The Street Journal

02/10/2023

NTV Akawungeezi News Anchor Faridah Nakazibwe has resigned.

27/09/2023

https://twitter.com/CeasorMulenga/status/1706900767431442816?t=Zaa3oMXWO7HUddjIi244Kg&s=19

I'm happy to announce that King Ceasor University has received accreditation on a number of academic programmes including some in Oil, Gas and Energy Management by the National Council for Higher Education.

23/07/2023

Tayebwa to Mao: Museveni is a man of his word, better keep yours

GULU – The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has tipped Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao on working with President Museveni.

Speaking at Minister Mao's homecoming and thanksgiving ceremony at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City in Northern Uganda, Tayebwa described the president as a man of his word and asked the Democratic Party President General to be trustworthy in his dealing with President Museveni-led government.

“In the little time I have worked very closely with President Museveni, he is a man who keeps his word. You better keep your word ,” Tayebwa said.

He lauded Minister Mao whom he described as a visionary leader of a group that believes in a united Uganda for offering to promote unity by working with the government as he was still an opposition figure.

“Functions like these make some of us take heart, where we had doubt saying where is the future of our country at least we can see there are people who still believe in a united Uganda and Chairman Mao, thanks for being the leader of that group,” Tayebwa said.

He said parliament will support all efforts aimed at keeping Ugandans together.

“As Parliament, we pledge that we shall support every endeavor from a legislative perspective [and] from appropriation perspective, that will bring unity in this country and make all over us work together,” the deputy speaker added.

Although a section of political leaders have criticized Mao working with a ruling government, Tayebwa said that what the DP President is doing is a service to the country but not for a few individuals.

“I know you were at the forefront of pushing for IPOD funding to be increased, it came to parliament and we discussed it with the [NRM] Secretary General Richard Tadwong and we supported the supplementary, but political parties which benefited the most, called you a sellout. [But] don’t get tired my brother, keep negotiating, the country is seeing what you’re doing,” He added.

Tayebwa also called upon all Ugandans to work together in unity in order to foster the development of the country.

The NRM Vice Chairman, Hajj Moses Kigongo represented the NRM Chairman and President Yoweri Museveni said the ruling government will continue to work with anyone who has Uganda at heart.

“You have united these people here, and you’re ready to serve your country. Go ahead. The sky will be the limit,” Hajj Kigongo said.

He urged the people of Acholi to combat sectarian politics; a vice he said has caused untold suffering to the people of Acholi sub-region for the last 60 years and beyond.

I suspect God must have had a purpose why he has kept him for more than 60 years witnessing the unnecessary mistakes caused by defective ideologies and strategies,” he said, adding that politics of identity is wrong.

Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security and the national coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, Gen Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh ), commended Minister Mao for putting Uganda first ahead of personal achievements.

“Some of us who were witnesses of the democratization process and constitutionalization we were wondering why did DP separate from NRM because they were partners from 1986 – 1996. Chairman Mao, we are happy that you’re back on that principle,” Gen Saleh said.

Gulu Archdiocese Vicar General, Msgr Mathew Odong preached unity and reconciliation to help spur development in the sub-region.

He tasked Mao to head the reconciliation efforts in Northern Uganda to achieve lasting peace and harmony that can guarantee the development of the sub-region.

"We cannot keep fighting one another; let's use today as the beginning of a new day in our lives," Msgr Odong said.

On his part, Mao said he will traverse the country to continue promoting unity in the coming days.

I’m going to move, mobilizing not only in Acholi but all over Uganda preaching unity because what we have done is unity for a purpose,” he said.

Politicians including Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, DP Vice President Mukasa Mbidde were among the leaders at the event.

