Residents of various areas in Greater Masaka, known for producing food crops such as bananas, coffee, and vegetables, are facing severe challenges due to an extended dry spell. The drought has caused significant damage to crops, leaving farmers uncertain about their livelihoods and calling for government intervention.
Greater Masaka, which includes parts of Masaka City and Kampala, is a key agricultural region in Uganda. However, the prolonged drought has hit the area hard, with farmers reporting widespread crop failure. Areas like Bukomansimbi, known for banana and coffee production, have been particularly affected.
Sserwada Sowedi, Chairperson of the Coffee Farmers' Association, highlighted the impact of the drought on coffee production. He noted that while coffee prices had initially risen to 16,500 shillings per kilogram, they have since dropped due to the dry conditions. Sowedi urged farmers to adopt irrigation techniques to mitigate the effects of the drought while cautioning against practices that could harm the environment.
Andrew Lukyamuzi Batemyeto, Chairperson of Masaka District, expressed concern over the plight of farmers, especially those growing vegetables and coffee. He called on the government to provide irrigation equipment and support to help farmers cope with the harsh conditions.
Farmers from various parts of Greater Masaka, led by Tomusange John, shared their struggles, stating that they are at a loss for solutions. They appealed to the government to step in and provide assistance to prevent further losses.
Kato Abudalah, a resident of Kibinge Sub-County in Bukomansimbi District, emphasized the severity of the situation. He pointed out that even areas near water sources are experiencing shortages, making it difficult for farmers to irrigate their crops. Abudalah urged the government to expand access to irrigation water to support agricultural activities.
Ruth Katusabe, a government official and resident of Bukomansimbi, acknowledged the challenges faced by coffee farmers. She encouraged farmers to seek guidance from the government on irrigation methods while doing their best to conserve water.
Fred Kalema Pax, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bukomansimbi, attributed the drought to environmental degradation. He called on leaders to prioritize environmental conservation and urged communities to adopt sustainable practices to restore the ecosystem.
The prolonged drought in Greater Masaka underscores the urgent need for government intervention and long-term solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change. Farmers are hopeful that with the right support, they can recover from the current crisis and build resilience against future droughts.
