According to George Okello, chairperson of the Tochi Rice Irrigation Growers, the recurring floods have rendered large portions of the scheme unusable. "Since the project was launched, farmers have faced constant flooding and destruction by wild animals. About 600 out of the 860 registered farmers have abandoned their plots due to these challenges," Okello said.
The multi-billion shilling Tochi Rice Irrigation Scheme in Acaba Sub County, Oyam District, is on the verge of collapse as hundreds of farmers abandon the project due to persistent and uncontrolled flooding. Launched in April 2016 under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for UGX 6 billion, the project was intended to support rice growing across 900 acres along the Tochi stream.
It was designed to serve 900 rice farmers from Oyam District, particularly from Acaba Sub County, Oyam Town Council, Minakulu Town Council, Minakulu Sub County, Iceme Sub County, and Ngai Sub County. However, since its commissioning, the scheme has been plagued by poor water management, with no proper drainage channels.
According to George Okello, chairperson of the Tochi Rice Irrigation Growers, the recurring floods have rendered large portions of the scheme unusable. "Since the project was launched, farmers have faced constant flooding and destruction by wild animals. About 600 out of the 860 registered farmers have abandoned their plots due to these challenges," Okello said.
He revealed that 200 acres of rice fields were submerged in 2020, and another 210 acres flooded again in 2022. Although a team from the Ministry visited in 2023 and attempted to open up water channels, the flooding persists. “In 2024, the Ministry procured six walking tractors and one large tractor for the farmers, but with the current state of the scheme, none of them can be used. They are lying idle in storage,” Okello added.
Oyam District LC5 Chairperson Dilla Benson Walter Oyuku criticized the planning and implementation of the project. “Tochi Rice Irrigation Scheme was meant to improve the livelihoods of our farmers, but due to poor water channeling, even the equipment provided is unusable. We urge the Ministry to construct proper drainage so that the scheme can be used effectively,” he said.
District Production Officer Albino Cox Ogwal confirmed that his office had submitted a report on the scheme’s challenges to the Ministry and assured farmers that the issues are under review. Meanwhile, Oyam District Woman MP Santa Alum Ogwang vowed to follow up on the matter with the Ministry.
She blamed the Ministry for failing to regularly monitor the project despite the huge investment. “This scheme has not benefited the community as expected. I will present this issue to the Ministry so that urgent action is taken,” she said.
Daniel Ojara
Freelancer