15/03/2023

Video from Alex Esagala

07/11/2022

I heard someone saying that LGBT, Homosexuality and Abortion are human rights, which must be respected universally, I just want to assure you, they can never be accepted in Uganda. I'm the Deputy Speaker of parliament and I can assure you that the Parliament I lead will never pass laws that are going to be against our values—Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa at ACP-EU

04/11/2022

Imagine if this was NuP presenting🙈

"I bring you greetings from the land of sunshine Uganda, which you all know is at the heart of Africa and it's the one that pumps water to the entire continent of Africa, so am very proud to be a Ugandan,"~ Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal.
She was speaking at the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Maputo,Mozambiqu

01/11/2022

Ugandan delegation at ACP-EU vows to block homosexuality, abortion conditions in relations with EU

MAPUTO — A Ugandan delegation at the ongoing 61st session of the Organisation of the African, Caribean and Pacific States Parliamentary Assembly (OACPS PA) and 42nd Session of the ACP-European Union joint Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU JPA) in Maputo City, Mozambique has vowed to oppose plans by pro-gay nations to impose the promotion of homosexuality and abortion as new conditions for trade and aid relationships with European Union.

The delegation which is attending a Joint Parliamentary Assembly is being led by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, a vocal critic of homosexuality, abortion and neocolonialism.

Other Members on the delegation include,
Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo the MP for Lwemiyaga County, Hon Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, the Woman MP for Dokolo District, Hon Maurice Kibalya the MP for Bugabula South, Hon Elijah Okupa, the MP for Kasilo County, Dr Samuel Opio Acuti for MP Kole North and Hon Lucy Okello

The joint sitting was on Monday officially opened by President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique who commended the Organization for it’s prime role in the economic and social development of its member states.

President Nyusi also called upon participating member states to focus more on the climate agenda and how to deal with risks related to Natural disasters.

The deputy speaker said member countries are also engaging on the post Cotonou Agreement which governs the ACP-EU relations.

Diplomatic, trade and aid relationships between the European Union and ACP states are governed by the Cotonou Agreement.

The agreement includes a dialoge on ‘’political issues of mutual concern or of general significance’’ and ‘’discrimination of any kind’’.

Tayebwa mentioned a deep concern over calls by the EU to adopt homosexuality by the ACP countries, a development he said Uganda would vehemently reject.

"We shall be making a report to our president as Parliament which will be a guiding tool before the signing of the Post Cotonou Agreement," the deputy speaker said.

He added: "We are demanding that we broadly define the issue of human rights. We have discovered that with the Post Cotonou agreement, there hidden clauses around human rights. Clauses to do with Sexuality, promotion of LGBT/homosexuality and clauses to do with abortion."

Tayebwa said such practices are un Africa and while "the EU is demanding that we take a certain root, they should also know the character of our society".

"We are a society that isn't ready for homosexuality and we are a society that's not ready for abortion," Tayebwa said, noting that "we as Africa, believe that the institution of the family is at the core of whatever we are doing".

Representatives from the pro-gay nations insist on an amendment to the ACP-EU rules to have the debate on the rights of homosexuals even after objections African members.

Issues related to climate change and food security; health and the fight against terrorism; women empowerment for political leadership; migration and sustainable growth, among other current matters have been discussed—with the ACP-EU describing Uganda's women’s emancipation as one of the most successful ventures an African country has ever undertaken.

Tayebwa also said that Uganda was lauded on other key grounds including passing important laws that have helped to combat money laundering and allowing the youths to legislative on the their affairs.

Uganda has the youngest Parliamentarians with an average age of of 33.

Others countries in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific have an average age of 55 and beyond.

Hon. Cecilia Ogwala backed Tayebwa's stance on rejecting homosexuality —saying Africa isn't comfortable with EU's conditions on sexual orientation and abortion.

"We are all geared up to make sure that whatever decision we take, it is in the interest of the people whom we represent."

On moneylaudering, Hon Ogwala commended the Parliament of Uganda and President Museveni for being proactive.

"Uganda has been able to pass the law of 2013 (amended in 2015) and recently we passed another amended, Uganda is on course as far as taking control of the situation when it comes to money laundering".

