Total Energies Uganda launches solar-powered irrigation farm to boost food security, education in Buliisa

Buliisa: In a significant step toward promoting sustainable energy, food security, and improved livelihoods, Total Energies Uganda, in partnership with the Community Integrated Development Initiative (CIDI), officially launched a solar-powered irrigation demonstration farm at Ndandamire Primary School in Kigwera Sub-County, Buliisa District on Tuesday. This initiative is set to benefit both the school and the surrounding community members.

The project is designed to provide clean and reliable water for both agricultural and domestic use. Additionally, it will support school feeding programs and help improve livelihoods for nearby households. With a capacity of 30,000 liters of water, the solar-powered irrigation farm will act as a key learning center for both students and local farmers. The farm highlights the potential of renewable energy to transform agriculture and enhance the quality of life in rural Uganda.

This initiative is part of the Community Agriculture Initiatives; a three-year program focused on improving food security and household incomes across five districts in the Albertine region.

At the official handover ceremony, Buliisa Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Silivester Tumukurate, urged both school authorities and community members to take full ownership of the project. “This is an opportunity to drive your own development. This farm is not just for the school it’s for everyone in the community,” Tumukurate emphasized.

Dafine Natukunda, the Social Package Manager at Total Energies Uganda, reiterated the company’s commitment to enhancing community livelihoods through agricultural initiatives. She shared that the company is currently running a community agricultural program that targets over 10,000 beneficiaries, aiming to boost food security and household incomes across the regions involved in the project.

Wyclif Katulinde the Buliisa District Production Officer discloses that farmers in various parts of the district have adopted this technology and they are implementing it at their respective homes. He says they have had an improvement in production services for good agronomic practices such as early weeding, timely planting, implanting highly improved varieties and the availability of water will enable farmers to harvest throughout the year.

Levi Musinguzi, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Buliisa, praised the initiative, describing it as a model of climate-smart agriculture. He noted that the project would help farmers maintain productivity even during dry seasons, ensuring more sustainable food production in the future.

Robert Isingoma, the Head Teacher of Ndandamire Primary School, expressed his gratitude, noting that the irrigation system would provide a steady food supply for students, thereby improving both their nutrition and overall educational outcomes.

Meanwhile, Linet Asinguza, a student representative, spoke on behalf of the learners, sharing how the project has transformed their lives. “Before the irrigation scheme, we often struggled with hunger,” she explained. “Now, we can grow our own food at school, which has greatly improved our well-being and learning.”

This initiative marks an important milestone in the promotion of sustainable development and green energy partnerships in rural Uganda. Through this partnership, Total Energies Uganda and CIDI are not only addressing the immediate needs of food and water security but also laying the foundation for long-term community empowerment.

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