Terego District

Mr Speaker, as you are aware, our rules provide that we have written responses and those that are instant. I will begin with those that are written. Question number one came from Hon. Tom Aliti Candia, Maracha East County, who said that some districts are surrounded by refugee- hosting districts such as Koboko, Yumbe, and Terego, and, as a result, refugees access public and private services in these non-refugee- hosting districts such as Maracha, Moyo, and Arua. On top of that, the non-refugee- host districts have a number of unregistered refugees settled in their districts. His prayer, Mr Speaker, is that the Government change the policy and support refugee- impacted districts in major projects that benefit refugee-hosting districts. They also need to benefit from projects such as the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), which supports social protection and socio-economic transformation. Mr Speaker, this is my response: Development projects under the refugee hosting windows are designed for all districts, cities and urban councils, transit areas and communities that host refugees, but these keep changing depending on our open-door policy. Refugees are free because you know that refugees are free to move. Where assessments confirm refugee settlement in new areas or districts, such areas are included in the refugee programmes and both refugee-hosting and transit districts provide integrated services such as health, education, water, livelihoods to benefit both refugees and host communities. Mr Speaker, transit districts do not permanently host refugees but provide passage and so funds are therefore allocated for health, education, water and other services. Maracha District qualifies as a transit district and is eligible for support. Government shall undertake an assessment of the current number of refugees in Maracha and take appropriate action. Question number two came from Hon. Dennis Namara, where he says, Rt Hon. Prime Minister, the people of Muhorro Town Council, particularly residents of Kyamajaka LCI, have been gravely affected by repeated chimpanzee attacks resulting in loss of lives. While the Government initiated compensation processes, tenants have raised concerns of being cheated and unfairly treated. 1. His prayer is that the Government provide assurances that the compensation process for affected tenants is conducted transparently, with full disclosure of survey and valuation reports and equitable treatment of all claimants? 2. And could the Government further clarify what measures it is taking to resolve disputes among tenants who feel undervalued and ensure accountability in the compensation exercise? Mr Speaker and Members, my response is that the compensation process for tenants on land in Muhoro, Kagadi District was conducted with the involvement of all relevant Government institutions to ensure transparency. Officials from the Department of Surveys and Mapping under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development carried out a detailed survey. The Chief Government Valuer conducted valuations of all land and property interests. Those who accepted, signed agreements and were duly compensated.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I congratulate you for chairing us again. I was so anxious because I know you manage time well and we shall be there soon. We have lost a lot of crops to the drought. The farmers are going through a lot. Is it possible for the Ministry of Agriculture to give us seeds of maize, soya beans, sunflower, and beans? I am kindly begging on behalf of the people of Terego who have almost lost all their crops. Thank you.

Mr Speaker, as the Government Chief Whip was designating me, I do not know whether it was me? Hon. Obigah Rose has been put in Maracha. I do not want any by- election in Terego. I am the Woman Member of Parliament for Terego. My name is Obigah Rose. I beg that you correct that and it should be clear on the Hansard . Thank you.

Now, let me go to the middle. Honourable member for Terego. The minister should prepare to answer some of these issues as we close.

Yes, honourable member for Terego? Let the women talk about water. The men have talked a lot, but women are the majority who suffer about water.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I arrived from Terego this morning. I have a maize farm of over 80 acres and it has totally dried. I was in tears yesterday – and not only me; the farmers in Terego are in tears too. This is a loan request that did not really need any debate. However, now that we are having the debate, Members, I am telling you – as a champion and the most rural Member of Parliament in this House – for the sake of the rural people, I request that we pass this loan to support agriculture, which is the backbone of our economy. (Applause) I stand to support this Motion and promise that you will not go wrong if you join me in supporting it. Thank you.

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

3 THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 2026 57. Alum Santa Sandra Ogwang District Woman Representative Oyam UPC 58. Akoth Angella Nzokire District Woman Representative Tororo Independent 59. Alero Tom Aza West Moyo County Moyo NRM 60. Anywar Ricky Richard Agago West County Agago NRM 61. Aogon Silas Kumi Municipality Kumi Independent 62. Aol Betty Ocan City Woman Representative Gulu City PFF 63. Arinaitwe Jeniva District Woman Representative Rubirizi NRM 64. Arinaitwe Rwakajara Katambuka Workers Representative N/A NRM 65. Aseera Stephen Buhaguzi East County Kikuube NRM 66. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki District Woman Representative Masindi NRM 67. Attan Okia Moses Soroti East County Soroti City FDC 68. Kiconco Katabaazi Patrick Rukiga County Rukiga NRM 69. Atuhwereire Arthur Kazoora Ruhinda South County Mitooma NRM 70. Atukunda Rebecca Mubangizi District Woman Representative Kassanda NRM 71. Atuto Jacinta District Woman Representative Kapelebyong NRM 72. Atwijukire Boaz Katerera County Rubirizi Independent 73. Alupo Jessica Rose Epel District Woman Representative Katakwi NRM 74. Atwijukire Dan Kimosho Kazo County Kazo NRM 75. Acora Nancy Odonga District Woman Representative Lamwo NRM 76. Atyang Stella District Woman Representative Moroto NRM 77. Auma Janet District Woman Representative Amolatar UPC 78. Auma Kenny District Woman Representative Kwania UPC 79. Avako Melsa Naima Gule District Woman Representative Yumbe NRM 80. Anyango Janet Hope District Woman Representative Busia NRM 81. Ayagalachi Jamali Bukooli County Bugiri NUP 82. Achia Remigio Pian County Nabilatuk NRM 83. Ayepa Michael Labwor County Abim NRM 84. Ayoo Janeth Phoebe Obol District Woman Representative Gulu NRM 85. Apolot Christine District Woman Representative Kumi Independent 86. Ayume Charles Koboko Municipality Koboko NRM 87. Avur Jane Pacuto District Woman Representative Pakwach NRM 88. Atugonza Allan Buliisa County Buliisa NRM 89. Baatom Ben Koryang Dodoth West County Karenga NRM 90. Babirye Kityo Sarah Bukoto County East Masaka NRM 91. Babirye Milly Babalanda Budiope West County Buyende NRM 92. Ariko Herbert Edmund Okworo Gweri County Soroti NRM 93. Kakooza James Older Persons Representative Central NRM 94. Awor Betty Engola District Woman Representative Apac NRM 95. Engola Sam Erute County South Lira NRM 96. Baryomunsi Chris Kinkizi County East Kanungu NRM 97. Nabbanja Robinah District Woman Representative Kakumiro NRM (The House was suspended at 11.38 a.m.) (On resumption at 1.29 p.m., the Clerk presiding.) 98. Auma Linda Agnes District Woman Representative Lira NRM 99. Babanga Wilfred Erima Terego East County Terego NRM 100. Babula Noel Kataike Matilda District Woman Representative Budaka NRM 101. Bahireira Sylivia Tumwekwase District Woman Representative Kamwenge NRM 102. Bakireke Nambooze Betty Mukono Municipality Mukono NUP

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

18647 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 16 APRIL 2026 Luwero, Nakasongola as well as water supply schemes in districts such as Terego, Moyo, Lamwo, Zombo, Agago, Pader, Namutumba, Mayuge, Ssembabule, Mityana, Isingiro, Kazo, Kyenjojo, Bukedea, Kanungu, Moroto, Kakumiro and Abim, among others. Colleagues, I can see that some of you are trying to keep pace. I jumped into the executive summary, which is on page, Page 3. However, the committee also notes material implementation constraints, particularly funding gaps, delayed counterpart funding, stalled contractor obligations, weak operation and maintenance financing, land acquisition delays, environmental compliance burdens, and institutional capacity limitations, which, if not addressed, will undermine the political credibility of the budget. Madam Speaker, the context of this report is that sectors and Votes under the committee’s purview are central to the Government’s broader economic growth for various reasons. First, energy powers production and industry, while the extractives are expected to create fiscal space and employment. On the other hand, water supports life and production, while environmental management protects the natural resource base on which the growth ultimately depends. The committee notes that the significance of these Votes is not abstract. In many constituencies, the Government is judged by whether power reaches the households, trading centres and industrial parks; whether piped water reaches institutions, towns and villages; whether boreholes and small schemes remain functional; whether the first oil is obtained and is properly regulated; and whether wetlands, forests and the fragile landscapes are actually protected for the benefit of all. This means that the budget scrutiny in these sectors must go beyond the aggregate figures and focus squarely on whether planned projects are financed, implemented, and sustained in actual locations where Ugandans live and work. Madam Speaker, I will go straight to Item 7.0: Programme budget allocations for Financial Year 2026/2027. Analysis of Vote 017 Vote 017: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development contributes to the sustainable energy development programme and a sustainable extractives industry development programme of the National Development Plan IV (NDPIV), with policy priorities covering electricity generation, transmission, distribution, clean cooking, petroleum infrastructure, minerals development, geothermal development, and strategic industrial energy investments. Madam Speaker, the committee notes, from the updated submissions of the budget estimates, that the total budget allocation for vote 017 rises from Shs 1.844 billion, in the Financial Year 2025/2026, to Shs 2.282 billion, in Financial Year 2026/2027, representing an increase of Shs 438.11 billion. Table two thereby gives you, colleagues , an overview of how these resources have been allocated. The committee further notes that the ministry’s functional allocation reflects a major emphasis on transmission, distribution, petroleum, and administration-related land acquisition and institutional costs, alongside continued support to generation, minerals, and clean cooking. Colleagues, table 4 gives us an allocation of resources by major functional areas. Madam Speaker, the committee notes that the ministry has identified substantial project outlay for Financial Year 2026/2027, and the medium term, and many of these projects are location-specific and visible. Colleagues, the major planned projects under Vote 017 represent the following, which I believe is a point of critical concern to most of us here. There is a project of Mutundwe-Buloba- Kabulasoke-Masaka and Kabulasoke-Nkonge-

