SERERE – In a clear career transition from chronicling events to shaping them, Steven Ariong, a journalist with 26 years of experience across major media houses, is now making waves as a development champion in Serere County, building his political campaign on a foundation of tangible achievements rather than mere promises.
Ariong, whose career spanned from Voice of Teso to international outlets like The London Evening Post, is contesting for political office as an NRM-leaning independent. He has become widely known for tackling one of the region’s most critical crises: the complete collapse of water infrastructure.
“When I saw women walking miles for water and families leaving their ancestral lands due to thirst, I knew reporting wasn’t enough,” Ariong told this publication. “We had to roll up our sleeves and bring solutions directly to our people.”
The scale of the water crisis was staggering. Serere County, which once had over 2,000 government-drilled boreholes, saw 1,810 break down, with some like the Kyere town council borehole remaining non-functional for 44 years. Ariong’s intervention has been transformative he has successfully rehabilitated 1,450 boreholes to date.
“The joy of seeing children drinking clean water from a borehole that was abandoned for decades is priceless,” Ariong said. “We’re not just fixing pipes we’re restoring hope and bringing our people back home.”
His work has made him particularly popular among women, who previously bore the burden of fetching water over long distances. “Now our women can focus on productive work and their families, not just searching for water,” he added.
Beyond water, Ariong has launched a comprehensive development drive across multiple sectors. In healthcare, he’s constructing waiting shades at health centers and has provided materials for a temporary kitchen at Kateta Health Centre III. “Our mothers and sick children deserve dignity while seeking medical care,” he noted.
In education, he has installed solar systems in 10 government schools and roofed teachers’ houses. “How can our children compete when they can’t study after dark? How can we retain teachers without proper housing?” Ariong questioned, explaining his motivation.
The veteran journalist turned developer credits national leadership for creating an environment where such development is possible. “President Museveni has given us the peace we need to develop our communities,” he stated. “That’s why I urge the people of Serere to support him with a 99% vote.”
He also praised General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, saying “The discipline he has instilled in our forces shows he has the qualities of a future president.” Of Speaker Anita Among, he said “She has become a true centre of development for Teso and all of Uganda.”
Ariong’s approach has resonated deeply with locals. “People are tired of empty promises,” he asserted. “They want to see action, and that’s what we’re delivering one borehole, one classroom, one health center at a time.”
As Serere County looks toward its future, Steven Ariong has positioned himself not just as another candidate, but as a proven problem-solver who has already changed countless lives through his direct intervention.