London, United Kingdom – Robert Olet Egwea, Awitong of Atek Onote and Lango Cultural Institution’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, has called for urgent climate adaptation measures to help farmers in Lango cope with prolonged drought and flooding.
Speaking from abroad, Olet Egwea acknowledged the increasing impact of climate change on agriculture, particularly erratic rainfall patterns that have disrupted farming.
He emphasized that irrigation is a viable solution to counter drought and urged farmers to embrace it.
“Irrigation equipment is available in Uganda, and most of it is affordable. Farmers need to start adopting this method instead of relying solely on unpredictable rainfall,” he said.
He further revealed that he is mobilizing well-wishers abroad to donate irrigation equipment to Lango farmers.
In addition to securing irrigation tools, Olet Egwea announced plans to take selected farmers from Lango to study advanced agricultural techniques abroad.
This initiative, he said, would help them adopt modern farming practices to boost productivity at home.
Addressing the issue of flooding, he proposed digging water collection dams, which would serve a dual purpose-storing excess water during heavy rains and providing irrigation water in dry seasons.
He called on both the government and wealthy individuals to invest in such projects.
Olet Egwea also highlighted deforestation as a major factor affecting rainfall patterns.
He recalled that in the past, large trees were abundant, contributing to a stable climate.
He urged the community to stop indiscriminate tree cutting and swamp reclamation.
As part of broader efforts, he revealed that Lango community in the UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Germany are mobilizing resources to introduce modern farming techniques in Lango.
He attributed this progress to the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief of Lango.
Lango Cultural Institution’s commitment to innovation and environmental conservation could be the key to safeguarding the region’s agricultural future with climate challenges growing.