By Mulengera Reporters
Lawmakers from Nakaseke District have raised concerns over increasing insecurity in the area, citing a surge in attacks by panga-wielding criminals who rob residents of money and property. The legislators attribute the rising crime to inadequate police presence in the district.
During the February 20, 2025, plenary sitting, Nakaseke South MP Luttamaguzi Semakula informed Parliament that just days earlier, several villages in Semuto Sub-County had been targeted by armed criminals, leaving many residents injured and fearful.
“They were demanding phones and mobile money. Whoever refused was cut,” said Luttamaguzi. “The nearby police station, which should have responded, lacks fuel and motorcycles. We don’t know what to do. We need to know what the government can do to address this.”
In response, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Uganda Police Force to investigate the attacks. She also assured Parliament that the government is working to increase police deployment across the country.
“The Minister of Internal Affairs will investigate this matter. We are also implementing the President’s directive to establish police posts at every sub-county with 18 officers each. This process is being done in phases,” Nabbanja stated. “I also direct the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to set up a police post in the affected area to apprehend the criminals.”
Nakaseke District Woman MP Sarah Najjuma acknowledged the government’s efforts in deploying police officers but noted that those stationed in the district face dire living conditions, often relying on Members of Parliament to fund their operations.
“It’s true that police officers have been deployed. In one sub-county, there are 60 officers, while another has 15. However, they lack accommodation, offices, and motorcycles. In some cases, police stations occupy private buildings without paying rent,” Najjuma explained.
Prime Minister Nabbanja admitted that similar challenges exist in other parts of the country and promised additional funding for police infrastructure in an upcoming supplementary budget.
Poor Health Services in Adjumani
Meanwhile, Adjumani District Woman MP Jesca Ababiku raised concerns over deteriorating health services in her constituency. She noted that due to poor internet connectivity, the recently introduced computerized health management system is ineffective, leaving patients stranded and forcing many to resort to herbal medicine.
“Many patients at Adjumani General Hospital are stuck, and some have turned to herbal remedies because the hospital cannot operate the computerized system. The internet is unreliable, ultrasound and X-ray machines are obsolete, and there is inadequate space for mothers and their babies. The Minister of Health should reinstate the old register system as an alternative,” Ababiku said.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among questioned why medical professionals could not diagnose and treat patients without an internet connection.
“For heaven’s sake, does a doctor need the internet to make a prescription?” she asked.
Ababiku clarified that the government had mandated full reliance on the computerized system, effectively eliminating the use of physical patient records.
Prime Minister Nabbanja acknowledged the challenges in implementing the digital system and assured lawmakers that the government is working to expand internet connectivity nationwide.
“We are in the process of digitizing our health system. The President recently launched an initiative to expand internet coverage, and we are rolling it out. We were recently in Karamoja, and we will extend services to Adjumani and other areas,” Nabbanja said. “However, I will consult the Minister of Health to assess whether the full rollout was premature in areas without internet access and whether adjustments can be made.”
The debate highlighted the urgent need for both improved security and reliable public services to ensure the safety and well-being of Ugandans across different regions-Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
