overview

The Directorate of Water Development (DWD) is the lead government agency for the water and sanitation sector under the Ministry of Water, and Environment (MWE) with the mandate to promote and ensure the rational and sustainable utilization and development and safeguard of water resources, for social , economic development as well as for regional and international peace.

The Directorate of Water Development is mandated to;

promote and ensure the rational and sustainable utilization and development and safeguard of water resources, for social , economic development as well as for regional and international peace.

The Directorate of Water Development (DWD) was established in 1993 after a government restructuring process. It was formerly called the Water Development Department (WDD) under the then Ministry of Natural Resources.

DWD works to promote co-coordinated, integrated and sustainable water resources and provision of water for all social and economic activities through improved infrastructure and maintenance of the existing ones.

The Directorate has three major departments and one specialized division sector covers:

· Rural Water Supply and Sanitation department.

· Urban Water Supply and Sanitation department.

· Water for production department

· Water sector liaison division

Directorate of Water Development structure

Click on image to view DWD Structure in a larger size.

POLICY OBJECTIVES

The overall policy objectives of the Government for domestic water supply and sanitation and water for production respectively are as follows:

Provision of Sustainable Safe Water Supply and Sanitation facilities, including hygienic use in rural areas: The objective is provision and maintenance of adequate supply of water for human consumption and domestic chores and also promotion of sanitation and hygiene education in rural communities. This improves health and the general quality of life for the Ugandan population and will consequently contribute to up-lifting the household standards of living.
Provision of Viable Urban Water Supply and Sewerage/Sanitation Systems for domestic, industrial and commercial uses: The objective is to improve the health of the beneficiaries and stimulate economic development through provision of viable urban water supply and sewerage systems for domestic, industrial and commercial use in small and large towns.
Provision and effective use of Water for Production (agricultural production including crop irrigation, livestock and aquaculture; rural industries; hydropower; wildlife and tourism): Development and provision of water supply of reliable quantity and quality for multipurpose uses is envisaged to increase the overall crop, livestock, wildlife and fish production especially in the semi-arid and drought prone zones. The increase in productivity will create more gainful employment opportunities for farmers and thereby impact their livelihood through an improved financial status.
Effective Planning, Coordination and Management of the Water and Sanitation Sector: This priority relates to enhanced sector management, further implementation of sector reforms, good governance, improved financial planning and strengthened sector coordination to ensure that the SWAP is successfully executed and that water and sanitation services are provided in an efficient and cost effective way.