African Development Bank Commits $140 Million to Uganda’s Bunyoro Region

The project, titled the Uganda Multipurpose Water for Climate Resilient Irrigation Development and Agro-Industrialization Programme, carries a total price tag of $207 million. While the African Development Fund provides the bulk of the capital, additional backing comes from the OPEC Fund for International Development, the End School Age Hunger Fund, the Ugandan government, and local stakeholders. Plans center on a water conveyance system initially covering 4,000 hectares, with potential expansion reaching 13,000 hectares.

Beyond water access, the initiative introduces climate-smart technologies, certified seeds, and soil restoration. To tackle post-harvest waste, the program funds storage facilities, cold-chain infrastructure, and aggregation centers. These assets aim to connect rural producers more effectively to regional markets. Alex Mubiru, the Bank’s East Africa Director General, noted that the strategy targets systemic barriers to growth rather than infrastructure alone.

The human impact is projected to be significant, with 13,000 new jobs expected across the agricultural value chain. Women are slated to comprise half of the beneficiaries, while youth will account for nearly 30 percent. Furthermore, the program links local production to school feeding initiatives, providing consistent nutrition for approximately 21,000 children. By aligning with national development priorities, the project seeks to bolster both individual incomes and the broader stability of Uganda's food systems.