Minister Jim Muhwezi Intervenes in Nyabugando Irrigation Scheme Dispute

Rukungiri: Minister for Security and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County, Rtd Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, has intervened in the controversy surrounding the removal of equipment from the Nyabugando irrigation scheme in Bwambara Sub-County, Rukungiri District.

The issue angered residents after officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment removed the equipment from the long-stalled project. In response, Muhwezi held a meeting with locals at Nyabugando Church of Uganda in Kyabahanga Parish to hear their concerns and find a solution.

During the meeting, LC1 Chairperson of Nyabugando Cell, Jack Turyatemba, said that on April 1, 2026, unknown people escorted by armed police officers arrived at night and dismantled the project equipment without consulting local leaders. He added that when residents tried to intervene, they were teargassed and some, including himself, were handcuffed, despite having voluntarily provided land for the project.

The Chairperson of the irrigation scheme, Richard Hafasha, explained that the project was launched in 2018 following a severe drought in 2017. He said residents initially offered 20 acres of land, later reduced to six acres by the Ministry of Water and Environment. However, the project stalled in 2022 due to insufficient water from River Rushaya.

Hafasha also noted that former Rukungiri RDC Steven Nsubuga declined to commission the project because it was not functioning.

Christopher Turyarugayo, Chairperson of the affected residents’ committee, accused RDC Bron Kikanshemeza and DPC Brian Ampeire of providing security to those who removed the equipment.

Bwambara Sub-County LC3 Chairperson Chris Kagayano said that President Yoweri Museveni had provided three irrigation schemes in the area in 2018, Nyabugando, Garuka, and Kahindo but none are currently operational. He blamed the Ministry of Water for neglecting them.

Engineer Catherine Kemigisha from the Ministry of Water and Environment, however, blamed residents for sand mining along River Rushaya, which she said caused the river to dry up and affected the project. She advised locals to form a group or identify a lead farmer to manage the scheme properly once restored.

Rukungiri RDC Bron Kikanshemeza urged residents to stop blaming him and instead hold the Ministry of Water accountable. He also warned against continued sand mining, saying it has negatively impacted irrigation projects in the area.

In his response, Minister Muhwezi acknowledged that both the Ministry of Water and the local community made mistakes. He promised that the irrigation scheme would be restored and urged residents to form a group that will sign a memorandum of understanding with the ministry to manage the project effectively in the future.

He called for calm among residents as efforts to resolve the issue continue.