, six. Look at Serere, it has eight. But you find some districts have 75. Ntungamo has 65. How can this be a loan scheme that is based on a quota system? Mr Speaker, next week, give me time. I will read the list to the House, district by district, and you see whether this is really a quota system. This is unfair and these were the matters that were raised. You find a district like Busia has

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am Emmanuel Omoding Okabe, representing the people of Serere in Serere District. Thank you.

Cluatar 229,A6r,75t 257,499,800 3 Bug\Men Butalela Butebo Buglrl Namutumba Palhsa Tororo Kapchorwa 4 80,520,828 232,500,O00 223,080.000 696,207,225 380,000,0o0 Mbale Bukwo Kumr Sorotl 60,354,275 5 Serere 66,250,000 Amuru 179,300.O00 302,900,o00 368,695,00O 6 Nwoya Oulu Omoro Lrra Kole Dokolo 284,597 ,?Oo 220,OOO,OOO 369,115,000 244,379,OOO 7 t96,959,267 222,500,0O0 303,988,900 260,O00,O00 Oyam Kwama Apac I(asese l(abarole 351,739,s00 262,240,OOO 46t,423,373 8 392,624 OOO 690,075,980 9 lfrac Of Dlrtrlctr Cuau.htl DlrbEtacacnt (ucxl 196,980,O00 295,OOO,OOO 5t4,949,440 r83,335.174 B I unyangabu Kamwenge Krtag! .enda Kyenlolo 803,442.0O0 Kyegeg!r/a N *d,.- 7

4.1,5 COUFOf,EI{T FOIrR: COORDIIATIOI{, UAIAGEUEI{t AIID ICT PLAAFOR The objectrvc of thrs component ls to provrdc support servrces to the thrcc tech ca.l components and rs responstble for thc coordmatron and management of the proJect at natronal, clustcr and dlstnct level Th€ component anms at - 1 Frnancrng thc rncrcmental op€ratrng costs for the prolccts 2 Undertakmg monrtorrng and evaluatlon actrvltles and tmpact evaluatron studres 3 Developrng and lmplemenhng web-based, gco-tagged ICT platforms for leamrng, knowledge management and stakeholder's fcedback UllIF rct)ortcd thrt rr rt .ruly 2C12, thct hrd undcrtrhea thc followlng: Frvc (OS) ICT systems had been developed and were at the field deptolment stage The ICT sotutrons support collcctron, storage, and drsscmlnatron of productron, chmate, rnarket, and advlsory rnformatron to Agnculture sector stakeholders Ihe servrces offered under thLrs component rncludc, ltrc e-voucher managcment system by MCash (financral rnclusron platform) MAAIF reportcd that thrs q'as berng used to supply mputs to farmcrs n seasons 20228 The e-extensron system Thls enables access to extensron adnsorres by farmers and the e-dEry componcnt ls for monrtonng ofcxtensron workers The Commlttee was rnformed by MAAIF that e-drary functlon had bccn deptoyed rn 16 drstncts The drstncts are, Kyotera, Kabale, lsrngro, Bushenyr, Krkuube, Klryandongo, Masrndr, Horma, Kagadl, Kyegegwa, Krbaale, Kassanda, Krkumuro, Mubende, KyenlonJo. Kuml, Serere, Sorou, Kapochorwa, Bukwo, Mba.le, Palhsa, Butebo, Namutumba, Iganga, Bugvren, Bugrn, Kalungu, Mprg, Masaka ttee, 36 o

You are debating in anticipation. Honourable members, as I said, I am going to read the President’s letter. The letter is addressed to the Right Honourable Speaker, Parliament of Uganda, Kampala. It is dated 22 June 2024. The Reference is: “Budget Reallocation by Parliament.” The letter reads: “The recent case of the Members of Parliament that were arrested for some alleged offences has again highlighted the mistake of Members of Parliament interfering with the constitutional mandate of the President of budgeting for the Country by reallocating monies budgeted for the core sectors of the economy. In the last four financial years, the Members of Parliament have reallocated a total of Shs 3.71 trillion. This is real sabotage. When we reconstructed the Kampala-Masaka Road, we used Shs 440 billion. Therefore, diverting Shs 3.71 trillion in four years is equivalent to aborting nine big roads of the Kampala-Masaka type, or a much larger number of smaller roads. You know very well the important roads that we have been struggling with. You have seen how much the Tirinyi-Pallisa- Kumi Road has helped the people of the area by avoiding the need to pass through Mbale City when they are travelling to Soroti. You have seen how the Musita-Mayuge- Namayingo-Busia Road has helped the people of that area. You have seen how the Mukono- Katosi-Nkokonjeru-Nyenga Road has helped the people of that area. Yet, for the Tirinyi- Palisa-Kumi Road, we used Shs 443.42 billion only. How much happier would Ugandans be, if we had tarmacked the Kumi-Ngora-Serere- Bugondo Road; the Soroti-Amuria-Acan Pii- Patongo-Abim Road; the Kanoni-Mityana Road; the Myanzi-Kassanda-BukuyaKiboga Road; the Ssembabule-Lyantonde-Rakai Road; the Luwero-Butalaangwa-Ngoma–Masindi Road; the Bwizibweera-Nsiika-Nyakabirizi Road; the Nakivaale-Rakai Road; the Fort Portal-Kijura Road, etc.? I have written on this issue - see my letter dated 28th April 2020. The Attorney-General has guided on the matter. The courts have guided, yet the practice goes on. There are three mistakes involved here and these are: (i) Indiscipline in budgeting; (ii) Sabotaging national priorities; (iii) And now the suspicion of massive corruption. I am, therefore, writing to request that this practice stops. As per Article 91(3)(c) of the Constitution of 1995, I decline to assent to the Appropriation Bill, 2024 and return it to Parliament, and request that no reshuffling of the Budget should ever happen again without the input of the Executive. Apart from the legality and constitutionality of the issues involved, there is common sense. Sprinkling money by MPs to get cheap popularity in constituencies will make us lose to focus on core items. How can patriots be part of this mistake? Signed by the President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.”

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The information I want to give to my honourable colleague is that it is not only Masaka. If you went even where the Minister of State for Fisheries comes from, it is still affected; Serere is affected. Thank you.

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 (\-.

Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. I wish to bring to the attention of the House the status of the Serere Corner-Kidetok-Pingire-Labori-Mulondo and Mugarama Landing Site Road, which is the artery of Pingire County. The recent rains and subsequent floods have rendered this Uganda National Roads Authority road impossible, especially at Okolonga, Opunoi and Mulondo, causing significant disruptions to local agricultural activities and blocking access to at least seven landing sites, since traffic has been gravely affected. Therefore, I request the Prime Minister, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, to initiate emergency repairs to make the road safe and accessible for all users.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mine is regarding the matter of the loans and the roads that the Minister laid. This financial year, we did pass money for the construction of the Mbulamuti-Kamuli- Bukungu Road. However, because the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development delayed bringing the loan to this House, it ended - the agreements were ready by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), but somehow within the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, that contract agreement for the construction of that road has not commenced. We again have to budget and put this road back in the next financial year. Could the Minister do these things promptly? We have wasted one year without any work, the contract was signed, but because there is some challenge in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, I want the minister to take it up. Additionally, I raised and saw - thanks to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Hon. Kasolo that you approved a loan for Kumi-Serere-Kasilo Road. I have seen it in the Budget Framework Papers, but the loan has not yet come here. We may run into the same problem. When are you bringing the loan to this House? We do not want to waste one year without work as has happened to the Kamuli-Bukungu Road. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is to the Rt Hon Prime Minister. The rains are back and schools still have no roofs. I sent a letter, requesting for iron sheets for those schools in Serere. The rains are coming back heavily. When are we getting those iron sheets? This is affecting the mental health of the teachers and the students and there is a high rate of dropout. Thank you.

But those are exhibits. Hon. Agnes, for those laboratories, I want you to go to Kasole in Kamuli, Makerere, and Serere, you will get one. Actually, honourable minister, I pray you place one in Bukedea.

But I was in Serere and I did not see any - (Laughter)

Serere is not Kasilo.

11500 THE NATIONAL BUDGET FRAMEWORK PAPER FOR THE FY s 2024/2025 - 2028/2029 together with the Ministry of Education and Sports said that they did not have the money. They said they would do it the following year. In 2023/2024, we again appropriated the money. However, to-date – we should be thinking about those students and pupils, because the parents, once the list was published in the New Vision , they pulled back saying that the Government had taken over. What is the fate of these children today, after hearing what the Minister of Education and the Minister of Finance said? We appropriated money. Can the Minister of Finance together with the Minister of Education and Sports confirm to the parents who come from those areas, where those schools are, that this year, there will not be any money, they should just continue paying for the services of the teachers? Otherwise, without that, the schools will close. I appeal to the minister to follow up on that matter. The Equal Opportunities Commission published a damning report, a strong indictment to Government about the distribution of services and jobs in this country. Honourable minister, as you work on the National Budget Framework Paper, please, can you take that into consideration such that we do not see that reoccur in this country? We all belong to this country and we all pay taxes. Please, take note of that and incorporate it when you are doing the National Budget Framework Paper in the allocation of resources. Finally, on the issue of the infrastructure, I cannot conclude without saying, please, Kumi- Serere-Kasilo-Kagwara Road; the President promised us in 2011, 2016, 2021 and we do not want him to say the same thing in 2026 campaigns. We even got a letter in 2022, the blue letters, putting that road. They even wrote a letter in 2022 indicating the roads to be worked on: Soroti, Serere , Pingire, Bugondo, Garama and the one of Ochero. I am happy with the one of Kaberamaido- Ochero, we passed the loan here but those are the two. Those are the few roads on the eastern part of the Greater North road, if you started from Jinja up to Soroti. How many roads on the left-hand side of the road are tarmac? It is only one, the one of Tirinyi. Please, help us to sort that matter such that we can – (Member timed out.)

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

Honourable minister, as you have that hope that you will be able to handle this, that is one more reason why we need to know the needs of each place. We need to know the needs of Hoima, Ntoroko, Soroti and Kamwenge so that we know what we are going to spend on. You will find that even Serere, where the minister comes from, is also asking - We need to know all the needs so that we are able to budget properly, now that there is a loan there and we are going into the budgeting process. We need to have that information.

10913 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2023 The people of Serere and I would like to join honourable colleagues to congratulate you, Nalongo together with Salongo , for the bundle of joy you have given us. The blessings shall continue. (Applause) I also take this opportunity to thank you and the honourable members. You all stood with me and the Okabe family when we lost Hon. Patrick Okabe and my mother in that nasty accident in Budaka. I thank you all for standing with me. Some of you have been counselling me, supporting me and praying with me. I think this is what it should be - to stand together. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your indulgence. On the first loan proposal, the minister has laid on the Table here for upgrading national roads. For purposes of equity, we have had issues here. Whenever the finance ministry brings loans here, in order for Members to understand this properly, they bring them with him specific roads mentioned. This time, I do not know why he has changed to generalise that the loan is for upgrading national roads, without going into specifics. We have had outstanding issues on some roads that needed upgrading, which the President has kept missing like Kumi, for example, Kumi - Serere, – Kasilo - Kagwara Road, and Serere- Soroti Road. It was in the programme but it was moved out. Apart from that, there are others in other regions. So, it is very important for other areas to equally benefit. I remember at one point, they shifted money –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I previously wanted to raise this during the debate, but the procedural matter I wanted to raise relates to PDM. Can we hear from Government on whether it is procedurally right for the Chief Administrative Officers (CAO), to write to members asking for money for the launch of PDM in their districts? We have been receiving - at least I can quote for Serere - the CAO wrote to us -

Thank you once more, Madam Speaker, for this golden opportunity. Yesterday, you tasked me to bring to this House information concerning the Aswa Ranch where a prison officer is dealing in charcoal and no one can access the place. I beg to report to this august House that Aswa Ranch is a Government ranch. In August 2022, about 30,000 acres of land were given to Uganda Prisons Service as an intervention for food security. So far, the Uganda Prisons, under the leadership of Superintendent Gerard Kiwanuka, have cleared about 4,000 hectares, which is under cultivation for maize. Madam Speaker, in the process of clearing such land for cultivation, the trees and bushes, which were there, were equally cleared. Some of the trees and shrubs were taken as firewood to the prisons in the country to help in the cooking for prisoners, and some were used for charcoal. I got in touch with the Commissioner- General, who said that they are not engaged in commercial charcoal burning for sale. Madam Speaker, it should also be noted that this Government intervention, through the Uganda Prisons Service for food security, is not only taking place in Aswa Ranch. We have Odina in Soroti - 900 hectares under cultivation; Bingire in Serere - 700 acres under cultivation; Kumi, 59 acres, Aweyi in Alebtong, 1,700 hectares; Aloi, Ogom, Alebtong, 700 hectares and in total with other areas - about 38,709 hectares are under cultivation for food security of this country by the Uganda Prisons. I beg to submit.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I rise on a matter of urgent national importance concerning the heavy rainstorms that destroyed property and affected the lives of many people in Serere District. Mr Speaker, the heavy storms destroyed critical national infrastructure, lives and businesses in the whole of Serere District. These unfortunate occurrences have affected the socio-economic wellbeing of many people. On 17 April 2023, winds blew off the roof of a three-classroom block in Aarapoo Primary School in Labor Sub-county. It also damaged the head teacher’s office thus destroying stationery, equipment and a food bank contributed by parents under the school’s feeding policy. Mr Speaker, more schools in two constituencies in Serere have suffered the same fate. For example, Otirono Primary School in Kasilo County lost the roof of its four-classroom block while Kateta Model Primary School and Jelel Primary School in Serere District also lost four-classroom blocks. This damage, Mr Speaker, has affected 1,485 pupils in the whole of Serere District. In addition, the storm compromised the walls of these structures and may require -

