10:00 am – The session of Parliament, known as Plenary Uganda, has commenced under the guidance of Speaker Anitah Among. Here is today’s order paper:
10:09 am – Speaker Among Calls for Action on Rising Lake Victoria Water Levels
Speaker Anitah Among has urged the appropriate authorities to put in place early warning and response systems. This call comes in response to reports of increasing water levels on Lake Victoria. The aim is to prevent any potential disasters.
It’s important to have systems in place to give early warnings about rising water levels. This helps people living around Lake Victoria prepare and take necessary precautions. With early warnings, communities can evacuate if needed, move important belongings to safer places, and protect themselves from harm.
Rising water levels on Lake Victoria can lead to various problems. Floods can damage homes, disrupt transportation, and even cause loss of lives. By deploying appropriate early warning systems, authorities can minimize the impact of such disasters. This includes setting up monitoring stations, using technology to track water levels, and communicating with communities effectively.
Speaker Among emphasized the need for a timely response to the situation. When water levels rise rapidly, quick action is crucial to ensure the safety of those affected. This involves not only providing assistance during emergencies but also implementing long-term strategies to address the underlying causes of rising water levels.
Authorities responsible for managing Lake Victoria and its surrounding areas must work together to tackle this issue. Collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and international organizations is essential. By pooling resources and expertise, they can develop comprehensive plans to mitigate the impact of rising water levels and protect vulnerable populations.
10:18 am – Minister Ogwang Updates Parliament on Namboole Stadium Readiness for CHAN and AFCON
Sports Minister, Hon. Ogwang, is currently presenting a report to the Parliament of Uganda regarding the preparedness of Namboole Stadium for the upcoming CHAN and AFCON tournaments.
Minister Ogwang highlighted that in the past 20 months, the contractor has completed approximately 90% of the works. This progress includes significant aspects such as civil works, mechanical and plumbing installations, and key facilities like CCTV, electronic access controls, pitches, dressing rooms, and running tracks.
Additionally, Minister Ogwang stated that efforts are underway to upgrade the stadium’s hotel, which currently consists of 72 rooms, to meet a three-star standard. Currently, the contractor is focusing on furnishing facilities for match officials, media personnel, medical services, and anti-doping facilities.
Regarding funding, Sports Minister Ogwang informed the Parliament that the Ministry of Education and Sports has made repeated appeals to the Finance Ministry to release the remaining balance of 17 billion Shillings required to complete the works at Namboole Stadium. However, these requests have not yielded results thus far.
10:36 am – Speaker Among Demands Explanation on Stadium Renovation Funds
Speaker Anitah Among has tasked the Finance Ministry with providing an explanation regarding the whereabouts of 17 Billion Shillings allocated for the completion of works at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
Following this directive, the House resumes its session after a 10 minute suspension. The purpose of the suspension is to allow the Minister of Finance to attend and clarify the delayed release of funds for the renovation of Namboole Stadium.
11:02 am – State Finance Minister Hon. Amos Lugoloobi Assures Release of Funds for Namboole Stadium Project
Speaker Anitah Among has raised a question directed at the Minister of Finance, expressing a need to understand the current situation regarding the allocation of funds. She emphasized that the Finance Ministry seems to be bearing the brunt of blame for any delays or issues regarding funding. Speaker Among indicated that once all the necessary funds are released, the responsibility will then shift back to the Minister of Sports to ensure that the project progresses smoothly and achieves its goals.
In response to Speaker Among’s inquiry, State Minister for Finance, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, has made a commitment regarding the release of funds for the Namboole Stadium project. He has assured that the remaining balance of 17 Billion Shillings will be made available to ensure the successful execution of the project.
In his statement, Minister Lugoloobi emphasized the importance of timely financial support for the completion of the Namboole Stadium works. He acknowledged the significance of the project and its impact on sports infrastructure in the country.
“We are going to trigger the process today to ensure that the money is available,” stated Minister Lugoloobi.
11:11 am – Parliament Begins Review of Ministerial Policy Statements for FY 2024/2025
Health Sector Budget and Priorities for FY 2024/2025 Discussed in Parliament
The session of Parliament has shifted its focus to receiving committee reports on the Ministerial Policy Statements for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025. The Committee on Health is the first to present its report, led by Hon. Dr. Ayume Charles.
In his presentation, Hon. Dr. Ayume Charles highlighted the achievements of the Ministry of Health in the previous fiscal year. He noted that in FY 2023/2024, the Ministry distributed a total of 116 new ambulances to various constituencies, regional referral hospitals, and command centers. Additionally, the construction of Regional Blood Banks in Hoima, Arua, and Soroti was completed, and they are set to become operational in the upcoming fiscal year.
The Committee’s report outlined the priorities of the Ministry of Health for the next fiscal year. These include increasing the availability of skilled health workers, improving access to affordable and quality medicines, establishing a national e-health infrastructure, and expanding health insurance coverage.
Hon. Dr. Ayume Charles revealed that the proposed budget for health sub-programs in FY 2024/25 is 2.72 trillion shillings, excluding allocations for KCCA and local governments. This marks a decrease of 276.75 billion shillings from the approved budget for FY 2023/24.
Addressing specific needs within the health sector, the Committee recommended allocating 17.6 billion shillings to maintain and functionalize the current fleet of ambulances under the Emergency Services Department. Additionally, it suggested allocating 5 billion shillings for the establishment of the Organ Transplant Council to operationalize the Uganda Human Organ Donation and Transplant Act.
Furthermore, the Committee proposed allocating 70.87 billion shillings to operationalize regional cancer centers in Gulu and Mbarara, aiming to improve access to cancer services. Regarding the National Medical Stores, the Committee noted delays in releasing operational funds, hindering the timely delivery of essential medicines and supplies to public health facilities. To address this, it recommended allocating an additional 262.798 billion shillings to boost supplies of essential medicines.
