Luweero District to Benefit from New Solar Irrigation Project

Luweero District is slated to receive a significant boost to its agricultural sector with the installation of three solar-powered irrigation systems.

This initiative is part of a larger Shs735 billion government program, recently approved by Parliament, which aims to establish 427 such systems across more than 100 districts nationwide. The project targets thousands of smallholder farmers who have been struggling with increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells.

State Minister for Finance, Ms. Cissy Mulondo, confirmed Luweero’s inclusion in the project during a recent event, urging residents to leverage the opportunity for livelihood improvement. She emphasized that the solar irrigation scheme would work in tandem with other government wealth creation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).

District leaders have welcomed the development, highlighting the long-standing need for formal irrigation infrastructure in Luweero. The LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Erasto Kibirango, noted the absence of any formal irrigation schemes in the greater Luweero area, despite its heavy reliance on agriculture and vulnerability to climate change.

Agriculture experts also see great potential in the project. Ms. Elizabeth Namuli Nakato, a retired agriculture officer and farmer, pointed out that Luweero possesses abundant water resources from rivers like Mayanja, Ssezibwa, and Kafu which, if properly utilized for irrigation, could transform farming.

The government project is part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on rain-fed farming, and build resilience in rural communities. The initiative is expected to benefit over 2,500 households across the country.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/luweero-to-get-three-solar-powered-irrigation-systems-under-shs735bn-govt-project-5496778