Madam Speaker, mine is to thank the committee. Yesterday, they left the House - Madam Speaker, thank you, first of all, and thanks to the committee for the work they have done. Sometimes we over-complain, but we do not know what those people go through and so, I want to thank them. I have one concern. Next year, remember to include the road from Kumi to Ngora and Serere to Kagwara. Secondly, municipalities do not have security lights. There is darkness throughout. There are very many robberies taking place. There are many cases of rape; there are very many crimes being committed. We need to be supported. Come to Kampala, go to Kumi, Mbale, to Jinja and everywhere; these places are in darkness. We need to drive away the darkness from these urban centres. I thank you, Madam Speaker, and I believe Parliament has done a good job. Remember that something can be done in this House. Thank you.

8092 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENTS & BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR THE FY 2023/2024 iii. Inter-agency land wrangles The committee recommends that an inter- agency committee be instituted to resolve these wrangles and expedite the process of resolving the conflict to pave way for Government programmes. Anti-tick vaccines The committee notes that NARO is in the final stages of rolling out the anti-tick vaccine. The vaccine trials shall be concluded in the next six months; they are being tried in some of the NARO centres. The committee recommends that Shs 16 billion be repurposed to ZARDIs. We realise that ZARDIs depends on the headquarters and sometimes they are bogged down. That is why the committee recommends that to each of the 16 ZARDIs, one billion be sent to each to facilitate research. On sunflower and research and seed production for import substitution, the committee recommends that Shs 15 billion be provided to Serere ZARDI that is specialised in producing and multiplying sunflower seeds. On the multiplication and delivery of technologies for food and nutrition security at Nabuin, the committee recommends that Shs 10 billion be provided for to multiply and deliver technologies for food and nutrition security. Vote 151: National Agriculture Advisory Services The committee observes that the Vote has experienced significant budget cuts in the Financial Year 2023/2024, losing Shs 23.45 billion in total. The committee recommends as follows: i) That Shs 58.6 billion be reinstated to enable the Vote consolidate its current achievements; ii) That Shs 44 billion be provided to supply beans and maize seeds to address food security as the PDM gets fully operational; iii) Shs 10 billion be reallocated from Vote 010 – MAAIF, for related items, to Vote 152 - NAADS as follows: a) Shs 3.2 billion for Hass Avocado; b) Shs 4 billion for cashew nuts; c) Shs 2.8 billion for procurement and supply of goats; and d) Shs 20 billion be provided to purchase and distribute hoes to the remaining districts that have not received them. On the duplication of activities, the committee recommends that Shs 3 billion meant for the provision of milk coolers, under Vote 152: NAADS, be relocated to Vote 121: DDA, which is the mandated agency for the effective provision of the milk coolers. The committee observed that following a Cabinet directive on special intervention to evacuate tea and coffee seedlings from nurseries, NAADS supplied tea seedlings to a tune of Shs 61.096 billion to farmers in six district local governments (Mitooma, Buhweju, Bushenyi, Sheema, Rukungiri and Kanungu). No funds have been provided in the budget to clear these arrears. The committee recommends that Shs 61.096 billion be provided to clear these arrears. Vote 152: Uganda Cotton Development Organisation The committee recommends as follows: i) That Shs 0.163 billion be provided for setting the country’s cotton standards and reinstate it to meet its statutory requirements; ii) That Shs 5 billion be provided for farm - ers’ mobilisation, seed multiplication, production and pesticides to farmers; and

Madam Speaker, I beg your indulgence; if you could allow me, then the minister can take it up. Thank you. As I stated earlier on, two weeks ago, hundreds of people that belong to the Christ Disciples Church in Serere, and more so in Kasilo, left Kasilo after their leaders told them that a catastrophe was going to befall Uganda. They sold their properties and left en masse for Ethiopia. The concern of the people is that we do not want to hear that what happened in Kanungu has happened in Ethiopia. Yesterday, I received a video of the church in Ethiopia. Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to pick up this matter because we do not know what is going to happen. We do not want a repeat of the Kanungu situation. These sects are being confused. They decided to sell all their properties and leave on a trek. I do not even know how they moved; these villagers have never even reached Soroti Town. We do not know where the security was to allow such a population to leave and find themselves in Ethiopia. Madam Speaker, we do not want to discover mass graves be that we have lost people because they belong to certain sects and their leaders have confused and deceived them. Thank you.

Thank you, Hon. Jonathan. We want ministerial statements for Financial Year 2023/2024. I will ask the chairpersons of committees to verify these statements and report back to the House on whether these are the correct statements and whether they meet the standards that we require. Honourable members, in the public gallery this afternoon, we have students from Conquerors Secondary School and Rena College, Mayuge. They are represented by the Rt Hon. Rukia Nakadama and Hon. Iddi Isabirye. They are here to observe the proceedings. You are very welcome. Please, stand up. Join me in welcoming them. (Applause) Thank you for sending very good Members of Parliament. Still in the public gallery we have officials from Serere Town Council represented by Hon. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

Madam Speaker, I would like to apologise that our copy is not among these and we expected it to be here. As you introduced my team, I came to Parliament today especially to welcome the team from Serere -

