Uganda Delivers 434 Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems Under Shs500b Project

The Ugandan government has made notable progress in its agricultural transformation agenda, delivering 434 solar-powered irrigation and water supply systems across various districts. The ambitious initiative, valued at €112.5 million (approximately Shs548.4 billion), is being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment in partnership with Nexus Green Ltd.

Originally structured to establish 920 systems nationwide, the development has already brought thousands of acres under irrigation for high-value crops. According to the 2024 Uganda Water Accounts report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos), more than 96 percent of farming households in the country still depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making such modern irrigation interventions vital for food security and climate resilience.

While the first phase has successfully installed 434 systems, authorities have confirmed that the remaining 253 systems are slated for delivery under the second phase of the project. This rollout comes at a crucial time as intensifying droughts prompt agricultural experts to push for sustainable water solutions that allow farmers to remain productive beyond seasonal rains.

In related developments, the government continues to expand its agricultural infrastructure footprint, seeking additional land for schemes like the multi-billion Unyama Irrigation Scheme, though some compensation hurdles remain. Parliament has also recently approved substantial funding to finance hundreds of additional solar-powered irrigation setups across the country.

Read more details from the Daily Monitor.