Hon. Dr. Ayume Charles also highlighted the increasing demand for blood in hospitals, estimating a deficit of 102,000 units annually. To address this shortfall, he proposed allocating 1.87 billion shillings to the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services for the procurement of field blood collection and distribution vehicles.
12:06 pm – Parliamentarians Discuss Improving Health Services
In response to the discussion on the health sector, Speaker Anitah Among commented on the dire state of health facilities across the country. She highlighted the critical issues of hospitals lacking basic necessities such as water and electricity. This lack of essential resources significantly hampers the delivery of healthcare services to the population.
Hon. Allan Mayanja from Nakaseke Central expressed concern about the absence of a health center IV in his constituency. He pointed out that despite being a region where the NRM government originated and promising its rehabilitation as part of its top programs, Nakaseke Central still lacks adequate healthcare infrastructure.
Adding to the discourse, Hon. Suzan Amero from Amuria District raised alarm over the state of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. She emphasized that the hospital’s current condition no longer aligns with its status as a city hospital. She proposed relocating the hospital to a new site, where land has already been provided by the Local Government, to better meet the healthcare needs of the region.
Addressing financial constraints within the health sector, Hon. Masaba Karim from Industrial Division criticized the Finance Ministry for failing to increase spending limits for healthcare entities. He noted that while regional hospitals generate revenue that has been increasing, their spending limits have remained stagnant over the years.
Hon. Mathias Mpuuga from Nyendo-Mukungwe Division urged the Finance Ministry to implement Section 29(3) of the PFMA, allowing entities to spend their revenue at the source. He highlighted the slow nature of the Finance Ministry in addressing financial matters and stressed the importance of enabling entities to retain their funds.
Expressing concern over social issues affecting health, Hon. Sarah Opendi from Tororo District highlighted the rising rates of teenage pregnancy in the country. She called for collective efforts to address this problem and emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the underlying causes.
Hon. Sanon Bwiire from Bulamogi County questioned the government’s plans for sub-counties without health center IIIs, especially since the loan for such projects has ceased. He emphasized the importance of ensuring access to healthcare services at the grassroots level.
In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Hon. John Magolo from Bungokho North appealed to the Ministry of Health to provide MRI scan services in all regional hospitals. This would enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve healthcare delivery across the country.
Lastly, Hon. Rachel Magoola from Bugweri District called for a budget to monitor health workers to prevent absenteeism. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that healthcare facilities are adequately staffed to effectively serve the population.
In response to these concerns, Minister of State for Health (General Duties), Hon. Anifa Kawooya, assured the House that the health sector service delivery performance would be realigned. She pledged that health facilities in need of upgrades would receive the necessary attention to better serve the population.
01:42 pm – Funds Released for Namboole Stadium Works, Confirms Minister Lugoloobi
Finance State Minister Amos Lugoloobi has provided an update on the funding for the completion of works at Namboole Stadium. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress, confirming that the process is already underway. Furthermore, he announced that this morning, the Accountant General initiated the release of 17.76 billion shillings for the project.
According to Minister Lugoloobi, the funds are scheduled to be received on Monday, signaling swift action in facilitating the completion of works at Namboole Stadium.
In response to belated release of the funds Hon. Kayemba Geofrey Ssolo from Bukomansimbi South County, appealed to the Finance Ministry for timely release of sports funds, and highlighted the frustrations caused by delays that lead skepticism about the stadium’s readiness for hosting AFCON games.
Minister of Defence, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, apologized for the delay in the renovation of Namboole Stadium. He attributed the delay to funding issues, citing delays in funds release from the Finance Ministry.
Speaker Anitah Among demanded swift action to complete Namboole Stadium within two weeks. She announced plans to visit the site herself next week to assess progress firsthand.
Meanwhile, Sports Minister, Hon. Peter Ogwang, was tasked with explaining why Pioneer Bus Company continues to occupy parking space at Namboole Stadium despite the contractor’s need for expansion. Ogwang explained that the company is unlawfully occupying the land after their lease expired.
Speaker Anitah Among directed the Sports Minister to take appropriate legal measures to ensure the eviction of Pioneer Bus Company from Namboole premises.
02:09 pm – Focus on ICT: Parliament Considers Committee Report on Sector Policies
The report is being presented by the committee deputy chairperson, Hon. Tony Ayoo.
Hon. Ayoo Advocates for Affordable Internet Access in Uganda
During a session of Parliament, Hon. Ayoo highlighted the importance of expanding internet connectivity in Uganda to make it more accessible and affordable for all citizens. He pointed out that while the cost of internet supplied by the National Information and Technology Authority (NITA-U) to government agencies and certain institutions has reduced recently, it remains expensive for private consumers.
Hon. Ayoo emphasized the need to extend and expand fibre optic networks to reach more private consumers. He argued that this expansion would be crucial in driving down the cost of internet services and making them more affordable for all Ugandans. By offering competitive pricing, internet access could become more accessible to a wider range of individuals and businesses.
The Committee on ICT & National Guidance supports Hon. Ayoo’s recommendations for expanding internet connectivity and reducing costs. They believe that affordable internet access will not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the growth of digital financial services. By increasing accessibility, more people will be able to utilize digital services, thereby expanding the tax base and increasing tax revenues for the government.
As part of their recommendations, the Committee suggests that the government should consider reducing excise duty on the value of mobile money transactions. They propose lowering the duty from 0.5% to 0.3% for transactions involving receiving, making payments, and withdrawals. This reduction in excise duty aims to make mobile money services more affordable and encourage greater usage among the population.
