farming 21 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Valley Dam Revives Livestock Farming in Ntoroko District
A government-built valley dam in Kanara Sub-county, enhanced by FAO support with solar-powered pumps, provides reliable water to pastoral communities in Ntoroko, shielding herds from drought while easing domestic burdens. Local leaders report healthier animals, better market prices, and reduced migration for water. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/how-dam-is-saving-ntoroko-s-herds-5398320
In Ntoroko District, nestled along Lake Albert’s shores in Uganda’s Rwenzori Sub-region, pastoralists face a stark paradox: floods during rains and severe droughts in dry spells. This western district relies heavily on livestock like cattle, goats, and sheep, as crop farming struggles against erratic weather.
Access to clean water has long been a challenge. Families shared contaminated sources from River Semuliki and the lake with animals, risking health for both. Long treks for water exhausted herders and weakened herds, leading to losses and forced cheap sales during dry periods.
The Kanara valley dam in Kyamahingi Village, Kajweka Parish, has changed that. Built by the government and upgraded with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) aid, it features a solar-powered pump that fills reserve tanks, ensuring supply even in low-water conditions.
Charles Isingoma, the local water user committee chairperson, shares how it transformed lives. ‘We no longer trek far; animals stay healthy, produce more milk, and fetch better prices,’ he says. The dam serves multiple villages, drawing crowds during peak droughts.
Beyond livestock, residents use the water for cooking and washing, lightening loads especially for women and children. A small Shs100 fee per jerry can funds maintenance, fostering community ownership and responsibility.
Demand peaks in dry seasons, with Isingoma calling for more dams. Still, this facility has stabilised livelihoods, preventing panic over water scarcity.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)