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
SEASONAL HYDROLOGICAL STATUS & OUTLOOK BULLETIN
Jul 16, 2026
Consultancy services for Feasibility study on Sustainable Financing mechanism/ model for Plantation Forestry (SFMF) in Uganda under IFPA-CD project
Jul 16, 2026
Sustainable Forest Plantation Financing Mechanism Feasibility Study Report
Jul 16, 2026
Government, German Partners Inspect Karamoja Water Projects
EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGY: MINISTRY OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENT’S INNOVATIVE WATER PROJECT EXCITES NTUNG...
MINISTRY CONDUCTS SITE MEETINGS FOR SOLAR-POWERED WATER SYSTEMS IN GOBORO, LOBE & LOMUNGA RGCs,...
The Ministry of Water and Environment as the Lead Institution for the Natural Resources, Environment...
SPGS IIIThe Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III (SPGS III) is a critical ongoing initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aimed at significantly expanding and promoting commercial tree planting across Uganda. Building upon the successes of its preceding phases, SPGS III is designed to meet the growing demand for timber and wood products, enhance sustainable forest management, mitigate climate change impacts, and provide long-term economic benefits to private individuals, communities, and large-scale investors involved in commercial forestry. This phase emphasizes sustainable practices, improved forest health, and equitable benefits within the forestry sector.Key Objectives of the Project:SPGS III is structured around several strategic objectives designed to foster a robust and sustainable commercial forestry sector in Uganda:Increased Commercial Sawlog Production: To significantly expand the area under commercial tree plantations by providing grants and technical support to private forest growers. This aims to ensure a sustainable supply of sawlogs and other wood products for both domestic and industrial use.Expected Activities: Providing financial grants for land preparation, seedling procurement, planting, and silvicultural operations; promoting improved tree species and planting techniques.Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management Practices: To encourage the adoption of environmentally sound and socially responsible forestry practices among grant beneficiaries. This includes promoting biodiversity conservation within plantations and ensuring sustainable harvesting methods.Expected Activities: Training and technical assistance on sustainable harvesting, fire management, pest and disease control; promoting agroforestry and restoration of degraded forest lands where appropriate.Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: To contribute to national and global efforts in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in new and existing plantations. The project also enhances the resilience of landscapes against climate-related shocks.Expected Activities: Monitoring carbon sequestration potential of established plantations; promoting climate-resilient tree species and diversified forestry systems.Livelihood Improvement and Economic Empowerment: To create employment opportunities, enhance household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth through investments in commercial forestry. The project targets various scales of growers, including smallholder farmers and larger commercial entities.Expected Activities: Facilitating market linkages for timber and wood products; providing business development support to forest growers; promoting value addition within the forestry value chain.Strengthened Institutional Capacity and Regulatory Framework: To enhance the capacity of relevant institutions, including the National Forestry Authority and district local governments, in supporting and regulating the commercial forestry sector. This ensures efficient project implementation and sustainable sector growth.Expected Activities: Providing training and resources for forest extension workers; strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems for forest plantations; reviewing and developing supportive forestry policies.Project Scope Description:The Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III involves the provision of financial grants and technical assistance to eligible private landowners, smallholder farmers, communities, and commercial entities for establishing and maintaining commercial tree plantations. The project encompasses a broad geographical scope across various regions of Uganda suitable for commercial forestry. Key activities include:Grant Disbursement: Providing phased financial grants to growers for specified forestry activities, ensuring adherence to environmental and social safeguards.Technical Support: Offering expert advice and training on nursery management, site preparation, planting techniques, species selection, silviculture, pest and disease management, and sustainable harvesting.Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of plantation establishment and growth to ensure compliance with scheme guidelines and to track environmental and socio-economic impacts.Research and Development: Supporting adaptive research on tree genetics, silvicultural practices, and wood processing technologies to enhance productivity and value.SPGS III represents a significant commitment by the Government of Uganda to transform the forestry sector into a key driver of economic development and environmental sustainability.
Multinational Lakes Edward and Albert Integrated Fisheries and Water Resources Management (LEAF II) Project.The Multinational Lakes Edward and Albert Integrated Fisheries and Water Resources Management Project (LEAF II) is a crucial trans-boundary initiative jointly implemented by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Coordinated under the framework of the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), this project is dedicated to ensuring the sustainable management of the shared fisheries and water resources of Lakes Edward and Albert and their surrounding basins. Recognizing the immense ecological and socio-economic importance of these lakes, LEAF II employs an integrated approach to address challenges such as over-exploitation, environmental degradation, and climate change impacts, ultimately aiming to enhance fish productivity and improve the livelihoods of riparian communities.Overall Project Objective: “is to sustainably increase the lakes’ fish productivity by promoting good fish capture and management practice, restoration of the lakes catchments and improvement of water quality on the shared lakes’ water resources”.Project ComponentsFisheries Resources Development and ManagementIntegrated Water Resources ManagementProject Management and CoordinationCOMPONENT 1: FISHERIES RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENTComponent aims to promote sustainable management and productivity of the various species of fish in the two Lakes for the common benefit of the two countries.This component has four sub-components namely:Updating and harmonization of policies, legislation and regulatory frameworks,Development of a fisheries management information system,Bilateral monitoring, control and surveillance, andLocal communities adopt responsible fishing practices and modern processing techniques.COMPONENT 2: INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENTComponent consists of 5 closely related sub components:Coordination capacities of NELSAP, Uganda and DRC strengthened and formalized,Integrated Lake Management Plans (ILMP) updated and adopted by Uganda and DRC,Establishment of a Basin Management Authority/ Organization for LEAB,Water resources quantity and quality monitoring strengthened, andCommunity-based integrated CMPs prepared and implemented in selected watersheds.COMPONENT 3: PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATIONThe component is to provide resources necessary for the effective implementation, coordination, communication, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities.This component has two sub-components namely:Project Management, andMonitoring and Evaluation.