18650 CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR FY 2026/2027 straight to Vote 139: The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU). PAU remains central to Uganda’s transition into the production phase of the petroleum sector, particularly with respect to the independent measurement, regulation, local content monitoring, production oversight, and economic monitoring, as well as environmental coordination. The allocation reviewed by the committee places Vote 139 at Shs 106.87 billion for the next financial year. Madam Speaker, I will invite colleagues to look at the subsequent tables regarding PAU. I would like to request that I go straight and look at the committee comment. The committee notes that additional funding of Shs 28.24 billion was provided to support the establishment of the real-time monitoring centre, and this significantly strengthens our preparedness for the production phase of the oil, which is expected to commence on the 31st July this year. Under the national content and employment, the committee further notes that PAU reports 2,626 companies on the national supplier database, of which 2,257 are Ugandan, and 369 are non- Ugandan, and that over 360 tier-one contracts have been awarded to Ugandan companies in reserved and ring-fenced categories. As of December 2025, the sector employed 21,072 personnel, of whom 18,137 are Ugandan nationals, and 6,631 are from host communities in particular. The committee notes that PAU currently has 222 staff against an approved structure of 278, and it still has 51 positions without wage funding, with a further unfunded recruitment requirement of Shs 11.09 billion. Honourable colleagues, if we are to go into the production phase of the oil, it is important that our Authority, which is responsible for supervising this for us, is strengthened so that it is able to be up to speed. I would like to invite you to go to the section on water and environment, which is Vote 019. Madam Speaker, Vote 019 remains the most politically exposed vote under the committee’s jurisdiction because the citizens encounter the State most directly through access to clean water, functionality of boreholes, performance of piped schemes, sanitation in institutions, irrigation investments, climate information, and visible action against environmental degradation. The committee notes that the total budget allocation for vote 019 in 2026/27 is Shs 1.8 trillion compared to Shs 1.5 trillion in 2025/26, representing an increase of Shs 318 billion. The ministry further reports that its strategic requirement for the financial year 2026/27 is Shs 2.185 trillion, leaving a funding gap of Shs 361.9 billion. Honourable colleagues, I invite you to look at table 9 by yourselves. Table 10 is an additional allocation of resources after the first one. Projects under Vote 019 I think this may be interesting for colleagues for us to go through. The committee commends the ministry for providing a more detailed implementation geography for the Financial Year 2026/27, as always requested by colleagues. This has enabled the committee to identify where the Government intends to undertake actual works and where oversight should be concentrated. Table 11 provides us with projects that are intended to be undertaken in the northern region. The Ala-Ora piped water scheme to 100 per cent completion. This will serve Terego, Yumbe, Madi-Okollo and Nebbi district areas. The refugee settlement and rural growth centres water supply and sanitation project, which is

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

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

Thank you so much. Madam Speaker, before I say a word, from the bottom of my heart, I want to pass to you my condolences. We got mixed up when we learnt about the death of your dear mother-in-law because there was a previous one. When I tried to ask my brother, Hon. Ojara Mapenduzi, he did not give me a better answer, but later I learned that you lost your mother-in-law. Now, the information to my dear sister is that when I am in Kampala, I live in your constituency. When you talk about Katabi, I live in the Entebbe area. Yes, the markets are not built. However, if you go to Katabi, there is a designated area. If you come to the Nkumba area, there is a market, Abayita Ababiri, although it is not built. If you come to Kawuku, there is a designated area. Honestly, at times, you fail to drive. If you knock down somebody, you would have already killed. You would have poured people’s goods down. For once, in this House, let us create sanity. If you want to enter Arua Regional Referral Hospital, up to where you are supposed to park your car or put your feet, you cannot pass. If we are going to say we should give them ample time, I find it ironic because you find clerks talking to people to go to the market, but they do not want to go. What means shall we use? Minimum force is necessary in every difficult situation. I am here to say that we need to fill the markets. We need to sell in the market. Madam Speaker, I also want to talk about the Parish Development Model (PDM) – the parish chiefs. One, I beg that we include Terego on the list of districts that need more money. Terego is the last created district and our parishes are at the level of those that existed during colonial times. I have parishes which have up to 19, 20 and 23 villages. My parishes are bigger than most of the subcounties in this country. For physical planning, we give money every time. I beg that we do this in a phased, comprehensive manner, not in a substandard one. This is when we put into context that Uganda is expanding every other day. I beg that this be taken into consideration.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for that correction. The Ministry of Agriculture needs to be strategic. In West Nile, we have been so much into tobacco, especially Terego and the lower belt of Maracha. Tobacco has now become a nightmare. I think the ministry should be intentional in taking cocoa and coffee to West Nile, so that we stop dragging this country backwards. We need to move forward, and this is through deliberate action by the Ministry of Agriculture. You parade your body to the ministry to look for money so that they can buy coffee and cocoa seedlings in West Nile, but there is nothing. They promise you air. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I agree with you. Let me go back to what Hon. Sarah has just said, that children from far distances should not visit. Most children get motivated to study harder when they come and see wonderful places like this. If you went to Terego District, where we do not even have tarmacked roads, and they come to Kampala, and see this kind of sophistication, they will be motivated to go to Makerere University. It would be good to say that children like mine who come from long distances -

Madam Speaker, I think - Manibe to Terego, that is not yet done. We are now doing Ure to Yumbe. When we finish that – but it has also been flagged as an essential connection. Hopefully, we will be able to connect later on that one.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to salute the committee for the work well done. I am from Terego, but occasionally, I come to Arua City, which is one of the new cities. The areas he alluded to, especially garbage collection, are crucial for the new cities. So, it is imperative upon the nation to specifically allocate money to the new cities for their operationalisation because the influx of the population is at a very high rate. We used to run up to Kampala, but now the number of buses that travel to Kampala every other day has reduced because we have a city called Arua. We share Arua with the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. They are lucky to have a city in Uganda, and in Arua. There is also the issue of water challenges. Whatever the National Water and Sewerage Corporation had planned is so small now for the cities. There is a need to plan for water, especially by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. In Terego, you have poles flying, but they have not stepped down the power for people to use. Every effort to request the UEDCL team to step down power so that the youth and homes can use it, have become futile. Therefore, I am asking the Minister of Energy - Terego being one of the refugee-hosting districts, what has happened? Why hasn’t power reached the refugees yet the money was allocated? Thank you.

Thank You, Madam Speaker. I also request the minister to be cognisant of the six districts that did not receive all the equipment. We have heavy rains in West Nile and our roads have gone “to the dogs.” Additionally, the road from Karuma to Arua is taking a decade. The people of West Nile are demanding for a definite timeline when you can will finish it because many are perishing on that road and the Terego Road, which used to be called Wadri Road shifted to -

17499 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 schools under the Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) programme, bringing the cumulative total to 161 seed schools, out of the 259 planned. The majority of the remaining schools are progressing well and are on schedule for completion by June, 2025. The total number of Government-aided primary schools in the country is now 12,550. People normally talk of parishes which do not have Government-aided primary schools. But how many parishes are there in Uganda? It is because some of the parishes have got more than one primary school. Otherwise, 12,000 could have covered every parish because remember, the villages are 72,000 and they are normally about five or 10 villages in a parish. The primary schools, supported by the Government, are now quite many but some of the parishes may have more than one. The total number of Government-aided secondary schools is 1,416. The technical and vocational schools are 189 and Government degree-awarding universities are 12. That is the infrastructure of education in the country now. Clean water and sanitation The proper management of our water and environmental resources is a major contributing factor to public health, agricultural productivity and climate change adaptation. The National Population and Housing Census Report of 2024 showed that at least eight in 10 households now have access to improved water sources, that is, piped water, protected springs, etc. In 1986, only 10 per cent – that is one out of 10 households – had access to a clean and safe water source. Today, 81.1 per cent of the households in Uganda are in the radius of one kilometre from a safe water source. This is on account of the Government’s prioritisation of the construction of piped water systems in both rural and urban areas. Government has constructed a number of solar- powered piped water systems in the districts of Agago, Alebtong, Kayunga, Mityana, Pader, etc. There are ongoing construction works in other districts like Buhweju – for Bisya water supply system; Kasese – for Nyamugasani gravity flow scheme; Ala-Ora water supply system to serve the districts of Terego, Madi- Okollo and Nebbi, among others. Additionally, through the District Water and Sanitation Conditional Grant, the local governments have been able to boost access to improved water sources across the country. The local governments have constructed a total of 2,564 taps, serving 452,000 persons; drilled 709 deep boreholes, serving 212,000 persons and 128 protected springs, serving 43,000 persons. They have also constructed 109 rainwater harvesting tanks, serving 654 persons and 79 production wells. A total of 1,333 boreholes and 28 piped water systems have been rehabilitated across the country, thus restoring service to 417,000 persons. Regional integration The political balkanisation of Africa created small states, many of which have small populations. Uganda, with 46 million people, is one of the bigger states. The solution to this problem is regional integration. The whole of Africa has got a very high population of 1.4 billion people but this population is broken up into small units. Small populations mean small markets. The problem is compounded by a low purchasing power because of low incomes. So you have got small populations with low incomes. How will they support business? There are also problems in the regional market such as lack of roads and lack of communication to enable us to fully exploit the regional market. That is why, for instance, Uganda has undertaken the construction of the Mpondwe to Beni highway to ease connectivity between Congo and Uganda. If we mobilise the whole of Africa to remove all trade barriers, we shall no longer worry about being shut out of markets in Europe or the USA. In the Budget speech, I will speak more about this issue of integration. I think for now, let me finish so that people can survive and go home.

Vot Effiilfo! Anm*(OCX Oost 927 Serere District 3,442,69L 928 Sheerna District 2,139,294 929 Sironko Distrist 3.722.803 930 Soroti District 4.L94.379 931 Terego District 932 Tororo District 5.431.329 933 \llakiso District 11 1 934 Ytrnbe District 7.269.672 935 fl TOTAL. DE9IIOPI TT It,7OO.5g6O{O flIITD FTZI(,iIS/26 \s 59 lPag ool OTFICE OF TIIE PRESIDEM 001 Specified Offcers President 96,000 o01 - Vie Prresident 96,OOO 005 ftalrtry of ftrUtc SGwlcc 007 JU8ffiCE Justice Court Awards 1.786.000 130 TREASI'NY SERITICES -r'>- - 27.807.431.953 M llv 101 JUDICIARY LTW ilt- 385.213.640 toz ELECTORAL COMMISSION vw- 591.568.273 103 INSPECTORATE OF GOVERI{MEITT x 65,939.O44 104 PARIJAMEMARY COMMISSION 1.008.667.023 -' 16,272.358 106 qG}ANDAHUMATTIIGHTSCOMMTSSTON ffi 26,206,603 +=r; F "s 2.964.588 ' I -l-.i ,ild- ,4p. . ,-til' ' rft ( I -- :,f,F'$ti rtf l .#tl' . ',#-f - il.+:'' 'tri;l ,{1P"''ti$i 41

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank you for the opportunity. I also want to thank the committee for the good report. When the budget cycle starts like this, is when one wants to see whether issues that are challenging in their areas are considered. In my district of Yumbe, there is a road from Yumbe District headquarters that runs 21 kilometres towards Terego, up to a river called Uree. Due to the pressure of various vehicles that work in refugee camps, the Japanese Government decided to give around $25 million to work on that road in 2018. We have been seeking support from the Government to provide counterpart funding so that this road can be worked on. Since then, the Government has not given us an explanation as to why it cannot provide the counterpart funding. Many times we see Government coming with loan requests to work on roads; borrowing money as a loan to work on other roads, but this is a grant from Japanese Government. We cannot take advantage of free money, but we opted to borrow money from banks to work on other roads. This beats logic and reason. We cannot understand this. You have free money and you cannot take advantage of it, but you opt to go and borrow money to do other roads, it does not sound well. We always fail to explain to our people why the Government has failed to give us the counterpart funding. I want to appeal to the ministry, at least, if they cannot give us the counterpart funding, then they should give us a reason – (Member timed out.)

