Agoro Irrigation Scheme Struggles Despite Shs30 Billion Investment

The Agoro Irrigation Scheme, established in the 1950s to boost rice production, is facing significant challenges despite a reported investment of over Shs30 billion in its rehabilitation. Once a leading rice producer in Uganda, the scheme, located on 1,650 acres in Lamwo District, now operates at only 33% capacity due to ongoing works and design flaws.

Initial rehabilitation efforts began in 2011 with an investment of Shs27 billion. However, critical design defects in the canals meant that a large portion of the farmland remained without water. Subsequent contracts, including one worth Shs1.1 billion awarded in 2016 and another for Shs2.7 billion by Vidas, have aimed to rectify these issues. Rehabilitation, which resumed in 2024, is reportedly 85% complete, with the contractor working on canals, water take-off structures, and reservoir banks.

Despite assurances from ministry engineers that the project will be finalized by June 2026, farmers express deep dissatisfaction. They report that only areas near the main canals are receiving water, leaving significant portions of their land dry. “Blocks that are located further from the canals are not receiving water,” stated Florence Angee, a local farmer. This contrasts with the engineers’ claims of imminent completion.

Farmers and local leaders cite a drastic decline in productivity since rehabilitation began, with some questioning the effectiveness of the massive expenditure. “The production is lower than even the ones experienced during the colonial time,” remarked Moses Kapolon, Lamwo Chief Administrative Officer, urging for the scheme to become fully operational. Farmers also lament the breakdown of donated machinery due to poor maintenance and allege a management crisis within the farmers’ cooperative.

State Minister for Northern Uganda, Dr. Kenneth Omona, who visited the scheme, expressed disappointment with the quality of work and has called for a value-for-money audit. He assured farmers that their concerns would be addressed to ensure year-round farming capabilities. Lamwo District officials are urging President Museveni to intervene directly to resolve the persistent issues plaguing the scheme.

Source: Uganda Online. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/agoro-irrigation-scheme-falters-despite-shs30b-spent-5453594