JICA, MAAIF Break Ground for the Construction of the Atari River Basin Irrigation Scheme in Kween and Bulambuli Districts

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Uganda, the Atari River Basin spans the districts of Kween and Bulambuli, a region marked by fertile soils yet plagued by climatic extremes. Prolonged dry spells followed by torrential rains have led to crop failures, food insecurity, and unstable livelihoods for local farmers. Despite its agricultural potential, the area has struggled to thrive, until now.
On 27^th March 2025, a historic milestone was reached as Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and H.E. Sasayama Takuya, Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, broke ground for the Atari River Basin Irrigation Scheme. Implemented under JICA’s Grant Aid Cooperation Scheme, The Project for the Development of Irrigation System in Atari Basin Area (the Atari project), promises to turn adversity into opportunity, ensuring climate-resilient farming and sustainable food production.

The Atari Irrigation Scheme is the result of years of collaboration between Uganda and Japan, dating back to 2014 when JICA partnered with Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE) under the Project on Irrigation Scheme Development in Central and Eastern Uganda (PISD). This initiative identified 12 potential irrigation sites, with feasibility studies paving the way for four fully realized schemes, including Ngenge, Doho, Acomai, and Atari River Basin.
The Atari project stands as a testament to international cooperation and Uganda’s commitment to agricultural transformation. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2 and 13; No Hunger, End Poverty and Climate Action, the Atari Irrigation Scheme will feature:
- Modern irrigation & flood control systems
- Farm access roads
- A demonstration field
- 680 hectares of irrigable land.

By harnessing the Atari River’s water resources, the Atari project will mitigate climate change effects, stabilize water supply for year-round farming, boost rice production as well as food security and enhance livelihoods for thousands. Construction is set for completion by the end of 2026.

Beyond infrastructure, JICA is supporting capacity-building under its a Technical Cooperation Scheme, through the “Project for Sustainable Utilization, Operation and Management of Irrigation Systems in Atari Basin Area” which seeks:
- The strengthening of Atari Irrigation Water Users’ Association (IWUA) – Ensuring community-led operation & maintenance.
- Training of farmers in improved rice cultivation techniques
- The strengthening of technical capacity for district officers
This farmer-centric approach guarantees sustainability and local ownership, ensuring the scheme’s benefits endure for generations.

The Atari Irrigation Scheme arrives at a pivotal moment, following the AU Summit on the Post-Malabo CAADP Agenda and the Kampala Declaration which emphasized investing in water infrastructure for resilient agri-food systems.
This project will convert flood-prone and arid land into productive farmland, increase rice yields and support Uganda’s food security goals and serve as a blueprint for future irrigation development interventions.