MP Bernard Otim Launches Aquaculture Dam to Boost livelihoods in Maruzi North.
By Okidi Patrick Ocamoyitdyel
APAC – Maruzi North County MP, Hon Bernard Otim Odoc, has once again demonstrated his commitment to transforming livelihoods after launching the construction of an aquaculture dam at Okutu-Agwe in Teboke Sub-county.
The project, being implemented under the government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture initiative and awarded to Aliman Capital Company Ltd, seeks to promote fish farming, build climate resilience and improve household incomes.
The dam project was launched on October 13, 2026, in a ceremony attended by Apac Resident District Commissioner(RDC) Andrew Onyuk, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Yussuf Akubonabona, district officials, local leaders and hundreds of community members who praised Hon Otim for his proactive leadership.
Hon Otim Odoch, who personally contributed an additional Shs15m to supplement funds raised by the beneficiary group, thanked residents, especially Mr Ongu Bonny and Mr Ogwang Patrick, for offering land for the project, saying development is only possible when leaders and the community work together.
The first phase of the project will benefit 23 group members and will involve excavation of five dams and distribution of more than 35,000 fish fingerlings, with subsequent phases planned after eight months.
Meanwhile, several Apac District officials commended Hon Otim for lobbying for the project and urged residents to protect the facility and embrace complementary enterprises such as beekeeping, vegetable production and fruit growing.
Apac District Fisheries Officer Tyan John lauded the MP’s intervention but appealed to him to push for a review of the 20 per cent community contribution requirement, which he said disadvantages vulnerable communities.
However, Hon Bernard Otim revealed that he had already raised the matter with President Yoweri Museveni during the NRM caucus meeting on October 2, and that the President had assured the area of another dam.
RDC Andrew Onyuk hailed Hon Otim Odoc for championing development-oriented projects and urged beneficiaries to seek technical guidance and ensure proper management of the facility for sustainable fish farming, poverty reduction and improved livelihoods in Maruzi North.
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