Date: Tue, 03 Aug 1999 14:27:49 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Bwanika Subject: ugnet_: Cattle keeping and modernisation of Karamoja -Technical Solution to water problem X-UIDL: 7cdfd2c01dd7e042b792b92a8fffbee5
Eng. L.V. Ocaya N.U.R.P (Prime Ministers Office) Hon. Otim Omara Yafes Hon. Okorimoe Akech Janet Grace Hon. Logiro Ngorok Peter Hon. Lokawua Michael Wilson Lote Hon. Lokeris Teko Peter Hon. Lorika Nacha Rose Women Hon. Lorot John Hon. Adome Lokwii Callistus Hon. Abura Kene Francis Hon . Muruli Mukasa (Nakasongola) Hon . Johnsson Nhuuke (Isingiro South) Hon. Moses Ali Hon. Nobert Moa (Gulu Municipality) Hon. Onapito Ekomoloit Hon. Gerald Ssendawula Hon. Paul Etiang Hon. A. Owiny-Dollo To all Members of Parliament Is there a water problem in Uganda at all or it is lack of knowledge? In Karamoja there are two main river tributaries, which flow from the region around Kaboong and Loyoro which rivers are called Okok and Okere. Up northwards these rivers have two-bifurcation river Dopeth and Longiro. Around Loyoro it is about 1803 meter above see level and around Koboong it is 2086 m.b.s. All these rivers and their bifurcation drain in a valley, which stretches from Ngora, Usuku to somewhere near Turutoko around river Okere on the eastern side. River Okere is feed by two seasonal rivers, which flow as far as the hills on the most eastern side of Moroto. There are other small seasonal rivers, which drain through the southern part of Karamoja, river Ukutat from between Lorengedwat and Amuda and river Muchilmaket just on the east of Nabilatuk. These two seasonal rivers flow in Lake Bisina, which I do believe, is part of Lake Kyoga. If we take a geometrical measurement of the drainage basin from Lake Bisina to the highlands behind Kaboong it is more than 609 km. which means that those rivers drain through almost the western part of Karamoja. In the drainage valley where these rivers end it is about between 1200 and 1440 meter above sea level. The same rivers start in a region, which is between 1800 and 2086 above sea level. That is a difference between 400 800 meters in a distance of over 600 kilometres from the highest point to the lowest point. I dont want to pretend that I really understand the hydrological nature (hydraulic geometry) of these rivers. But given to the geophysics of this region, Karamoja is a relatively flat region hence one contributory factor to its dryness. Moreover, through analysing the tributaries network of the major rivers in the region, one understands that there is total distribution of water all through out Karamoja. Which by the nature of the landscape, the flat savannah land cant hold water for a sustainable period of time without human intervention, due to high precipitation. But if you go back and study closely River Okere, you will find that if one was to build a barrier (Dam) near Turutoko trading centre through time, water level will start rising upstream hence filling up the two rivers which flow from the hills behind Moroto! This I know theoretically, practically from observations that it is possible without reducing water flow (discharge) into the drainage valleys around Okere. The same will apply to the bifurcation of river Okok if a dam was to be built where these two tributaries (Dopeth and Longiro) join. Hence successively increasing the water levels upstream. The same must apply to river Ngolalapolon near the trading centre at Lokjehar. What I am thinking about is the interruption of water flow (discharge) by successfully building dams from down stream, upstream therefore causing change in drainage basin geometry (widening drainage valleys), change in water flow regimes (velocity) from the many tributaries as mentioned above. I strongly feel, if the dams are high and wide enough through water discharge will exceed what it is today due to the gravitational force upstream. Secondary I do feel in between dams their will be a sort of artificial Lake Formation along the drainage basin and valleys. This will be indeed good for this is not stagnant water which can then be pumped out at an environmentally sustainable rate to given location where the geometry allows diversification of daily activities. Now, to attain any success for this project to work in an efficient way we need a. To measure total discharge for the major rivers Okere and Okok b. Water flow speed. (velocity) at given points c. Seasonal variations in water levels/volume in all rivers and their tributaries. d. Geometry of the river basin and adjacent regions Through those variables then one can be able to determine how water can be equally distributed throughout Karamoja without many problems, using diesel water pumps to given water collection centres. This\'s very feasible because I have seen it in Uganda in different locations. Certainly there are many wells and natural springs which can be dammed in the manner I have described above to form small water bodies all over this region hence increasing water distribution without wasting too much time thinking of tapping rain water. This is something which can be tried all over the country and Im very sure can succeed since there is no much disorganisation of the very nature of the landscape and cant result into environmental problems. Due the flatness of landscape into the region, Ill suggest natural barriers around these water bodies like tree and high embankments should be created to avoid rapid evaporation or precipitation of water. All dam barriers should be mechanically operated e.g. the barriers can be opened or closed in order to allow water release, let say during heavy rainfall to avoid flooding upstream. Even during very hot seasons the drainage valley might need to occasionally maintain water levels. Let us say there is fishing activities downstream which I am very sure can be initiated within a very short period of commencement of these activities. Damming will only require local expertise for hydraulic geometry measurements and stress on the embankments. Otherwise the embankments can be made from local wood, which has got high resistance to decaying. Very strong and old bridges are made of wood not steel and cement! What do engineers say? Bwanika. ------------------------- How to stop cattle rustling in Uganda I wish to advise the all MP\'s from Karamoja that cattle rustling are not a big issue when it comes to modern technology. It is only which choice one chooses. In fact one will be able to sit in parliament and track every single cattle movement in Karamoja or Mbarara on a computer station programmed for that very purpose. How is it done: Let us assume that Uganda has got coded district like Moroto; counties; sub counties Moroto = M001 Jie county = c001 subcounty = Sb001 Therefore all cattle found in Moroto district will coded like this Owners bith date i.e. 530210 -D001-c01-sb1- 000001 date of birth of owner- district code- county code- subcountry code- and cattle number code- for remote identification, will have reprogrammable chip inserted into the leg or at the back where air sensory of an animal is possible bearing that above code. Now with remote antennas, one will be able to monitor where that animal is located anywhere in Uganda. The Karamoja problem once and for all will be solved and anyone Uganda who steals an animal will be caugth in a matter of a few minutes. If that is not possible then the above can be done manually it is also called manual computation as opposed to automated computation I am talking about above. Where does the money come from for that purpose: All cattle owners in Karamoja must contribute a one time tax for the purpose. Every district in Karamoja must have a cattle population data in that very district which mean every district must have about four standby computers, one used as a data bank for that purpose. One computer is now less that 700, 000 Uganda shillings which is about two bulls. Bwanika - Nakyesawa Bulemezi Nakeseke Bwanika ________ http://www.idrconsulting.com --> for your consultancy needs _______________________________________________ Ugandanet mailing list [email protected] http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/ugandanet % UGANDANET is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/ The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way. ---------------------------------------