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like also to agree that we adopt the report. However, I would like to raise three things. One is on the BKK Ferry - and I just hope the minister can take action. Those of us on that side - Serere, Kaberamaido, Buyende who are supposed to benefit from this ferry – for the last many years, we have had hope, but we see in the report that only 82 per cent was accomplished by 2020 and yet, our people are waiting for this ferry. It would be nice to just know what the current update is. Secondly, Madam Speaker, on the delay of titles, I had an experience that confirms this. On the road off Entebbe to Garuga, which was built, I two or so years ago, the organisation for which I am the board chairperson – Fellowship of Christian Unions – gave land to UNRA so that the road could be constructed, but up to now, the title has not been returned and even the residue title could not be transferred. Currently, we actually have a land grabber on that land and I imagine there are very many cases like that. There should be an action. I propose that UNRA comes up with a timeline. When they receive a title, after compensation, there should be a timeline for them to return the title; it should not be left indefinite. Thirdly, during the time of due diligence on the roads and the people who are affected, there were kibanja holders who are holding kibanja on titled land. This particular land I am talking about also became a victim. There was a kibanja holder who claimed holding a kibanja on titled land and yet, he was compensated. I imagine that the consultation should have involved the titled owner. There are many such cases related to the same story. We need to take action on this - if someone claims to be a kibanja holder on freehold, the freehold title owner should be consulted before this person is compensated. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Honourable colleagues, I welcome you to this year’s final sitting as we go for the Christmas break. I also thank you for turning up in big numbers, yesterday, to pay glowing tribute to our colleague, Hon. Okabe. Like the Speaker said, when we lose one of us, it always shakes us, but God Almighty always guides us through. Therefore, I urge those who can, to go to Serere tomorrow and let us come in big numbers to send off our colleague. I will be there. It is a strong message we send in terms of caring for each other. If we can go to bury relatives, I think when it comes to a colleague, we should be there in big numbers. I urge you to, please, join us tomorrow in Serere. I will be amending the Order Paper to allow the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to table the Supplementary Schedule (No.1) for the Financial Year 2022/2023. PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA

Thank you. I totally agree with you. It is a challenging situation. However, again, in the end, you want a very rich Bill. If you find some clauses, which a Member is barred by law from moving, then what does it help for you to finish a Bill quickly, which may be a weak one? Immediately after assent, the minister can bring another amendment and then, you go through the same process. Therefore, you would rather harmonise it early - we are working it out together to see how best this can stop. I had allowed Hon. Opendi to speak. Let us conclude this matter because honourable colleagues want to go for Christmas. There are those who want to go to Serere. Today, I do not want us to sit for more than an hour.

Thank you. Honourable colleagues, those who have not yet picked the new rules, please, pick the copies because we amended them. So, I understand the challenge. Now, honourable colleague, luckily enough, you said that this has to be with the consent of the Speaker. This is a very serious matter that is also clearly provided for under Article 118 of the Constitution. So, the moment I just refer to the rules only, yet, the Constitution gives a very clear procedure, I think we shall be arming someone to say that we never proceeded well in processing the motion. Therefore, Hon. Tinkasiimire, you will agree with me that we do not suspend the rule, but follow the procedure as laid out in the Constitution and in the Rules of Procedure. Honourable colleagues, that being done, I am going to inform the President within 72 hours and then, after 14 days, we shall appoint a select committee, which shall process the motion and listen to Hon. Namuganza. She will appear, either in person or with her lawyer, and we will ensure that she responds to the issues in the petition. We are breaking off for Christmas. This is the last session before Christmas, but as you know, tomorrow, we have the burial of our colleague in Serere and there is transport provided. Hon. Okupa, you can guide on the issue of transport.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The burial is slated for tomorrow. I want to update the House that the body has safely arrived in Soroti at the Iteso Cultural Centre, which is just 17 kilometers to the home of the late. Tomorrow, there will be transport at Parliament. Those who will use group transport should be here at 6.00 a.m. The Director, Transport, Administration and Logistics, Mr Opata, is coordinating this. For those who may drive their cars, you can go through Pallisa - as it is shorter - to Kumi, Ngora and then, to the place of burial in Ochapa Town Council. If you go up to Soroti Town, take the Soroti-Serere Road. It is 17 miles to Serere and just about three kilometers from Serere District headquarters. If you are flying, you will land in Olio Primary School, which is a more secure place that has been secured for those who will be flying. I got a request from some colleagues who were saying they may fly in a chopper; that is the place where you can land. Mr Speaker, we would like to invite you all to Serere to say farewell to our brother. However, like I said yesterday, I think the Ministry of Internal Affairs needs to come up with a full report about the incident. Please, ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs to follow it up because it is something that is raising some issues.

We do not want what happened to Hon. Abiriga to happen in Serere. Mr Speaker, we thank you and we pray that the Almighty God takes us safely to Serere and safely back here and rests the souls of our late brother and his wife in eternity. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

6698 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. PATRICK OKABE [The Speaker] this House is not a House for bodies; this House is for us to make decisions for this country. We ask God, if there is anything in this House that we have erred upon, we ask for forgiveness. We will not continue with this premature death of having bodies in this House throughout. God should forgive us and have this House make decisions for the people of Uganda and for us to be able to do our work, and not coming for special sessions. It is not an easy thing. Of course, death is inevitable and we have to get along with it. Hon. Okabe was in the 10 th Parliament with most of us. When he was in the 10 th Parliament, people saw what he could do. Even the Bible says, “By their deeds you will know them”. One can know what Hon. Okabe did when he was in the 10 th and 11 th Parliaments. We feel for the people of Serere because they have really lost a leader. We continue praying for the people of Serere, the family and this nation. On that note, therefore, as Parliament of Uganda, we want to commiserate with the people of Serere, the Teso Parliamentary Group and the people of Teso, the nation at large and the children of the late Hon. Okabe Patrick; a God-fearing man, a man of reason, a respectful man, a man of values, a man who has brought change, especially with the women of Serere. May his soul rest in eternal peace. We have also lost Hon. Okabe’s wife, Christine Okabe, in the same fatal accident. Our Government Chief Whip has also lost his brother, Jasper Okello. Hon. Herbert Ariko of Soroti East also lost a mother, who will be buried tomorrow. The Government Chief Whip’s brother is to be buried tomorrow as well. We, in Bukedea, also lost an LC V chairperson, Hon. Alemkan Moses. May we rise to observe a moment of silence in their honour. (Members rose and observed a moment of silence.)

