President
Museveni assures Karamoja on water availability
By
Acaye Henry
President
Yoweri Museveni has said that government is determined to put an end to the
seasonal water scarcity in Karamoja sub-region through building permanent dams
to trap runoff water from the flush floods that are rampant during the rainy
season.
“It
is not true that Karamoja has no water. There is water here but it is seasonal.
What we need to do is build the dams so that you don’t follow the water to
Teso. Our biggest priority was ensuring peace and security by stopping cattle
rustling, the next priority is water,” he said.
The President was addressing a public rally at Christ the King Church grounds in Lotaruk village, Lolachat Sub-county, Pian County in the new district of Nabilatuk in Karamoja Sub-Region.
Mr.
Museveni is currently on a nationwide tour to promote the job and wealth
creation campaign to ensure improved household livelihoods.
He advised the Karimojong to be keen on trapping rain runoff water and channel it to valley dams, adding that the floods caused by rain recently resulting in the washing away of a bridge on Lola chat River shouldn’t have happened if the rainwater had been trapped in valley dams.
Earlier,
the Nabilatuk interim LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Lorukare Paul reported that the
destruction of the bridge had hampered business and communication between
Namalu and Lokapel villages.
Shortly
after his address, a heavy downpour immediately started, stopping an intended
visit by the President to the destroyed bridge.
The
President said that the Movement government ushered in peace that brought
political stability and enabled it to develop infrastructure such as roads,
electricity, schools, and hospitals among others. He urged the people to take
advantage of the infrastructure in place to embrace profitable modern agro
production enterprises such fruits, poultry, piggery, coffee etc to generate
income to eradicate household poverty.
The
President said he was happy with the development trends that are taking root in
Karamoja, adding that roads and electricity will be extended to the areas of
Kotido, Karenga and Kidepo.
After
his address, Karimojong elders Lomogini and Agness Aleper Luking as a sign of
respect later decorated the President in traditional attire.
The
Minister, Office of the President Hon. Esther Mbayo, commended the President
for harnessing Karamoja to an area that has started attracting visitors.
The
Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. John Byabagambi, hailed the cooperation
between the local leaders and the Central Government.
He
said that the peace committees in the region have been supported with transport
means including bicycles, motor cycles and cell phones to ensure that the peace
ushered in by NRM government is consolidated.