Karamoja leaders seek innovative solutions to water crisis

What the report says

Leaders from Uganda’s Karamoja Sub-region have urged the government to pursue more durable solutions to the area’s water shortage, saying the problem continues to hurt agribusiness and livestock production. According to The Independent Uganda, the appeal was made in Moroto during the launch of the Pearl of Africa Innovation Series in Gulu City, an event organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the STI secretariat and attended by leaders from several northern sub-regions.

Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogoro said Karamoja’s repeated droughts mean any innovation agenda should prioritize water access. He proposed technologies that could move bulk water from nearby water bodies such as Opeta, Bisina and Kyoga to affected communities. Amudat District LCV chairperson William Bwatum Loram also pointed to solar energy as a possible resource for powering long-distance water supply systems, noting the region’s high temperatures and limited rainfall.

The leaders said earlier dam projects have not provided a lasting fix, with some drying up. Science and Innovation Minister Jonard Akiiki acknowledged the challenge and said his ministry is working on a long-term response with technical support from local leaders. The discussion comes as questions continue around previous government spending in Karamoja, including the proposed Karamoja Regional Development Plan, which has included ideas such as a man-made lake and bulk water transfer from Lake Bisina.