The survey that will cost about 86 Billion Shillings will start next month in the areas of Karamoja and Lamwo district. Dr Isaiah Tumwikirize, the principal Geophysicist in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development says that the survey will last for one year and six months.
The UWA Warder in- charge of Law Enforcement and Security for Matheniko/ Bokora Wildlife Reserve, Charles Wilson Okuta who led the operation says the suspects were arrested while burning charcoal inside wildlife protected area.
On the same evening, Hilary Lopeyok, the assistant inspector of schools in Kaabong district survived narrowly, when the speeding Longiro river almost overpowered his car. Lopeyok, who was travelling to Kotido for an official duty with four others struggled for more than one hour before the rescue team helped them out. The river has cut off the road to Kaabong from Kotido for close to a month.
Eng. Paul Logole, the Kotido District Engineer, says that he has forwarded a list of three bridges in Rengen Sub County to the Works Ministry for action. He said the district doesn’t have enough resources to fund construction of bridges.
Loyeng Longoli, another elder aged about 80 years is living with his two grandchildren. The elder has resorted to wild fruits and tree leaves collected by his grandchildren for survival.
Lawrence Ongwara, the District Community Development Officer of Kotido says that many girls have ended up with unwanted pregnancies and HIV as they struggle to make ends meet in different places.
The district lying in northern Karamoja, an area characterized by long dry spells was ravaged by the meadow spittle bug that destroyed sorghum and maize plantations, the staple food of the area.
The Kotido District Police Commander, Apollo Kyangungu confirmed receiving information regarding the death of minors but said he was yet to confirm the cause of death.
The Kotido District Chairperson Ambrose Lotukei says Karamojas vast lands should be exploited for tree planting as an alternative source of livelihood.
Ambrose Lotuke, the district chairperson Kotido says charcoal burning was embraced by communities especially in new settlements as a source of livelihood. He observes that much as several people have been apprehended by police, the existing laws are weak in punishing charcoal dealers.
An estimated 2,000 people in Kaceeri and Rengen Sub Counties in Kotido district are calling for support after their homes were submerged by flood water following a week of incessant rains.
