Work starts on sh73bn Atari Irrigation Scheme in Bulambuli, Kween

The Government of Uganda, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has officially launched the construction of a $20 million (approx. sh73 billion) irrigation system in the Atari Basin area of Bulambuli and Kween districts.

The project is part of the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) Initiative, launched under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which aims to double rice production in sub-Saharan Africa to 56 million metric tonnes by 2030.

Funded by the Government of Japan, the project will establish a 680-hectare modern irrigation system in the two districts.

On March 27, 2025, agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze, alongside Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Sasayama Takuya, senior government officials, district leaders, and community representatives, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony at the Atari project site.

According to Tumwebaze, the Atari irrigation scheme is one of four projects studied by MAAIF with JICA's support between 2014 and 2016. The other schemes include Acomai, where construction is ongoing, as well as Namatala and Ngenge.

Land compensation delays

Tumwebaze noted that the two-year project faced setbacks, including delays in finalising compensation for project-affected persons.

“This has been a major constraint, not just for the Atari irrigation scheme but for several other infrastructure projects, due to issues related to land ownership, rejection of compensation rates approved by the Chief Government Valuer, and absentee landowners,” Tumwebaze explained.

“I am glad to know that the compensation process is now 95% complete. My team is working tirelessly to finalise the remaining 5%. I therefore wish to thank the Permanent Secretary and everyone involved in ensuring we reached this milestone.”

Tumwebaze also expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan for his patience, acknowledging that the delays had affected Japan’s ability to bring in more projects.

The minister highlighted the growing impact of climate change, citing erratic weather patterns that have disrupted traditional rainy and planting seasons, leading to variations in agricultural production.

“Our usual rainy seasons and known planting periods have changed, and this has affected production and productivity. As such, we need to adjust and adopt new production methods that harness nature’s resources rather than passively depending on them,” he said.

“Irrigation is one such method that not only addresses erratic weather patterns but also ensures year-round production.”

A lady attending to her garden in the Atari project area where Atari irrigation scheme is going to be constructed. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

Call to farmers

Tumwebaze urged farmers in Atari and surrounding areas to fully utilise the scheme, not just for rice cultivation but also for other high-value crops.

He added that beyond facilitating agricultural production, the project would help mitigate flooding in the Atari Basin, which has long been a challenge for local communities.

To further support the initiative, he pledged to donate two tractors to farmers in Bulambuli and Kween.

Japanese Ambassador Sasayama Takuya reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s agricultural sector.

“By harnessing the River Atari’s water resources, this project aims to counter the effects of climate change, ensure a stable supply of irrigation water, and boost sustainable rice production in Kween, Bulambuli, and neighbouring areas,” he said.

He highlighted agriculture as the backbone of any economy, adding that Japanese technology in Atari would promote year-round farming, climate resilience, and economic growth.

Project beneficiaries

According to Paul Lubega, who oversees agricultural development at JICA, the project will directly benefit 479 landowners with 688 plots, 1,300 households, and a general population of 6,500 people across Sikwo sub-county in Kween and Bumufuni sub-county in Bulambuli.

Bulambuli Woman MP Irene Muloni thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his visionary leadership and urged residents to embrace the project for their own benefit.
She pledged full support from the local community to ensure its success.

Background

The project builds on JICA’s 2014 collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the Ministry of Water and Environment to develop irrigation schemes in 12 potential sites across Central and Eastern Uganda.

So far, three irrigation schemes have been successfully developed, with Atari being the fourth, underscoring the role of international cooperation in achieving Uganda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

JICA has been instrumental in Uganda’s agricultural transformation for over 20 years, supporting projects such as the Regional Rice Research and Training Centre (RRRTC), Promotion of Sustainable Rice Farming Development (Eco-PRiDe), Northern Uganda Farmers’ Livelihood Improvement Project (NUFLIP), and Atari Technical Cooperation.