World Bank–Funded Micro-Scale Irrigation Program Ends in Rukungiri After 5 Years
Rukungiri: The micro-scale irrigation program, funded by the World Bank together with the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, has officially ended in Rukungiri District after five years of service.
During a review meeting and award ceremony held on September 25, at the Rukungiri District headquarters, officials noted that the program aimed at transforming agriculture for smallholder farmers by addressing inconsistent rainfall patterns, water scarcity, and other challenges. It was first introduced in 2020/2021 across 30 districts in Uganda, with Rukungiri among the beneficiaries.
According to Alfred Ahumuza, the Senior Agriculture Engineer for Rukungiri District, a total of 165 farmers benefited from the program during the five years. Of these, 42 benefited in 2021/22, 45 in 2022/23, 33 in 2023/24, and 45 in 2024/25. Beneficiaries were required to have between 1 to 2.5 acres of land and contribute 25% of the cost, while government covered 75%.
Ahumuza revealed that although 1,091 farmers expressed interest in the program, only 525 farms were visited, 440 qualified, and 165 successfully benefited.
CUE IN……AHUMUZA…RR
The Principal Engineer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Project Coordinator for the micro-scale irrigation program, Eng. Tendo James Kasozi, commended Rukungiri for successfully implementing the project with a 100% score. He noted that Kebisoni Sub-county ranked first nationwide with 31 farmers adopting the program, followed by Buyanja Sub-county with 29 farmers—making the two the leading sub-counties in Uganda.
The guest of honor, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, applauded the project and urged the Ministry of Agriculture to extend it for another five years. He explained that mobilization had only just gained momentum, with many farmers now eager to irrigate their gardens.
Ahimbisibwe also called on the government to consider farmers who live far from permanent water sources and those unable to afford the 25% co-funding but are still willing to participate. He said the program had boosted food production and strengthened the district’s food basket.
CUE IN….. AHIMBISIBWE….RR//ENG