By Chris Woo
Rising cases of gender-based violence in Oyam District have been linked to an ongoing water crisis, according to several residents of Oyam South constituency. Last week, NRM aspiring candidate Patrick Ogwang Obura led efforts to repair broken boreholes in the sub-counties of Myene, Kamdini, and Minakulu town council, addressing the community’s pressing water needs.
Alex Opio, the LC1 Chairperson of Acwara Tera Village in Acimi Parish, Myene Sub County, revealed that his office had recorded 34 cases of domestic violence in just two months. He attributed this spike to the community’s struggle to access clean water. Opio explained that residents have been forced to walk approximately three kilometers to Acimi trading center for clean water, putting a strain on households and leading to conflicts. He urged his community to vote for dedicated leaders like Ogwang Obura, who have already started making tangible improvements even before officially entering office.
In Kamdini Sub County, George Acol from Apala “B” Village in Juma Parish shared similar concerns. Over 5,000 people, including residents and students from three schools, were forced to rely on a single borehole at Apala “B” Primary School, leading to tensions. Acol noted that the long wait times at water points were causing altercations, particularly among the youth, who often engaged in violent disputes when women were delayed at the boreholes. He encouraged young people to avoid such behavior and instead focus on productive activities like agriculture to help eradicate poverty in their community.
Following the repairs of six boreholes in Barpama, Obanga-Oloko “A”, Mitacoo, Woobalukuc, Acwara Tera, and Apala “B”, many residents expressed their gratitude. However, they also highlighted additional challenges, including cases of gender-based violence, sexual abuse such as rape, and health issues like diarrhea caused by the difficulty of accessing clean water.
In a message delivered by his political assistant, Geoffrey Tadeo Okello, Patrick Ogwang Obura urged residents to reject gender-based violence, which he identified as a major contributor to poverty. He also encouraged the formation of water source committees to better manage and maintain the repaired boreholes.
Oyam District Woman MP, Hon. Santa Alum Ogwang, recently echoed these concerns, cautioning families about the detrimental impact of rising gender-based violence on children’s health and education.
Oyam District Police Commander, SP Edison Muhangi, confirmed the increase in violence but attributed it to drug abuse and a lack of action from clan and religious leaders in addressing these issues.
The district currently has rural water access at 60%, with water coverage standing at 72.05%, and a functionality rate of 88%. Meanwhile, latrine coverage in the district is at 83%. These figures highlight both the progress made and the challenges that remain in ensuring adequate water access for all residents.