By Our Reporter
KATAKWI
While some areas in Teso and the country are experiencing rainfall, residents in certain parts of Katakwi district are facing severe water shortages for their animals after the valley tank dried up due to an extended dry spell.
Simon Peter Ochumar, the LC1 Chairperson of Oroboi village, which has over 210 households, expressed concern that the sole valley tank serving livestock from the three parishes of Obwobwo, Ongongoja, and Oburatum in Ongongoja sub-county has run dry.
He said this has left those who invested in animals through the Parish Development Model (PDM) and cattle rehabilitation program without a reliable water source.
Ochumar said the situation has worsened, as the only remaining Akamuriei motorized borehole—which animals depended on—is now out of commission and this has forced herdsmen to trek more than five kilometers to find water, either at Angolekit or Akomotukoi.
According to him, the village lacks a clean water source for the local community, compelling residents to travel long distances to fetch water from Obwobwo parish and surrounding areas.
Ochumar emphasized the urgent need for a large valley dam, similar to the one in Ongunga, to ensure there is sufficient water for the animals throughout the year.
William Omeke, the former LC3 Chairperson for Ongongoja sub-county, noted that despite some regions receiving rain, there has been a long dry period, and the recent invasion of buffaloes depleted the already limited water in the valley dams and tanks.
“The ongoing drought has drained all water sources in the district, forcing both people and animals to journey long distances for water, increasing tensions and conflicts with wildlife that have led to casualties and crop damage,” he said.
These pressing issues were raised in a meeting with Katakwi district leaders, including Usuk County MP Richard Ongorok and his Toroma County counterpart Solomon Ossiya, held in Oroboi village over the weekend.
Eseza Lydia Apio, the acting district engineer, and Samuel Baker Opio, the chief administrative officer for Katakwi, shared that Ongongoja is one of the most water-stressed sub-counties, making it challenging to drill underground water sources.
Opio attributed the situation to the effects of climate change, which have caused valley dams and tanks to dry up due to inconsistent rainfall.
He assured that alternative solutions would soon be made available to facilitate access to safe and clean water.
Apio added that engineers drilled as deep as 98 meters but were unable to reach water due to the area’s severe water stress.
However, both Opio and Apio confirmed that work is ongoing to restore the motorized borehole, with water beginning to flow again.
They promised that this supply would be extended to Oroboi village for both animals and residents.
Katakwi LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo mentioned ongoing efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture to address various water-related issues, including irrigation, and stated that the government is actively seeking additional funding for water and irrigation projects.
Omolo said that before initiating the project, they will contemplate drilling the valley tank at Ongongoja, if the opportunity arises.
He highlighted that under the Climate Smart Agriculture project, supported by the World Bank, Ongongoja was selected for one valley dam; however, this initiative has not yet commenced.
MP Ongorok, along with his colleague MP Ossiya, has agreed to address the issue of dry valley dams and tanks with President Yoweri Museveni through Vice President Maj. Rtd Jessica Alupo.
They aim to seek direction from the line ministry to establish a lasting solution to the water crisis affecting both humans and animals.
The Teso sub-region has 1.18 million heads of cattle representing 91.7% of local cattle, 858,000 goats and 470,000 pigs according to the recent population census.