Learn More
Project summary Between 2016 and 2017, Uganda achieved a major climate milestone by reducing over 8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through targeted efforts to combat deforestation. These results were reported in Uganda’s Biennial Update Report (BUR) and validated through the UNFCCC’s technical assessment and analysis processes. At the 43rd Meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board (27–30 October 2025, Songdo, Republic of Korea), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will present the project “Uganda REDD+ Results-Based Payment for Emission Reductions (2016–2017)”. The proposal seeks a USD 31 million GCF grant to reward Uganda’s verified emission reductions and support continued efforts to halt deforestation and forest degradation. This is the first REDD+ Results-Based Payment project in Africa to be presented to the GCF Board, positioning Uganda as a regional leader in climate mitigation and forest conservation.Forests under pressure Uganda’s forests are facing increasing threats from agricultural and settlement expansion, grazing, and unsustainable wood harvesting for charcoal and timber. These proximate drivers are underpinned by broader socio-economic factors, including, limited economic alternatives, weak governance, insecure land tenure, and rapid population growth.Agricultural conversion for commodities, such as cassava and cattle, is responsible for over 90 percent of forest loss.These pressures are eroding vital ecosystems and accelerating emissions, underscoring the urgent needfor policies and measures that both sustain existing forests and expand forest cover while safeguardingthe rights and livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. This project will build on Uganda’s REDD+Strategy and address the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation through: Sustainable land management and agroforestry; Climate-smart agriculture and sustainable woodfuel production; Community-based pole and timber plantations; and Restoration of natural forests.These strategies aim to relieve pressure on natural ecosystems while promoting carbon removal and long-term sustainability. Agroforestry systems will generate benefits from several sources, including crop yields, timber, firewood, carbon, and watershed protection. Woodlots for both timber and firewood will reduce the distances rural women must walk to collect firewood.
The EU-TF (SPRS-NU) Support Programme to the Refugee Settlements and Host Communities in Northern Uganda is a multifaceted initiative established under the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. Its primary objective is to address the humanitarian and developmental needs of South Sudanese refugees and their host communities in Northern Uganda, particularly in response to the significant influx of refugees since July 2016. The project aims to move beyond emergency aid towards more sustainable solutions, fostering stability and reducing the risk of conflict between refugee and host populations.Overall Objective and Specific AimsThe overarching objective of SPRS-NU is to reduce the risk of violent conflict between host communities and refugees in the refugee-hosting districts of Northern Uganda. More specifically, the project aims to:Improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods of both refugee populations and host communities in a sustainable manner, by enhancing local production and fostering economic exchanges.Improve inter-community dialogue at the local level and establish conflict prevention mechanisms to mitigate clashes between or within communities.Improve the level of education and increase medium to long-term economic opportunities for refugees and host communities, especially youth and women, through skills development and entrepreneurship support, contributing to better integration.Ensure sustainable access to safe water and improve environmental sanitation conditions in targeted settlements and host communities.Project ComponentsThe SPRS-NU project is structured around several key components, often implemented by different partners to achieve its comprehensive objectives:Livelihood and Labor Market Relevant Skills Development: Focuses on providing quality skills training, entrepreneurial guidance, and start-up kits for refugees and host communities, with a particular emphasis on youth, women, and girls. This includes vocational training and accreditation of acquired skills.Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Component: Concentrates on constructing and rehabilitating essential water supply systems (e.g., piped water systems), improving environmental sanitation through the construction of faecal sludge treatment plants, and establishing sustainable operation and maintenance structures for these facilities.Community Dialogue and Conflict Prevention: Aims to facilitate improved relations between refugees and host communities through dialogue mechanisms and the establishment of local conflict prevention initiatives.Basic Services and Education: Supports improved access to essential services like education, recognizing its role in long-term economic opportunities and integration.Key Activities and ProgressWithin the WASH component, the project has specifically targeted 12 settlements, including Alere, Nyumanzi, Maaji II, Olujobo, Ranch I, Ayelo, Maaji III, Pagirinya, Bidibidi Zone V, Eden, Afua, and Ariaze.The project has undertaken a range of activities to achieve its aims:Skills Development: Provision of technical vocational education and training (TVET) and entrepreneurship support, with thousands of beneficiaries receiving quality skills development and start-up kits.WASH Infrastructure: Construction of piped water supply systems and faecal sludge treatment plants, alongside geological and hydrological surveys and drilling of production wells in various settlements (e.g., Alere, Nyumanzi, Maaji II, Ranch I).Feasibility Studies and Designs: Ongoing detailed engineering designs for water and sanitation infrastructure in several settlements.Inter-Community Dialogue: Facilitating platforms for dialogue and conflict prevention.Mid-term Reviews: Periodic reviews (e.g., November 2023) assess project performance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability, providing insights for continuous improvement and learning.Impact and LegacyThe EU-TF (SPRS-NU) project has played a crucial role in addressing the complex challenges arising from large refugee populations in Northern Uganda. