On 8th December 2025, URDT received 56 water pumps to be distributed to farmers in the seven sub-counties of Kabamba, Kagadi, Kyanaisoke, Kyenzige, Mpeefu, Burora, and Ruteete. These sub-counties are part of the RIWAH project, which trains farmers in rainwater harvesting with the goal of increasing resilience to climate change–related water shortages among smallholder families in vulnerable districts. The project promotes the development and advocacy of context-specific, low-cost water harvesting technologies such as trenches, underground tanks, permanent water tanks, and more.
The pumps were delivered by Mr. John Ahebwa, the Regional Coordinator at KickStart, a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to move millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa out of poverty quickly, cost-effectively, and sustainably.
According to Mr. Ahebwa, the donated pumps follow a recent training conducted by KickStart in partnership with URDT, during which they learned that farmers face serious challenges during the dry season.
“We understand that farmers depend on the two traditional seasons, but unfortunately, changing weather patterns have become a big problem. Farmers often incur losses due to unexpected sunshine during the rainy season. These water pumps will help them irrigate their crops,” Ahebwa explained.
Mr. Apollo Baguma, the ESFROMA Program Coordinator at URDT, noted that distribution will prioritize farmers growing high-value crops such as vegetables, to boost their income both in and out of season.
“Unlike crops like cassava and bananas, vegetables mature within a short period and are always on high demand. That is why we are focusing more on vegetable farmers at the start,” Baguma emphasized.
He added that some pumps will be given to selected schools practicing the 2-Generations Approach to improve their Pupil-Managed School Farms, thereby enhancing pupils’ nutrition.
Mr. Ahebwa further explained that the tools are being donated to partner organizations, who will then distribute them to the farmers they work with.
