KOTIDO, September 16, 2025 — To improve water accessibility and resilience against droughts, the Ministry of Water and Environment [MWE] has officially commenced the construction of a massive three billion-litre dam at Nangolo-Apolon in Kotido district.
Valued at Shs 94 billion, this mega dam is a focal element of the Karamoja Drought Resilience Project [KDRP] and aims to bolster the livelihoods of livestock farmers across the districts of Kaabong, and Kotido.
The project is a pivotal response to the recurring challenges posed by drought in the region, offering a reliable water source that will support both settled and nomadic pastoralists.
Speaking at the launch of the construction of the dam days ago, Eng. Ronald Kayizi Kato, National Project Coordinator for KDRP, expressed optimism regarding the dam’s potential to transform the lives of local communities. “By enhancing the production base and drought resilience of livestock keepers, we can significantly improve their livelihoods,” Kato stated.
In addition to the primary dam structure, the KDRP will include the construction of smaller satellite water storage systems. These systems are designed to manage grazing pressure effectively, ensuring that the larger dam remains functional and sustainable. “This comprehensive approach will not only increase water availability but also mitigate the risk of overburdening the main reservoir,” Kato added.
The initiative has garnered widespread support from local authorities, who have long expressed concerns about water shortages that lead to inter-district conflicts over grazing rights.
Peter Abraham Lokii, the Jie County Member of Parliament, emphasised the necessity of high-quality construction, stating, “We have seen too many projects where funds have been mismanaged and the results are catastrophic. We must ensure that this dam does not become another redundant structure.”
Local leaders, including Paul Lotee Komol, the Kotido District LCV Chairperson, called for swift progress on the project, noting its potential to ease tensions related to water and pasture shortages. “Once completed, this dam will help resolve conflicts and provide a stable source of water for our livestock,” Komol said.
Kaabong LCV Chairperson Jino Meri echoed these sentiments, highlighting the challenges that pastoralists face in search of water and pasture. “The completion of this project will not only benefit the Karimojong but also our neighbors in Turkana, Kenya,” Meri noted, reflecting on the regional significance of the dam.
However, concerns about project delays have been raised. Kato acknowledged that initial stages faced considerable setbacks due to land usage authorisation and project design issues. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic that the dam will be operational within the next three years.
Moreover, Charles Ichogor, the Kotido RDC, underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the project’s funding. “There should be no room for corruption in this initiative. The community is counting on us to deliver on this promise,” he warned.
Ingrid Hahn, portfolio manager at KfW, the funding agency for the project, reaffirmed their commitment to seeing the dam through to completion. “We believe this dam will fulfill its intended purpose and significantly impact the lives of the communities it serves,” Hahn stated.
As construction begins, there is palpable hope among local communities that the Nangolo-Apolon Mega Dam will become a cornerstone for improved livelihoods and reduced conflict over scarce resources in the Karamoja region.
The ambitious project aims to provide lasting solutions to the water scarcity challenges facing pastoralists in Uganda’s northeastern region.
https://thecooperator.news/outcry-as-shs-1-4bln-adai-valley-dam-vandalised-in-katakwi-district/
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