The ACP–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly was created to bring together the elected representatives of the European Union (the Members of the European Parliament) and the elected representatives of the African, Caribbean and Pacific states ("ACP countries") that have signed the Cotonou Agreement.

Since the entry into force of the Treaty on European Union and EU enlargement it has acquired a more prominent role.

A substantial part of the work of the JPA is directed towards promoting human rights and democracy and the common values of humanity, and this has produced joint commitments undertaken within the framework of the UN conferences.

The Joint Parliamentary Assembly meets twice a year in plenary session, alternately in the European Union and in an ACP State.

With a view to strengthening regional integration and fostering cooperation between national parliaments, meetings between EU and ACP members of parliament may be arranged at regional or subregional level.

04/10/2022

It's happening now, Check out Wandaz products at the Uganda International Trade Fair in UMA Show Ground just opposed to Cocacola.

28/09/2022

Deputy Speaker hails Dr Sudhir Rupaleria for promoting tourism in Uganda

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mr Thomas Tayebwa has hailed the Chairman of Rupaleria group of companies Dr Sudhir Rupaleria for his passion and leadership in hospitality and tourism development in the Country.

While officiating at the Tourism night event in commemoration of the World tourism day yesterday in Kampala, Tayebwa said Mr Sudhir is one of the investors who holds Uganda at heart.

“I know people who have been calling Dr Sudhir to go and develop their Countries, I know many, some of them were asking me, but this Sudhir man what did you give him as Uganda? The man has a lot of money and we would like him to come and invest in our areas,” He revealed

“So Chairman, I want to thank you and your team of investors who have looked at Uganda as your number one destination for investment,” He said.

The deputy Speaker also assured the investors of the Government's support whenever they needed it.



Marketing Uganda

Mr Tayebwa urged Ugandans to market their country wherever they go.

“This is our home, whether you want it or not we are going to be buried here,” He emphasized, adding, “Don’t hate your country because you don’t have any other country, if you go around painting a picture of Uganda, that is totally different and yet for you, you come and enjoy, it’s a point of concern for some of us, you can say whatever you want but know the limit and be the Ambassador of Uganda wherever you are and that is one way we can promote tourism in Uganda,” He urged.

The Deputy Speaker also pledged Parliament’s support to the tourism sector through both legislation and appropriation in key enablers like infrastructure and security to raise the tourism momentum.

During the tourism night, a number of people who played a big role in promoting Uganda were awarded as per the list below;



1. United Nations Development Program

Awarded to UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT for the dedicated

support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.

2. World Bank

Awarded to WORLD BANK - UGANDA COUNTRY OFFICE

for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in

Uganda.

3. Embassy of Hungary

Awarded to EMBASSY OF HUNGARY for the dedicated support towards

Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.

4. European Union

Awarded to EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION IN UGANDA

for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in

Uganda.

5. Hotelier

Awarded to DR. SUDHIR RUPARELIA

CHAIRMAN SPEKE GROUP OF HOTELS for your Passion and

Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism Development

6. Restaurants – HAJ OMAR MANDELA

Awarded to HAJJI AHMED OMAR MANDELA for the passion,

innovation and development of the hospitality sector

7. Eddy Kenzo

Awarded to EDDY KENZO for the passion and promotion of Tourism

through Music

8. Joshua Cheptegei

Awarded to JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI for the Passion and Promotion of

