By Richard Onapatum
Farmers in the picturesque district of Katakwi, nestled along the shores of Lake Bisina, find themselves locked in a battle against an unexpected foe: hippos. These gentle giants have emerged as a formidable threat to the agricultural dreams of the local populace.
In the heart of this struggle lies the Agule Village mini-irrigation scheme, a beacon of hope valued at an impressive ugShs742 million. Nestled on a 12.35-acre plot, it promises prosperity to 48 dedicated farmers of the Imorudoko clan. Yet, amidst this promise, lurks the shadow of the hippopotamus.
During the inauguration of two solar-powered water projects, farmers voiced their concerns. Mr. Stephen Olinga, the chairperson of Agule’s farmers, vividly painted the nightly onslaughts where hungry hippos ravage their precious crops, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
For these farmers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Their livelihoods hang in the balance, threatened by the whims of nature’s behemoths. With each crop destroyed, their hopes for a prosperous future wither like leaves in the scorching sun.
Mr. Ben Kizito Obwalinga, the esteemed chairperson of Toroma Sub-county, issued a clarion call to the government. A robust fence, he implored, must encircle their fields, a bulwark against the relentless tide of hippo invasions.
In response, Mr. Gilbert Kimanzi, the commissioner of water for production, stressed the pivotal role of these projects. They stand not just as symbols of progress but as lifelines for communities thirsting for reliable water sources, both for sustenance and growth.
As the nation’s leaders convened, Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo lauded the government’s efforts in fostering peace and prosperity. Yet, as the battle against hippo incursions rages on, it’s clear that peace, for Katakwi’s farmers, remains an elusive dream.
In the tranquil embrace of Lake Bisina, a struggle unfolds—one where the aspirations of a community collide with the ancient presence of its wildlife. In this clash of interests, the fate of Katakwi’s farmers hangs precariously in the balance, awaiting a resolution to their hippo-inflicted woes.