MBARARA – Mbarara Resident District Commissioner Turyabagyenyi Emmanuel Kateera has officially launched the micro scale irrigation program in Mbarara district that will cost government shs 231 million.
Turyabagyenyi said the program is very important being part of social economic transformation of Uganda targeting small holder farmers who are relying on rain fed agriculture.
Turyabagyenyi made the remarks while officiating at the handing over ceremony of irrigation equipment to the two initial beneficiaries at district head quarters Kamukuzi.
The service to supply the equipment was contracted by Bekunda Investments Limited who were warned never to come back in reverse order and steal the equipment they installed.
The program is funded by world bank and Government of Uganda with support from the farmers who contributed twenty five percent of the total cost.
The initial beneficiaries included Mujuni Mathias of Rwanyamahembe engaged in coffee growing and Dr Kasheka Emmanuel of Bwizibwera Rutooma town council a grower of hass ovacadoes.
Turyabagyenyi warned all negative elements involved in vandalizing the government property that any caught stealing or trying to steal any government property will be charged of economic sabotage and treason.
Twashaba Simon, the secretary for finance Mbarara district who represented the district chairperson Tabaro Didas thanked the government for funding micro scale irrigation program in the district.
The Engineer in charge of water for production Mbarara district local government, Arinaitwe Osbert revealed that this financial only fifteen farmers shall be supported and the rest who had paid their initial commitment of one million ugx shall benefit in the next financial year as funds are released from the government as the funds received in the current financial year are not sufficient.
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