A heated exchange erupted in Parliament as Members of Parliament (MPs) from Northern Uganda confronted ICT and National Guidance Minister, Chris Baryomunsi, over his dismissal of reports highlighting the region’s high poverty levels. Baryomunsi downplayed the findings, arguing that they were produced by the very government agencies he serves.
The debate was sparked by Jonathan Odur (Erute South), who criticized the Ministry of Finance for disregarding the National Development Plan IV as approved by Parliament. He argued that this neglect had contributed to persistent regional disparities in development.
“It is not true that we deliberately exclude certain regions when planning and budgeting. While Northern Uganda suffered from prolonged war and conflict, technical studies indicate significant improvement in the region,” Baryomunsi stated.
However, Odur countered, accusing the government of uneven resource allocation. “Some regions have benefited disproportionately while others, like ours, remain without roads, schools, and health centers. We cannot sit back and watch others develop while we are left behind,” he said.
Odur further pointed out that government reports consistently indicate worsening poverty in Northern Uganda, specifically in Lango, Karamoja, Teso, and Busoga. He referenced an Equal Opportunities Commission report, which revealed that the region lags in employment opportunities and infrastructure, with only 3% of the national road network.
The exchange underscored long-standing concerns over regional inequality and government commitment to balanced development across the country.
