Denmark donates solar-powered irrigation facility to Buganda Kingdom
SEMBABULE, February 24, 2025 – The Danish Government, through the DANIDA Green Business Partnership Programme, has constructed a solar-powered irrigation facility to help smallholder farmers in Buganda Kingdom to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly prolonged drought that hinders farmers from practicing farming.
The facility, built in Mawokota, Sembabule district, at an estimated cost of Shs 5 billion, is designed to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers while fostering sustainable agriculture.
Spearheaded by a consortium of partners, including the Eastern Africa Grain Council [EAGC] and Access2Innovation, in collaboration with commercial partners Grundfos and Akvo International, the initiative is expected to deliver impactful and scalable solutions for smallholder farmers.
The facility is located on a farm run by the Child Welfare and Adoption Society in Ssango, Mawokota. This is the second demonstration unit under the project, with one already installed in Soroti District and another currently under construction in Mubende District.
The Danish Ambassador to Uganda, Signe Winding Alberg, emphasised the importance of the partnership and similar initiatives in addressing climate adaptation challenges.
“Denmark is committed to promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices. This also highlights how technology and collaboration can drive transformative change,” she stated.
“This solar-powered irrigation system is designed to alleviate extreme climate challenges by enhancing productivity, ensuring food system sustainability, and reducing the vulnerability of farmers to climate shocks,” she added.
The Speaker of Buganda Kingdom Lukiiko, Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
“This is a testament to the power of partnerships in addressing the most pressing challenges facing our farmers. We are honoured to contribute to the promotion of irrigation technologies that will undoubtedly transform livelihoods across the region,” Mugumbule said.
The Director of the Child Welfare and Adoption Society, Sarah Namala, noted that the project will significantly improve the lives of farmers, ensuring sustainability.
“For us smallholder farmers, access to a consistent water supply is a challenge. This solar-powered irrigation system is a game-changer, providing a reliable solution that will help us adapt to climate challenges, as well as increase our productivity and income,” she said.
The three-year project demonstrates the critical role of innovative technologies in building a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
In the face of unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and shifting growing seasons, which all impact productivity and threaten food security, such innovations are invaluable.
The project aims to provide over 1,300 solar-powered irrigation systems to farmers, benefiting approximately 50,000 smallholder farmers.
In Buganda, the most commonly grown crops include bananas, maize, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, millet, sorghum, groundnuts, and some vegetables such as tomatoes, sukuma wiki, and eggplants. Bananas are a staple food, while cash crops like coffee, cotton, and tea are also significant in the area.
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