President Museveni Opens the Achomai Irrigation Scheme
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni formally commissioned the Shs71 billion Achomai Irrigation Scheme in Kamutur Sub-county, Bukedea District, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s push toward irrigation-led agricultural modernisation. The project, funded to transform dry land into productive farming zones, is expected to bolster rice production while safeguarding the country’s wetlands and natural resources.
Strategic Goal: Rice Security and Wetland Conservation
The President emphasised that the Achomai scheme is not just about increasing output; it is about sustainable farming. By promoting irrigation-based rice cultivation on dry land, farmers can reduce pressure on wetlands, protect biodiversity, and minimise soil erosion. Museveni highlighted the nation’s need to move away from risky, rain-fed agriculture toward reliable irrigation systems that ensure food security year-round.
Why Dry-Land Rice Farming?
Dry-land rice farming offers several advantages for smallholder farmers in Bukedea and neighboring districts. With controlled irrigation, yields become more predictable, allowing households to plan for schooling, healthcare, and other essentials. The scheme also creates opportunities for value addition, storage, and access to credit, as reliable water supply underpins inputs and farming equipment procurement.
Project Scope and Economic Impact
Funded with Shs71 billion, the Achomai Irrigation Scheme includes dam construction, canal networks, pumping infrastructure, and farm-level delivery points. The project timeline envisions a phased rollout that will expand irrigated rice areas across multiple sub-counties. Local farmers and agribusinesses stand to benefit from improved yields, steady market access, and potential employment opportunities in both cultivation and post-harvest processing.
Government Support and Farmer Empowerment
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through subsidised inputs, extension services, and access to affordable credit. He urged farmers to adopt best practices in irrigation management, water conservation, and safe agricultural methods. Training programs, demonstrations, and farmer field schools are expected to accompany the scheme to ensure knowledge transfer and practical skill-building.
Rice Safety and Environmental Stewardship
In his remarks, Museveni stressed safe agricultural practices as a priority. Rice farming on dry land must adhere to environmental guidelines that protect soils, water sources, and downstream ecosystems. The government’s integrated approach seeks to balance productivity with resilience, ensuring that increased output does not come at the expense of the environment or local communities.
What This Means for Local Communities
Local leaders welcomed the project as a catalyst for rural development. Beyond crop yields, the scheme is expected to stimulate ancillary services, including equipment maintenance, input supply chains, and processing facilities. As farmers gain access to dependable irrigation, there is potential for re-skilling and diversification into other irrigated crops, contributing to broader economic growth in Kamutur Sub-county and Bukedea District.
Next Steps and Timelines
Officials outlined a clear roadmap: commission the main irrigation works, begin farmer training programs, establish water management committees, and set up monitoring systems to track yields and environmental indicators. The government underscored continuous investment in rural infrastructure as essential to achieving long-term food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Conclusion
The Achomai Irrigation Scheme stands as a tangible reminder that Uganda’s agricultural transformation hinges on smart irrigation, climate resilience, and responsible stewardship of land and water resources. As farmers adopt dry-land rice cultivation under this new paradigm, the nation moves closer to a future where food security is strengthened, wetlands are protected, and rural economies thrive.