I thank you, Mr Speaker, and the committee for a good report. I agree with the debate that we need affirmative action for electricity in Uganda because it forms the backbone of the development of this country. We really need it. We still have many sub-counties that are not connected, including some in Terego. They are not connected and yet we had the TBEA. Mr Speaker, I agree with you. We need an investigation into the TBEA Project because very many kilometres of the TBEA Project got lost, and many of them are on people’s farms. They are diverted to connect farms in this country instead of connecting subcounties. Therefore, we need an investigation into the whole project to see where the lines went. Mr Speaker, I will address myself to policy issues; the issue of net metering in this country. We do not have a policy on net metering. Net metering is where, if you have a renewable energy source in your home or your entity, you can be able to sell it to the grid when you have excess or buy when you have low. We need this policy to come in because many people have taken up renewable energy; they have a lot of power, but they do not know where to source, and they could earn from it. The other issue is the energy mix, which I think should be incorporated into the building board, especially for commercial houses. We could say that they should be able to generate 20 per cent of the power within a building so that we stop using generators in this city. We can start with Kampala and go to other cities. When power goes off, especially in Kampala, everybody goes to the generator. This is something we can avoid. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

16835 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 9 APRIL 2025 On the overall performance of the budget under the UPF, we recommend reallocating funds from the assistance to Uganda Police Force projects to critical UPF areas. Uganda Police Force must create a comprehensive successor project for nationwide investments. The second recommendation is that the Uganda Police Force should expedite the preparation and approval processes of the CCTV Phase III Project to ensure its inclusion in the national plan budget. We reviewed the traffic and road safety and, therefore, recommend as follows: 1. An additional Shs 7.577 billion for transport equipment be provided; 2. Shs 1 billion for an IOV inspection lane and certification centre to be provided; 3. Shs 18 billion for 10 mobile inspection stations for IOV to be provided; 4. Uganda Police Force should link the EPS to the NIRA database; and 5. Uganda’s driver licensing system should be adjusted to capture details of foreigners who commit traffic offences. On police accommodation and the ongoing construction projects, we note that 74 per cent of the police officers lack institutional accommodation. However, the Uganda Police Force is working on a police accommodation project. This project is excluded from PIP. The Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to build 69,000 housing units for the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service, and the DCIC, through a PPP arrangement. We, therefore, recommend that the Uganda Police Force accelerates the completion of the accommodation project to comprehensively address police accommodation challenges in the year 2025/2026. On the subcounty policing model – this is a flagship security solution to the country, initiated by His Excellency, the President, and it is now under implementation. The model aims to use limited resources in subcounties to improve policing services for communities, including establishing a police station in each area, following: 1. Deployment of a minimum of 18 personnel; 2. Two motorcycles per police station; 3. A counter phone and radio communication; 4. An office; and 5. Staff accommodation for at least 18 personnel. The Uganda Police Force has tested this model in Greater Masaka in the Financial Year 2023/2024, establishing 892, which is 41 per cent of the 2,190 subcounties, nationwide. In the Financial Year 2025/2026, Shs 5 billion is allocated for the construction of 30 model police stations and completing 11 in greater Masaka, along with acquiring 333 motorcycles and communication equipment. However, there is a funding gap of Shs 557 billion. We, therefore, recommend that Shs 587 billion be provided for the nationwide rollout of the subcounty policing model. On crime management, we recommend that Shs 17 billion be provided for CIID investigations and Shs 2.3 billion for crime intelligence in the Financial Year 2025/2026. On the Canine Unit, we see that expanding the Canine units to 36 locations of Budaka, Bukomansimbi, Butambala, Zombo, Adjumani, Madi-Okollo, Pakwach, Vurra, Kaberamaido, Koboko, Terego, Maracha, Moyo, Ayivuni, Buyende, Kaliro, Namutumba, Ngora, Hima, Namisindwa, Kwania, Agago, Nwoya, Amuru, Kyankwanzi, Apac, Kole, aerodromes and border points of Jinja, Soroti, Arua, Mbarara, Kisoro, Mpondwe, Katuna and Mirama Hills nationwide, requires an additional Shs 2.259 billion. The unit faces challenges with unreliable transport for sniffer dogs to crime scenes. Reliable transport is needed at the district stations, requiring Shs 28.44 billion for equipment in 29 regions.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on matters of boundary conflict between Arua District, Madi-Okollo District, Terego District and Arua City. It seems no proper demarcation on the boundaries was done after the creation of the districts and city. Rt Hon. Prime Minister, my request is that you send the Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development to intervene and make proper demarcations on the district boundaries to avoid conflicts among the people. I beg to submit.

Mr Speaker, in 2022, the President directed me to handle the issue of boundaries in Arua, Madi-Okollo, Terego and many others and to some extent we have moved. The Ministry for Lands and Ministry for Local Government have been on site and we are waiting for the report. I believe that it will be respected by all parties.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. If there is any loan that does not need too much English in this House; it is the loan for the Cancer Institute – (Applause) - I have so many patients from Terego and when they arrive for proper handling in Mulago , it is so painful. You find them under trees because we do not have enough space. If there is any construction work that should be approved in this House, it should be the construction of an additional cancer ward space. The first cancer machine came from India and I pray that part of this money will be used to purchase an additional machine. Everywhere, cancer is now on the rise and we need to decentralise regional hospitals fast testing . You find people with wounds and cuts and by the time they are brought, they say cancer has already spread. We need to find a way of combating cancer in this country. I stand here to support this motion. Thank you so much.

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity. West Nile has been invaded by illegal gold miners in Metal Hills, Terego, and Yumbe. More often than not, these people do not follow the occupational safety and health rules; no helmets and no gloves. They enter tunnels that have a lot of heat and when they come out, they fall sick yet they are not catered for. All this will be taken into consideration. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join colleagues in thanking the Committee on Budget. The issues of schools; improvement and expansion of all traditional schools in Terego District. We have schools that are in dire need of improvement. These are; Ombatini, Aria, Otumbari and others. I think, the Governments should consider the expansion of these schools. In the health sector, Mr Speaker; there are sickle cell patients in this country. You can only get treatment of sickle cell when you go to Mulago. In Arua Regional Referral Hospital, the patients are fed on morphine to deal with the pain. It is really painful. It is important that

Thank you Mr Speaker. Yesterday I raised an issue of illegal gold-mining in Terego. Odupi and the Ore River is totally contaminated. We have Chinese miners there, and my people are being exploited. Can I get an answer from the Government on how these Chinese reached Terego without documents that permit them to be in Terego in the mineral place? They are busy terrorising the people of Terego and Yumbe. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I rise on a matter of national importance. Terego District has illegal gold mining activities going on in Odupi Sub-county, Okavu Parish in Onivu village, which has contaminated the entire Ore River. This is causing a lot of disturbance to the people. This river is shared by both Yumbe and Terego. These people do not have any document that allows them to do any mining and there is nothing that shows that they are legal miners. My prayer is to request Government to give us an update on what is happening because these are Chinese who are based in Terego and crossing both Terego and Yumbe. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is good to be appreciated, but the issue of the rural communities- the unit costs, and the dry wells. They are supplying nothing in our local communities, and once there are breakages, there are no repairs. The communities where they are picking water from do not get an outlet. If you are picking water from this particular village and you do not give them water that is from the town councils, Terego has Omugo, and it has no water. They are boasting we have given Terego water. It is better to get our water under the ministry rather than getting it from national water because it is a very stressful thing for the local people. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. I thank the minister for the able response, but she has not said anything about leprosy, which is on the increase in West Nile. In the whole country, West Nile leads in leprosy. Unfortunately, Terego leads in the whole country. In 2020, the whole country had a total number of 234 cases of leprosy. West Nile alone had 165 cases out of the 234. In 2021, the national figure was 407 and West Nile had 384. In 2022, the national figure was 581, West Nile had 439 and so forth. Madam Speaker, people still treat leprosy as a curse, therefore, making the victims isolated. They do not have any help because they end up losing their fingers and toes. In most cases, they have advanced wounds. Madam Speaker –

Are you from Terego?

14736 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Water and Environment is implementing the Integrated Water Management and Development Project across the country. Subcomponent 1.2 of the project targets construction of water supply and sanitation systems in refugee-hosting districts in Western Nile and northern Uganda. The refugee-hosting districts that were targeted to benefit from the project include Moyo, Madi-Okollo, Terego, Yumbe, Adjumani, and Lamwo in West Nile and Kiryandongo District in the mid-western. A total of six solar-powered water supply systems in six rural growth centres of Awoba, Rodo, Goboro, Lomunga, Lobe and Nyori were planned to be constructed in Yumbe District. Furthermore, Enyau Gravity Flow Scheme will cover part of Ariwa Sub-county, including Zone 5 of Bidi-Bidi Refugee Settlement. A total of 26 sanitation facilities will also be constructed along the water supply system in Yumbe District. Due to foreign exchange losses, the project is not able to implement all the activities as had been planned. Furthermore, the feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs have recommended the inclusion of water treatment processes due to the quality of the underground water that required full-scale conventional treatment that was not envisioned at the project proposal. The inclusion of the water treatment processes ultimately made the system costlier as compared to the planned cost. As a result of these changes, the project had to be reprioritised by reducing a number of systems to be implemented across the project districts to match the available resources. The water supply systems that were ultimately chosen for implementation are those that provided the highest impact. I mean those with high yielding borehole sources and covering large populations. Therefore, this reprioritisation affected the mentioned rural growth centres of Nyori, Rodo, and Awoba. Madam Speaker and Members, with available funding, the project will therefore construct the three solar-powered water supply systems of Goboro, Lomunga and Lobe, and Anyau Gravity Flow Scheme which will also cover parts of Ariwa Sub-county and Zone 5 of Bidi- Bidi Refugee Settlement in Yumbe. Government will continue to source for finances to construct the remaining three solar- powered water supply systems of Rodo, Awoba and Nyori in Yumbe and the other systems that have been left out in other districts as well. The designs for all the systems have been completed and will be implemented as soon as funds are available. Hon. Byakatonda again, the question is: Why are pensioners attached to Mbale Hospital have discrepancies in their pension payments whereby officers with same seniority, that is, title and duration of service, but who retired in different years, would be paid a different monthly pension? Madam Speaker, my response is a statement of law and facts: i) The Public Service Pension Scheme is an un-funded PAYGO and non-contributory, Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Scheme. The Scheme rules are provided under Article 254 (1) of the 1995 Constitution, which for avoidance of doubt, states that, “A public officer shall, on retirement, receive such pension as is commensurate with his or her rank, salary, and length of service.” ii) Article 254(2) on the other hand, provides that, “the pension payable to any person shall be exempt from tax and shall be subject to periodic review to take account of changes in the value of money.” iii) The parameters and formula used to compute pension and gratuity are further provided by the Pensions Act, Cap 89, and Regulations therein. And these are: [Ms Nabbanja] PRIME MINISTER’S TIME

Thank you. Is the motion seconded? (Members rose_) Okay, it is seconded by Hon. Silas Aogon, Hon. Susan Abeja, Hon. Philiphs Lokwang, Hon, Flavia Kabahenda, Hon. Christine Kaaya, Hon. Agnes Taaka, Hon. Ssolo, Hon. Rose Obigah, honourable Member for Terego, Hon. Kakande, Hon. Mushemeza, Hon. Kirumira, Hon. Dr Bwanika, the honourable Member for Mukono, honourable Member for Gulu, honourable Member for Oyam, honourable Member for Kyamuswa and all colleagues. Thank you. Honourable, in three minutes, speak to the motion. It is very direct; I give two minutes to each colleague.

