Kampala—Members of Parliament from Northern Uganda have sharply criticized Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, after he dismissed reports highlighting the region's high poverty rates. The lawmakers accused the minister of undermining their concerns and failing to address the stark disparities in regional development.
The heated exchange occurred during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, where Jonathan Odur, MP for Erute South, raised concerns about the Ministry of Finance's alleged reluctance to implement the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) as amended by Parliament. Odur argued that this defiance has perpetuated inequality, leaving Northern Uganda lagging behind other regions.
“The continued disparity in regional development is a direct result of the government’s failure to prioritize the North,” Odur said. “We cannot keep ignoring the fact that our people are suffering while other parts of the country prosper.”
In response, Minister Baryomunsi downplayed the reports, stating that they were produced by government agencies and did not accurately reflect the progress made in Northern Uganda. He acknowledged the region's history of conflict but insisted that significant improvements had been achieved.
“It is not true that we leave out particular parts of the country when we plan and budget,” Baryomunsi said. “We know that the North was affected by war for a long time, but technical studies show there has been great improvement.”
His remarks sparked outrage among MPs from the region, who accused the minister of being out of touch with the realities on the ground. They cited recent data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and other agencies, which indicate that poverty rates in Northern Uganda remain disproportionately high compared to the national average.
“How can the minister claim there is improvement when our people are still struggling to access basic services like clean water, healthcare, and education?” asked one MP. “This is a clear case of the government turning a blind eye to our plight.”
The confrontation highlights growing frustration among Northern Ugandan leaders, who have long called for greater investment in the region to address the lingering effects of decades of conflict. Critics argue that while the government has made some efforts, such as the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF), these initiatives have not been enough to bridge the development gap.
As the debate continues, MPs from the region have vowed to push for stricter oversight of government programs and demand accountability for the implementation of the NDP IV.
“We will not rest until our people get the justice they deserve,” Odur declared. “The North must no longer be an afterthought in this country’s development agenda.”
The clash underscores the deep-seated challenges of achieving equitable development in Uganda, even as the government insists it is committed to leaving no region behind.
