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Minister Baryomunsi defended the government's development strategies, arguing that no part of the country is deliberately left out during planning and budgeting
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Parliament
A heated exchange erupted in Parliament as Members of Parliament from Northern Uganda confronted Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, over his attempt to downplay reports highlighting high poverty levels in the region. The standoff began when Jonathan Odur (Erute South MP) accused the Ministry of Finance of deliberately ignoring the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) approved by Parliament, leading to continued regional disparities in development.
“The reluctance of the Ministry of Finance to implement NDP IV as passed by Parliament has turned into outright defiance. This explains the persistent inequalities in regional development across Uganda,” Odur stated.
Baryomunsi dismisses poverty concerns
In response, Minister Baryomunsi defended the government's development strategies, arguing that no part of the country is deliberately left out during planning and budgeting. He acknowledged Northern Uganda’s historical struggles but insisted that government studies show significant progress in the region.
Baryomunsi
“It is not true that we plan and budget while sidelining particular regions. We are fully aware that the North was affected by war and conflict for a long time, but technical studies indicate great improvement,” Baryomunsi said.
His remarks, however, provoked a strong backlash from MPs representing Northern Uganda, who accused him of ignoring ground realities and contradicting government reports on poverty.
MPs decry marginalization
Odur, backed by other Northern MPs, argued that Northern Uganda, Karamoja, Teso, and Busoga continue to suffer worsening poverty levels despite repeated claims of progress by the government.
“Some regions of this country, including where I come from, have suffered the consequences of war. We have witnessed how the national cake is served unfairly—some areas receive a higher percentage while others are neglected, left without roads, schools, or health centers. Yet, we are expected to sit back and applaud while other regions develop. That is unjust,” Odur remarked.
He further cited findings from Government Poverty Assessment Reports and the Equal Opportunities Commission, which consistently rank Northern Uganda among the poorest regions.
MP Odur
“The government’s own reports clearly show that poverty levels in Lango, Karamoja, Teso, and Busoga are worsening. The Equal Opportunities Commission also confirmed that our representation in government employment is minimal, and our road network remains severely underdeveloped. In fact, Northern Uganda has only 3% of the national road network,” he added.
The exchange underscored growing frustrations among Northern MPs over what they see as neglect and systemic marginalization by the government, with calls for urgent policy interventions to address the disparities.
Torch Media Africa
