NTUNGAMO – The Ministry of Water and Environment on Wednesday 20 commissioned a UGX452M small scale solar irrigation scheme in Rwenshande Iterero ward Nyamunuuka town council Kajara county Ntungamo district.
The pilot project was implemented by the ministry of water and environment- water production Regional Center West with funding from the government to improve on the value of crops such as tomatoes, watermelons, cabbages and banana plantations in dry corridors of the district.
The assistant commissioner in charge of water production in the ministry Eng John Twinomujuni said that 20 acres of land project will benefit more than 20 families.
The project follows a presidential directive to have at least one or two irrigation schemes in every district across the country to support and boost commercial farming.
Eng Twinomujuni said that over 77 irrigation schemes have so far been commissioned in the country.
He revealed that Ntungamo district has got three other irrigation schemes manned by the South Ankole diocese at Kyamate, Murambi in Kibeho and Kagugu in Rubaare but they are still in offing.
During the technical handover of Rwenshande small scale demonstration irrigation scheme, the RDC Ntungamo George Bakunda appealed to the beneficiaries to be model farmers and ensure large scale production to supplement the governments target of agricultural commercialization.
Bakunda hailed the NRM government for fulfilling the party manifesto of extending water for production across the country.
“The government is fulfilling its duty of providing for its citizens and reducing dependence on weather conditions for agricultural activities,” Mr. Bakunda told the residents and leaders.
The Kajara county Member of Parliament Hon Timuzigu Micheal Kamugisha who was also present at the hand over called on the ministry to consider small scale farmers who cannot afford the expensive irrigation equipment.
Timuzigu showed gratitude to the Rwenshande Irrigation association headed by James Tinkamanyire for the initiation and asked them to jealously look after the River Kahangye as the water source to sustain the project.
The Ntungamo Woman MP Hon Beatrice Rwakimaari hailed the NRM government for the considering Ntungamo first and assured the public that other projects are coming in dry areas of Kashenyi, Kafunjo and Kibeho.
“More projects are on the way into different parts of the district and very soon all the areas will be covered to save the farmers from the scarce of water brought about by the weather conditions in the area,” She said.
Other speakers were CAO Ntungamo Joanitah Nakityo, Nyamunuuka Town council chairperson Sadarah Kahindi, James Tinkamanyire, Ntungamo district boss Dennis Singahache, Rev Fr Oscar Ahimbisibwe and the South Ankole diocesan bishop Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe.
