Fishermen ditched their nets for hoes after the government shut down the lake. Authorities prohibited fishing on Lake Kyoga in 2019, leaving Namasale residents desperate until the Ministry of Water and Environment approved an irrigation scheme at Apitopat village in Amolatar district. Bosco Olum and others failed at dry farming due to drought, but found success with the project. Continuous irrigation turned their land into commercial vegetable gardens.
Farmers currently earn millions selling watermelons. Olum reported massive gains compared to his past maize income and utilized the cash to start a poultry farm. A savings group assists twenty-two members with purchasing seeds. Jessica Abulo switched from fishmongering to growing tomatoes, using profits to handle school fees for her nine kids. She even bought a cow with the proceeds.
Finding reliable buyers remains difficult despite the success. Abulo mentioned that unstable markets limit revenue and requested government help to secure better trade deals.
Farmers currently earn millions selling watermelons. Olum reported massive gains compared to his past maize income and utilized the cash to start a poultry farm. A savings group assists twenty-two members with purchasing seeds. Jessica Abulo switched from fishmongering to growing tomatoes, using profits to handle school fees for her nine kids. She even bought a cow with the proceeds.
Finding reliable buyers remains difficult despite the success. Abulo mentioned that unstable markets limit revenue and requested government help to secure better trade deals.