Tourism through Sports

9. Brian Namanya – TUBAYO



Awarded to BRIAN NAMANYA CEO TUBAYO.COM for the passion

and promotion of digital innovation in tourism

10. NBS

Awarded to NEXT MEDIA SERVICES for the passion and promotion of

Tourism through Media



CERTIFICATES

11. Mountain Clubs of Uganda

Awarded to MOUNTAIN CLUBS OF UGANDA for your passion and

promotion of mountaineering in Uganda

12. Kara Tunga

Awarded to KARA TUNGA ARTS AND TOURS LTD for the passion and

promotion of community tourism in Uganda

13. Adam Fishire - Tubing the Nile

Awarded to TUBING THE NILE for the Passion and Promotion of Water-

Based Adventure Tourism in Uganda

14. Vilakazi

Awarded to VILAKAZI SAFARIS for the passion and promotion of

Domestic Tourism in Uganda

15. Women Porters

Awarded to WOMEN PORTERS for the passion and selfless service in

mountaineering

16. Extreme Adventure Park

Awarded to EXTREME ADVENTURE PARK for the passion and

promotion of adventure tourism in Uganda

17. Baguma Restaurant

Awarded to BAGUMA RESTAURANT for the passion and growth of the

restaurant enterprise in traditional cuisine

18. Chimpundu Lodge

Awarded to CHIMPUNDU LODGE for the passion and development of the

lodge enterprise in Uganda



19. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

Awarded to WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE for the dedicated

support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda

20. Miss Tourism

Awarded to MISS TOURISM for the passion and promotion of tourism

through Pageantry.

Schools receiving certificates

1. St. Lawrence University

2. Makerere University

3. Uganda Wildlife Research and Tourism Training Institute

4. Kinawa High School – Mugongo

5. Grace High School

6. Kalinabiri Secondary School

7. Sir Apollo Kaggwa Mengo

8. Busega Preparatory School

9. City Parents Primary School

21/09/2022

"For the first time since i have known Hon Ssemujju, He is missing President Museveni, I think Hon colleagues, what am going to do, I will make an appointment for Hon Ssemujju Nganda with the President,"~ Rt Hon.

17/09/2022

https://youtube.com/shorts/dR7KPW0NJ48?feature=share

Video from Alex Esagala

17/09/2022

Museveni praises Deputy Speaker Tayebwa for exposing EU “racist” stance on Oil Pipeline

President Yoweri Museveni has hailed the strong resolve of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa who blasted the European Union Parliament on Thursday for meddling into the sovereign affairs of Uganda and Tanzania with a resolution aimed at halting oil pipeline development.

The President a renowned pillar for Pan-Africanism who has always attacked the western world’s neocolonialism ideas said in a widely viewed Tweet on Friday that if French oil multinational, Total Energies succumbs to EU Parliament pressure, Uganda and Tanzania will find another financier for the pipeline project.

“We should remember that Total Energies convinced me about the Pipeline idea; if they choose to listen to the EU Parliament, we shall find someone else to work with” the President said.

The EACOP measuring 1,443k will transport crude oil from Kabaale in Hoima District in Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga port in Tanzania before it’s shipped for refining abroad.

However, European environmental activists have in the foreseeable past been pressuring French President Emmanuel Macron’s government not to prevail over Total Energies to pull out of the project. It is against this background that the EU Parliament sitting in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday passed a resolution demanding that the EACOP development be halted for at least a year so that the two countries make good on what it called environmental and human rights issues.

On Thursday, soft-spoken Tayebwa sounded bitter against this move saying it amounts to “economic racism” for the Europeans who have openly contributed to high carbon emissions to be the ones seeking to block the development of the oil and gas sector in sovereign states Uganda and Tanzania.

“The resolution is based on misinformation and deliberate misrepresentation of key facts on environment and human rights protection. It represents the highest level of neo-colonialism and imperialism against the sovereignty of Uganda and Tanzania” Tayebwa charged.

He said that like many African countries, Uganda is a developing nation with unique development needs and priorities hence asking for the withdrawal of the motion because its ideals are against the UN Charter that gives independent nations a right to self-determination and sovereignty over their natural resources.

This timely response by the Deputy Speaker, Tayebwa and Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka excited the President who praised them for the job well done in defending the country’s economic interests by lambasting the EU Parliament’s resolution.

“The remarks of the Deputy Speaker and the Attorney General in one of the dailies concerning the EU Parliament and EACOP interested me in making some comments of reassurance to our people” said the President.

