Vice President Jessica Alupo, along with Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi, recently inaugurated two significant projects aimed at enhancing community infrastructure in Katakwi District.
The Kanapa Shared Solar Mini Grid and the Orungo Corner Water Supply Scheme represent crucial steps toward improving access to clean water and electricity in the region.
The Orungo Corner Water Supply Scheme is designed to serve six villages—Apuuton, Ayopo, Ameritele, Acera, Amukurat, and Orungo Corner—via a 9.2 km distribution network, benefiting over 4,000 residents and raising safe water access in the district to 75.8%. A dedicated water user committee will oversee the project’s sustainability.
The Kanapa Solar Mini Grid project features a 16kW solar system, made up of 28 high-capacity panels and two 8kW inverters, designed to support three-phase electricity applications.
Operating on a prepaid model, the system has already established 41 connections, positively impacting around 34 households and businesses. The project also encourages economic activities by providing power for grinding mills, electric motorcycles, and popcorn machines.
During the launch, Minister Magyezi highlighted that these initiatives, funded through the Local Economic Growth Support Project (LEGS) by the Islamic Development Bank, the Lives and Livelihood Fund, and the Government of Uganda, are vital for local economic development and support micro-finance efforts.
He urged district administration to integrate the new infrastructure into the District Operation and Maintenance Plan to ensure longevity.
Alupo also inaugurated a Sh900 million piped water project in Olungo Corner Town Board aimed at addressing water shortages.
She praised the government’s commitment to providing safe, clean water to prevent disease outbreaks but raised concerns over corruption in the district, advocating for a forensic audit of financial records.
The initiatives are funded through the Local Economic Growth Support Project (LEGS) by the Islamic Development Bank, the Lives and Livelihood Fund, and the Government of Uganda
In a community-centred gesture, she contributed 5 million toward covering water bills, promoting access to clean water as a fundamental human right.
As the community embraces these advancements, both leaders emphasised the importance of sustainability and careful planning to ensure these projects can thrive and continue to foster economic growth and improve the livelihoods of the people in Katakwi District.
The initiatives signal significant progress in addressing basic needs and empowering local entrepreneurship.
