By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: In a momentous occasion for the residents of Katikara, Hon. Agaba Aisa Black, the enthusiastic Member of Parliament for Bugangaizi East, together with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja officially commissioned the Katikara water project, marking a significant milestone in the sub-county’s development journey. The project, funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWT) at a cost of 886 million Uganda Shillings, is a mark to Hon. Black’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of her constituents.
According to Hon. Black, the project was made possible through her tireless lobbying efforts, coupled with the support of the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. “This project is a direct result of my persistent efforts to address the water shortage challenges in Katikara,” Hon. Black said. “I’m grateful to the World Bank and the Ministry of Water and Environment for their financial support, and I appreciate the Prime Minister’s backing in making this project a reality.”
The Katikara water project is part of Hon. Black’s broader vision to transform her constituency. She revealed that the project is not a standalone achievement, but rather part of a larger effort to address the area’s infrastructure needs. “We’re pushing for the National Water and Sewerage Cooperation to take over the project, ensuring a steady and reliable water supply for the people of Katikara,” she said.
Hon. Black also highlighted other ongoing projects in the area, including the Kitahemba and Kyakasimbazi Road, which is in the pipeline. On power supply, she noted that they are currently in phase one, with phases two and three on the horizon. “We’re working tirelessly to ensure that our area is well-connected and equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support economic growth and development,” she added.
One of the most significant infrastructure projects in the area is the Balanywa swamp bridge. Hon. Black revealed that she, along with the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, surveyed the swamp, and engineers have already designed the bridge. “The Ministry of Works and Transport has taken over the project, and work will commence soon,” she said, expressing gratitude to the community for their support.
During the commissioning ceremony, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja pledged to survey the roads in the area and work on them. She specifically mentioned the Kabagyegere road, saying that she would work with Hon. Black and other leaders to address the issue. The Prime Minister also promised to direct the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to repair the polls that fell down in Muringa.
Andrew Mawejje, the Kakumiro District Chief Administrative Officer, provided a detailed history of the project, highlighting the feasibility study conducted in the 2022/23 financial year, followed by the construction of a water pump with a distribution line and power grid in the 2023/24 financial year. The final phase, completed in the 2024/25 financial year, involved the installation of electrical mechanical housing and distribution mains.
The commissioning of the Katikara water project is a realization to her dedication and lobbying capacity, and it sets a positive precedent for future development projects in the area. With her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of her constituents, Hon. Black remains a stronghold of hope for the people of Katikara, Bugangaizi East and beyond.