He added that; “Either way, we shall have our oil coming out by 2025 as planned. So, the people of Uganda should not worry”

Reiterating Parliament’s support to ensuring that Uganda’s oil begins to flow by 2025 when the EACOP and the oil refinery are set to be complete, Tayebwa hailed the President for giving his thumbs-up to the decision he took to condemn the EU Parliament’s resolution.

“Thank you for reassurance Mr President. Count on our continued support of your efforts to deliver Uganda’s oil by the year 2025” he tweeted on Saturday morning.

Indeed, Uganda is moving towards oil production after the final investment decision was reached months ago. China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) which is developing the King Fisher Oil wells in Kikuube District announced this week that its oil rig that will help bring out oil had docked at Mombasa Port and would soon be in Uganda.

TotalEnergies, the developers of the Tilenga oil field in Buliisa District, has also revealed it is in final stages of assembling the ZPEB Rig 1501, which it will also use to help in oil extraction.

About the resolution

The movers of the motion alleged that the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) both in Uganda and Tanzania had not been compensated yet the governments are asking them to give way for the construction of the Shs14 trillion pipeline.

Total Energies EP as a subsidiary of the French giant is developing oil fields in Nwoya and Buliisa Districts while another subsidiary; Total Holdings International B.V holds 62 percent share in the EACOP holding company.

The Deputy Speaker who has not had kind words to the white environmental activists since he took over office said the western countries should take lead in stopping oil production projects of their own before giving directions on what is happening in Uganda. He said that 70 percent of the PAPs have been compensated and the remaining one will be cleared before EACOP construction commences.

“Various member states in the EU continue exploring, developing and have increased production and use of fossil fuels in recent months. There are over 9000 oil and gas production licenses in the USA, including plans to drill in Alaska and the Arctic sea. Fifty three licenses have recently been issued in the North Sea and Germany has revived its coal plants” Tayebwa added.

More praises

Taywebwa has continued to receive enormous support with Ugandans taking to social media to condemn the EU Parliament decision. We have sampled a number of Tweets that have shown solidarity with the Deputy Speaker.

Elly Karuhanga, the Chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum tweeted thus; “I see a positive angle emerging from the EU Parliament resolution. It has united and galvanized us. The days of colonial orders have finally been buried and are over as we match to Tanga”.

Ali Ssekatawa, a Tax and Oil and Gas legal expert also sang praises for the Deputy Speaker saying; “Thomas Tayebwa, you are a true patriot”

While Commander of Land Forces, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kaineruga has also hailed the efforts of Ugandans that have come up with an online petition challenging the EU Parliament’s decision. Responding to a tweet by Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze saying that he had signed the petition, the First Son encouraged the whole of East Africa to support it.

“I agree with comrade Frank Tumwebaze. All East Africans should sign this important protest note/petition. Defend our sovereignty. Africa will win” he tweeted.

Tumwebaze has also hit at Malte Gallee, an EU Parliamentarian, one of the proponents of the motion who on Thursday condemned the Deputy Speaker’s lambasting of their decision.

Gallee in a tweet said he was condemning the Deputy Speaker’s reference to the resolution as being a result of “imperialism and neo-colonialism” but Tumwebaze reacted saying they should have gone through the EU delegations in Uganda and Tanzania to know the truth about environmental compliance in the EACOP project.

04/09/2022

Focus on promoting Uganda, Tayebwa tells Ugandans abroad

SAN FRANCISCO —The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has urged Ugandans in the diaspora to love their country and come up with solutions to solve the problem in Uganda other than looking out for and hyping negativity about Uganda.

Hon Tayebwa made the remarks while speaking to Ugandans in the diaspora who are attending the 34th Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Convention in San Francisco, USA.

He informed the Ugandan Community in North America that plenty of trade and investment opportunities abound in Uganda which they can explore and encouraged them to identify and woo potential investors in the tourism and trade sectors.

"Love your country. Focus on promoting your country. Focus on making it a country that people can believe in," Deputy Speaker said.
We have to work together to build and promote our country. And the moment we do have a country that is loved and you know, taken in high regard by the rest of the world."

