Nebbi, Uganda: Government officials and Alur Kingdom leaders have intensified community sensitisation efforts in Nebbi District to secure local support for a multi-million-dollar World Bank-funded water project on River Nyagak.
The one-day engagement, held Tuesday, April 14, in Kalwang Parish, Nebbi Sub-county, was convened by the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) to address emerging tensions and ensure smooth implementation of the project being executed by Pinnacle Construction.
The meeting brought together residents from Pathedi and Ogamo clans of Kaluwang Chiefdom, alongside officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, National Forestry Authority (NFA), district leadership, and Alur Kingdom representatives.
Key issues, including overlaps between the project site and cultural sacred grounds, as well as compensation concerns, were discussed and largely resolved through dialogue.
Alur Kingdom Prime Minister (Jadipu), Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, provided historical context, explaining that the land in question—part of Omyer Central Forest Reserve—was allocated to the then Forest Department by King Rwoth Amula in 1949.
“Our core role as Alur Kingdom is to promote government socio-economic transformation,” Opar said, urging residents to pursue compensation claims through lawful and peaceful channels.
He dismissed claims linking the Kingdom to any form of resistance against the project, reaffirming full support for government-led development initiatives.
Nebbi District Police Commander SSP Denis Filbert Waibi warned against acts of sabotage, stressing that security agencies will not tolerate disruptions. “This development is for our own benefit. Any insecurity will not be tolerated,” he said.
Assistant RDC Olama Stephen Machodwogo confirmed that security personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain order, while Assistant RDC Owachgiu Donald urged aggrieved residents to follow proper procedures in addressing compensation concerns.
Local leaders welcomed the engagement, saying it had clarified long-standing concerns. Ronald Oweki Okumu, LC1 Chairperson of Atyak Village—home to over 1,200 residents—commended both the Kingdom and district authorities for educating the community.
Kalwang Parish LCII Chairperson Alfred Orombi called for continued clarity on land ownership, noting that many residents were previously unaware of the boundaries and status of Omyer Central Forest Reserve.
The project includes environmental restoration through tree planting on approximately 200 acres, with communities allowed to intercrop low-growing crops such as beans and groundnuts to sustain livelihoods.
Cosmas Omirambe, Executive Director of Alur Community Empowerment Foundation, said the initiative will enable communities to benefit directly while coexisting with conservation efforts.
NFA Pakwach Sector Manager Azamuke Kennedy highlighted key benefits, including construction of water infrastructure to extend clean water access and opening of access roads to boost agricultural productivity.
He also encouraged locals to take advantage of employment opportunities created by the project.
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment, water access in Nebbi remains uneven—ranging from 26% in Alala Sub-county to 95% in Kucwiny.
The district has 916 domestic water points serving over 212,000 people, the majority in rural areas. However, at least 230 water points have been non-functional for more than five years.
The River Nyagak project is expected to significantly improve water coverage in Kalwang and surrounding areas, where residents have long relied on unsafe water sources, exposing them to waterborne diseases.
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