The government of Uganda is looking to construct more than 70,000 small-scale irrigation schemes countrywide to improve agricultural production and productivity.
Mr. John Twinomujuni, the Assistant commissioner in-charge of water for production in the Ministry of Water and Environment, said the irrigation schemes will be constructed in each parish in Uganda.
He further explained that the government gave the ministry a directive to implement at least one in each parish in Uganda. There are well over 7,000 parishes in Uganda presently.
According to media reports, the assistant commissioner was in the area to commission Owameri Small Scale Irrigation Scheme. This particular scheme is currently benefiting 400 farmers in Aloi Sub-county. Mr. Twinomujuni said although the programme is still new, 40 irrigation schemes have so far been completed countrywide.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Owameri Farmers’ Association, Ms. Mercy Gwom, said the Owameri Small Scale Irrigation scheme is faced with stressing challenges. These include lack of safe drinking water, fire extinguisher and lack of vehicles to transport produce to markets.
Mr Twinomujuni also requested the government to open up a police post at the scheme to provide security to the facilities. Ms. Costa Okello, the chairperson of Can-Opwonya farmers group, said they were adequately trained to handle commercial agriculture.
There are 21 groups at Owameri scheme that has 21 acres of farmland. Alebtong District agricultural officer, Ms Jenifer Oyuru, said the project came at the right time when the area is badly hit by drought.