The Deputy Speaker also emphasized the Uganda—US bilateral trade relations—saying that favorable domestic policies are drivers of foreign investment.

He called upon Ugandans in North America to bring back jobs home by investing in there country.

Tayebwa assured Ugandans abroad that the 11th Parliament will stand firm in the fight against any form of corruption and hold government officials accountable, a development he said will enhance good governance and improve the trade and investment atmosphere in Uganda.

He said UNAA was a good platform for engagement, noting that Parliament will continue to work with it.

The notion is that Ugandans abroad interface with Parliamentarians as a representative institution and other native leaders to discuss challenges and prospects back home and overseas.

Tayebwa noted that the issues of voting rights for Ugandans in the diaspora and dual citizenship remain high on the agenda.

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua saluted UNAA leadership for walking the talk and keeping the hope alive.

"The NRM leadership and HE Gen Yoweri Museveni remains committed to provide the desired services to the Ugandans in the diaspora using our missions abroad," he said

He said government officials are in the North America to listen to diaspora community and return home with tangible action points for purposes of implementation.

He reminded Ugandans abroad that they don't have a second hand choice country, noting that this must unite them further.

Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington DC, Ambassador Santa Mary Laker-Kinyera said the government of Uganda recognizes the significant contribution made by the diaspora to Uganda's national development.

Recent data from the World Bank shows that remittance flows to Uganda stands at approximately $1.2 billion annually, with over 100 million of this coming from the US alone.

Ambassador Laker-Kinyera said these remittances are usually sent to Uganda in the form of assistance to family members to help with things like school fees, welfare, medical support, and assistance for small projects.
She highlighted the various opportunities and incentives that exist for investment in Uganda—noting that there are several opportunities that the diaspora can take advantage of.

21/08/2022

"Yesterday, I joined friends and family to witness the introduction of Ms Ann Juuko, MD Stanbic Bank and Mr. Apollo Makubuya, Partner at MMAKS Advocates. The couple epitomises hard work and dedication to what they believe in.
I wish them happiness and joy in their marriage.Congratulations! "~ Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.

17/08/2022

ONE MINUTE VIDEO
Here is what you missed as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa handed over the office of the Government Chief Whip to Hon. Hamson Obua, yesterday

21/07/2022

Parliament in Session

https://youtu.be/86UERkZXgAU

Video from Alex Esagala

20/07/2022

19/07/2022

https://twitter.com/Thomas_Tayebwa?t=6XcML8ov3E0Ceoe2cXinMg&s=08

Deputy Speaker, Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.Member of Parliament, Ruhinda North County, Mitooma District, proud husband & Father, God fearing

08/07/2022

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa cautions Accounting Officers against bribing MPs to increase project funds

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has cautioned Accounting Officers of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) against acts of securing higher budgets than what the Finance Ministry allocates for projects by promising to give out kickbacks to legislators sitting on relevant committees.

Tayebwa sounded this warning on Friday morning at Hotel Africana in Kampala while opening the 6th Annual Procurement Summit 2022. The summit under the theme; Procurement as a tool for sustainable social economic development ; has been organised by the Institute of Procurement Professionals of Uganda (IPPU).

He said the games played by the Accounting Officers who cry to the Committees of Parliament to allocate more than what has been provided for specific projects in the Budget Framework Paper have made Parliament rebuked and accused of distorting the budget by giving additional resources.

“Even some of the perceived and the real corruption in Parliament, especially around the budgeting process are integrated in procurement. Instead of focusing on Parliament saying it distorts your budgets, you better talk to Accounting Officers who come and lobby MPs and say ‘if you give me Shs10b extra for this project, I will return Shs1b’.This is especially on the development components” Tayebwa said.

He added that these kinds of schemes are successfully done with the support of the procurement professionals who authorize the projects that are exaggerated with an intention of stealing public funds hence affecting the quality of the works and the blame goes to Parliament which approved the budget.