Thank you very much. I stand to defend this Bill. Mr Speaker, if you see coloured food that is literally contaminated – vis-à-vis the locally produced food by our parents and ourselves. It is made cheap and available to the communities right in the last village of Terego. Bottled drinks with very sweet names that can prompt you to take it. At the end of the day, you are either obese or you have deficiencies. If we do not regulate these kinds of unnecessary adverts that derail people from determining to eat the right foods – Additionally, we have so many young girls/ teenage pregnancies in our communities who think their children should be best fed on these fizzy foods. At the end of the day, we get malnourished children, and those with so many deficiencies and performance in classes and other types of work. It is imperative upon us as a Parliament to come up, support this Bill and make sure that we pass it. Because this is where we are going to determine the future of Uganda. For example, it is a problem for KFC to get our potatoes here from Kabale. They get their potatoes from South Africa, thinking that our potatoes in Uganda have deficiency, who tested this? There are many aflatoxins in our food. By passing this Bill, we are going to determine the quality of food we are producing- far from suffering from losing market for our food to Kenya and the rest. Thank you, so much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would also like to thank both committees for the good reports raised. I will focus on the situation of education in West Nile. The situation of primary schools in some of the West Nile districts is very bad. The state of the schools there is despicable. Recently, we went on an oversight trip with the Committee on Local Government and Public Service and we visited Terego and Madi- Okollo. I am seeing some of the MPs here. In one of the schools in Terego - I remember it was called Obivu Community -

We went with the Committee of Local Government and Public Service. In Terego, we visited Obivu Community Primary School and we found that the whole school was operating from a grass-thatched mud-and-wattle church. The classrooms were identified through groups in the corners: P.7 was a group in a corner; P.1 was a group in a corner; P.3 – the whole school was operating from a single grass-thatched church. This was very bad. Mr Speaker, we were not surprised to find that Terego and Madi-Okollo were some of the worst-performing districts in the last Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). Among the last performing districts, Terego and Madi-Okollo are there. The MPs are here and they can attest.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I will interest myself in the report of the Committee on Education and Sports. Thank you, my brother, from Hoima for informing the House about the schools in Terego. I come from Terego where you will find over 500 pupils in one class, pupils studying under trees and the schools are in dire need of renovation; these are traditional schools. The secondary schools of Ombatini, Aripea, and Aria need renovation. One of the hardest things to discuss in this House is education because Members themselves own schools and so, it becomes very difficult to come up with policies that can work for this country; even the Minister himself. It makes it very difficult to debate issues that can bring government schools to a level where they can compete favourably. The traditional schools of this country are no longer attractive to the parents and the students and are, therefore, abandoned.

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

Madam Speaker, I want to raise an issue concerning a road from Yumbe town to a river called Ore, which is on the border with Yumbe and Terego. In 2018, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japanese Agency for Development, gave $24.5 million to work on that 23.5 kilometres road. However, since 2018, the Government has never committed any counterpart funding to pay project-affected persons. And yet this was a grant given in relation to the hosting of refugees. Many times in Parliament, we apply for loans as Government, and some of these loans are got from commercial institutions at a very high interest rate. I am wondering why the Government cannot take advantage of a grant to work on this road. When we had a meeting with JICA in June, they said that the money was depreciating. Instead of this money working on a 23.5 kilometres road, due to depreciation, the current money can only work on 14 kilometres. Sometimes we also wonder about Government decisions. Secondly, the road between Koboko-Yumbe- Moyo has a lot of contradictions. The grant given by the World Bank was in 2020. Compensations started in 2021. These projects should have started by January 2023. It is supposed to be a three-year project that is 36 months. However, due to contradictions in procurement, we lost 15 months. When we had a meeting with the World Bank, they said that the project spill over may be handled by the Government. As we speak, other contradictions have come up that there are environmentally related challenges and yet on the 16 th of April, we had a meeting with the World Bank team and they said that all the contradictions concerning that road were handled and there was no problem. However, we are now saying there is another challenge. As of now, we have lost almost two years. We are left with just 17 months to work on this road, should the road not be completed within that project period, we are also worried that this same road will have a challenge. Therefore, we really need an explanation from the Government on these two areas – as to why these issues cannot be handled. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity. I support the motion urging the Government to prioritise and increase resource allocation for livestock farming in northern Uganda. Recently, the Government secured a market in Nigeria for milk and milk products worth $500 million annually. Therefore, it would be a good thing for northern Uganda to also take the opportunity and benefit from that market, which the country has secured. One thing that has to be done is to improve the breeds of animals in northern Uganda. For example, Karamoja has the largest number of cattle, but it does not produce milk. When you check the records of the Dairy Development Authority, you will notice that no milk comes from Karamoja, just because of the poor breed of animals. I know when money is invested in this sector, the breeds will improve and therefore we can also benefit from the market that the Government has secured. Recently, the Woman Member of Parliament for Terego informed Parliament about the type of cows that are in West Nile. She said the cows in Terego look like goats. It means they are so poor that they cannot even give any economic benefits. Take a look at the ranches in this country. For instance, in northern Uganda, we have Aswa Ranch, which is intended to benefit the communities and improve the breeds; it is in Pader. When you come to Lango, there is Maruzi Ranch, which also has challenges, but has not been attracting any money. In Karamoja, it is empty. There is no ranch. In West Nile, we have Got-Apwoyo, but it has also been having challenges. So, it would really be good for this Parliament and for the Government to make a deliberate effort to ensure that more money is put into these ranches and also in other areas that are deserving, like Karamoja, so that the animal population is improved. Otherwise, I thank the movers and I know we are on the right path. Thank you.

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

It is a national road but towards the end, Zika Forest has taken about 24 kilometres of it. However, the main part is not considered anywhere. Then there is a Katrini-Nadi road, which connects to Koboko-Arua Road, which should also be taken up. Madam Speaker, I would like to talk about what Dr Ayume has just presented. We borrow money to fund roads in this country. However, the locals do not know the value of these loans. I will request that Government puts funds together or we borrow money to do about 10 kilometres of roads in all the town councils for in at least every district; instead of every Member coming here to complain about roads. Like in Terego, people there can only put their feet on tarmac when they come for treatment in Arua City, which is totally wrong. And yet these are taxpayers who do not know the value of the loans we borrow, if this House can adopt and resolve-

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

Thank you. Napak, Terego representatives and Youth Western.

Thank you. I can confirm that commitment because two weeks ago, I took the letter to the President. Therefore, with the Prime Minister now also coming, I am sure the President promised; it is going to be paid. Yes, I had picked the representative from Terego.

Member for Napak, Shema, Buhweju and Kumi then I pick Bugiri, Terego, Jinja and Fort Portal. For areas where you do not see your Woman Member of Parliament, you can declare yourself a woman and then I will see what to do. (Laughter)

Honourable member for Bugiri and the then honourable member for Terego.

Honourable member for Terego and then honourable member for Jinja.

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

13456 PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET SPEECH FY 2024/2025 Water, sanitation and environment protection As a result of Government intervention, more Ugandans now have access to safe, clean water. Coverage in rural areas is now estimated at 67 per cent and 70 per cent in urban areas. Out of the 71,225 villages, 56,617 villages have been served with at least one safe water source. In the Financial Year 2024/2025, clean water coverage will increase to 70 per cent and 85 per cent in rural and urban areas respectively. In the rural areas, the target is to reduce the distance to the nearest source of clean and safe water for human and animal consumption to less than one kilometre while in urban areas to less than 500 metres. The following are among the priorities we have budgeted for the next financial year: v. Construction of 52 large solar-powered water supply systems in 19 districts that are currently at less than 50 per cent water coverage. These are - let me mention them; Agago, Yumbe, Amudat, Kaabong, Bulambuli, Buvuma, Buyende, Namayingo, Rakai, Nakaseke, Sembabule, Kibaale, Kasese, Kyegegwa, Mubende, Lyantonde, Kakumiro, Kassanda and Kisoro; vi. Construction of another 15 solar-powered water supply systems in the rural growth centres of Lwentulege, Bugwara, Kabamba, Kikoora, Mwitanzige, Lugala, Kitenga, Bukizibu/Bumwena, Igwaya, Kidera, Bugomolwa, Kitonge - Nakasero, Kikonge, Kasese and Lubaali. This will cover a population of over 272,000 persons; vii. Completion of the construction of 31 town water supply systems and sanitation facilities in Bulangira, Kanapa, Aligoi, Opengate Kawo, Karago, Nyakashaka, Buikwe, Bundibugyo, Kapchorwa, Kamuli, Namasale, Kaliro - Namungalwe, Butaleja–Busolwe, Budaka–Kadama- Tirinyi-Kibuku, Kyankwanzi, Butemba, Ngoma, Lunya, Palabek-Kal (Lamwo), Obongo, Lamwo, Rhino Camp, Arra/ Dufile, Amuru, Kole, Alangi, Zeu, Kakingol, Iriiri and Lorengacora; viii. Construction of 17 rural water supply systems in the refugee hosting districts of Adjumani, Lamwo, Madi-Okollo, Moyo, Terego and Yumbe; ix. Progress of the construction of 26 water supply systems at various stages in Manafwa (now at 80 per cent), Mukura (40 per cent), Kidera (40 per cent), Atutur (40 per cent), Kadungulu (10 per cent), Kaproron (10 per cent), Iyolwa (20 per cent), Bukumi (5 per cent), Rubaya (50 per cent), Bethlehem - Nabigasa, Phase 1 (50 per cent), Kabura - Mwizi Phase 1 (50 per cent), Mabira (50 per cent), Bukiro (50 per cent), Nyabisirira (50 per cent), Bugarama - Karweru (50 per cent), Rwere - Kateretere (50 per cent), Kagarama – Bushura - Kibuzigye (50 per cent), Nyanseke (80 per cent), Busaale (95 per cent), Kibuzi (100 per cent), Adilang, Puranga (Pader), Kasawo, Phase 1 (5 per cent), Kyebando - Kasimbi (5 per cent), Nabilatuk and Losilang; and x. Increasing the water for production storage capacity for commercial farmers from 52.6 million cubic metres to 76.8 million cubic metres. To support the restoration of our environment and reverse the effects of climate change, Government shall undertake the restoration of 42,450 hectares of degraded wetlands along the Awoja, Kandekye - Ruhorobero, Nchwera, Chambura, Kiruruma, Naigombwa, Kibimba, Tochi, Aswa, Sezibwa, Mayanja, Muzizi, Mpanga and Lumbuye water systems. In addition, Government shall demarcate a 720-kilometre boundary with concrete pillars along the following wetlands; Kibimba, Tochi, Sezibwa, Mayanja, Muzizi,Awoja, Mpologoma, Ishasha, Kandekye, Ruhorobero, Nchwera, Chambura, Kiruruma and Naigombwa. A total of 15 million seedlings of assorted tree species shall be procured and distributed to individual farmers in several districts as well as to refugee-

