Rehabilitated Spring Well in Pece Pawel Central in Gulu City by MTN Foundation. Photos by Phillips Kica
By Phillips Kica
Gulu city: More than 8,000 residents across Gulu City now have easy access to clean and safe drinking water following the drilling of four spring wells by MTN Uganda’s philanthropic arm, MTN Foundation, and Safe Water Uganda, a Community-Based Organization.
This initiative, part of the transformative MTN Changemakers’ Initiative that was launched in July 2023, to positively impact communities by addressing critical needs and fostering development.
The spring wells have been constructed in Pawel Central Cell, Katikati, Keyi A, and Lawiyadul, with an investment worth shs19.9m.
Dan Opiyo, General Manager Labule Telecom while speaking at the handover event of a newly constructed spring well at Pawel Central Cell in Pawel Ward, Laroo-Pece Division, said the initiative aligns seamlessly with MTN Uganda’s ambition 2025 strategy, emphasizing the role of technology and innovative partnerships in driving community empowerment and economic growth.
“We at MTN Uganda believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life irrespective of their social and economic status, and this includes access to safe clean drinking water,” Opiyo said.
According to Opiyo, the completion of the wells marks a critical milestone in supporting the government towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which emphasizes the importance of clean water and sanitation for all.
Eveline Okello Odoki, the chairperson in charge of the environment in Pece Pawel Central, said the support from MTN came in handy because the water the community was using got contaminated by running water from hilly areas and animals drinking from it.
Odoki disclosed that the water source has also been tested and found to be safe for drinking.
“I want to appreciate them for helping [us to] get a safe and reliable water source,” Odoki said.
Pamela Achan, a resident of Pece Pawel Central and Village Health team member in the area lauded MTN Uganda, saying the residents of the area had no clean water source.
Geoffrey Otim, the secretary of works and technical service in Pece Laroo division, said that the division is impressed with what MTN Uganda does for the community.
Otim said due to limited revenue, they had earmarked little funds for drilling water and more on roads, but now that MTN has supported them, the money for water will be used for opening roads.
Charles Can Owira, the local council chairperson of Pece Pawel Central Cell, revealed that the challenge of clean water was big as it affected three cells with over 994 households.
For years, Gulu City has faced challenges in providing adequate and clean water to its rapidly growing population. Despite government investments, many residents, still struggle to access safe clean water, especially during the dry season.
Canowira said the new spring wells symbolize a leap towards breaking the cycle of poverty, enhancing education through reduced absenteeism, and relieving women and girls from the burden of looking for water.
“The initiative lays the groundwork for sustainable community development, where health and prosperity can flourish,” Canowira said.
Christopher Nyero, the Safe Water Uganda Founder, said they are deeply grateful for the partnership with MTN Uganda, which has enabled them to reach more communities with clean water solutions.
“Together, we are not just providing water; we are transforming lives and empowering communities towards a brighter, healthier future,” Nyero said.
The MTN Foundation under the MTN Changemakers Initiative has earmarked shs 500m for 25 selected projects across the country, spanning economic empowerment, education, health, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Some of the beneficiaries include; Kalaa Mugosi Women Empowerment in Sironko, Rotaract Club of Masaka, Prime Time at Makerere University in Kampala, and Tusitukire Wamu Development Association in Wakiso District.
Over the last decade, the MTN Foundation has dedicated shs 30bn towards more than 250 projects in education, health, youth empowerment, water, sanitation and hygiene, and humanitarian response.
