We are committed to ensuring sustainable management of Uganda's water and environment resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Our mission is to promote and ensure the rational and sustainable utilization of water and environment resources for socio-economic development.
Our Mission Statement:
To promote efficient and effective utilization of water and environment resources for a healthy, wealthy and climate resilient population
Vision Statement:
Transformed Ugandan Society with environment and natural resources sustainably managed.
Minister of Water & Environment
Minister of State for Environment
Minister of State for Water
Minister of Water & Environment
Minister of State for Environment
Minister of State for Water
KYANKWANZI, UGANDA — In a major boost to safe water coverag...
Local government leaders from five districts along the River Nile have pledged total support for a m...
The Ministry of Water and Environment through the Department of Meteorological Services has launched...
Government, German Partners Inspect Karamoja Water Projects The Ministry of Water and Environme...
35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water Schemes.The 35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water Schemes (SPMPWS) project was a significant initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aimed at enhancing access to safe and reliable water supply in numerous rural and semi-urban communities across Uganda. This project leveraged renewable solar energy to power water pumping and distribution systems, representing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to expanding water coverage and improving public health. The focus on solar technology underscored Uganda’s commitment to environmentally friendly solutions and climate change adaptation in the water sector.Key Objectives Achieved by the Project:The SPMPWS project successfully accomplished several crucial objectives:Increased Access to Safe Water: The primary objective of providing increased access to safe and clean piped water was met across the target communities. The installation of 35 mini-piped schemes significantly expanded the reach of reliable water sources to previously underserved populations.Activities included: Drilling of boreholes, installation of solar panels and submersible pumps, construction of elevated storage tanks, and laying of distribution networks with public water points and household connections.Promotion of Sustainable and Green Technology: The project championed the use of solar energy, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable water supply solutions. This reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lowered operational costs for communities, and minimized the carbon footprint of water provision.Activities included: Design and installation of solar power systems tailored to the specific water demand of each scheme.Improved Health and Hygiene: By ensuring the availability of safe piped water, the project directly contributed to improved public health outcomes in the beneficiary communities. This reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases and facilitated better hygiene practices.Activities included: Community sensitization on water safety, hygiene, and proper utilization of the new piped water systems.Enhanced Community Management and Ownership: The project fostered strong community involvement in the management and maintenance of the water schemes. This approach aimed to ensure the long-term functionality and sustainability of the infrastructure.Activities included: Training of Water User Committees (WUCs) in scheme operation, maintenance, and financial management.Economic Benefits for Communities: Reliable access to water freed up time, particularly for women and children who traditionally spent hours fetching water, allowing them to engage in more productive activities. This indirectly stimulated local economic development.Activities included: Creating local employment opportunities during the construction phase and empowering communities to manage their own water resources.Project Scope and Impact:The SPMPWS project involved the complete development and commissioning of 35 independent solar-powered mini-piped water schemes across various districts in Uganda. Each scheme typically comprised a high-yielding borehole as the water source, a robust solar power system to drive the pump, a submersible pump to abstract water from the borehole, an elevated water storage tank to ensure gravity-fed distribution, and a network of pipes distributing water to multiple public standpipes (water points) and, in some cases, private household connections.The implementation of these schemes resulted in a tangible improvement in the quality of life for thousands of Ugandans, providing them with consistent access to safe, clean water right within their communities. The project stands as a testament to the effectiveness of decentralized, solar-powered solutions in addressing water scarcity challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas.
