Otuke East MP Julius Acon Bua Invests UGX 75 Million Personal Funds to Combat Water Crisis

LCC TV NEWS

OTUKE, Uganda – In a move that underscores the growing need for decentralized service delivery, Otuke East Member of Parliament Julius Acon Bua has launched a personal initiative to combat the region’s chronic water crisis, investing UGX 75 million from his own resources to construct three new boreholes across the district.

The legislator officially kicked off the construction works on August 2, 2026, with the ambitious project set to be completed within a tight three-day window, concluding on August 4, 2026. The boreholes, each valued at UGX 25 million, are strategically located in Barapua Village (Atira Parish, Ogwette Sub-county), Okwalonyim Village (Omwonyolee Parish, Ogor Sub-county), and Acoke in Okwongo Town Council.

During the launch event held on Sunday, Acon issued a robust challenge to his fellow political leaders, urging them to move beyond a reliance on the national treasury and take proactive ownership of local development.

"Leadership should be measured by action, not by dependence on government allocations," Acon stated. "A leader should not wait for government funding alone. We must also use our own resources and influence to solve the problems affecting our people."

The initiative comes as communities in Otuke grapple with the devastating effects of prolonged dry spells. The shortage of safe drinking water has not only strained daily life but has also exposed residents to waterborne diseases as they are forced to consume unsafe water from unprotected sources. The MP emphasized that the new boreholes are critical to improving public health metrics and reducing the physical burden on families—specifically women and children—who often trek long distances to fetch water.

"We are seeing a direct link between water scarcity and health crises in these villages," Acon remarked. "This project is about dignity, health, and giving time back to our children so they can focus on education rather than walking miles for water."

Beyond the construction, the MP appealed to the beneficiary communities to take ownership of the infrastructure, urging them to protect the boreholes from vandalism and establish maintenance committees to ensure the longevity of the water sources.

Acon, who is widely recognized in the district for his consistent financing of community water projects, has already completed several boreholes in other villages. This latest investment reinforces his reputation as a hands-on leader committed to improving the livelihoods of his constituents.

With the construction already underway, residents of the three villages are optimistic that the project will provide a lasting solution to the water crisis that has plagued their communities for years. The rapid timeline for the works reflects an urgency that leaders and locals alike hope will set a new standard for service delivery in the region.