Lira City East, Uganda: Relief turned into frustration on Wednesday as residents of Agengo Ward gathered to witness the commissioning of a Shs35 million borehole constructed by Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, but the long-awaited project quickly sparked political heat and public anger over delayed service delivery.
The borehole, intended to address years of severe water shortages, was unveiled amid mixed emotions. Residents who had long depended on unsafe, unprotected water sources shared by animals expressed joy, but also openly questioned why the intervention had come “too late.”
Dr Aceng did not attend the commissioning and was represented by her political assistant, Ms Zaina Opolot, who defended the minister’s commitment to improving essential services.
“The minister will continue supporting the public because it is both her mandate and constitutional duty to ensure her people get better services,” Ms Opolot said. “This borehole is only a fraction of the work she plans to do for Lira City East.”
While many celebrated the new water source, several residents sharply criticized what they described as neglected responsibility. “For years, we have been drinking water with cows and goats. It was embarrassing to say we belong to a city,” said Sarah Akullo. “We are happy today, but it hurts that leaders waited this long.”
Another resident, John Bosco Ogwal, said the delay had cost the community dearly. “If this borehole had been here earlier, some of the sicknesses our children suffered would have been avoided. We appreciate it, yes, but the question remains: why now?”
Political Heat: ‘Is the Pressure Increasing or Decreasing?’
The event turned politically charged when outspoken resident Abwang Bazil Francis suggested the project may have been triggered by political pressure.
“Is the pressure increasing or decreasing? Someone tell Betty Amongi to add more red pepper; Dr Aceng is getting out of UPC. Oyeeee!” he said, drawing laughter and murmurs of approval.
Samiri Odongo echoed the sentiment: “We want to know whether this is an increase or a decrease in pressure. We are not fools; we see the timing.”
Some residents expressed outright anger at what they perceived as election-season service delivery. “Before elections, what was she waiting for? This is not serious leadership,” said Haqmed Shaban, a youth in the crowd. “If she cared, this borehole would have come years ago.”
His frustration was shared by Rockie Ocen, who said, “Why now? Why during the campaign period? Why not before? We deserve services all the time, not when elections come close.”
Responding to the backlash, Ms Opolot insisted the project was not politically motivated. “This borehole was planned long before the political season intensified,” she said. “The minister has been delivering services throughout her term, not only during campaigns.”
She urged the community to acknowledge the development instead of turning it into a political scorecard.
Despite the political storm, several residents acknowledged the borehole’s value. “We can debate politics all day, but clean water is clean water,” said Margaret Arach. “Whether late or early, it will save mothers, children and the elderly.”
LC1 Chairperson David Opio hailed the project as “a turning point.” “We have waited long, but at least today we can see progress. This is a victory for the community,” he said.
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