By Ben Musanje
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has urged farmers affected by prolonged dry conditions to adopt simple, low-cost irrigation methods, including the use of plastic bottles, to keep their crops alive.
Nabbanja made the call in Kakumiro while meeting and training LC1 chairpersons from several sub-counties on modern agricultural practices.
The prolonged dry spell and scorching sunshine have left crops in some parts of the district struggling, raising concern among farmers whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. Coffee and banana plantations are among the crops affected by the dry conditions.
Nabbanja encouraged farmers who cannot afford modern irrigation equipment to improvise with locally available materials rather than watch their crops dry up.
She suggested using plastic water bottles to provide water to crops during periods of limited rainfall, allowing farmers to maintain their gardens until the rains return.
The Prime Minister was hosting leaders and LC1 chairpersons from Nkooko and Nkooko Town Council, Kisengwe, Birembo, Mpasana and Mpasana Town Council as part of efforts to equip local leaders with knowledge they can pass on to farmers in their communities.
During the engagement, Nabbanja also took the leaders on a tour of a demonstration farm showcasing different agricultural enterprises, including cattle, coffee seedlings and poultry.
The farm was used to demonstrate how farmers can diversify their enterprises and adopt practices aimed at improving agricultural productivity and household incomes.
As part of her efforts to boost mechanised farming, Nabbanja distributed 10 tractors to 10 sub-counties in the area. The tractors are expected to support farmers in improving land preparation and agricultural production.
The Prime Minister also responded to concerns raised by residents about sanitation in Kagadi, providing tuk-tuks to support garbage collection.
Education was another issue raised during her engagement with residents. Some residents reported that headteachers in government schools were allegedly collecting money from parents.
Nabbanja directed the police to investigate and take appropriate action over the complaints.
The engagements in Kakumiro highlighted the challenges facing communities—from the impact of drought on agriculture to sanitation and access to public services—while focusing on practical interventions that can strengthen livelihoods and improve service delivery. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
