KARAMOJA NEWS Truth All Day
Related Articles
By Cinderella Atenyo
Farmers in Moroto District have been strongly urged to embrace irrigation agriculture to reduce their heavy reliance on rainfall, which is increasingly unreliable due to climate variability. This shift is seen as a critical intervention to strengthen food security and mitigate the ongoing hunger situation in the Karamoja region.
Engineer Ronald Kato Kayizzi, Assistant Commissioner for Multipurpose and Bulk Water Development in the Ministry of Water and Environment, delivered these remarks during a Farmer’s Field Day at Lokitumo village in Lotisan Sub-County. The event showcased the work of the 30-member Lokitumo Young Farmers Group, which is collaborating with Nexus Green under the Ministry’s support.
According to Eng. Kayizzi, the Field Day offered participating farmers an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices acquired during the first planting cycle. It also enabled stakeholders to assess progress and provide essential guidance on the sustainable operation and management of the irrigation scheme.
He noted the significant water resource challenges in Moroto and highlighted a comprehensive project designed at an estimated cost of UGX 450 million. The initiative includes water resource development, two irrigation systems, and two elevated reservoirs.
Eng. Kayizzi called for concerted collaboration, emphasizing that the project aims to address acute water scarcity, promote year-round farming across the Karamoja Sub-region, and build resilience against hunger. For operational sustainability, he stressed the need for continued support in the form of a resident technician, extension services, and agribusiness development.
Agronomist and GB-Consultant Emma Kyakuwa reinforced the call for contemporary irrigation practices. She highlighted how agronomic support is enabling households to diversify their livelihoods, generate sustainable income, and transition from subsistence to commercial farming. The GB-consultant service provider has established solar-powered irrigation sites in Lokitumo (Lotisan Sub-County) and Nabuin (Katikikile Sub-County). These facilities are expected to significantly enhance food security in the targeted communities.
During the event, members of the Lokitumo Young Farmers Group showcased productive vegetable gardens featuring onions, cabbage, tomatoes, and Sukuma wiki. The farmers appealed to the Ministry for additional pesticides and expanded irrigation infrastructure to enlarge the gardens and extend benefits to the broader community.
Mercy Korobe, a group member, underscored the importance of these interventions, stating that they are helping communities fight hunger amid recurrent droughts. Lokong Simon, Chairperson of the Lokitumo Young Farmers Group, commended the Ministry for its empowerment and capacity-building efforts targeting young farmers in the region.
Meanwhile, Moroto District Vice Chairperson Stephanie Adupa encouraged residents of Moroto and the wider Karamoja region to fully embrace the project. She described it as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and a means to shift mindsets toward modern agriculture. Adupa emphasized that irrigation is the most viable option for consistent production, especially during dry seasons.
In January 2026, the Ministry of Water and Environment handed over a solar-powered irrigation system to the farmers’ group in Lokitumo village under a United Kingdom Expert Finance-supported programme. These targeted interventions are playing a pivotal role in addressing the hunger situation in Karamoja by promoting climate-resilient farming practices, improving water access, and fostering long-term food security.