6701 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 23 DECEMBER 2022 Madam Speaker, we mourn and celebrate the life of a distinguished God fearing man of God and a Ugandan politician. He is remembered for leading a crusade to foster unity and harmony amongst Teso Members of Parliament. At the time when he was elected leader of the Teso Parliamentary Group, his patience and cooperation with members of Teso Parliamentary Group began to yield gains when he initiated a welfare fund for his colleagues to support each other in situations like this. The good representation to his people got him re-elected to represent the people of Serere County in the 11 th Parliament, a term he has passed on while serving. During his second term in Parliament, he has been serving on the Committee of Public Accounts (Central Government) as well as the Appointments Committee. Madam Speaker, Hon. Okabe was born on 28 November 1958 to retired Rev. Mesulam Abilet and Lucy Naire. Hon. Okabe went to Atira Primary School and completed primary in 1972. Thereafter, he was admitted to Ayal College for ordinary level, and sat for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education in 1976. He joined the Bible Training Centre and graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Bible Theology from the Pentecostal Training Centre. In 1990, he took a Bachelor’s degree in theology from the Pan African Christian College. He holds a Master’s degree in Divinity from Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology. In 2018, he was awarded a PhD in Leadership from the University of America. He worked closely with the Emorimor, the Itesot Cultural leader, Bishop Onkile of the Anglican Church, the late Paul Etyang, Hon. Frederick Angura and other Tororo leaders; His Excellency the President of Uganda, and several Cabinet ministers to bring unity, harmony and development in Teso region. He commanded respect among his fellow pastors that he led as the bishop, and worked with Bishop Edweu, Bishop Eitu and other prominent pastors in Teso Region to strengthen unity, harmony and development in the subregion and Uganda at large. Hon. Okabe has been developmental. He served as the Managing Director of Serere Farmers Support Centre from the year 2018- 2021. He was also a devout Christian and served as the Managing Director of Voice of Serere FM and Faith Radio in 2006-2021, and the Director of Impact Schools Limited from 2002 to 2021; and Director of Rhema High School from 2007 to 2017. He was also the Director/overseer Impact Ministries Uganda from 1991 to 2021. His love for serving God was untiring. Being a son to a retired reverend helped him to get closer to understand the virtues of religion and how several issues would be resolved through unity and harmony, which he exhibited throughout his life. He was married to Christine Okabe with whom they have two children. We wish to extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family, friends, Teso region and the people of Uganda. May the Almighty God grant his soul eternal peace. I beg to justify.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is with utmost humility that I rise to second the motion moved by my honourable sister, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister, in support of the resolution to pay tribute to our fallen comrade, Hon. Bishop Okabe Patrick, that we sadly lost in an accident together with his dear wife, Christine, on the morning of 19 December 2022. I extend my commiserations to the family, friends, the people of Serere

6702 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. PATRICK OKABE [Mr Mpuuga] County, the Itesot community generally and the entire country. I got to know the late in the 10 th Parliament as ably described by the Rt Hon. Prime Minister, as a very amenable character, very unassuming, but present in all forms. I vividly recollect that he and other colleagues founded the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Malaria and he was the treasurer of the forum. Unfortunately or fortunately, he is the only member who survived from the 10 th Parliament to the 11 th Parliament from the forum leaders. The rest were eaten by political malaria. They never transited to the 11 th Parliament. I am not discouraging the current members of the forum. You can survive like him. It is very sad to lose anyone. As Parliament, a colleague of his poise is very sad a moment to lose. I also recollect that his former party machinery rigged him out of the primaries, but he was able to uphold the power of the people of Serere – (Applause) – he is a living testimony of the power of the people, as opposed to the power of the gun and the culture of impunity. I rise here to pay tribute to a man who believed in the politics of sanity and one who was a deep peacemaker in his life. His impeccable character as a man of God will live to inspire those who knew him and followed him as a peacemaker, theologian, moralist and leader. Madam Speaker, I recollect vividly his very firm commitment to health. In one of our deliberations on the budget, we had a standoff on the health budget in the 10 th Parliament. We even deferred the passing of the national budget until we had an increment on the health budget. He was one of the most vocal speakers that day. As part of keeping his memory in our midst - it is good we are in the budget process. We need to look at what it means to live up to the Abuja 2001 Declaration of at least 15 per cent of the national budget put on health, as part of serving his memory as a man who dared when many feared to speak about the impossibilities. I would like to extend my sympathies to the family, but I thank God that the children at least, like we have observed, are adults and well-schooled. They live to be challenged to live in the footsteps of their father. It is very sad that we even lost the mother. The challenge is even bigger, but I want to comfort you and the people of Teso that it is not insurmountable for you to rise and even be better than him. You live in times where you can look up to him. If he struggled, you are not struggling. If he figured out impossibilities, you live with possibilities around you. I would like to, once again, applaud and thank him posthumously for being the man he was and still is in our midst. Lastly, he died in an accident and so, this is a moment for us to reflect. We do not have, in our possession, details of the nature of the accident, but again, the narrowness of our roads remains an eyesore. I hope when the House resumes, after recess, the Prime Minister and her team, will have the courtesy of reporting on the action taken on our resolution on the Uganda Road Fund – a matter which they would rather not report about – but our roads are a death-trap; they are extremely narrow. There is no doubt the volume of traffic on our roads continues to grow while the roads continue to decay. I, again, thank the Prime Minister for the motion. The House gathering to pay tribute to our own is a huge loss. It must humble all of us, servants of the people, to serve above partisanship and beyond the issues that divide us, as individuals, and serve the country. We thank you, Bishop, for your service to the country. We thank you for your humility and your ability to reach out to all of us regardless of creed, political persuasion and age. May you rest in eternity. I thank you, Madam Speaker. (Applause)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Like Hon. Sseggona who had the privilege of being the chairperson to Hon. Bishop Okabe, let me begin by confirming that Hon. Okabe was a much better citizen than all of us in this House. Madam Speaker, the word decency can be attributed to the person of the late Hon. Okabe. Not many politicians are decent human beings, but I can confirm that Hon. Okabe was a decent human being. (Applause) I had the privilege of being his chairperson, but he had the obligation of being my permanent teacher and I learnt many things from him. You know, I am not particularly a very moral person, but the late Hon. Okabe’s foundation in morality was a permanent compass to look up to. Madam Speaker, in Africa, when a person passes, we have a tradition of saying good things about them. But I will confirm that every good thing said about Hon. Okabe today, was deserved and he earned it. We are not only praising him because it is a matter of culture, we are only stating facts. In September this year, Madam Speaker, you may remember, you sent the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to Teso Subregion. We had the privilege of having lunch at a facility owned by the late Hon. Okabe. We were all challenged by the developments he had put up in his constituency. The people of Serere fondly referred to him as the “Lion of Serere”. Madam Speaker, there lies the “Lion of Serere”. We shall dearly miss him. We shall miss his modesty and decency. May the Almighty Lord grant him eternal peace. (Applause)

Condolences to the family, the people of Serere, Teso and Uganda at large. Hon. Okabe was a statesman, a man who towed the line supporting the vulnerable - the people who needed help. I had an opportunity, last term, to go to Serere at the invitation of Hon. Adoa, to celebrate Women’s Day. We went by chopper, but found Hon. Okabe had organised the women, offered transport to them and even provided gifts and