“Then where is it going to come from? Is he (Accounting Officer) going to sell his cows? It is going to come from the contractor. It is going to be managed through the procurement process. They are going to get a contractor who is ready to give that kickback. There are contractors who can’t give, ” he added.

Because of this, the Deputy Speaker said, Parliament is perceived as corrupt even though the forgeries have been orchestrated by the Accounting Officers.

Tayebwa, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North, urged the procurement professionals to redeem their profession from the public perception that they indulge in corruption tendencies while going about their duties.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker raised a red flag on the continuous loss of public funds that procuring entities pay in fines to contractors for works not done due to failure to handover project sites in time.

He said this comes as a result of not involving procurement professionals in the critical stages of planning and designing of the projects so that by the time a contractor is procured, all the huddles that include land acquisition have been dealt with. Such delays to handover the projects to contractors have led to low absorption of funds which has remained a challenge to government especially if the projects are funded through loans.

“We are losing a lot of money through claims by contractors for work not done. You initiate a procurement process when you know you do not have a right of way and sign a contract. The contractor mobilizes for a year but you can’t even give him a kilometer of a road to start on. This contractor claims billions of Shillings. I hope we can integrate it into our planning so that maybe before a project of a certain threshold as you start the procurement, you are assured that indeed project affected persons are compensated and you are assured that you have acquired right of way especially on water, electricity and road projects” the Deputy Speaker guided.

He also warned MDAs against seeking for supplementary budgets towards the end of the financial year because after Parliament appropriates the money, it is not absorbed due to the long procurement process, hence the treasury sweeping it back to the Consolidated Fund.

Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary for Minister of Finance and also Secretary to the Treasury urged the procurement entities to promote the local contractors by ensuring transparency in reserving 30 percent of the civil works to the local contractors as per the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) regulations.

He said that much as the highest percentages of procured works and services in big government projects go to foreign companies, the 30 percent reservation should be transparently awarded to local entities so that they build their own capacity.

“The ball is in your hands as procurement entities to ensure that the 30 percent reservation for local companies is realized. I would like the procurement entities to take the lead in supporting the small and medium enterprises because this can help in our social economic transformation as a country” he said.

Ggoobi also emphasized the need of sensitizing the private sector about the need to embrace the automated procurement system that is currently being piloted by the government because it helps to curb corruption by reducing human contact during procurement. He said that this financial year, the system which has so far been piloted in 26 procuring entities, will be rolled out to 50 more agencies of government.

The Deputy Speaker agreed with the PS/ST saying that the country will benefit a lot if the private sector is supported to build its capacity so that they are able to compete favourably in the procurement market.

Tayebwa however, urged the private sector businesses to integrate professional procurement in their businesses in order to promote quality services through competition by advertising their services to attract good prices.

PPDA Executive Director Benson Turamye said that there are plans to amend the PPDA Act to provide for sustainable procurement so that all projects being implemented by the government comply with the environmental and social development stands.

Also, in offing is the Institute of Procurement and Supplies Chain Management Bill, 2022 which Pelly Mugasi the IPPU Council Chairperson said has been forwarded to the First Parliamentary Council for final drafting.

She said that IPPU with a membership of over 1600 procurement professionals does not have a legal framework and all their hopes are in the upcoming Bill.

The Deputy Speaker pledged Parliament support in processing the Bills that are aimed at improving the procurement processes because it is one way of saving the government from losing a lot of money.

“This law which you proposed, we shall ensure that if we find any gaps that do not give you enough room for cleaning up your profession, we will fill those gaps. I can assure you that we are going to wait for that law and I will push the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance to make sure it comes to the floor so that the sector can help to regulate itself” he stated.

Parliament is also reconsidering the Local Content Bill that was returned by the President and the Deputy Speaker said that gaps there will be soon filled to make it complete. The Bill is being privately sponsored by Kassanda North MP Patrick Nsamba with hope to protect the interests of the local companies in the critical procurement of services especially as the country braces for Oil and Gas production.