\;. ,, ,- i. }lL tu .,./ l -rfu \, I ffi P d 1 41" i ..- I =+*i: _.1 - / r \ Vote Description Amouat (OOO') 39,r92,9t4 902 Nakaseke District 903 Nakasongola District 3 1,339,971 904 Namayingo District 24,254,473 905 Namisindwa District 3t,27t,520 Namutumba District 33,601,552 906 907 Napak District 18,335,569 908 Nebbi District 3t,604,472 909 Ngora District 22,787,323 910 Ntoroko District 16,176,344 911 Ntungamo District 60,306,t24 9t2 Nwoya District 22,660,361 913 Obongi District L3,625,732 9t4 Omoro District 26,662,006 915 Otuke District 20,1OO,789 9L6 Oyam District 40,233,515 \rz Pader District 30,440,385 I s\a Pakwach District 22,888,O83 919 Pallisa District 36,368,2L1 920 Rakai District 39,855,468 92r Rubanda District 30,627,663 922 Rubirizi District 23,403,496 923 Rukiga District 2t,899,306 924 Rukungiri District 44,4to,975 925 Rwampara District 21,596,061 926 Sembabule District 33,249,O59 - 927 Serere District 35,784,457 928 Sheema District 3t,378,544 929 Sironko District 35,653,624 930 Soroti District 23,844,786 931 Terego District 23,87r,940 932 Tororo District 62,770,477 {7 {-.. 16 ir[

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, my brother, for giving way. Terego District, as you know, is still the last district that has been created in Uganda. We could not proceed with anything until we got somebody from the ministry to go and see how the planning of the district was done. Therefore, there is no district that can proceed with construction or anything unless it gets permission or it gets planning people to do its planning. If Maracha District did not do this, it is a mess and, definitely, maybe they will have to break down your houses. I would like to say that the ministry has not slept on the job. At least in Terego, they have been there. Thank you.

Yes, I appreciate your concern. When we listen properly, we are able to provide useful information. (Laughter) My point is that under the law, the ministers are supposed to bring us a report on the various activities in the various districts to show that there is compliance with the law. If Terego District was complying, we would have that report here. If Maracha District is complying, we would have it here. It would be the same for Kampala and every district. It would be the basis for us to conclude that the law is being put to use and, at that point, we would assess our relevance. So, my sister, Hon. Rose, we welcome the fact that Terego is complying, but we must recognise that there is no report brought here in relation to compliance by the local governments and that is important for Parliament to check. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Listening to the proposals by Hon. Oguzu Lee, I realise that his proposal is pro-poor, pro-people, more effective and more transparent. (Applause) Some of us do not even know how this scheme has been operating. People come to you and ask, “We want to be part of this quota”, but you look for it and do not get it. A Member of Parliament cannot trace the loan scheme. It is very difficult to find it, especially for us who come from local districts. I would like to suggest that we go by this approach because it is more transparent and effective. Thank you. (Applause) MS ROSE OBIGAH (NRM, woman Representative, Terego: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank my brother, Hon. Oguzu and all of you –

Hon. Oguzu Lee. Today you have joined me to swim in the waters of the rural people. We are so happy because of this scheme. A district like Terego without computers or electricity – Honestly, you are to apply online and pay Shs 50,000. If you are saying it is a scheme to help the vulnerable, why are you again asking for Shs 50,000? After applying, one does not even get a response. One goes to apply for it at a computer centre and they go back home without even knowing what happens and the shortlists are made without their name. I beg we go by the quota system so that my rural people in Terego can also get a share. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is a pity that we are still grappling with this challenge in this country. We went to Terego District and, as a surprise, we found that 2,320 girls had been impregnated in a space of seven months. This is just one district – (Interjections)- yes, Terego District. Therefore, the rate of teenage pregnancies is extremely alarming. I was there with the honourable Woman Member of Parliament for Arua. Madam Speaker, this is a challenge that is in all our districts. It is very unfortunate because the Government has provided Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education programmes, which we actually thought would keep the girls in school. Therefore, it cannot be a responsibility of Women Members of Parliament only to end these teenage pregnancies. It is for all, especially the male Members of Parliament because it is the men that impregnate the girls. (Interjections) So, let it be an effort by all of us. Let it be all of us. (Interjections) This is what I am saying: let it be a task for all of us, not only the Women Members of Parliament, to end the teenage pregnancies in this country.

Thank you so much. It will be very important for Members of Parliament to remain on. At times, we attend Plenary online but if we are cut off, how do we attend Plenary in the village? How will the people of Terego gather and say, “Great, our Woman MP is live from Terego”? We have a challenge of computers in Terego; so, as you are supplying computers to other districts, kindly, remember me because I am from a baby district. Thank you.

Hon. Rose, you are live now. The people of Terego have seen you but when you were voted in, you were voted to come and attend Plenary. Much as we amended the rules, that can happen only under certain circumstances that may not allow you to be on this Floor.

12685 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA FRIDAY, 12 APRIL 2024 1. On allowances and other facilitation for part-time lecturers, the committee recommended that the allowances of part- time staff be declassified in the Chart of Accounts of allowances and be provided at different classifications to protect from possible future budget cuts. That LDC be provided with an additional Shs 3.5 billion on its non-wage recurrent budget, to cater for allowances of part-time staff. 2. Completion of construction of the LDC multi-storied building The committee recommended that: (i) The Development Committee of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development finalises approval of this project as it has the potential to generate income once completed. (ii) The Government provides Shs 70 billion to the LDC development budget for the completion of the multi-storeyed building across the medium-term starting with the Financial Year 2024/2025. (iii) Operationalisation of the Mbale Regional Campus. The committee noted that the operationalisation of this centre is overdue and requires to be considered. The committee recommended that: The Government provides Shs 2 billion during the Financial Year 2024/2025 to fully operationalise the Mbale Regional Campus. On page 32, Uganda Law Reform Commission Replacement of ageing fleet of vehicles The committee recommends that Shs 1 billion be provided to the Commission to acquire four station wagons to facilitate stakeholders’ consultation, sensitisation of laws across the country. Vote 102: Electoral Commission The committee recommends that additional Shs 756.988 billion be provided to enable the Commission to conduct activities that have statutory timelines before general elections take place. Outstanding Wage Bill The committee recommends that: i) The outstanding wage bill of Shs 11.16 billion be provided to the Electoral Commission. ii) Shs 1.66 billion for remuneration of staff in the 10 new cities and Terego District be provided during Financial Year 2024/2025. The conduct of by-elections The committee recommends that Shs 13 billion be provided to enable the Electoral Commission to organise and conduct by- elections as prescribed by law. Uganda Registration Services Bureau, page 35 (i) Establishment and implementation of the Directorate of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (URSB) The committee recommends an additional Shs 2.94 billion be provided to URSB to establish and implement the Directorate of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights, as guided by the Government. (ii) Data disaster recovery site The committee recommends that an additional Shs 3.5 billion be provided to enable URSB develop a data disaster recovery site. (iii) Rent arrears The committee recommends an additional Shs 3.2 billion be provided to enable URSB settle its rent arrears.

Thank you, honourable chairperson. Colleagues I open the debate now. We will start with - Members of the committee, please do not dare. LOP, I will get to you a bit later. Hon. Kabanda is already on the microphone. He has smuggled himself to the microphone. Let us first sort out this problem of Hon. Kabanda, we go to Hon. Ameede, Hon. Solomon, the three colleagues, and then I come here. Colleagues, stand up. I see the ones who are - Hon. Kabanda, Hon. Ameede, Hon. Solomon, Hon. Ekanya, Member for Kyegegwa, Member for Terego, Hon. Otimgiw. Let us make a deal. Colleagues who have stood up are the ones who will speak because I have people who will come in later and want to confuse - Let us summarise so that -

Thank you, Mr Speaker. In the same vein, I join my colleagues in applauding the committee for a very good report. West Nile has been on tobacco as a cash crop or trade crop. As the committee presented on what is taking place in the trade sector, they have not had a thought about West Nile. Other areas have coffee or tea, but for West Nile after tobacco, then what? What can we trade in? This is the only crop that can put money in households. Two, on this Floor, we did mention that we used to have white rhinos. We have requested severally: can we transport these white rhinos so that they can produce and we have something in West Nile? We used to have so many tourists coming for white rhinos in West Nile. However, I have not heard this. Through you, Mr Speaker, I request that the white rhinos be relocated. Terego District had also written to the tourism sector that we –(Interjection) - thank you, Mr Speaker. Through you, we had requested that the mountain have a lot of other animals and we had said that the tourism ministry should go and see what else they can add, but this has not been done. If it is not done, how shall we expand on tourism? Regarding Murchison Falls National Park, we have not met the standard at most of these national parks. The quality of trees or even the roads is still substandard. The vehicles that are used by the tourists leave a lot to be desired. I think we need to standardise the type of vehicles that should be used in our tourism sector, because it has a lot to do with the comfort of the tourists. Lastly, we need to add money to the tourism sector. My brother is itching –(Member timed out.)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have received the budget for the next financial year. However, sometimes, in this House, we discuss various reports from the accountability committees. While visiting some of the districts like Terego, Abim and while interacting with our local government leaders in Tororo, what was brought to our attention is the challenge that the local governments are having: the issue of returning money –

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It hurts for this House to appropriate funds and they are not utilised by local governments because of certain contradictions or challenges within Government systems. Local governments have resources to recruit staff, but they cannot. The Minister of Public Service was here, but unfortunately, he has walked out. As Uganda Women’s Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), we visited Abim and Terego. While interacting with my district leaders in Tororo, this matter was raised. They have the money and some of them have even gone through the process, but the money is going to be returned. Madam Speaker, we need to support local governments because this is where service delivery is yet without staff they cannot do that. [Mr Opolot-Isiagi] LAYING OF PAPERS

On the issue of saying the Acholi Parliamentary group when they go, will come back to enrich – this issue was on the Floor of Parliament less than three weeks ago and money was already spent, people went on the ground. I live with the people of Terego and I get every information I know from my friends on the Acholi Parliamentary Forum who have been with our people who are suffering from Nodding Disease. This is a very embarrassing disease in the community. Much as I am from Terego, we all know we know Nodding Syndrome. Mr Speaker, this is a very embarrassing disease in the community. Much as I am from Terego, we all know that nodding syndrome has not been given attention in the area of research. We are all interested in talking and getting solutions to this. It is already on the Floor of Parliament. I do not see any reason of deferring this, but propose that debate continues. If there is anything additional, you always give chance to all the Members from that area to add it here on the Floor of Parliament because it is so current. Thank you.