LGFSsThe Ministry of Water and Environment is actively implementing and expanding its program for Large Gravity Flow Schemes across Uganda. This strategic approach to water supply development leverages Uganda’s natural topography, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions, to deliver safe, clean, and reliable piped water to communities without the need for energy-intensive pumping. By harnessing the natural force of gravity, these schemes offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for increasing water access, improving public health, and reducing the burden of water collection, particularly for women and children in rural and peri-urban areas.Key Objectives of the Program:The Large Gravity Flow Schemes program aims to achieve several critical objectives:Increase Access to Safe Piped Water: To significantly expand the percentage of the population with sustainable access to safe and readily available piped water, especially in geographically challenging terrains where conventional motorized systems might be impractical or costly.Ensure Reliable and Sustainable Water Supply: To provide communities with a continuous and dependable flow of water throughout the year, utilizing perennial high-altitude water sources.Optimize Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability: To reduce the operational and maintenance costs associated with water supply by minimizing or eliminating the need for pumps, thereby ensuring the long-term viability of the schemes.Improve Health, Sanitation, and Hygiene: To contribute directly to better health outcomes by providing clean water for drinking, cooking, and domestic hygiene, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.Reduce Distances to Water Sources: To bring water closer to households, schools, and health centers, saving communities significant time and effort previously spent on fetching water from distant or unsafe sources.Promote Environmental Protection: To ensure the protection and sustainable management of the water sources and their catchment areas, safeguarding the quantity and quality of water for future generations.Project Scope and Typical Activities:The implementation of Large Gravity Flow Schemes involves a comprehensive set of activities:Feasibility Studies and Source Identification: Thorough technical and social assessments to identify perennial springs, rivers, or other suitable water sources at higher elevations.Intake Structure Construction: Building robust intake structures at the water source to abstract water efficiently while protecting its quality.Transmission Pipeline Laying: Installation of extensive main pipelines, often spanning many kilometers, to convey water from the intake to storage reservoirs, utilizing gravity.Reservoir and Break-Pressure Tank Construction: Building strategically located reservoirs (storage tanks) and break-pressure tanks to manage water flow, maintain pressure, and ensure sufficient storage capacity.Distribution Network Development: Establishment of a network of secondary pipelines to distribute water from the reservoirs to various communities.Public Water Point (Standpipe) and Household Connections: Installation of public standpipes in accessible locations and facilitating private household connections where feasible.Water Source Protection: Implementing measures such as fencing, tree planting, and community sensitization to protect the integrity of the water source and its immediate catchment.Community Mobilization and Capacity Building: Engaging local communities, forming Water and Sanitation Committees (WSCs), and providing training on scheme operation, maintenance, and financial management to ensure local ownership and sustainability.Expected Impact and Benefits:The Large Gravity Flow Schemes program is expected to bring transformative benefits to beneficiary communities:Enhanced Water Coverage: A significant increase in the number of people with access to safe and reliable water, particularly in challenging terrains.Improved Public Health: A noticeable reduction in waterborne diseases due to the availability of clean water.Time and Labor Savings: Freeing up valuable time, especially for women and girls, which can be re-allocated to education, economic activities, and other productive endeavors.Economic Empowerment: Creating opportunities for small-scale agriculture and other enterprises due to reliable water access, and reducing healthcare expenditures.Environmental Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly water supply solutions with minimal energy requirements and fostering responsible water resource management.This ongoing program is a cornerstone of Uganda’s commitment to achieving national water security and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.Bukedea GFS Revised RAP ReportBukedea District is water stressed and lies within the flood zone and hence faces a major challenge of increasing access to clean and safe water to its rapidly growing population amidst diminishing water resources both in quantity and quality. Ground water resourceshave proved inadequate to meet the district’s potable water demand.
ICRPProject OverviewThe Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP) aims to support the shift towards more resilient agriculture through the development of sustainable irrigation services. Access to irrigation is critical to allow farmers coping with climate variability, to increase yield and intensification, and diversify towards higher value crops. The project will address Uganda’s climate change vulnerabilities by: (i) promoting adoption of irrigation by smallholder farmers, in synergy with other agriculture inputs and technologies; (ii) increasing water storage capacity; and (iii) promoting sustainable catchment management. This change will be market-driven, with irrigation becoming the anchor for stronger producer organizations and development of value chains.The project is implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) as technical implementation partner.Project Development ObjectivesTo provide farmers with access to irrigation and other agricultural services, and to establish management arrangements for irrigation service delivery.
