President Yoweri Museveni’s administration has significantly increased investment in Uganda’s water infrastructure, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The initiative encompasses the completion of existing irrigation schemes and the construction of new ones, alongside the rollout of smaller-scale irrigation facilities across the nation.
For decades, Uganda’s agricultural sector has been vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall patterns, hindering consistent crop yields and contributing to food insecurity. Recognizing this challenge, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has prioritized water resource management as a key component of its economic development strategy. The current push represents a substantial escalation of efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance agricultural productivity.
Seven large-scale irrigation schemes are currently operational, providing water to farmers in various regions. These include Ngenge in Kween district, Rwengaaju in Kabarole, Tochi in Oyam, Mubuku II in Kasese, Olweny in Lira, Doho II in Butaleja and Wadelai in Pakwach. These schemes collectively cover thousands of hectares and support a significant number of farming households.
In addition to the existing schemes, three major projects are currently under construction: Acomai in Bukedea, Atari spanning Kween and Bulambuli districts, and the Namatala project, which will serve Budaka, Mbale, and Butaleja. The Namatala project, in particular, is designed to irrigate over 17,000 acres and is expected to benefit more than 60,000 farmers, according to government estimates.
Beyond large-scale infrastructure, the government is also promoting smaller-scale irrigation solutions. Over 4,300 micro-scale irrigation facilities and 5,251 small and medium-scale schemes have been implemented in 135 districts. These smaller projects often utilize solar-powered pumps, providing a sustainable and cost-effective water source for smallholder farmers.
Regional development is a key focus of the initiative. In Eastern Uganda, projects in Tororo (Amagoro and Angololo), Bulambuli (Sipi), and Kapchorwa (Cheptui) are transforming previously arid land into productive farmland. Karamoja, a region historically plagued by drought, is seeing improvements with projects in Nakapiripirit (Namalu) and Napak (Hopei). Northern Uganda is benefiting from schemes in Gulu and Amuru (Unyama), Arua (Imvempi), Nwoya (Purongo), and Amuru (Palyec).
Western Uganda is also receiving significant investment, with the Kabuyanda dam and irrigation network, alongside projects in Kanungu (Matanda) and Rukungiri/Kanungu (Enengo), aimed at boosting agricultural output. Central Uganda’s Luweero district is witnessing a revival with the Kawumu irrigation scheme.
The government’s efforts extend beyond crop irrigation to include water provision for livestock and wildlife conservation. Valley dams and tanks have been constructed in areas such as Mbarara (Kyenshama Dam), Nakapiripirit (Karengese), Kotido (Kalopedomuge), and Amudat (Katotin). The Kidepo Conservation Area in Karenga District has also benefited from the construction of man-made water sources for wildlife.
Districts including Isingiro, Nakaseke, Gomba, Bukomansimbi, Kiruhura, Kazo, Ntungamo, Rakai, Mubende, Nakasongola, Ibanda, Kyankwanzi, Luweero, Nabilatuk, Kaabong, Karenga, Soroti, Butebo, Kapelebyong, Kumi, Lyantonde, Bugiri, Omoro, Arua, Dokolo, Agago, Kayunga, Mbale, Tororo, Kiryandongo, Nwoya, Kibaale, Sembabule, Kiboga, Katakwi, Kalaki, Masindi, Abim, Kibuku are all included in the ongoing irrigation expansion.
While the scale of the investment is substantial, challenges remain. Concerns have been raised regarding the long-term sustainability of the schemes, including maintenance costs and the potential for water resource conflicts. The effective management and equitable distribution of water resources will be crucial to ensuring the success of the initiative. The Ministry of Water and Environment has not yet released a comprehensive impact assessment of the completed projects.
The government has allocated UGX 300 billion (approximately $80 million USD) for irrigation and water management in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, signaling a continued commitment to the program. Further expansion is planned, with feasibility studies underway for additional irrigation schemes in various parts of the country. The next phase of the Namatala project, including the construction of a reservoir, is scheduled to begin in early 2024.