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term development, it contributes significantly to:Enhanced Livelihoods: Equipping refugees and host communities with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, thereby increasing their economic opportunities and reducing reliance on subsistence agriculture.Improved Social Cohesion: Mitigating potential conflicts by fostering better understanding and shared benefits between refugee and host communities.Access to Essential Services: Providing sustainable access to safe water and improved sanitation, which are fundamental for public health and environmental well-being.Sustainable Development: Laying a foundation for more resilient and self-reliant communities, aligning with Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and broader development goals.While some components of the project have concluded their initial phases, the overall program’s integrated approach and its focus on sustainable solutions continue to inform and shape future interventions in refugee-hosting areas of Uganda.
SPGS IIIThe Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III (SPGS III) is a critical ongoing initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aimed at significantly expanding and promoting commercial tree planting across Uganda. Building upon the successes of its preceding phases, SPGS III is designed to meet the growing demand for timber and wood products, enhance sustainable forest management, mitigate climate change impacts, and provide long-term economic benefits to private individuals, communities, and large-scale investors involved in commercial forestry. This phase emphasizes sustainable practices, improved forest health, and equitable benefits within the forestry sector.Key Objectives of the Project:SPGS III is structured around several strategic objectives designed to foster a robust and sustainable commercial forestry sector in Uganda:Increased Commercial Sawlog Production: To significantly expand the area under commercial tree plantations by providing grants and technical support to private forest growers. This aims to ensure a sustainable supply of sawlogs and other wood products for both domestic and industrial use.Expected Activities: Providing financial grants for land preparation, seedling procurement, planting, and silvicultural operations; promoting improved tree species and planting techniques.Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management Practices: To encourage the adoption of environmentally sound and socially responsible forestry practices among grant beneficiaries. This includes promoting biodiversity conservation within plantations and ensuring sustainable harvesting methods.Expected Activities: Training and technical assistance on sustainable harvesting, fire management, pest and disease control; promoting agroforestry and restoration of degraded forest lands where appropriate.Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: To contribute to national and global efforts in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in new and existing plantations. The project also enhances the resilience of landscapes against climate-related shocks.Expected Activities: Monitoring carbon sequestration potential of established plantations; promoting climate-resilient tree species and diversified forestry systems.Livelihood Improvement and Economic Empowerment: To create employment opportunities, enhance household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth through investments in commercial forestry. The project targets various scales of growers, including smallholder farmers and larger commercial entities.Expected Activities: Facilitating market linkages for timber and wood products; providing business development support to forest growers; promoting value addition within the forestry value chain.Strengthened Institutional Capacity and Regulatory Framework: To enhance the capacity of relevant institutions, including the National Forestry Authority and district local governments, in supporting and regulating the commercial forestry sector. This ensures efficient project implementation and sustainable sector growth.Expected Activities: Providing training and resources for forest extension workers; strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems for forest plantations; reviewing and developing supportive forestry policies.Project Scope Description:The Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III involves the provision of financial grants and technical assistance to eligible private landowners, smallholder farmers, communities, and commercial entities for establishing and maintaining commercial tree plantations. The project encompasses a broad geographical scope across various regions of Uganda suitable for commercial forestry. Key activities include:Grant Disbursement: Providing phased financial grants to growers for specified forestry activities, ensuring adherence to environmental and social safeguards.Technical Support: Offering expert advice and training on nursery management, site preparation, planting techniques, species selection, silviculture, pest and disease management, and sustainable harvesting.Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of plantation establishment and growth to ensure compliance with scheme guidelines and to track environmental and socio-economic impacts.Research and Development: Supporting adaptive research on tree genetics, silvicultural practices, and wood processing technologies to enhance productivity and value.SPGS III represents a significant commitment by the Government of Uganda to transform the forestry sector into a key driver of economic development and environmental sustainability.
Multinational Lakes Edward and Albert Integrated Fisheries and Water Resources M...
Project summary Between 2016 and 2017, Uganda achieved a major climate milestone...
The EU-TF (SPRS-NU) Support Programme to the Refugee Settlements and Host Commun...
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.
View Standards
