LocationsDelivering Hope Through Water: BRICK Project Transforms Lives in Karamoja
March 22, 2026
Over 13,000 community members from Lokinene (Kaabong District), Lookorok (Kotido District), and Loboborio (Moroto District) now have access to sustainable water enabling the water stressed communities to improve their livelihoods, engage in animal and agriculture production and address the challenges of conflict induced by lack of water.
Access to clean and safe water is more than a basic need, it is a lifeline, a foundation for peace, and a catalyst for development. In the heart of Uganda’s Karamoja region, communities in Lokinene (Kaabong District), Lookorok (Kotido District), and Loboborio (Moroto District) have long endured the harsh realities of water scarcity. For years, families walked long distances to fetch water from unsafe sources, exposing women and children to health risks and insecurity, and fueling tensions among neighboring communities during dry seasons. Scarcity of water also affected livestock production, an important livelihood system for these communities.
This narrative changed dramatically between 1st and 3rd December 2025, when the Building Resilience in Conflict-Affected and Fragile Communities of Karamoja (BRICK) Project, jointly implemented by UNDP Uganda and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), handed over three modern water systems to these communities. These installations are more than infrastructure they represent dignity, resilience, and peace.
Although security and water may seem like separate sectors, they are deeply connected in Karamoja. Where there is safety, development can take root. Where there is water, livelihoods grow, tensions reduce, and communities become more resilient and resource-based insecurity is also addressed.
A Journey of Partnership and Transformation
The BRICK Project was conceived to address the root causes of vulnerability in Karamoja by investing in peacebuilding, livelihoods, water for consumption and production and provision of essential services. Water access emerged as a critical priority, given its direct link to health, education, gender equality, and conflict prevention.
With a communicative ability to serve over 19,000 people, the commissioning of water systems in Kaabong, Kotido, and Moroto were not mere formalities; they were celebrations of collective effort and possibilities for the people. The events were graced by a multistakeholder presence, including government officials, development partners, civil society, and community leaders. The water systems were handed over by the UNDP Resident Representative, the KOICA Country Director, the Honourable Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Members of Parliament and District level leadership, underscoring the spirit of partnership that defines the BRICK Project.
Lokinene Water System: A Lifeline for Timu Sub-County serving over 3,019 people
Communities' in Karamoja benefiting from the constructed piped water systems
On 1st December 2025, the first stop was Timu Sub-County in Kaabong District, where the Lokinene Water System was officially commissioned. For years, this border community nestled between Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan has faced persistent insecurity, exacerbated by water scarcity. Women and children bore the brunt, trekking long distances to fetch water, often risking exposure to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other dangers.
The Lokinene Water System changes this reality. Equipped with modern infrastructure, it now delivers clean, safe, and reliable water to households, schools, and health facilities. Beyond improving public health, the system reduces the burden on women and children, strengthens social cohesion, and mitigates conflict triggers linked to water stress.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Jihee Ahn mentioned that “Although security and water may seem like separate sectors, they are deeply connected in Karamoja. Where there is safety, development can take root. Where there is water, livelihoods grow, tensions reduce, and communities become more resilient. Together, the Timu Police Post and the Lokinene Water System reflect KOICA’s commitment to addressing the interconnected challenges of peace, development, and climate resilience in this region”.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized that “this water system is far more than pipes and pumps it represents life, dignity, and peace for the community of Timu.” She commended the Kaabong District leadership, implementing partners such as Warrior Squad Foundation, and the local Water User Committee for their commitment to ensuring community ownership and sustainability.
Lookorok Water System: A Peace Dividend for Kotido with 7,016 beneficiaries by a 60,000-litre water reservoir
A photo of one of the water reservoirs set up for communities in Karamoja
The journey continued 2nd December 2025 to Nakapelimoru Sub-County in Kotido District, where the Lookorok Water System was handed over. Kotido, a district rich in potential yet challenged by insecurity, has long grappled with water scarcity as a driver of tension and vulnerability.
The Lookorok Water System is a peace dividend tangible investment that reduces competition over scarce resources and fosters harmony among communities. By bringing water closer to homes, schools, and health facilities, it eases the burden on women and children, improves health outcomes, and creates space for families to focus on education and livelihoods.
In his statement, the GARD Executive Director, an implementing partner, intimated that the BRICK project is one of the very few projects that made gains even before its handing over. He mentioned that through the water that had already been running before the launch, women in the areas of Lookorok had already been growing vegetables for sale with the aid of the water in their vegetable gardens which has turned out a source of income for their families.
