Communities in Rubanda District have received two portable solar-powered water pumps to help mitigate the effects of a prolonged drought that has affected the area since May.
The pumps, secured through the National Planning Authority following lobbying by Finance Minister Henry Musasizi, Rubanda Woman MP Evelyn Ninsiima Kikafunda and Rubanda West MP Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, will benefit Kacerere Town Council and Ruhonwa Parish in Hamurwa Sub-county.
Community leaders said the drought has disrupted crop production, reduced access to fresh food and increased prices, with a cabbage now costing about Shs3,000, up from Shs500.
During the handover, agriculture officials urged residents to maintain and responsibly use the solar-powered equipment to support irrigation and improve agricultural productivity.
The beneficiaries commended the collaboration between legislators and district leaders, noting that continued cooperation has helped secure development projects to improve livelihoods and service delivery across Rubanda.