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

Mr Speaker, I thank the chairperson for this motion. Half the population of Terego are refugees and half are the host community. The refugees have brought in a lot of development in Terego. If you see the funds coming from DRDIP that have built the district headquarters of Terego, it is because of the refugees. Even the most recent ambulance was given to Terego East because of the refugees. West Nile stayed in South Sudan and Congo for such a long time. Thank God some of my colleagues here have never known what it means to be a refugee. We should treat these people with dignity. These are human beings. They have come not because they want your country. They have come because there is a challenge back home. It is only human to be human to them. The few challenges they are having currently, we can address them. Last week, I was able to appreciate all the first graders of PLE, inclusive of refugees. I do not segregate between refugees and the host community because they have been with us for over 20 years. I agree with hosting refugees. If you do not want the ones in Isingiro, please send them to Terego. We still have a lot of land. Thank you.

Let us hear from the Member for Terego.

Honourable member, wait a bit. Please, honourable colleagues, the Rules of Procedure are very clear. Here, we work through the Rules of Procedure. When a debate is on a certain matter, we debate that matter. We do not have cows in Mitooma; I do not own cows. Instead, I grow coffee, but the debate we have now is on FMD. Yes, Member for Terego.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join colleagues in supporting what the minister has just presented on the Floor of Parliament. Our cows in Terego are almost like goats. We have had the honour to have the big cows so that we improve our breed in Terego. If we are going to have these cows dying –(Interjections) - Mr Speaker, I seek your protection. If we are going to have these cows dying of disease, honestly, Terego will not have the chance to improve the breed of its cows. I think we need to have a supplementary budget so that we can get the right medicine and the control must continue. In this country, fake medicines continue to come, but this does not stop the Government from ensuring quality control. I am in total agreement so that my people can have better quality cows so that we can marry out of them. Thank you. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS [Mr Ayoo]

Thank you. Let us have the honourable lady from Iganga, honourable lady from Rukungiri, honourable lady from Kibale, honourable lady from Kanungu, honourable lady from Arua, honourable lady from Terego, honourable lady from Kiboga and the honourable lady from Butambala. (Laughter) Let me start with the ladies – and the honourable lady from Napak. Please, in that order, let us do it quickly and then I go to the honourable men. (Laughter)

Thank you. Let us listen to the Member for Terego and then Member for Kiboga.

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker, for your wise guidance. The committee addressed itself clearly on UgIFT and USMID, but they have forgotten about the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP). It is a very huge donor fund in mostly refugee- hosting districts and Terego is seeing a lot of light because of it. So, each time you are talking about donor funding, kindly remind yourselves about DRDIP, because Terego suffered a lot of setbacks on the DRDIP funding. Most of our projects almost collapsed, but I would like to thank Government because we were given a six-month window. I also want to thank you for the recommendations you have made, but I would like to say remember areas like the elderly; and the Social Assistance for the Elderly (SAGE). If you have funding, that may be lying around and you do not know where to put it, kindly know that we have elderly people who have not been taken care of and have not been paid. Unless we think about them - most of us are now clocking that age and we have parents who have reached that age. It is a set time bomb. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I want to thank the Budget Committee, particularly on the issue of buying road equipment for the new districts. I would not want to mince my words here. Much as colleagues are saying they are all districts and they do not have the equipment, this is not fair to the new district. Roads of Terego have now become gullies and valleys. Let us be there for each other. I would think with the meagre resources in this country, we should start with the new districts, because we can no longer borrow from the old districts. They do not want to give us the equipment as if they are their personal property. We have fuel but we cannot work on our roads. In December, we were set to receive this new equipment but up to now, it has gone to the Budget Framework Paper. I hope this time it will not be words or writings, but it will materialise. Secondly, I want to thank you for the issue of police in prisons. Honestly, we need to allocate more resources to these entities. If you go to the remand homes, you will cry. I do not know whether they are now remand homes or they have also been turned into prisons. Food for prisons is not enough. Police are going through hell. Uniforms have grown so old. We need more allocation to those entities. Then to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, we have street children. We have been trying to rehabilitate these street children, but the funding allocated is so meagre and they now go and they come back to the streets. We need to increase the money in that sector and we need to be able to give more money to recruitment or probation offices. I hope as we put money in batches, we have not forgotten the tobacco farmers of West Nile. Honestly, if we can compensate for the Hoima Region, why have you neglected the West Nile? We have had several meetings with you, and we have talked about this, unless you do not want us the MPs of West Nile to come back, we are sitting on a time bomb and we are part of this House. We want this issue of West Nile tobacco farmers set aside in this current budget. If not, then we will need to - (Member timed out.)

Madam Speaker, I beg to designate the following to the Standing Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation: Hon. Eng. Alex Niyonsaba – Chairperson; and Hon. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki – Deputy Chairperson. The members are: 1. Hon. Luke Kyobe – Luuka Ciounty North; 2. Hon. Seth Wambede – Mbale North Division; 3. Hon. Esther Mbayo - Luuka; 4. Hon. Tony Awany – Nwoya County; 5. Hon. Ojok Andrew Olanya – Omoro County; 6. Hon. James Kubeketerya – Bunya County East; 7. Hon. Bosco Okiror – Usuk County; 8. Hon. Adome Francis Lorika – Moroto Municipality; 9. Hon. Okot Boniface Henry – Youth, Northern; 10. Hon. Werikhe Peter Christopher – Bubulo County West; 11. Hon. Joel Leku – Terego County West; 12. Hon. Okori-Moe Janet – Abim; 13. Hon. Ezama Siraji – Aringa County; 14. Hon. Feta Geoffrey – Ayivu Div. East; 15. Hon. Irene Muloni - Bulambuli; 16. Hon. Yona Musinguzi – Ntungamo Municipality; and 17. Hon. Ninkusiima John Paul – Ibanda County South. For the record, Hon. Kubeketerya and Hon. Irene Muloni were earlier on read as members on the Appointments Committee, which is allowed under the rules of this House. I beg to designate, Madam Speaker.

10594 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT Secondly, for other countries to say that we have aflatoxins, Terego District harbours more than 200,000 refugees, a little more than the number of the host community. Now, what are these refugees eating? Is it not the so-called maize they claim has aflatoxins? They are trying to get a loophole to divert our minds that our maize is not good. We need to seal each and every avenue for this kind of loophole. Honourable minister, I beg that this comes from your ministry because it will help us the farmers. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. It brings chills into my blood when I hear about drugs or vaccines getting spoiled. It has become a normal thing in the Ministry of Health to see drugs get spoiled. Can we understand how we can make good use of our drugs before they get spoiled? Lastly, we had a lot of beds, bedside drawers and other things. When I went to Namboole to pick beds for Terego, I almost wept. A lot of beds and other things under the Ministry of Health were dumped and wasted. However, when we requested to pick more, we were not allowed. I want a clear message from the minister on how they intend, to keep Government property, especially after the whole situation has calmed down. Thank you.

Hon. Yeri, you have written a very good justification, which you uploaded. If you could read it, it would make it very easy. Also, avoid looking into the eyes of the Member from Terego and Hon. Kibalya. You can look at the Speaker.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Indeed, I am burning with an issue here: I do not know whether we have anything called Gulu equipment centre. We do not have. In Terego, the roads have closed. Mr Speaker, I invite you to Terego. You will have to fly and remain there. We do not have anything – (Laughter)

You said good things come from Terego; so, I am happy to remain in Terego. (Laughter)

You are going to miss them. (Laughter) I really beg that we should get serious with these centres, especially the one of northern Uganda. There are many new districts, and we are suffering. If you want the equipment at the regional centres, you cannot get them. My district chairman has invited the entire Ministry of Works and Transport to see how bad Terego is. Thank you very much.

I also congratulate His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, on this important day. Three days ago, I attended a graduation in Kololo of 16,797 young people. They graduated in areas of welding, tailoring – basically vocational skills. This is a type of graduation that I had never seen take place in this country. If we gear up and give jobs to young people and do such training, we shall get young people moving very well, as we commemorate the International Youth Day. The question I ask the minister is; how are we going to roll out this good programme throughout the country? This is because the graduates whose ceremony we attended in Kololo came from the Kampala Metropolitan Area. Secondly, when are we rolling out the President’s programme to different areas to reach as far as Terego? I always see my sister from Terego saying she is the most rural representative – when is the programme reaching that area; northern, eastern and western Uganda? Otherwise, I thank this Government for starting to take care of young people. There will be stability and the country will move on perfectly well if we all embrace it as Parliament, and the

Thank you. For the record, the Member of Parliament from Terego represents a rural area, but she is not rural.

