The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), has launched the implementation of the Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP) in Mukono District, a major initiative aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through irrigation and climate-smart farming technologies.
The project was unveiled during a stakeholder engagement workshop held at Mukono District Headquarters, bringing together district leaders, technical officers,Political leaders led by the District Vice Chairperson LCV Hon Innocent Tumwesigye , The District Speaker Hajji Muhumuza Asuman,The Secretary for finance,Planning and Administration and farmers to discuss opportunities and requirements under the programme.
Speaking during the workshop, Engineer Kigundu from the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that Mukono District is among the selected beneficiary districts, with at least 40 farmers expected to benefit during the first phase of implementation.
He explained that the programme targets farmers owning between 2.5 and 5 acres of land and will provide irrigation equipment to support year-round agricultural production regardless of weather conditions.
According to Engineer Kigundu, beneficiaries will receive irrigation technologies including water pumping systems from ponds and boreholes, water storage tanks, and solar-powered irrigation equipment designed to promote environmentally sustainable farming practices.
He further noted that farmers will contribute 25 percent of the project cost while Government, through World Bank funding, will provide the remaining 75 percent.
Farmers interested in participating will be required to pay a commitment fee of Shs2 million as part of their contribution towards the irrigation infrastructure.
Engineer Kigundu added that while the project is open to various categories of farmers, special consideration is being given to coffee farmers as part of efforts to improve productivity and household incomes. He emphasized that access to a reliable water source remains a key requirement for participation.
Meanwhile, Mr. Titus Nuwamanya, Principal Engineer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, provided an overview of the Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project.
He explained that the ICRP is a six-year programme financed by the International Development Association (IDA) at a cost of approximately US$169.2 million.
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, with technical support from MAAIF and the National Forestry Authority (NFA).
Mr. Nuwamanya noted that the project’s primary objective is to provide farmers with access to irrigation services and agricultural support while establishing sustainable management systems for irrigation service delivery.
He added that key indicators include expanding the area under irrigation, increasing the number of farmers accessing agricultural services and assets, and strengthening management arrangements for irrigation schemes.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono District, Mr. Henry Ddamba, the Clerk to Council, Ms. Eunice Alowo Evelyne, thanked the Ministry of Agriculture for selecting Mukono District to benefit from the programme.
She commended Government for empowering farmers with modern agricultural technologies and knowledge aimed at increasing production, improving food security, and strengthening household incomes.
Ms. Alowo encouraged farmers to fully embrace the opportunity and utilize the irrigation systems effectively to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
The Secretary for Works and Production and District Female Councillor representing Kimenyedde Sub-county, Hon. Winfred Nakaddu, applauded Government and the Ministry of Agriculture for extending the programme to Mukono District.
She urged the implementation team to conduct continuous sensitization and provide adequate supervision to ensure sustainability of the project.
Hon. Nakaddu also called for transparency and fairness in the selection of beneficiaries to ensure that the intended farmers fully benefit from the initiative.
Representing the Resident District Commissioner, Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, Assistant RDC Mr. Hassan Mwanje welcomed the project and described it as a key component of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision of transforming Uganda’s economy through commercial agriculture.
He observed that irrigation remains one of the most effective solutions to challenges caused by climate change and prolonged dry spells that negatively affect agricultural production.
Mr. Mwanje pledged the support of the RDC’s Office in mobilizing communities and monitoring implementation to ensure the programme achieves its intended objectives.
He, however, cautioned beneficiaries against neglecting government-supported projects after installation, noting that some communities have previously failed to take ownership of public investments.
“This project belongs to the farmers. Beneficiaries must develop a sense of ownership and responsibility to ensure that the irrigation facilities remain functional and productive for many years,” he said.
The Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project represents a major investment in Mukono District’s agricultural transformation agenda. Through improved access to irrigation technologies, farmers are expected to increase productivity, strengthen resilience to climate change, and improve household incomes.
District leaders and technical experts urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the project, utilize the facilities responsibly, and embrace commercial agriculture as a pathway to sustainable economic development. With strong community participation, effective implementation, and continued government support, the project is expected to contribute significantly to food security and improved livelihoods across Mukono District.
