Lt Gen Peter Elwelu camps in Karamoja
By our reporter
NAPAK – Hon Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Senior Presidential Adviser (SPA) and Head of the Karamoja-Teso Governance Monitoring Mechanism, has launched a comprehensive field monitoring of ongoing water infrastructure projects in Karamoja Sub-region.
The initiative kicked off in Napak district Tuesday September 24th 2024, followed by a meeting with officials in Moroto district, where the local water officer presented a detailed report on the area’s water situation.
Lt Gen Elwelu highlighted the importance of teamwork, comradeship, and accountability in delivering essential social services to the people of Karamoja. “All of us in authority and power are mandated to serve our people whom we are accountable to both on earth and in heaven,” he asserted. He further praised President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni for his efforts in transforming Karamoja and urged local leaders to follow his example in fulfilling the government’s objectives.
During the meeting, the Gen Elwelu requested clarification from the water officer on how funds for sensitisation, non-wage expenses, monitoring, and project commissioning would be allocated. He raised concerns about discrepancies in the costs of two water projects in Naturum village and questioned why the water department had not conducted an in-house design. Lt Gen Elwelu promised to conduct on-the-ground inspections to verify the accuracy of the project reports.
Moroto Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mrs Jane Francis Amongin Okili, expressed gratitude for Gen Elwelu’s “watchman” approach, welcoming his return to the district to ensure transparency in water project management. She pledged full support for monitoring government programs and upholding security.
Mr Koryang David, Moroto district LC V chairperson, noted that the district receives 400 million shillings annually for water projects and remains committed to improving water access. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the region’s nomadic lifestyle, migratory patterns, and difficult topography, which complicate water distribution.
District Water Officer, Mr Lowot Musa, revealed that the total project cost is approximately 313.7 million shillings, with work being completed in phases due to budget constraints. Phase two will address solar and electro-magnetic systems and extend water to nearby villages in Rupa Sub-county. He also explained that community requests had led to two designs for Tapac Sub-county, aimed at serving a larger population, including Kalemengole village, Kalemengole Health Centre, and Kosiroi trading centre. Mr Lowot added that the water department now conducts in-house designs to save money for future projects and prevent duplication of efforts by development partners.
Lt Gen Elwelu was accompanied by key local officials, including Mr Tuko Justin (Deputy RDC), Mr. Lokong Samuel (Principal Assistant Secretary), heads of departments, and security officers.
