KOTIDO, October 7, 2025 – A transformative agricultural initiative has officially launched in Kotido District with the handover of the site for the Shs 793 million Kalogwang Solar-Powered Irrigation System.
Located in Lobanya parish, the project aims to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of local farmers, marking a major milestone in Kotido’s push for sustainable farming, especially given that the district is drought-prone.
The irrigation project is jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and UK Export Finance. District authorities, including Kotido Resident District Commissioner [RDC] Charles Ichogor, District LCV Vice Chairperson Nuria Teko, and various technocrats, officiated the site handover ceremony recently, underscoring the project’s importance to the local farming community.
The solar-powered system is expected to revolutionise farming practices in the semi-arid region, where erratic weather conditions often hinder consistent crop production. It will provide sustainable water access for irrigation over a command area of 3.3 hectares, significantly expanding the land available to members of the Kalogwang Farmers Association.
The vision for the project was first conceived during a pivotal meeting in 2022 between lead farmer Emmanuel Keem and First Lady Janet Museveni at Morulinga State Lodge in Napak District. The meeting highlighted the government’s high-level commitment to supporting innovative agricultural solutions.
“The Kalogwang Solar Irrigation Project is a beacon of hope for our farmers,” said RDC Ichogor during the ceremony. “It offers a reliable water source that will not only increase productivity but also strengthen our resilience to climate-related challenges. However, its success depends on the community’s commitment to protect and maintain this infrastructure.”
The system will feature an array of solar panels, a 40-cubic metre water reservoir, and an advanced distribution network to ensure efficient water delivery to crops. Nexus Green Ltd has been contracted to implement the project, with completion expected within four months.
Local response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. Lead farmer Emmanuel Keem, who played a key role in the project’s inception, described it as a “game-changer”.
“Access to reliable water means we can grow more crops and improve our household incomes,” he said. “We are eager to work together to ensure its success.”
Despite the optimism, RDC Ichogor issued a firm warning against vandalism and misuse of the infrastructure, urging the community to take ownership of the project. “This is our asset,” he stated. “We must treat it with the respect it deserves.”
Beyond its immediate impact, the Kalogwang Solar Irrigation Project is expected to promote sustainable farming practices that will benefit the community for generations to come. Farmers have been encouraged to prepare for the system’s operational phase by selecting suitable crops and refining their farm management practices in anticipation of the enhanced water supply.
With strong community engagement, government backing, and innovative technology, the project is well-positioned to empower farmers and pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future in Kotido district.
https://thecooperator.news/kazo-farmers-reap-big-from-microscale-irrigation-programme/
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