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JICA Uganda handed over a furnished office project office and vehicles (including a tractor) for the Atari Irrigation Technical Cooperation Project (TCP), to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) on 14th September 2022.

During the handover event in Kween district, JICA's Chief Representative, Mr. Uchiyama Takayuki remarked that the facility and equipment will improve efficiency and effectiveness of the TCP in Bulambuli and Kween districts. "This project seeks to establish good irrigation models in this country and will benefit the people of Bulambuli, Kween and the country at large," he said, adding that Project experts and Extension officers are now closer to the project site, which will smoothen operation.

Dr. Opolot Nakalet Henry, the Commissioner, Agriculture Extension Services and Skills Management, MAAIF , in the presence of Project Experts, Coordinators, Leaders from the District Local Governments of Kween and Bulambuli,, farmers and other stakeholders, applauded JICA for the longstanding partnership and development of the rice industry and irrigation in Uganda. The office, he said, should be looked at not as an end in itself but rather a platform for facilitating the achievement of Project objectives. "These districts have two extremes. Long spells of drought and heavy rains, resulting into flooding and sometimes starvation. Therefore, with the developed irrigation systems, water can be curbed and stored for irrigation as well as flood management".

Dr. Opolot Nakalet Henry, MAAIF

JICA Chief Representative, Mr. Uchiyama Takayuki

The people and leaders of Bulambuli and Kween expressed the urgency for the commencement of the Atari Irrigation Grant Aid project, which is expected to boost rice production and productivity in the area. Despite the local challenges, they are grateful to JICA for its commitment to the implementation and completion of the project. "Besides changing the face of Atari, we are positive that this initiative is going to create wealth for our people," intimated Dr. Nelson Yesho, the District Production Officer, Kween District Local Government.

The event was crowned with a guided tour of the new office premises and presentations on the progress of the Atari Irrigation TCP, including trial farm activities and community engagement in irrigation infrastructure works. Results from the trial farm activities indicate that there is an increase in rice production and productivity in both districts, proof that rice, if well managed, can perform well in Atari area for food and income security.

Mr. Masinde Juma, 50, a member of IWUA (Irrigation Water Users' Association) and owner of of the trial farms appreciated JICA and Government of Uganda for the project. He shared that it has benefitted him and his family in many ways. "This is the reason I look younger than my age," he cheekily exclaimed, amidst amusement from the attendees.

Mr. Masinde Juma, 50

The Atari TCP has facilitated engagement between the JOCV (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) and local community. The Atari office fence artwork was born out of this engagement between JOCV and pupils of Sikwa Primary, a community school neighbouring the office.