By KT Reporter
The Ministry of Water and Environment has launched the 9th Water and Environment Week in Moroto District, aiming to promote climate resilience and conservation of natural resources in the Karamoja sub-region. The event kicked off on Monday with a 560-kilometer walk from Moroto to Kampala, led by the Uganda Walkers Association.
Held under the theme “Water and Environment for Inclusive and Prosperous Uganda,” the walk seeks to raise awareness about water scarcity and environmental challenges affecting communities in Karamoja. Activities lined up during the week include inter-school debate competitions, open defecation-free walks, tree planting campaigns, and the commissioning and monitoring of water projects implemented by the ministry. Walkers will plant symbolic trees along the route to Kampala to emphasise the importance of environmental conservation.
Jimmy Biyomotho, Manager of Rural Water for Karamoja at the Ministry of Water and Environment, said Karamoja was chosen to host the event due to persistent water shortages and sanitation challenges in the region. He noted that the walk will help raise awareness about water-related challenges while mobilising resources from potential investors interested in supporting development initiatives in the sub-region.
Biyomotho added that the ministry plans to launch the Karamoja Chapter for Water and Sanitation, as well as nutrition grants, alongside other activities such as debate competitions and tree planting. He said the ministry will also commission completed projects and inspect ongoing ones to ensure effective service delivery. Biyomotho observed that water coverage in Karamoja remains below the national average, and initiatives like Water and Environment Week help bridge existing gaps.
Patrick Ochero, Karamoja Manager for Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Water and Environment, said efforts are underway to improve domestic water coverage across the region. He revealed that his office has taken over management of water systems previously constructed by the government and development partners to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability.
Ochero disclosed that 52 piped water supply systems have so far been established in 73 trading centres across the region. He said 21 trading centres are yet to be covered and will be addressed as soon as resources become available. He explained that before the ministry intervened, many water systems would break down, leaving communities without the means to repair them.
Ochero said the ministry now maintains all water supply systems, with communities contributing 50 shillings per jerry can towards sustainability. With government support, he added, the ministry has extended water supply systems to several previously unserved villages and aims to reach up to 1,000 new connections annually.
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