By Spy Uganda
The government came under fire on Wednesday as legislators from northern and eastern Uganda decried the inequitable distribution of public resources, alleging that the western region receives the lion’s share of development projects.
However, the Minister of Information and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, dismissed these claims, asserting that the government fairly distributes jobs, infrastructure, and other resources across the country.
The heated debate was triggered by Erute South MP Jonathan Odur, who raised a procedural point, questioning why Parliament was proceeding with Ministerial Policy Statements before the Minister of Finance had tabled the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4).
“We have received some Ministerial Policy Statements, and we expect more. However, these statements are anchored on certain frameworks. Previously, I highlighted the Ministry of Finance’s reluctance—now turned into outright defiance—in presenting the approved NDP4 before Parliament,” Odur said.
He urged Speaker Anita Among to direct the Finance Ministry to present the NDP4 before the processing of the ministerial policy statements and national budget could proceed. Earlier this year, State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, had tabled the NDP4, but MPs raised concerns over regional disparities in the proposed development strategies.
“The ministerial policy statements cannot be processed without the NDP, which serves as a guiding framework for resource allocation. Madam Speaker, you had directed that it be brought by March 2, yet it remains absent. This disregard for Parliament’s authority is unacceptable. If the Executive does not see Parliament as an important stakeholder, why are we even reviewing these policy statements?” Odur asked.
MPs Decry Regional Disparities
Odur accused the government of sidelining northern Uganda, which endured years of war and instability. He argued that the lack of roads, schools, and healthcare facilities in the north and east reflected the deliberate exclusion of these regions from major development projects.
Zombo District Woman MP, Esther Afoyocan, echoed these concerns, asserting that areas with Cabinet Ministers tend to receive more benefits. She noted that President Museveni’s bloated Cabinet is dominated by individuals from western and central Uganda, with eastern Uganda also securing a substantial share of appointments.
“Parliament is a place for both agreement and disagreement, but today, I stand with the alternative government on this issue. We must pay closer attention to these inequalities. It becomes even more glaring when regions without Cabinet Ministers are completely ignored in development plans. This is unacceptable, and we must speak up without fear or favor,” Afoyocan said.
Kumi Municipality MP, Silas Aogon, emphasized that all Ugandans have a constitutional right to equitable development. He described the stark contrast he observed while flying over the country.
“One side of Uganda looked green and thriving, while the other resembled a desert. I asked myself: is this due to rainfall, rivers, or something else? The truth is, equal opportunities are enshrined in our Constitution. We must ensure that Uganda develops as a unified nation rather than fostering inequality, which breeds insecurity and poverty,” Aogon stated.
Speaker Calls for Fair Representation
Despite her role as Speaker, Anita Among weighed in on the matter, accusing the government of neglecting certain regions when nominating individuals for key positions.
“The guiding principles of state policy emphasize balanced and equitable development. Yet, when we reviewed the NDP4, it lacked these principles, which is why we sent it back. Where is the revised NDP4? Before we proceed with policy statements, it must be presented,” she demanded.
Dokolo South MP, Felix Okot Ogong, further accused the government of favoring western Uganda in civil service jobs and security force promotions.
“The Equal Opportunities Commission report shows that 67% of civil service jobs are concentrated in western Uganda. Meanwhile, only 13% go to eastern Uganda and 11% to northern Uganda—meaning half the country receives just 24% of government jobs. The imbalance is glaring,” he said.
Okot Ogong also highlighted disparities in military promotions.
“Recently, 38 officers were promoted from Major to Major General—35 of them came from one region. Even in yesterday’s promotions, three officers were elevated to Major General, all from the same region. This is not fair,” he added.
In response, Kabula County MP, Enos Asiimwe, rejected claims of imbalance in security force recruitment.
“The Minister of Internal Affairs is present. Whenever recruitment for the UPDF and Uganda Police is conducted, the advertisements are nationwide. It is misleading to suggest that development is concentrated in one region,” Asiimwe argued.
However, Speaker Among dismissed this defense, asserting that real disparities become evident when Parliament’s Appointments Committee vets presidential nominees.
“Posting a job advertisement is one thing; actual recruitment is another. As Chairperson of the Appointments Committee, I can confirm that some regions are repeatedly overlooked. Hon. Baryomunsi, you may think I sound like the opposition, but this is the reality. Do the officials forwarding names to the President consider all regions? Do they recognize that Teso is part of Uganda? I have never vetted anyone from there for a senior position. Equity and regional balance must be prioritized,” she stated.
Legislators called for a parliamentary debate on the Equal Opportunities Commission report to expose the extent of the imbalance in national resource distribution.
Minister Baryomunsi acknowledged concerns but urged MPs to approach the debate with a nationalist perspective rather than a regional one.
“I assure you, no government has ever addressed inclusivity better than the NRM. Some of us even lose opportunities because we are from the west. I would have loved to be Vice President or Speaker, but I also acknowledge that poverty in Kigezi has increased from 12% to 27%. Kigezi is not northern Uganda,” he said.
He dismissed claims that regions with Ministers receive disproportionate benefits, arguing that budget allocations are passed by Parliament.
“The budget is approved in this House, and we must all scrutinize it fairly. The accusation that areas represented by Ministers are better off is false,” he insisted.
Baryomunsi assured MPs that he would engage the Finance Ministry to expedite the tabling of the revised NDP4 in Parliament, ensuring it is considered in the budgeting process.