I saw the finance minister nodding to that . (Laughter) You have touched his heart; with the Shs 2 billion for our young people- No clarification, because there is no one on the Floor. Clarification applies when there is someone on the Floor. (Laughter) On the issue- please. Honourable colleagues, on the issue of education, I raised that issue and the President responded to me- honourable minister, maybe when you are responding it will be good if you update us. He said there is a commission he put in place that is doing a review chaired by the Hon. Amanya Mushega and he said this is one of the issues they should look at. Therefore, when you are going to respond, it is one of the issues that we need an update on. Scholarships are being given to the children of the rich. (Applause) Honourable colleagues, it is our children who can – and yet there are many ways to reward students for hard work. For a student to come from Terego or Mitooma and score marks for medicine – you have left children of the poor to study courses like education and social sciences and that is why they cannot compete for jobs. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT [Ms Kirabo]

Thank you. Honourable minister, I think it is very helpful when you say that. Honourable colleagues, if you have lines in your area that have lasted one, two or three years and they are still stuck, it is very important that you inform the minister. This is part of your oversight role, which also helps her to go to her staff and say: “You are telling me A, B, C and D but the MP is telling me A, B, C and D.” I will pick Hon. Itungo, Hon. Oseku, Hon. Enos, the Member from Kabarole, Hon. Mutiwa, Hon Byanyima, Hon. Esenu, the Member from Kanungu, Hon. Naigaga – our champion – and then the Member from Kaberamaido. No, for Namutumba, I have picked Hon. Naigaga; she should speak for Namutumba. Hon. Pacuto, the Member from Terego – I will allow, you, the chairperson of the committee. For the islands, I will pick Hon. Migadde. I will then pick Hon. Kaberuka – Hon. Kahonda, do not mind; I am speaking for Mitooma (Laughter). Hon. Fox, Hon. Rwemulikya – for Bugisu, I am picking Hon. Nangoli - Acholi? Which area is Jonam? For Karamoja, I will pick Hon. Stella. Sebei? You had already spoken. Honourable colleagues, I am trying to see if there is any other MP from Sebei, who is around and has not yet spoken. Yes, I will pick Hon. Phyllis. From Teso, I will pick Hon. Okupa.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I sincerely thank you for this opportunity, which you have given this House, to discuss matters of electricity. These are matters of life. I know that the period we are going into is a period of accountability and I know the importance of delivering electricity in your constituencies. I would like to promise that where the issues, which have been raised, are of a technical nature, I will sit with my technical people to produce a response to them. Secondly, I have captured issues that are almost similar in the constituencies; (i) There is the issue of subcounties, which are not yet connected. 433 subcounties are in my report and I promise that that is going to be a priority. I have captured the issue of a few districts that are not yet connected, that is Buvuma and Terego or Maracha. We are working on extension of power to the districts that do not

Thank you, honourable minister. This is very critical information. What I picked is the issue of the new students. Honourable minister, this loan scheme is some sort of equaliser. (Applause) It is a debt of some sort. This is the only opportunity where a student from Karamoja will go for Medicine - (Applause) - and especially critical courses. I was checking the list. For example, regarding the students you have given me, for Government sponsorship in Mitooma, I only get courses like Education and Social Works and Social Administration (SWASA) and Social Sciences. I try to check – No, that is under district quota because every district gets. - I try to see whether I can have a student for Medicine - never. I try to see whether I can have a student for Engineering, never and these are the courses for which you are rewarding people handsomely, as a Government, by saying “Scientists are going to be well paid.” Then, courses for our poor people, you have made it a policy, they have to wait until you get more money. However, these courses are being taken by people who are well-off. Therefore, this is the only course where I know that I might not get marks of Makerere, but I will get for Kampala International University (KIU) and I study Medicine, that I get or for Ndejje and I study Engineering. This is why you see us, - honourable minister, this is very serious. However, I am concerned by your statement where you are saying you will bring a supplementary. Have you reached out to these institutions to say, “do not chase our students, we are going to give you the money”? The students have been chased out of school, the new ones are stuck; they have not been admitted, what are you doing about it? Number two, you are allowed to spend money under three per cent and you report to Parliament. Why don’t you consider this as a very important priority? You use the three per cent supplementary, you release money and then, you will come here and we give you approval. Honourable minister, last time - when we are interacting with you, we interact well and we like each other so much. We show you where you are clever - Very critical items, which they know cannot fail to past pass through this House, are put under supplementary for prior approval while very questionable items are put under three per cent; you come here when you have already spent. However, you look at Hon. Kasaija saying that you refused to approve Shs one trillion. You say, “even if you refused, we will pay back the Shs one trillion?” It is a practice year after year. On this where our students are being chased and not allowed in schools, why don’t you utilise the three per cent since you have committed to the supplementary? Let me just pick a few colleagues. I am going to pick the Members from Karamoja, Teso, Bunyoro and Youths representative, Hon Esenu, Hon. Kyooma, I pick - Which district is that one? Hon. Dorcas. I have taken long without seeing you, honourable. Those ones I had already picked today, who know my policy –(Member rose_) No, wait a bit. I will pick Hon. Kangwagye, Hon. Rwemulikya, the Members from Terego, Bungokho and Sebei. Hon. Katuntu, the Members from; Jonam, Lango, Bukedi, Kabale and Dr Opio.

It is a Terego way of saying, “I will give you my support” because in Terego, we carry babies on our back. There is nothing big about that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join the rest in thanking the committee. For some of us who drive very far, the fluctuating fuel prices have become a nightmare. Indeed, my car has got an engine knock twice from the funny petrol stations we have in this country. This is because when you take off, you can only put a hundred litres and they cannot take me up to Terego. So, you have to fuel on the way and you find the wrong fuel. What is happening to this country? Do we have the right people who take measures to see to it that you Ugandans have value for money? The prices of fuel keep increasing on the way, and by the time you reach Arua, you find a totally different price. If we had a train going up to Terego, even if it stopped in Pakwach, we would be grateful. What is happening? We do not have cable cars. When we go out of this country, we learn nothing, come back with nothing, and we still say that we are capable of running this country. Drastic steps must be taken by this Parliament, to have real value for money. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The day I saw you so jovial, joining your friends and dancing, I knew that there was something beautiful coming to this country. I congratulate you. I thank my big sister, Rt Hon. Rebecca Alitwala. From the time you became the Minister for East Africa Community Affairs, it has been well with this country. I congratulate the President of this country and I want to be on record and say that when my big brother, Hon. Magogo, was in Terego, he said that the stadium there is the biggest in the whole of Greater North. (Laughter) I am yet to get a message from him on how he zeroed down on Akii Bua Stadium and put Terego second, after indicating that this baby district had a superfluous stadium. I will be grateful to take information back to Terego that it will have one of the country’s training stadiums. Mr Speaker, the captain of the She Cranes is from Terego. You can imagine the good things that are there. (Laughter) I beg that there is serious training in Onduparaka and Arua Hill – you know how these boys thrive – so that they join the rest of Uganda. I do not want to forget about the bad roads we have in Lira; Lira and West Nile have the worst roads. I am on bended knee as I ask to have these roads worked on. (Laughter) Thank you.

Colleagues, there are good things in Terego, including Hon. Rose Obigah who can stand on bended knee. (Laughter)

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I join my colleagues in supporting the motion. However, I have two concerns: First, I call upon the education ministry to take the lead. Whenever activities like these come up, the ministry does not take the lead. We have a lot of problems with the road fund money and there is a lot of confusion with this money being taken to the districts because the ministry has failed to take the lead. I, therefore, call upon the education ministry to take the lead in this programme. Secondly, I need commitment from the minister on the issue of Akii Bua Stadium; I have heard people talk about other playgrounds like the one in Terego and yet Akii Bua Stadium has been there for years. (Laughter) We may talk about it here, but at the end of the day, we may never see anything happening. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is heartbreaking to hear that Terego returned over Shs 6 billion and this includes money from donors and money as gratuity and pension. I was in Terego on Monday and I found many people crying because their pension and gratuity was not paid. Wouldn’t it be procedurally right to ask local government to explain why Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), who have no capacity are being deployed? Terego District has written several letters saying this gentleman has no capacity. He should be put where there are a few activities. Wouldn’t it be procedurally right to get an answer on the Floor of Parliament?

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

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

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

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

For instance, the supply chain challenges are; a manufacturer establishes a wholesale shop in Arua and he gives you goods at wholesale. However, he is selling at the same price you are selling, and yet you are incurring transportation costs from the production plant to Arua. The same producer also puts up a retail shop in a village in Terego. How do you compete with this person? (Applause) This is why I think the committee has produced a very good report and I support it. Thank you.

8759 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 18 MAY 2023 229) Vote 900: Nabilatuk District – Shs 8,965,015,000 230) Vote 901: Nakapiripirt District – Shs 11,039,255,000 231) Vote 902: Nakaseke District – Shs 33,609,209,000 232) Vote 903: Nakasongola District – Shs 29,199,461,000 233) Vote 904: Namayingo District – Shs 24,345,537,000 234) Vote 905: Namisindwa District – Shs 25,757,056,000 235) Vote 906: Namutumba District – Shs 29,395,177,000 236) Vote 907: Napak District – Shs 14,554,931,000 237) Vote 908: Nebbi District – Shs 28,393,138,000 238) Vote 909: Ngora District – Shs 20,015,428,000 239) Vote 910: Ntoroko District – Shs 17,856,009,000 240) Vote 911: Ntungamo District – Shs 52,482,302,000 241) Vote 912: Nwoya District – Shs 19,818,194,000 242) Vote 913: Obongi District – Shs 11,259,732,000 243) Vote 914: Omoro District – Shs 23,623,072,000 244) Vote 915: Otuke District – Shs 17,308,500,000 245) Vote 916: Oyam District – Shs 36,647,321,000 246) Vote 917: Pader District – Shs 28,538,070,000 247) Vote 918: Pakwach District – Shs 20,416,756,000 248) Vote 919: Pallisa District – Shs 32,319,522,000 249) Vote 920: Rakai District – Shs 35,470,398,000 250) Vote 921: Rubanda District – Shs 26,781,538,000 251) Vote 922: Rubirizi District – Shs 17,650,350,000 252) Vote 923: Rukiga District – Shs 21,557,840,000 253) Vote 924: Rukungiri District – Shs 40,111,677,000 254) Vote 925: Rwampara District - Shs 21,241,513,000 255) Vote 926: Ssembabule District – Shs 29,341,783,000 256) Vote 927: Serere District – Shs 32,000,876,000 257) Vote 928: Sheema District – Shs 26,927,219,000 258) Vote 929: Sironko District – Shs 32,016,598,000 259) Vote 930: Soroti District – Shs 22,110,246,000 260) Vote 931: Terego District – Shs 25,198,993,000 261) Vote 932: Tororo District – Shs 57,785,129,000 262) Vote 933: Wakiso District – Shs 78,280,713,000

8682 COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR [Mr Aza] West Parish in Lefori Subcounty. They also went ahead and attacked Goboro, Feya, Fitina Mbaya and Mgburugburuchu in Kochi Subcounty in Yumbe District. Most of the homes that were attacked and torched belong to the Aringa of Yumbe, Kakwa of Koboko and people from Maracha and Terego, who are settled near the border with South Sudan. Over 400 grass-thatched houses were torched. The Ugandans retaliated by attacking the Kuku tribe in Gwere West in Moyo District where over 100 head of cattle were driven away towards Yumbe and 20 houses were torched. This has resulted into tension, displacement of people, destruction of property, looting of domestic animals, bicycles, motorcycles, clothes, foodstuffs and torture. (Interruption)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is true; we do not accept indiscipline and harassment. Madam Speaker, the Shs 3 million that was given for Women’s Day in Terego arrived as Shs 1 million. Up to today, we do not know where the other money went. Madam Speaker, it is on record that I called the minister in charge of the presidency over the women’s day celebration because after contributing my own money to the function, I was denied the chance to be the guest of honour –

