Kole, Uganda | June 12, 2025 — The Ministry of Water and Environment has embarked on a transformative project to rehabilitate the historic Alidi Dam in Kole District, originally constructed by the British colonial government in 1948. Left largely undeveloped for over 77 years, the dam is set to become a cornerstone for enhancing water security, irrigation, and livelihoods in Uganda’s northern cattle corridor.

Senior Engineer Bwire Charles from the Ministry of Water and Environment announced that the project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, is a collaborative effort with Conservation International and the Africa Innovation Institute. It aims to foster water security and catchment resilience across five districts: Rakai in southwest Uganda, Mityana in central Uganda, and Kole, Pader, and Kitgum in the north.

Reviving a Colonial Legacy

The Alidi Dam, initially built to supply water for irrigation, has remained underutilized for decades, leaving opportunities for agriculture and tree planting untapped. The rehabilitation project includes constructing piped water systems and developing water points to support local communities, particularly during dry spells.

“We’ve engaged district and community stakeholders to understand the challenges in the project area,” said Bwire. “The district leaders, especially in Kole, have shown significant interest due to the water challenges faced in the northern cattle corridor.”

The Ministry has contracted BRL Consults to coordinate activities, including field data collection, project documentation, and primary studies. The project is focusing on Bala Subcounty, with plans to establish four water points—two in Agege Parish and two in Bala Parish.

Local Leaders Champion the Initiative

Judith Alyek, Kole’s Woman Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, hailed the project as a vital step toward improving livelihoods in the region. “This development is the result of our persistent advocacy with Professor Otim Nape to the Ministry of Water and Environment,” Alyek said. “It will significantly alleviate the challenges faced during dry seasons.”

Sam Elyak, Chairman LC3 of Bala Subcounty, expressed optimism about the project’s impact, noting that it could boost water coverage in the area to 95%. “This is a game-changer for our community, which has struggled with limited water access,” he said.

A Call for Modern Farming Practices

Denis Akor, LC1 Chairman of Agwei Village in Agege Parish, urged residents to adopt irrigation-based farming systems to maximize the project’s benefits. “This is an opportunity to transform our livelihoods through modern agricultural practices,” Akor emphasized.

A Broader Vision for Uganda

The Alidi Dam rehabilitation is part of a larger initiative to address water scarcity and promote sustainable development in Uganda’s cattle corridor districts. By integrating water security with environmental conservation, the project aligns with national goals to enhance resilience against climate challenges.

As the Ministry and its partners move forward with field studies and stakeholder consultations, the people of Kole District are hopeful that the revitalized Alidi Dam will usher in a new era of prosperity for their community.

Written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan