Apac farmers get irrigation boost in UGX 300M project

22 May 2025, 2:34 pm

By Mike Okwang Ogule

Apac District, Uganda – May 22, 2025, The government of Uganda has injected at least UGX 366,797,000 into the procurement of farming equipment aimed at supporting small-scale irrigation in Apac District. The initiative is part of the broader Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project (UCSATP), which seeks to promote resilient and sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

During a distribution meeting held at the Apac District Production Building recently, Mr. Willy Amute, the district coordinator for UCSATP, confirmed the development saying that under the initiative, farmers are required to contribute only 25% of the total equipment cost, with the government subsidizing the remaining 75%.

“This is a great opportunity for farmers to embrace modern irrigation techniques that can transform productivity, especially during unpredictable weather patterns,” said Amute.

At the same event, 18 farmers from various sub-counties in Apac district received the equipment. Of these, 5 hailed from Apac Municipality, 7 from Ibuje Sub-county, 1 from Chegere, 2 from Apoi, and 3 from Akokoro Sub-county.

Apac District Principal Assistant Secretary, Janet Odongo, commended the government for its continued investment in agriculture, noting that such interventions have positively impacted local economies. She urged the beneficiaries to serve as ambassadors of the project by encouraging fellow farmers to participate.

“This is more than just support—it’s a pathway to economic empowerment. Let’s ensure more farmers benefit by spreading awareness,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of the Apac District Chairman, Mr. Asanti Odongo, the District Secretary for Education and Health, Sam Opira, advised recipients to guard the equipment responsibly. “This is a valuable resource. Take care of it and let it serve you well,” Opira emphasized.

The Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project continues to prioritize sustainability, food security, and increased income for farmers by promoting modern, climate-resilient farming methods throughout the country.

Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and its agencies, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) and Department of Meteorology (DoM), Ministry of Water and environment. The project development objective (PDO) is to increase productivity, market access and resilience of select value chains in the project area. The project will scale up climate smart technologies and management practices in selected value chains for enhanced productivity and resilience by addressing the gaps in incentive mechanisms that facilitate uptake and scale up of these technologies.