MPs from Northern Uganda Clash with ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi Over Poverty Disparities

A heated exchange unfolded in Parliament yesterday as Members of Parliament (MPs) from Northern Uganda fiercely criticized the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, after he downplayed reports highlighting the severe poverty levels in the Northern region.

 The confrontation was ignited by remarks from Jonathan Odur, the MP for Erute South, who called attention to the persistent economic disparities across Uganda, particularly in the northern regions.

Baryomunsi, who is also a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), attempted to dismiss the reports, claiming that the poverty assessments from government agencies were inaccurate and lacked context. However, this response was met with strong pushback from MPs, who accused him of failing to acknowledge the pressing economic challenges in the North.

Jonathan Odur, who led the charge against the minister, expressed deep frustration over the refusal of the Ministry of Finance to implement the National Development Plan IV, a development strategy that was revised and approved by Parliament. According to Odur, this reluctance had led to continued underdevelopment and growing poverty disparities between the regions of Uganda.

 He further stressed that the government’s own reports had repeatedly shown that the Northern regions—particularly Lango, Karamoja, Teso, and Busoga—were experiencing worsening poverty.

“The reports released by the government, including the poverty assessment status reports, have consistently pointed out that the North is facing a dire situation,” Odur stated. 

“The Equal Opportunities Commission report also highlights that in terms of employment, we are nowhere to be found in this government. The road network in the entire country is in a state of disrepair, with only 3% of roads in a functional condition.”

Odur’s comments resonated with many of his colleagues, who voiced concerns about the unequal distribution of resources across the country. 

“Some regions, particularly where I come from, have been left behind in terms of development. We have endured years of conflict, and despite this, we continue to be neglected when it comes to key infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health centers,” he remarked.

 “It is unfair that some areas continue to receive a higher percentage of the national resources while others, like the North, are left to struggle.”

The MPs from Northern Uganda were united in their condemnation of the government’s failure to address regional imbalances in development. Many pointed out that despite efforts from Parliament and regional leaders to advocate for equal development, the North continues to lag behind in terms of essential services, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.

The clash between the MPs and Minister Baryomunsi has brought the issue of regional disparities to the forefront of public discourse, with calls for a more equitable distribution of national resources. As the debate rages on, the government faces increasing pressure to address the needs of the Northern region and tackle the growing poverty crisis that many feel has been ignored for too long.

This ongoing tension between MPs and government officials highlights the broader frustration felt by many Ugandans who believe that the economic gap between regions is hindering national development and perpetuating cycles of poverty in some parts of the country.