As Uganda’s five-year microscale irrigation initiative reaches its final stages, farmers in Kamuli District are celebrating a major improvement in their farming operations. A total of 247 farmers have embraced solar-powered irrigation, enabling them to cultivate consistently throughout the year and significantly boost their productivity. The programme officially winds up in December, marking an important achievement in the country’s efforts to modernize smallholder farming.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), has equipped farmers with modern tools and skills needed to transition from traditional practices to more efficient farming methods. Kamuli has emerged as one of the most active districts, contributing a strong number of adopters to the national count.
Programme coordinator and Principal Engineer, Eng. Tondo James Kasozi, praised the commitment shown by farmers in Kamuli. He noted that their strong participation reflects the district’s readiness to embrace innovation. Speaking during the project’s closeout meeting at Century Hotel in Kamuli Municipality, he applauded both district officials and agricultural officers for their support throughout the rollout.
Farmers received highly subsidized solar irrigation kits that included sprinklers, pumps, pipes, storage tanks, and drag hoses. Eng. Tondo explained that the affordability of the equipment played a key role in encouraging uptake. He emphasized that a system valued at Shs5 million required farmers to contribute only Shs1 million, with the government covering the remaining cost.
With the rollout complete, the programme has transitioned into its follow-up and maintenance stage. District engineers have been assigned to monitor the equipment, ensure it remains in good working condition, and help farmers address any technical challenges. Eng. Tondo highlighted maintenance as essential for maintaining long-term benefits.
Kamuli Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Mukiibi Nasser, called on more farmers to take advantage of the technology, stressing that solar-powered irrigation reduces dependence on unreliable rainfall and can potentially double their harvests. He noted that the ability to farm continuously throughout the year opens doors to improved food security and higher incomes.
Mr. Mukiibi further assured farmers that the district remains committed to supporting those who want to expand irrigation farming. He highlighted the programme’s role in helping communities build resilience to climate variations, while also enhancing production across multiple value chains.
As the project concludes, stakeholders express optimism that the adoption of solar-powered irrigation will keep growing, creating a ripple effect across other districts. Many believe the progress made in Kamuli demonstrates the transformative power of renewable-energy-driven agriculture in securing a sustainable future for Uganda’s farming communities.
