By Shivan Ayebare
Parliament has approved government’s request to borrow up to UGX 735.7 billion for the second phase of the Solar Powered Irrigation Systems Project.
The money, to be borrowed from UKEF and Citi Bank, will finance the construction of 427 solar-powered irrigation systems across the country.
Presenting the proposal, Minister of State for Finance Henry Musasizi said the project is aimed at raising rural incomes by increasing agricultural production, with particular focus on coffee-growing areas.
Musasizi said the project will provide irrigation water in 126 districts to support higher coffee yields and protect farmers from losses caused by prolonged dry spells.
He told Parliament that the first phase of the project is now more than 99 percent complete, with 434 irrigation systems already developed across the country.
According to the minister, the first phase has improved water security and productivity for 206,465 households, serving a population of 908,447 people.
Musasizi said the second phase is justified by the growing effects of climate change, which continue to reduce water availability for farming and expose farmers to crop losses.
The new phase is expected to directly benefit about 2,562 households, or approximately 11,785 people.
The project will be implemented through existing agricultural extension structures at sub-county, parish and district levels, working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the Coffee Department.
Government says the project is intended to improve farm productivity, support coffee production and strengthen household incomes in rural Uganda.