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Hon. Patrick Okabe and his dear wife. We are paying tribute to a very sophisticated grassroots mobiliser, unifier, spiritual leader, legislator and above all, a parent. Let me say something about the sophisticated mobilisation. A few weeks ago, Madam Speaker, you were kind enough to assign me to go and represent you at the function of this man now lying here. He was giving money to the rural poor for SACCOs that have been described very ably by the Minister of Teso Affairs. I can confess here that the level of organisation of some of the SACCO groups beat those we have organised as a Government – (Applause) – either through Emyooga. I did not know the doctor very well until 2016 when he came to the 10 th Parliament. We went to Kyankwanzi - where we always go as Members of Parliament to reorganise ourselves and see what to do here. While there, we decided as the Teso group to caucus a bit and see who could lead the organisation. We sat, Hon. Okabe was new, but in him, in the little time we interacted, we saw a man who would unify the Teso Parliamentary Caucus. We elected him in Kyankwanzi and when we came back here, we confirmed him. I can testify to this distinguished audience that Hon. Okabe brought unity to the Teso Parliamentary Caucus and trust among the members. (Applause) Madam Speaker, we have missed - He was not outspoken, as you correctly observed in the House here. Leader of the Opposition, you may not have even noticed Hon. Okabe was in the House, but he was present in Teso and Serere. I really want to say it is sad he has died in a road accident. Many colleagues have talked about road accidents and what we intend to do. I do not think it is enough for me to say here what we intend to do. A few days ago, my senior colleague, Gen. Katumba Wamala, read to the country a few guidelines that we want people to follow as we now go into the festive season. We are going to come back to this House and inform Members of a number of interventions we are proposing, including touching on the legislation, again, to reinforce what we want to do so we can make our roads safer. May the souls of these distinguished leaders - Hon. Okabe and his dear wife - rest in eternal peace.

6710 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. PATRICK OKABE He would not fight for space like some of us used to; he would leave you to pass and then come after. What beats my understanding is that he was a peculiar leader who could balance the church, politics and family. Where do we find those kinds of people? Hon. Okabe had God-given qualities. He was able to lead all the churches. He has a church in my constituency and he has been coming there annually to pray with the people, at some functions. Honourable members, given our responsibility, balancing all those institutions is very difficult. Sometimes you give up at some point, but he did not. It is said in the Bible that, that is where we are all going. It will be said here or back at home. There will be kind words, sincere and true, but it cannot take away the emptiness Hon. Okabe has caused in his church, house and family. Even the people he has been serving in Serere and those who knew him, the emptiness will never be filled. Nobody can fill that. I cannot stop crying. How can someone die just like that? The wife dies at the same time, then you expect people to reconcile this in the shortest time. It is very painful. Hon. Okabe should not have died just like that. I liked him as a person. Just imagine how many people are crying for him. My people in Nakapiripirit, where he has been praying, are really crying. Imagine if those people are crying for him, what about the Christians in Serere and Mbale? May his soul rest in peace.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to pay my condolences to the family. Madam Speaker, you are aware that I come from Serere. I would like to, first of all, thank you for taking responsibility to ensure that our brother was brought to the mortuary. I also thank the honourable members of Parliament; we thought that it was going to be an empty House, but I thank you for coming to pay tribute to this big man. In the 10 th Parliament, I was the chairperson of the Committee on Equal Opportunities and I worked with Hon. Okabe for five years. This man lying here was a unifier; he was not a man of intrigue. As politicians, we have intrigue, but Hon. Okabe never had it. Never! (Applause) Whenever there was a problem concerning him, he would come and say, “My sister, what is the problem?” He wanted it sorted out. He was an administrator. On the 17 th of December, I think we were almost all in Serere. I was with Hon. Okupa in his constituency. Hon. Opolot was in Pingire and Hon. Okabe was in Serere. He told the people not to eat the money he had given them for saving, during Christmas. He urged them to keep it for the future. He had promised to go back to his constituency to do what the President talks about: income in the family and production. He had promised to take back cassava cuttings. He had promised to take women pigs because that project started in the last Parliament. He had promised some piglets to every family. This was a man who thought of everybody else. If you had a problem, Hon. Okabe would come to you. I remember when the Rt Hon. Speaker here was contesting for the speakership, he mobilised us, as the Iteso. He said, “Hon. Asamo, Aibo ijai ijo ?” In Ateso, it means, “Where are you?”

Thank you. I just want to say that he loved his clan. He loved Iteso and he loved everybody. I remember when Hon. Galiwango had problems, Hon. Okabe told me, “that is my daughter.” I wondered what kind of man he was. We went home in Tororo and he sat in my sitting room and said, “My daughter, next time, bring Members to Serere because I want to host you.” Every time we were in Serere, he wanted to host Members of Parliament. He made sure to use his money without pain. The man would contribute to every function that happened in a place. If you approached him, you would find the man there. No wonder, people have come to pay tribute. Madam Speaker, may God bless you. You have taken responsibility where there was nobody. When I saw the wife dead and Hon. Okabe on one side, I said, “Who do we ask for clothes and every other thing?” The family that was coming from Serere also got into an accident in Kumi. We asked ourselves what was happening; what kisirani is this? When we heard that the mother had collapsed, I said, “I think things are getting hard.” We stood with Hon. Obote and the team from the Teso Parliamentary Group and with your guidance, Madam Speaker, we have moved. I thank you that we now see the light on the road. At the end of the day, the people in Serere are waiting and they are mourning; the gap will not be filled. Rest well, my brother; till we meet again. Eyalama !

May I, first of all, thank you, Madam Speaker, for your effective response right from when the news broke of the demise of our friend, Hon. Okabe and his wife. The people of Pingire are in mourning; the people of Serere are in mourning and the people of Mbale are in mourning. Indeed, the whole country is mourning this illustrious son of Uganda who approached life - as we all know and has already been said - with humility. Hon. Okabe’s approach to politics was one of transforming the ordinary person. As indeed already said, he supported multitudes of SACCOs in Serere County, and to be specific, he supported 160 SACCOs, of which, he launched 85 of them. In the coming year, 2023, he was actually planning to complete launching the rest with Shs 1,000,000 to each SACCO with a savings box. He also supported the girls’ brigade in his constituency with –(Member timed out.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to join my colleagues, firstly, in supporting the motion moved by the Rt Hon. Prime Minister, and to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family. On behalf of the people of Entebbe and the Teso community in Entebbe, accept our heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and to you, Madam Speaker, Papa Emorimor and the entire Teso community on the loss of this great man. I am one of the freshers in Parliament, so, I did not know much about him. However, I have appreciated all the comments, the good words and the good deeds that have been said about this great man of God. Indeed, we are celebrating his life. We want to thank God for the gift of Patrick Okabe to this nation. We want to thank God as we glorify Him for all the good things Okabe has done in this country, not only for the people of Serere and the Teso community, but also for Uganda, because indeed, the memory is big. May all the memories comfort us in the strange moment as we pray for his soul to rest in peace. We thank God and we shall always remember Patrick. Rest in peace.

