The Minister for ICT & National Guidance, Hon Justine Lumumba Kasule, has revealed that cabinet has approved the mining of lithium for the manufacture of batteries used in solar power systems.
Minister kasule noted that producing the batteries locally will help reduce the cost of solar-powered water pumping and piping on farms and in gardens.
“Government will support investors in this area to speed up implementation of the six-point irrigation strategy” she said.
Kasule made the remarks while briefing journalists at the Uganda media centre on Tuesday on the cabinet’s decision’s this week.
She noted that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries will work with the Ministry of Water and Environment to strengthen the strategy through connecting farms and gardens to available water.
“Government will invest in systems to carry water to farms and gardens in districts with reliable water sources, use seasonal streams and rivers. In districts without reliable water sources, Government will develop systems to draw water from nearby seasonal streams and rivers for irrigation” she said.
Minister Kasule noted that the ministry will also rehabilitate existing irrigation schemes and dams. Small and large schemes will be repaired to improve their operation and ensure that water reaches the farms and gardens they serve.
“Develop bulk water supply systems, the ministries will design and develop systems to transfer water to districts and areas facing water shortages, including Nakasongola, Lyantonde, Isingiro and Karamoja” she said.
She further noted that the Government will support fish farming in Busoga, Bukedi, Greater Luwero, Lango, West Nile and the Kigezi lowlands, to provide farmers with another source of income and support wetland conservation.
“Government will acquire machinery for these centres so that farmers can access equipment at affordable rates to construct farm dams and fish ponds” she said.
Hon Kasule further revealed that cabinet has directed the finance ministry to release funds for the strategy.
