Amolatar, Uganda – Today, Col. Dr. John Francis Ongia, aspiring Member of Parliament for Kioga County in Amolatar District, brought relief to residents of Ojabo Village, Awikoro Parish, Acii Subcounty by repairing a borehole that had been broken for over two years.
The lack of clean water had forced locals to rely on a nearby dam, which had significantly dried up during the ongoing dry season.
According to Andrew Ayeni, the coordinator of the activity, the repair cost UGX 2.4 million, involving 19 rods, 19 pipes, and a new cylinder.
The borehole is now expected to serve more than 250 households in the village.
Local leaders expressed gratitude for Col. Dr. Ongia’s timely intervention.
Ojabo LC1 Chairperson, Acar Peter, commended him for being a responsive leader.
“We’ve pleaded with our leaders for help, but they ignored us. Now, we have clean water thanks to Col. Dr. Ongia. We will ensure the borehole is maintained by collecting contributions from households,” Acar said.
Col. Dr. Ongia highlighted the pressing challenges in Amolatar, including poor road infrastructure, inadequate health services and insufficient educational facilities.
While some issues require government intervention, he emphasized that community-driven solutions like borehole repairs can greatly improve livelihoods.
“As a leader, it’s my responsibility to act where I can. Today, we repaired a borehole in Ojabo, and we’ll do more. If elected as Kioga County MP in 2026, I will advocate for key projects such as the long-delayed tarmacking of the Dokolo-Amolatar road,” Ongia promised, citing the successful tarmacking of the Soroti-Katakwi road as an example of what committed leadership can achieve.
Residents praised Ongia’s efforts and pledged to support him in the upcoming election.
“We’ve had leaders who don’t listen. This time, we’ll vote for someone who acts,” one resident remarked.
Ayeni also announced that on January 16, 2025, another borehole will be repaired in Barayom Village, Alyecmeda Parish, Agwingiri Subcounty at a cost of UGX 1 million.
A third repair is scheduled for January 17, 2025, in Barjobi Village, Nabweyo Parish, Namasale Subcounty, also at a cost of UGX 1 million.
The total budget for these activities is UGX 5 million.
Col. Dr. Francis Ongia, contesting under the NRM ticket, aims to unseat incumbent MP Junior Moses Okot Bitek of the FDC in the 2026 elections.
His hands-on approach and practical solutions have earned him growing support across Kioga County.
