The government, through the Ministry of Water and Environment, has invested billions of shillings to address water challenges in Karamoja. However, due to poor siting and designing of facilities, the region continues to face difficulties in accessing clean water and water for production.
Thorough investigations by this publication reveal that most dams constructed by the Ministry of Water and Environment in the region, costing between 7 to 12 billion, have dried up. Locals attribute this to inadequate siting and designing.
The ministry has allocated between 300 to 500 million shillings to construct shallow valley tanks in each parish. Unfortunately, these tanks only retain water for two months, leaving the locals in distress.
While acknowledging the existence of four dams, locals credit them to the intervention of the first lady, who served as the minister for Karamoja affairs during their construction.
Mark Losike expressed, “If it were not for the first lady’s intervention when she was the minister for Karamoja affairs, even these existing four dams wouldn’t be there.”
Joseph Lokubal, an elder in Napak, emphasized that unless the government, along with the Ministry of Water, collaborates with local expertise, Karamoja will continue facing drought.
He highlighted the significant funds spent in Karamoja by the government, equivalent to the national budget for an entire financial year, yet the region remains thirsty for water.
Moses Ilukol, another resident, called for an audit of properties owned by staff working in Karamoja under the Ministry of Water and Environment. He raised concerns about individuals earning modest salaries but possessing properties worth billions.
Locals argue that Karamoja has become a promotion ground where individuals rise through the ranks without delivering tangible results. Clementina Nangiro pointed out that Ministry of Water staff drive luxurious cars despite alleged incompetence and lack of significant progress in their work.
“In fact, these officers are more healthy and well-fed than the Karimojong themselves whom they are supposed to serve,” she stated.