The Water Supply and Sanitation Project III (WSSP III) is a significant initiative of the Government of Uganda (GoU), primarily through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). Building on previous phases, this project receives substantial funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and aims to significantly expand access to water supply and sanitation services across targeted areas in Uganda.Core ObjectiveThe core objective of WSSP III is to increase access to sustainable water supply and sanitation services in small towns and rural growth centers, and to enhance the capacity for effective management of water resources. This contributes to improved public health, economic development, and overall well-being of the beneficiary communities.Funding and Implementation:Funding: The project is primarily funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, including significant contributions from the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative (RWSSI) Trust Fund.Total Cost: The total project cost is approximately UA 50.13 million (equivalent to roughly US$70-75 million depending on exchange rates at the time of approval).Implementing Agencies: The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is the executing agency, responsible for overall coordination and implementation. The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is typically involved in urban water supply components, while MWE handles rural water supply and sanitation directly or through local governments.Duration: Projects of this nature generally have an implementation period of around 5 years.Project Area and Beneficiaries:WSSP III targets various small towns and rural growth centers (RGCs) across Uganda, aiming to extend water and sanitation services to populations currently underserved. The specific towns and regions vary per phase, but the focus is generally on improving living conditions and economic opportunities in these areas.While a comprehensive list of all specific towns might be extensive, the project typically focuses on a cluster of towns in different regions.The project directly benefits:Residents of targeted small towns and RGCs: Gaining improved access to safe and reliable water and sanitation.Local businesses and institutions: Benefiting from better infrastructure and healthier communities.Women and children: Who often bear the primary burden of water collection and are most vulnerable to water-borne diseases.Key Components and Activities:WSSP III typically comprises several key components aimed at achieving its objectives:Urban and Rural Water Supply Infrastructure Development:Construction and rehabilitation of water supply systems: This includes new boreholes, bulk water treatment plants, pumping stations, storage reservoirs, and extensive distribution networks within the targeted towns and RGCs.Extension of water pipelines: Connecting more households, institutions, and public facilities to the piped water supply.Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion:Construction of public sanitation facilities: Building improved public latrines, especially in markets, schools, and health centers.Promotion of household sanitation: Encouraging and supporting communities in constructing improved household latrines.Hygiene promotion campaigns: Raising awareness about safe hygiene practices, handwashing, and water handling to prevent waterborne diseases.Water Resources Management and Environmental Safeguards:Strengthening water resource monitoring: Improving data collection and analysis on water quality and quantity.Water source protection: Implementing measures to safeguard critical water sources from pollution and degradation.Environmental and social management: Ensuring project activities comply with national and international environmental and social safeguard standards.Institutional Development and Capacity Building:Strengthening service providers: Providing technical assistance and training to local water authorities and private operators for sustainable operation and maintenance of WSS facilities.Community management: Empowering communities to participate in the planning, implementation, and management of water points and sanitation facilities.Sector policy and regulatory support: Supporting MWE in refining policies and regulations for the water and sanitation sector.
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35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water Schemes.The 35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water Schemes (SPMPWS) project was a significant initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aimed at enhancing access to safe and reliable water supply in numerous rural and semi-urban communities across Uganda. This project leveraged renewable solar energy to power water pumping and distribution systems, representing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to expanding water coverage and improving public health. The focus on solar technology underscored Uganda’s commitment to environmentally friendly solutions and climate change adaptation in the water sector.Key Objectives Achieved by the Project:The SPMPWS project successfully accomplished several crucial objectives:Increased Access to Safe Water: The primary objective of providing increased access to safe and clean piped water was met across the target communities. The installation of 35 mini-piped schemes significantly expanded the reach of reliable water sources to previously underserved populations.Activities included: Drilling of boreholes, installation of solar panels and submersible pumps, construction of elevated storage tanks, and laying of distribution networks with public water points and household connections.Promotion of Sustainable and Green Technology: The project championed the use of solar energy, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable water supply solutions. This reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lowered operational costs for communities, and minimized the carbon footprint of water provision.Activities included: Design and installation of solar power systems tailored to the specific water demand of each scheme.Improved Health and Hygiene: By ensuring the availability of safe piped water, the project directly contributed to improved public health outcomes in the beneficiary communities. This reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases and facilitated better hygiene practices.Activities included: Community sensitization on water safety, hygiene, and proper utilization of the new piped water systems.Enhanced Community Management and Ownership: The project fostered strong community involvement in the management and maintenance of the water schemes. This approach aimed to ensure the long-term functionality and sustainability of the infrastructure.Activities included: Training of Water User Committees (WUCs) in scheme operation, maintenance, and financial management.Economic Benefits for Communities: Reliable access to water freed up time, particularly for women and children who traditionally spent hours fetching water, allowing them to engage in more productive activities. This indirectly stimulated local economic development.Activities included: Creating local employment opportunities during the construction phase and empowering communities to manage their own water resources.Project Scope and Impact:The SPMPWS project involved the complete development and commissioning of 35 independent solar-powered mini-piped water schemes across various districts in Uganda. Each scheme typically comprised a high-yielding borehole as the water source, a robust solar power system to drive the pump, a submersible pump to abstract water from the borehole, an elevated water storage tank to ensure gravity-fed distribution, and a network of pipes distributing water to multiple public standpipes (water points) and, in some cases, private household connections.The implementation of these schemes resulted in a tangible improvement in the quality of life for thousands of Ugandans, providing them with consistent access to safe, clean water right within their communities. The project stands as a testament to the effectiveness of decentralized, solar-powered solutions in addressing water scarcity challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas.
LGFSsThe Ministry of Water and Environment is actively implementing and expandin...
ICRPProject OverviewThe Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP) aims to...
The Water Supply and Sanitation Project III (WSSP III) is a significant initiati...
The Ministry of Water and Environment is committed to avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating adverse environmental and social impacts associated with its projects, as well as adopting a gender-sensitive and gender-equitable approach for all its projects.
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