Madam Speaker, the bottom line here is this: to avoid fighting, I told RDC: “You will be the RDC of Terego, but you will not be the Woman Member of Parliament.” I have had meetings with my colleagues from the Opposition and I told them that two wrongs do not make a right. You can break your bones. It was wrong, Madam Speaker, for my sister from Hoima to take a hand and kickbox. Honestly, I want to be on record: that was wrong. I condemn it – (Member rose_)- I have not given you permission; go and sit down. Madam Speaker, our armed men are not paid well; our armed men are provoked. If they stop you, why do you go and beat them? You are wrong. Madam Speaker, it was wrong.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to draw the attention of the House to the grant-aided schools. I thank the committee for putting that in the budget. The primary school that appeared on social media, where there was one teacher in a class of about 500 pupils, is in my constituency. We really need to aid these primary schools so that we get more classroom blocks for them. It is more appealing when we continue to see retooling in the budgets that have been read. If you put all these figures together into the educational sector, I think we will be able to get more school blocks for these institutions. Secondly, there are schools on the border of Terego and Madi-Okollo; Ocea Primary School, Odobu Primary School and Ariwa Primary School. Their UPE funds go to Madi-Okollo and then the salaries come to Terego. This is the third quarter running and this has been happening for a full year. It is total confusion; we do not know where these schools belong. Therefore, it will be wise, as the ministry is here today tabling the budget, for us to know where these schools lie; where the fund is going. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

8269 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA THURSDAY, 20 APRIL 2023 Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Report of the proceedings of Parliament (Hansard) is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament. roads are doing badly and the road sector needs serious funding. However, I have concerns and I need the committee to capture them. There are those roads in West Nile that have been earmarked by donors. For instance, we have Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo Road of about 105 kilometers. The World Bank is willing and has been waiting for the Government to clear the compensation process but the procurement has taken forever. There is also the Manibe–Terego–Yumbe Road; the feasibility study and the design has taken more than 10 years. You wonder what is happening and yet we have donors who are willing to come in to tarmac our roads; I just need clarity on this. Thank you.

Thank you. Member for Terego?

Thank you. That is noted. The Member for Terego had a procedural matter.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. In the same vein, I thank the committee and the chairperson. The committee has alluded to the fact that the cows you get in West Nile are almost like goats and NAADS is going to improve our breeds; we are thankful. On irrigation, we applaud you. We thank you. West Nile has fertile soils but our rain period is really short. If we can have irrigation, we will be able to provide food for our people. We also need the hand driven tractors in big numbers. Mr Speaker, Terego has been the biggest producer of tobacco and yet we do not get a single tractor. This means that we have a lot of vast lands. Honestly, I am on bended knees, to say that Terego needs to be given first priority so that we can mechanise agriculture in this powerful district. I thank you so much.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am one person who listens to instructions and I have sat amongst colleagues who are not from West Nile. (Laughter) Mr Speaker, I still have a parish that has not received the PDM money. Terego has parishes that have up to 20 villages. Honestly, we will be cheating the other parishes that have 20 villages. I have another parish that has only four villages. It would be good if the ones that have more villages are catered for. Terego has never benefited from redesigning of villages and parishes. We are still in colonial times, meaning there is no village in Terego that has less than 300 able-bodied people. That is the least. That aside, Mr Speaker, my proposal is that the PDM be treated as a project with project managers so that we focus and give them terms and conditions other than burdening the already overburdened social workers, from community development officers to subcounty chiefs. Honestly, there are other things that are supposed to be done in the district apart from the PDM. Lastly, my people are asking when the seeds are coming. Terego does not get rain like here at the centre. I would be grateful to get feedback today on when the seeds will be delivered. Thank you.

6912 RESOLUTION TO PASS A VOTE OF CENSURE AGAINST HON. PERSIS NAMUGANZA [Ms Obigah] be the image of a home. And she did not show that she is the image of that ministry. Handing over the State Ministry of Lands to her is an insult to this country. She does not deserve to sit there anymore. Even to say a person of my calibre still needs to go for further orientation is an abuse to the people of Terego. The President did say that he was picking only the fishermen and fisherwomen, but she has given us the worst example of fisherwomen. Besides, to my party NRM, we cannot continue seeing this kind of calibre; it shows a bad image of this mighty party. Therefore, we did not choose to be on the backbench. Some of us are holding four degrees, but for her, a diploma. Therefore, she is better placed to sit at the backbench. I, therefore, support the censure motion. Thank you.

6740 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT The worst performing entities in this regard in terms of absorption capacity were Hoima City at 30 per cent, Kitgum Municipal Council at 36 per cent, Gulu City at 36 per cent and Masaka City at 37 per cent while those that absorbed 100 per cent of their releases were Arua City, Kitagwenda District Local Government, Terego District Local Government and Madi- Okollo District Local Government. (i) Cost of service in local governments The Auditor-General’s report highlighted the amount of resources spent on non-core service delivery activities such as employee costs and transfers to other units like subcounties, schools and health facilities. These amounted to Shs 1,101.75 billion, equivalent to 74 per cent of the expenditure made by the entities. In other words, on average, the Government spent three shillings on each shilling for outputs that directly affect service delivery. The entities with the highest cost of administration of over six and above, include Masaka at eight, Nakasongola at seven, Gulu City at seven, Bundibugyo at six, Mbale City at six, Kiboga at six, Mpigi at six and Arua City at six, while the most efficient local government was Kalangala and Obongi District Local Governments at 0.4 per shilling for output service delivery. (ii) Local revenue performance of Financial Year 2020/2021 The audit reports for the 60 entities reported on indicated that some local governments’ local revenue was not reported on, well aware that this is a core source of revenue for the functioning of the district councils. This denied the councils facilitation to supervise and monitor the works of local governments. These local governments included Mitooma District, Nakasongola District, Kyankwanzi District and Lamwo District. Mr Speaker, details of these are provided in Annex one. Overall, the local governments underperformed on local revenue, registering revenue underperformance of Shs 30.4 billion of the target of Shs 68.248 billion, translating into local revenue performance of only 56 per cent. The local governments that performed dismally were Kole District, Soroti City, Zombo District, Kitgum Municipal Council and Moroto District Local Government. (iv) The performance of salaries, gratuity and pensions The report of the Auditor-General highlights the planned salaries, gratuity and pensions by the entities for the financial year. The reports overall indicated that Shs 632.75 billion was approved for salaries, gratuities and pensions at the close of the financial year. And at the close of the financial year, Shs 610.543 billion was availed to pay salaries, gratuities and pensions. However, only Shs 571.3 billion was actually absorbed by the entities, causing a return of Shs 38.6 billion to the Treasury, indicating underperformance of 6.3 per cent in the budget item. Mr Speaker, the committee made observations and request Members to look through those observations. I will take you directly to recommendations: The committee recommends that – i. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development accounts for the under-release for funds to the local governments. ii. Accounting officers under whose supervision local governments fail to utilise funds released to them be held personally liable. iii. entities whose cost of administration was above six times the cost of output service delivery be subjected to further investigations to ascertain the source of the abnormality in the operation cost of the local government.

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

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

Thank you. Madam Speaker, we had cows that should have been flushed out of Terego. These were “Baralo” cows. The Minister for Internal Affairs went to Terego and instead of flushing the cows out, he flushed them in. They went with FMD and now, our indigenous goat-like cows are perishing like nobody’s business. We used to have technocrats who would stamp meat but this time, I can assure you, meat is never stamped. The people slaughter meat in any corner. Dead meat is eaten and there is no control. I suggest that NAADS should come back. I do not know what happened to NAADS. NAADS was our saviour in Terego but now, it is nowhere. I advise that NAADS should be given more money to rescue the people of Terego. Thank you.

Regarding the issue of giving more money to NAADS to address the challenges in Terego, NAADS is not responsible for disease control. NAADS has been an agency of Government to do strategic intervention, especially in providing seed and planting materials. However, you must be aware that we are rationalising Government agencies and I think we shall advise you on how we can effectively deal with people in Terego. Hon. Koluo, the issue of desilting dams - Yes, Government has been constructing dams in those areas but what is very important to note here is that some people, especially in parts of the country I do not want to mention, do not want to keep these water facilities as their own. I went to commission a water facility near Moroto and they brought all the cows and poured them in the dam. When they do it regularly, they desilt. I think it is very important that when Government constructs infrastructure for water, the community should really preserve that facility as theirs. I will be in Moroto and in that part of Katakwi - I will be in eastern Uganda in the last week of November and one of the challenges we want

Thank you. Member for Terego -

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. On behalf of West Nile, I thank the gender ministry for choosing Nebbi as the venue for celebrations. I also request that one of the national celebrations be held in Terego, as the youngest district in this country. I would like to state that the elders in Terego said they will be happy to see that the age for SAGE is reduced to 60 because they retire at 60. So, why do we again wait for more than 10 years to get SAGE? I would like to get this answer from the minister. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Member for Arua and then the Member for Terego - You have heard that I am calling those who have not spoken; I am trying to conclude.

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

5895 THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA WEDNESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2022 Article 225(1)(e) of the Constitution, gives the Inspector General of Government (IGG) powers to investigate such a matter. Luckily, Article 227 of the Constitution is very clear; the IGG reports to Parliament. Therefore, colleagues, we should change this recommendation so that the IGG can investigate, take action, and report to Parliament in one month. Otherwise, a forensic audit on a crack should be outright. I felt I should make these comments, as I open up the debate. Hon. Bahati, would you like to say something? But we will shoot down your debate. Let Members first debate and then I will call you. I will start with Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, the Member for Kabale, the Member for Terego, and our senior former minister, Hon. Baba, who is a senior diplomat. I will pick you, colleagues; so, do not worry. I combined the reports so that I can give you more time in terms of the debate. Two minutes each.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. First of all, one of our colleagues is very sick; Hon. Rose Obigah, the Woman Member of Parliament for Terego. I hope that you will pray for her. Secondly, I would like to thank those who compiled the report and I concur with my colleagues. The problem is that the prisons services are on the receiving end. If only we could operationalise the LC courts, some of those petty cases would not find themselves in the mainstream police. However, these courts are avoided and at times overlooked. Like my colleague said, they arrest somebody on petty cases. You find that very many people are in prisons without even being heard on issues, which can be handled in the communities. I would like to commend the prison management; they have done commendable work. In fact, they are in production. They are skilling most Ugandans in prison. What we have to do is to emphasise the point of a visiting Justice going to prisons to find out; one, the condition of the prisoners; and two, how to reverse some cases. Through consultation with the Judiciary, you may find that some of these matters do not require someone to be in prison. Another one, which is really disturbing, is the issue of the Land Commission giving out land for prisons. They are trustees for our land. However, you can imagine giving away institutional land, which has been there from time immemorial – (Member timed out.)