The plantation has witnessed a series of fire outbreaks in the past years, which has affected its production. The company is reported to have lost Shillings 3 billion, according to Police annual crime report of 2020 following 2019 regular fire incidences. The December 2021, fire is projected to have caused the factory a loss of 3,000 of the 7,900 acre sugar plantations.
Dr. Zziwa points out that in Uganda, dry spells have become more prolonged, leading to decreased yields from plantations. In response to these challenges posed by climate change, he emphasized the importance of farmers embracing modern irrigation practices.
The farmers say that due to the reduced water volumes in the river, the scheme management has now resorted to rationing. Patrick Mwesige, a staff of the Mubuku Irrigation Scheme in charge of water, says the water in the river is not enough; affected by a dry spell, and human activities upstream which have affected the volumes in the canals.
The demand comes a few days after floods devastated parts of Kasese district when major rivers from Mount Rwenzori burst their banks, sweeping away houses and key infrastructure in the region. Although most of the damage was caused by the effect from River Nyamwamba, there was significant havoc from River Nyamugasana, Mubuku and Lhubiriha.
