agriculture 23 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Farmers Struggle with Irrigation Despite Abundant Water Resources
Despite access to numerous lakes and rivers, most Ugandan farmers are unable to irrigate their crops, leaving them vulnerable to drought and crop loss, particularly in the Buganda region. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/irrigation-falters-despite-presence-of-lakes-rivers-5606836
Many Ugandan farmers are finding themselves increasingly vulnerable to drought, with limited access to irrigation systems despite the nation’s abundant water sources like lakes and rivers. The Buganda region, rich in water bodies, has been particularly hard-hit by recent dry spells, leading to significant crop losses.
Farmers primarily rely on small-scale irrigation projects, often with minimal government support. While programs like the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer (UgIFT) offer subsidized equipment, many find these systems prone to breakdowns and lacking repair support. In districts like Kyotera and Lwengo, solar-powered irrigation projects have reportedly stalled or been vandalized, hindering the adoption of reliable watering methods.
Individual farmers have voiced concerns about the cost and accessibility of these schemes, with some finding the required personal contributions prohibitive. Recommendations include increased government subsidies and tailored solutions for upland areas more susceptible to harsh weather. The conditions for accessing these projects, such as proximity to a water source, also limit their effectiveness for many.
Larger public irrigation projects remain scarce, leaving a significant portion of the agricultural sector dependent on unpredictable rainfall. Even existing government-funded projects have faced challenges, including delays in completion and vandalism of equipment, as seen in Lwengo District where a Shs900 million solar project has yet to deliver water to farmers.
Despite these setbacks, efforts are underway to improve irrigation. The Buganda Kingdom, in partnership with the Danish government, has launched a Shs5 billion solar irrigation project expected to benefit over 50,000 smallholder farmers. Additionally, the Ugandan government has secured a loan to establish hundreds of solar-powered irrigation sites across more than 100 districts.
Agricultural experts believe these initiatives, if managed effectively, can enhance irrigation infrastructure, improve water access, and enable year-round farming, ultimately boosting incomes and food security. The challenge now lies in effective resource mobilization and empowering farmers to leverage the region’s water potential.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)