6713 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 23 DECEMBER 2022 learnt about the late was that he cherished the institution of family. He spoke passionately about his dear wife, who is also deceased now, and his children. Madam Speaker, the late Patrick Okabe was a hardworking person. I want to say without fear or favour, that he made significant contributions towards the people of Serere; I witnessed it. He invited me to a fundraising and many people have spoken about it. He has made a great contribution to the people of Serere through the different livelihood projects that have changed the people. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Budaka, on behalf of the 317 family, and on my own behalf, my thoughts and sincere condolences go to the people of Uganda, Teso Subregion and the people of Serere District. May the souls of Hon. Okabe Patrick and his dear wife, rest in eternal peace.

6714 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. PATRICK OKABE [Mr Edakasi] your leadership, for considering the burial of our Mama . We were overwhelmed and did not know what to do, but we thank you very much. I knew Hon. Okabe for a very short time, but the people in my constituency always referred me to Patrick. We have people who keep crossing Lake Kyoga from Kaberamaido to Serere and back. The women in my constituency asked me to learn from what my senior here was doing. And I am overly indebted to him. I wish I had more time with him. Anyhow, I am glad that there are some things that I have learned and I will implement them for the women in Kaberamaido District. I also bring to this House condolences from members of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God in my constituency, where I have several pastors for whom the Bishop was a leader. Even right here represented is the National Overseer of the Assemblies of God –(Member timed out.)

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the people of Kapelebyong and on my own behalf, I would like to convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Serere, Teso region, this august House and the entire country at large on this loss. Papa Bishop was a mentor to some of us who are first-timers in this House. For sure, he was a humble and dedicated servant of God, who served his people diligently. He was a peacemaker wherever he stepped. He was not like some of us here who want to cause commotion wherever we go; that was not Hon. – (Interjection)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the people of Kigulu South where our brother had established a church in Nakalama subcounty under Impact Ministries, we convey our condolences. My people are mourning and as we talk, they are already in Mbale waiting for the remains. Madam Speaker, the simplicity of the late Hon. Okabe was manifested when we were paying tribute and later burying the late Papa Emorimor in Serere. I saw a campaign poster for the late reading, “servant leader” on a number of buildings. When we went for the burial, this man left seats for Members of Parliament who had gone to bury. He kept carrying chairs to ensure that Members are – (Member timed out.) Madam Speaker, I want to thank God for the gift of life that he gave to him and for the wonderful service he extended to this country. We will miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

6721 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 23 DECEMBER 2022 was development oriented. I went to Serere to benchmark, because we have the same programmes in Ngora. Lastly, Madam Speaker, the road carnage in this country is devastating families and communities just because of the bad narrow roads, which the LOP has alluded to. I think our role and purpose, as a Parliament, is to direct law. Can we put some attention to the Ministry of Works so that our roads can be safe for us? I beg to submit.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I join all the previous speakers and the Prime Minister to support the motion, as we pay tribute to the late Hon. Okabe. The community of Serere based in Kapelebyong, who are really a big number, are joining us in mourning and they will be joining us in Serere. I wish to thank Hon. Okabe - who has left us - for setting an amazing legacy of being a politician, accomplished religious leader - a Bishop at that - and a founder of a ministry, an academician at the level of a PhD, social entrepreneur - a number of institutions are running, a man of the people and loved by his people. I am challenged to follow him. I pray that God rests his soul in peace. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My condolences to you and colleagues, but most especially to the family who have lost their dear Papa. My tribute to my friend and colleague, Hon. Bishop Okabe, proceeds from Matthew 22:36- 40 about the greatest commandment and that is the love of God and neighbour. Hon. Okabe loved his God, but most especially, he loved his people and served them. All his developmental initiatives were for the love of the people. I want to tell you that he organised Serere. I never missed any function in Serere and whenever I went there, Hon. Okabe was carried by women when he came out of the car, up to his seat. That is a demonstration of how much they appreciated the work he did for them. Hon. Okabe helped TPG – (Member timed out.) He led us to South Korea -

Thank you. Could you, Madam Speaker, give me additional minutes because I have to give direction to the burial place? Madam Speaker, Serere, Teso, Parliament and the country are mourning. It is a great loss, which will be very difficult to forget. On the 15 th of December was the last time I was with Hon. Okabe in this Parliament. We were in the lobby. Hon. Okabe told me, “My brother, I have got a facility somewhere and deposited my land title in Mbale.” I asked myself why he trusted me with that information. I just said, “I have noted.” On Monday morning at about 7.15 a.m. Hon. Naigaga Mariam calls me and says, “Sorry for the loss of your brother.” And I was in Arusha. I was shocked. I reflected and said, “Is this the reason my colleague was giving me this information?” I bring that information to honourable colleagues and members of the family such that when all this is done, we are able to see how to handle that situation. Madam Speaker, some accidents – on the 16 th , we planned to go to Serere. Hon. Opolot went to Mpingire and I went to Kasilo. When we arrived at Mukula, my driver asked us to branch to a service station. As we drove in, the driver just rushed to the service bay. I asked why and he said to me, “This car is not stable. I don’t understand why.” When he checked the car, three bolts were off. We were only on one. I want to ask colleagues to take note of their transportation. I do not know who could have tampered with the car. We do not know what would have happened to us if it were not for branching to a petrol station. Therefore, as we travel, let us be cautious of our surroundings. You never know what can happen. Madam Speaker, we bring condolences to the family as the people of Kasilo, which is the immediate neighbour, because I pass through his constituency to Kasilo. I have known Hon. Okabe – we grew up in the Pentecostal church - I knew him in the early 1990s when he was at the Bible College where Rev. Emiau was the head. He was with my brother, who is also a bishop in the Pentecostal church. We have grown up in that. I want to thank the Pentecostal church for giving us that foundation. All the good attributes you see here have all come from the church, like you have heard from colleagues. We want to thank the Pentecostal Assemblies of God for that upbringing. Madam Speaker, our brother died in that accident, but there is something that is not coming out. I expected the Minister of Works and Transport or the Minister of Internal Affairs to have given us a full report about the accident. I am told by the family, because Hon. Okabe had also told me, that he would be flying out like he has always done. Every end of year, he goes to Mbale and organises a party for the children and the orphans. Thereafter, he leaves to join his family either in the US or Australia. This time, he was headed to be with the girls in the US and then connect to Australia to be with the sons. He was prepared, that is why he was moving with his wife. There was property in that car, including cash. No one is talking about it. As one travels, they carry some dollars and things. I am told it was something more than Shs 70 million. What happened? Why is the police not giving us a report about that? Also, like Madam Speaker said, that this driver went head on to him; was it foul play? The family is asking for an investigation. The police and Government must tell us what happened because the driver took off. Where is he? This is a non-Ugandan because