In her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative highlighted that “reliable access to water is more than a service it is a foundation for resilience and stability.” She applauded the efforts of implementing partners, including Grassroots Alliance for Rural Development (GARD), and the local leadership for their role in making this project a reality.
Loboborio Water System: Restoring Dignity in Moroto for 2,927 people from a 44,000-litre tank
The final water system commissioning took place on 3rd December 2025 in Rupa Sub-County, Moroto District, where the Loboborio Water System was launched. For families in this area, the daily struggle for water has been a source of hardship and conflict. The new system brings clean water closer to home, reducing risks and restoring dignity.
The event also featured the commissioning of a modern food storage facility under the IBSA Fund project, highlighting the integrated approach to resilience combining water access with food security and economic empowerment.
“These investments are more than infrastructure; they are engines of opportunity,” noted Ms. Vwede-Obahor. She expressed gratitude to KOICA for its unwavering partnership and to the Government of South Africa for supporting complementary initiatives through the IBSA Fund.
Production Wells: Expanding Access and Livelihood Opportunities Across Karamoja, Serving Approximately 2,400 People
A photo showcasing a green energy solution that powers the water system.
In addition to the water systems, six (6) production wells were installed across Moroto, Kotido, and Kaabong districts: (1) in Nadunget Sub-County. Moroto, (1) in Lokwakial, Kotido, (2) in Rengen Sub-County, and (1) each in Timu and Loyoro , Kaabong. Each well has the capacity to serve approximately 400 people, reaching a combined total of around 2,400 beneficiaries.
For communities that have long depended on unreliable and distant water sources, these production wells provide a dependable supply of clean water closer to home. Beyond meeting domestic needs, the wells support small-scale gardening and livestock watering—critical livelihood activities in Karamoja’s arid environment. By easing pressure on scarce natural water points, they also contribute to reducing tensions linked to competition over resources.
To ensure long-term functionality and sustainability, Water User Committees (WUCs) have been established and strengthened in each location. These committees oversee operation and maintenance mechanisms, including user fee management, routine monitoring, and basic repairs. Through community ownership and structured O&M systems, the production wells are positioned not only as water points, but as durable assets supporting resilience, food security, and peaceful coexistence.
A Multistakeholder Celebration
The handover ceremonies were attended by a diverse array of stakeholders, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind the BRICK Project. Among the dignitaries were the Honourable Minister for Karamoja Affairs, representing the Government of Uganda’s leadership in advancing peace and development, the KOICA Country Director, reaffirming Korea’s commitment to supporting resilience in fragile contexts, district leaders, including Resident District Commissioners, LC5 Chairpersons, and Chief Administrative Officers, technical teams from government ministries such as the Permanent Secretary Office of the Prime Minister, implementing partners such as Better World, Warrior Squad Foundation, GARD, and civil society networks, community elders, religious leaders, and the media, ensuring transparency and local ownership.
This multistakeholder presence underscored a key message that development is a shared responsibility. When government, development partners, and communities work hand in hand, transformation is not only possible it is inevitable.
Also adding his voice to the UNDP Resident Representative, the Honourable Minister for the Karamoja Affairs spoke to the Karacuna (reformed warriors) advising them not to attack development partners as their support is for Karamoja people’s own good.
Beyond Infrastructure: A Call for Sustainability
While the commissioning of these water systems marks a significant milestone, sustainability remains paramount. UNDP has already initiated steps to ensure long-term functionality, including engaging district leadership to begin the gazetting process for the water systems, in line with Ministry of Water and Environment guidelines, advocating for connection to three-phase electricity, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthening community management structures, such as Water User Committees, to promote accountability and local ownership.
This resonated with the remarks from the KOICA CD who emphasized that “For these systems to continue serving communities long after the project ends, the following must continue: Strengthening Water User Committees and supporting them on user fee management, record keeping, and conflict-free water governance; Ensuring district technical teams are fully engaged in oversight, monitoring, and budgeting for long-term maintenance; Protecting the environment through watershed restoration, tree planting, and routine inspections; Continued joint monitoring between KOICA, UNDP, partners, and district authorities throughout the extended project period.”
The call to action is clear that communities, local governments, and partners must continue working together to maintain these systems and maximize their impact.
The BRICK project is a testament to what can be achieved when development goes beyond infrastructure and focuses on people, their safety, dignity, and aspirations.
Alakara Nooi! (Thank you very much.)
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