GOVERNMENT TO INVEST OVER UGX 200B TO PROTECT CATTLE CORRIDOR FROM WATER SCARCITY
By Aggrey Baba
In a moment that promises both hope and life-saving change, Uganda is embarking on a transformative journey to protect its cattle corridor from the devastating impacts of climate change. With a generous $78 million investment, this ambitious project aims to bring relief and resilience to communities long ravaged by droughts and unpredictable floods. As the saying goes, “Where there is water, there is life.” This initiative, supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), will build water dams, solar-powered boreholes, and irrigation systems, critical lifelines for over 100,000 households. The project’s goal is simple yet profound, to restore hope, protect the environment, and ensure a stable water supply for generations to come. [A river that forgets its source will soon dry up] and this project ensures that the source of life,water, remains flowing for the future.
The project, known as the Integrated Landscape Management Approach for Climate-Resilient Water Security and Livelihoods (ILMAC), is a comprehensive plan designed to enhance the resilience of Uganda’s cattle corridor. This region, which spans over half of Uganda’s land and supports 40% of the population, faces increasing challenges, ever from climate change, including severe droughts and unpredictable flooding. Just as the farmer trusts the rain to nourish his crops, this project offers the promise of consistent and life-sustaining water, making it a lifeline for the land’s people.
At a ceremony held last Wednesday, Mr. Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, shared the key objectives of the project. [He who does not plant trees cannot hope for shade]. Okidi emphasized the importance of investing in the land’s future. The plan includes rehabilitating existing water sources and constructing new solar-powered boreholes, water dams with a capacity of 1 million cubic meters, and valley tanks capable of holding 20,000 cubic meters of water. These critical resources are designed to provide sustainable water access to over 100,000 households across districts like Nakasongola, Luweero, Nakaseke, and Mubende.
“This project will benefit over 100,000 families, helping them weather the storms of climate change by restoring their environment and securing their water sources for the future,” Okidi said. He emphasized the importance of investing in the rehabilitation of ecosystems and protecting catchment areas, which will reduce the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. [A stitch in time saves nine]. These efforts aim to prevent future crises by addressing The problem at its roots and ensuring water availability for future generations.
Mr. Henry Gonzalez, the CEO of GCF, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the critical role of this project as a model for locally-driven climate solutions. “This initiative integrates water security, climate adaptation, and community leadership to create long-lasting solutions for those most at risk,” Gonzalez said. “The GCF’s support will help unlock both public and private financial resources to lead transformative climate action in this drought-prone region.” Just as “the bird that flies with both wings is the one that reaches its destination,” the collaboration between local communities and global organizations promises to create strong, sustainable solutions.
The financing for the project includes $49.7 million in grants from GCF and an additional $8.5 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). These funds will be used for detailed feasibility studies, mapping key catchment areas, and developing Environmental and Social Management Plans. These plans will include considerations for gender and indigenous communities, ensuring that all groups benefit from the project’s impact. As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” this project embodies the power of collective effort in ensuring long-lasting change.
As the cattle corridor continues to struggle with unpredictable weather patterns, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope, an effort to not only protect the environment but to safeguard the livelihoods of the many families who depend on it. By strengthening the land’s water security and building resilience against climate change, this project aims to secure a brighter, more stable future for generations to come. “When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).