6728 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. PATRICK OKABE it is a Kenyan registration number. He cannot disappear unless he jumped onto a boda boda and boarded from somewhere, but he would have been got. Madam Speaker, the prayer from the family to the Government is that we need to do a thorough investigation to establish whether there was no foul play in this matter. We have talked about the issues on the road. I think we have the laws, but the problem, in most cases, is enforcement of these laws. Most of you that go through that road know that at that point, it is a very good road. By the way, it even has humps in Naboa. How did this happen? That is why the family is asking for that. Honourable colleagues, we thank you for turning up in good numbers. I add my voice to what the Speaker has stated here; we thank you. Madam Speaker, may the good Lord that has kept us continue to keep you. Thank you for being there for us. My mother died in your hands when I was out of this country. There are many others that you have shown that heart. May God continue to guide and protect you. It has become a habit for you to do these good things. We can only pray to God that he keeps you strong and alive, as we continue this political journey in this country to steer this country. You are welcome to Serere for the burial. I want to give directions. You can access Serere in a number of ways; by water, air or the main route to Soroti Flying School and just drive 17 miles. You will be in Ocaapa. It is not very far from Ocaapa Town Council in Serere. If you are driving, from Kumi you go to Ngora and cross to Serere. It is about 45 kilometres. However, his place is less than 40 kilometres away. The place is not very far from the road from Ocaapa. You can go up to Soroti or if you are coming from Lira - because it is all tarmac all the way to Soroti. Then you come from Soroti to Ocaapa, which is a good murram road. You can also go from Soroti to Serere and then to Ocaapa; you will not get lost. If you are from Kamuli, it is much shorter, if you do not fear water. Within only 20 minutes, you could be on the side of Pingire and you are in Serere or from Bukungwe in Kamuli to Kagwara and then to Serere. However, we advise you to come from Kumi, Ngora on that murram road or when from Soroti to Serere, you will be able to find us there. Madam Speaker, we would like, once again, to thank you. To the family, to our father, thank you for the good mentorship you gave us in the church. To the children, I know one son is arriving. He has just landed. We are expecting the daughters, but we do not know whether they will be able to make it. We thank Papa and Toto . We shall keep you in our prayers, but we remain your children, to try to comfort you. Omoding and Okabe, who are here and the whole family - if the family finds it befitting to have a replacement from the family, we are available to be deployed. (Applause) If the family finds it fit that the replacement must come from the family, I think we should be able to support. I will be leaving that with the family to do that. Finally, Psalm 73:26 is a verse I want to leave with the family and all of us. It says: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” May God bless you! May the soul of our brother, Hon. Patrick Okabe, and Toto , rest in eternal peace. Thank you very much.

6729 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 23 DECEMBER 2022 Committee on Local Government, of which he was a member. We have really given the motion time. We have other members of the community of Mbale and then later on those of Serere, who are waiting for this very body and still the country has to mourn. I am rising under Rule 59 of our Rules of Procedure to request this House that the House closes debate on the motion for a resolution of Parliament to pay tribute to the late Hon. Patrick Okabe, and later on the body is received by other communities. I beg to move.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The body will leave Kampala today and will spend the night in Mbale. Then, tomorrow, there will be prayers at Impact Ministries in Mbale up to 11.00 a.m., when the body will leave. Depending on availability of time, it will either leave directly for Serere or it will leave via Soroti where the Iteso Cultural Union wants to have one hour with the body. Then, it goes to Serere, where there will be a council sitting to pay tribute to our fallen comrade. On Saturday, service will begin at 10.00 a.m. with viewing of the body and later on in the afternoon, the interment of the remains of our brother. That will be on Saturday, 24 December 2022 in Serere. Like Hon. Elijah Okupa has guided you - I do not know why Hon. Elijah did not talk about the road from Mukongoro because I use that all the time. It is also a shortcut. After Oladot, which is the swamp via Pallisa - you cross Oladot Swamp then the next town is Mukongoro. Right from Mukongoro, you drive to the left and that road will take you straight to Ngora and then to Serere. Actually, it is the most direct access to Ocaapa from Kampala. Therefore, we welcome you all to Serere on Saturday. The programme begins at 10.00 a.m. and hopefully by 4.00 p.m., we will be done. Thank you very much. The East African Community Anthem. The National Anthem. Exit of the body of the late Hon. Patrick Okabe.

The districts to be connected are: Buikwe, Bukomansimbi, Butambala, Buvuma, Gomba, Kalangala, Kalungu, Kampala, Kassanda, Kayunga, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, Kyotera, Luwero, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Masaka, Mityana, Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Rakai, Ssembabule, Wakiso, Bugweri, Kitagwenda –(Interjections) - that is central. I am going region by region. In eastern Uganda, we have Amuria, Budaka, Bududa, Bugiri, Bukedea, Bukwo, Bulambuli, Busia, Namayingo, Butaleja, Butebo, Buyende, Iganga, Jinja, Kaberamaido, Kaliro, Kamuli, Kapchorwa, Katakwi, Kibuku, Kumi, Kween, Luuka, Manafwa, Mayuge, Mbale, Namisindwa, Namutumba, Ngora, Pallisa, Serere, Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Kalaki and Kapelebyong.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I had the opportunity to be on a committee that was sent out to investigate allegations against the UPDF. I covered Lake Kioga, the districts of Kayunga, Buyende; I went to Serere, Kaliro, Amolatar and Nakasongola. I also went to Bunyoro, Lake Albert, although the activities had not started. I want to tell you that the fishermen and women who are natives have no problem but the criminals who had moved from other areas had even made plots in the lake – (Member timed out.)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I think the information is a bit scanty from the presentation. The people of Serere also have fallen victims. In Kasilo, there are two machines that were installed under CAIIP. The biggest problem is the cost of power. That is what has made most of those machines – the maize hullers, rice hullers, maize mills - to stop functioning. Even at one point, there was a brigadier who had come and wanted to grab one from the community in Kasilo until the people rose up. Mr Speaker, if we do not address the issue of power, either we provide generators or the cost of power is brought down, they will remain there as white elephants. The problem is not only in Pader, as the Hon. Minister for Bunyoro Affairs has explained. Let the minister address the issue of power. My sister Hon. Adoa, knows the one of Kileto, Kateta – those are the problems. The power bills – now they say Shs 20 million, Shs 30 million; the community cannot afford that! So, you either find a way of providing power; either solar or transformers.