MP Achon Marks 10 Years In Parliament With 160 Boreholes Reported

By Lango Sub-region Correspondent | Osmara Digital Media

OTUKE, UGANDA — Otuke East County Member of Parliament Hon. Julius Achon Bua says he has supported the drilling of 160 boreholes over the past decade, as he continues to prioritise access to clean water in communities facing persistent shortages across the Lango sub-region.

The latest intervention saw three boreholes drilled between October 21 and 24, 2026, in Otuke and Alebtong districts, following appeals from residents struggling to access reliable water sources.

The three boreholes serve Oloo Central Village in Amuria Parish, Alebtong District; Olwedo Village in Alula Parish, Olilim Sub-county, Otuke District; and Aweayella Village in Aweayella Parish, Alango Sub-county, Otuke District.

According to Hon Achon, the three boreholes cost a total of Shs75 million, with each project estimated at Shs25 million.

Hon. Achon, who entered Parliament in 2016, said improving access to water remains one of his priorities, particularly as communities face challenges associated with changing weather patterns.

Speaking on Saturday, October 24, after the drilling work was completed, the legislator said his development priorities also include agricultural support and livestock distribution to help households improve their livelihoods.

“That is why my priority is concentrating on drilling boreholes, distributing seeds such as simsim and maize, and distributing goat projects for some of the groups, as we shall fight together to kick out poverty within our community,” Achon said.

He pledged to extend the borehole drilling initiative to other districts in Lango where communities experience shortages of reliable water sources.

Residents raise concerns over water shortages

The latest intervention follows concerns raised by residents about difficulties accessing adequate water for household use.

Obao Denis, the Vice-Chairperson of Oloo Central Village, said the shortage had forced some residents to collect rainwater, while others struggled to find dependable sources.

Awany Bonny, the LC1 Chairperson of Alula Village, and Benson Abuka of Aweayella Village also welcomed the boreholes, saying they could help ease the burden on residents who have struggled to obtain sufficient water.

The local leaders noted that some existing boreholes had deteriorated over time and were no longer producing sufficient water, forcing residents to share available sources with domestic animals.

They expressed hope that the new boreholes and rehabilitation of existing facilities would reduce the distances residents travel in search of water and improve access to cleaner water for household consumption.

The leaders praised Hon.Achon for responding to community concerns, with some describing him as the “Godfather of Otuke” because of his reported support for local development initiatives.

Shs90 million water intervention

Hon. Achon said rehabilitating three existing boreholes would require an additional Shs15 million, bringing the estimated combined cost of the three new boreholes and the rehabilitation work to Shs90 million.

He explained that residents from the affected communities had approached him for assistance after his recent return from the United States, raising concerns about persistent water shortages.

The MP said he considered their appeals important and proceeded with the intervention.

However, the long-term impact of the projects will depend on the availability of water, proper maintenance and the continued functionality of the facilities.

Focus on sustainable water access

The latest drilling brings the number of boreholes Achon says he has supported over his 10 years in Parliament to 160.

The reported figure highlights the scale of his water-access initiative, although an independent assessment of the total number of boreholes, their funding sources and their current operational status would be needed to establish the programme's overall impact.

For residents of Oloo Central, Olwedo and Aweayella, the immediate concern is whether the new facilities will provide a dependable water supply and ease the challenges associated with accessing water.

As the initiative expands, maintaining existing boreholes alongside constructing new ones will remain important to ensuring that communities benefit from reliable water sources over the long term.