Lamwo’s Litenge village residents get clean water after a decade of scarcity

After more than ten years of walking long distances in search of clean water, residents of Litenge village, Okol parish in Madi Opei sub-county, Lamwo district, are celebrating a long-awaited relief: the installation of a solar-powered water system.

The project, initiated by Akullu Grace Regina, an aspiring Woman MP for directly elected Lamwo County and Director of Positive Hope Uganda (PHU), has restored hope to the rural community that had suffered a severe water crisis for over a decade.

The only borehole drilled by the Lamwo District Local Government broke down 10 years ago due to low water levels, forcing villagers to fetch water from distant or unsafe sources.

Ajwayo Elder, a mother of six, said for many years, they have walked more than four kilometres every day to fetch water from Okol Wanglango Primary School or the Health Centre II.

“Sometimes we even pay boda boda riders to bring water home, which costs between 2,000 and 3,000 shillings per jerrycan. It has been very hard for us women,” she added.

Another resident, Atim Agness, a mother of 8 children, said the new water system will save women’s time and protect them from health risks.

“We used to fetch water from swamps and streams shared with animals. It was risky and made our children sick. Now, with clean water nearby, our lives will be much better,” Ayaa said, smiling as water gushed from the new tap.

Speaking during the installation exercise, Akullu Grace Regina said the solar-powered system is part of a broader initiative by her organisation to improve access to safe and sustainable water sources in remote communities.

“Clean water is essential for promoting health, sanitation, and community development,” Akullu said. “After drilling the borehole, we installed a solar system to ensure a constant supply of safe water to all the villages in Okol parish that have long suffered from water shortages.”

The community’s excitement was evident as residents gathered to witness the first flow of clean water. Some women ululated and sang songs of praise, calling Akullu “Mama Water” for restoring hope to the village.

Local leaders also commended the effort. Kidega Alfred, the LC1 chairperson of Litenge village, thanked Akullu for responding to what he called “a long-standing cry of the people.”

“For over ten years, people here have suffered without clean water. We thank Akullu and her organisation for bringing a lasting solution,” Kidega said.

The sub-county LC3 chairperson of Madi Opei, Felix Nyero Lawii, described the initiative as a true example of people-centred leadership.

“This kind of support complements government efforts and shows that development can start right from the community level,” Lawii noted.

Positive Hope Uganda (PHU), founded by Akullu, is a community-based organisation working to empower rural communities through programs in health, education, livelihoods, and clean water.

The organisation has supported numerous initiatives promoting women and youth empowerment, sanitation, and access to basic social services across Lamwo and other parts of northern Uganda.

With clean, solar-pumped water now flowing in Litenge Village, women say their daily burden has finally been lifted.

“Now our children can go to school on time, and we can spend more time in our gardens instead of walking for water,” said Odongkara Thomas. “This is the best gift we have received in years.”

As the sun sets over the hills of Madi Opei, the sound of water splashing from the tap stands as a powerful symbol of change, a sign that after years of thirst, Litenge village has finally found hope in every drop