MUGABE R
Residents of Kyabahanga Parish, Bwambara Sub County, Rukungiri District have been consoled to cool down their temper and wait for the reinstallation of their irrigation scheme equipment by the Ministry of Water and Environment.
They received this message today, 22nd April 2026, during a reconciliation meeting between the people of Bwambara Sub County and the Ministry of Water and Environment over the confiscation of their irrigation scheme equipment for unknown reasons. The meeting was held at Nyabugando Church of Uganda in Nyabugando Parish, Bwambara Sub County, Rukungiri District, and was organized by Hon. Minister Jim Muhwezi.
In 2017, residents of Bwambara Sub County were hit by a severe drought that caused famine, prompting an investigation by State House, which recommended the establishment of irrigation systems to support food security.
In 2018, the irrigation project was launched at Nyabugando in Nyabugando Parish, Kahimbi in Kikarara Parish, and Garuka in Garuka Parish of Bwambara Sub County. The schemes later became non-functional in 2022, leaving farmers stranded despite unsuccessful petitions.
On the evening of 2nd April 2026, a group of people traveling in vehicles labeled “Ministry of Water and Environment,” escorted by police, approached the Nyabugando site and demolished the equipment amid protests.
The protests attracted the attention of leaders, and Hon. Jim Muhwezi pledged to engage the Ministry of Water and Environment for a solution during today’s meeting.
The reconciliation meeting was attended by leaders from Rukungiri District and officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, led by Engineer Catherine Kemigisha, who represented the Commissioner.
Hon. Minister Jim Muhwezi conveyed an apology from the Commissioner, Engineer Kimanzi Gilbert, and appealed to residents to remain calm and wait for the reinstallation of the irrigation system after the selection of overseeing farmers, signing of a memorandum of understanding, and full installation.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Rukungiri, Buroni Kikanshemeza, challenged residents of Bwambara Sub County to withdraw criticism against him for enforcing the demolition of the equipment, which he attributed to the suspension of sand scooping along River Rushaya. He vowed to maintain the suspension to preserve the environment, particularly to protect Rushaya Bridge.
Engineer Catherine Kemigisha clarified that the equipment was removed due to mismanagement, including vandalism, and confirmed that reinstallation would follow the selection of overseers, signing of a memorandum of understanding, and proper installation.
The LC3 Chairperson of Bwambara Sub County, Christopher Kagayano, commended Hon. Jim Muhwezi for organizing the meeting and emphasized the urgent need to restore the project.
Bwambara Sub County District Councilor Prossy Tushabomwe Mugirikazi welcomed the meeting, saying it brings relief and hope for the restoration of the irrigation project.
