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
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Regional Centre – South West, in partnership with key stakeholders, successfully held the 5th Edition o...
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Multi-purpose and Bulk Water Development (M...
Uganda is strengthening its fight against forest and wildlife crime through closer inter-agency coll...
On 26th August 2026, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Rural Water Supply and...
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 Objective The 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.
The Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (STWSSP), managed under the Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Department, is a critical initiative aimed at addressing the growing demand for safe water and improved sanitation in Uganda’s strategic urban centers and surrounding communities. The project is a testament to Uganda’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) – ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Its focus on infrastructure development and climate resilience underscores a forward-thinking approach to sustainable urban development. Overall Goal and Specific Aims The overarching goal of the Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project is to improve public health and socio-economic development in targeted towns and communities by providing access to reliable, safe, and sustainably managed water supply and sanitation services. More specifically, the project aims to: Expand and rehabilitate water supply infrastructure to meet the increasing demand in strategic towns. Improve sanitation facilities and services to enhance public health and environmental protection. Construct climate-resilient piped water supply facilities to safeguard against the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods. Increase water supply service coverage in underserved communities, including rural areas, peri-urban settlements, and refugee settlements, promoting equitable access. Strengthen the institutional capacity of water utilities and local authorities for sustainable operation and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure. Project Components The project’s strategy is designed to achieve its comprehensive objectives through various interlinked activities, primarily focusing on: Infrastructure Development and Management: This core component involves the planning, design, and construction of new water treatment plants, distribution networks, storage reservoirs, and public water points. It also includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing infrastructure to improve efficiency and reliability. Construction of Climate-Resilient Piped Water Supply Facilities: Recognizing the vulnerability of water resources to climate change, this component prioritizes the use of climate-resilient technologies and designs. This includes measures such as robust intake structures, diversified water sources, and energy-efficient pumping systems to ensure continuity of service during extreme weather events. Construction of Water Supply Infrastructure to Increase Service in Underserved Communities: This critical component addresses the disparity in access to water. It focuses on extending piped water networks to rural growth centers, informal urban settlements, and designated refugee settlements, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations have access to safe water. Sanitation Infrastructure Development: This component encompasses the construction and upgrading of sewerage systems, faecal sludge management facilities, and public sanitation facilities in urban areas, contributing to improved hygiene and environmental sanitation. Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening: This involves training and technical assistance for water utility staff, local government officials, and community structures to enhance their capacity in water resource management, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, financial management, and customer service. Key Project Areas and Scope The Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project targets various strategic towns and their surrounding areas across Uganda, chosen based on population density, economic potential, and existing water and sanitation service gaps. While specific towns may vary based on project phases and funding, the project broadly covers: Urban and Peri-Urban Areas: Focusing on district headquarters and other rapidly growing towns that require significant upgrades and expansion of their water supply and sanitation systems. Rural Growth Centers: Extending services to smaller but growing rural communities that serve as important economic hubs. Refugee Settlements: Addressing the critical water and sanitation needs of populations in refugee settlements, often in partnership with humanitarian organizations, to ensure dignified living conditions and prevent disease outbreaks. Key Activities and Stakeholder Engagement The project emphasizes active engagement with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability: Feasibility Studies and Detailed Designs: Thorough technical and environmental assessments are conducted to ensure optimal and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Procurement and Construction Supervision: Transparent procurement processes and rigorous supervision ensure quality construction and adherence to standards. Community Mobilization and Sensitization: Engaging local communities is crucial for promoting ownership, ensuring proper use of facilities, and encouraging demand for services. This includes hygiene promotion campaigns. Partnerships with Local Governments and Water Utilities: Collaborative efforts with local authorities and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) are essential for project implementation, operation, and maintenance. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of project progress, service delivery, and impact is undertaken to ensure accountability and inform future interventions. Impact and Future Outlook The Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project is poised to make a transformative impact on the lives of millions of Ugandans. By expanding access to safe water and improved sanitation, the project will significantly contribute to: Reduced incidence of waterborne diseases: Leading to improved public health outcomes, especially for women and children. Enhanced productivity and economic growth: By reducing time spent fetching water and improving health, communities can engage more in productive activities. Improved environmental sustainability: Through better wastewater management and reduced pollution of water sources. Increased resilience to climate change: By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, the project safeguards water security for future generations. The ongoing efforts and successes of the Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project are vital for Uganda’s journey towards achieving universal access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation, laying a strong foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future.
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REDD+ is an acronym for Reducing of Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation. The plus sign (+) stands for the role of Conservation, Sustainable Forest Management and Enhancement of Carbon Stocks (REDD+). The (+) enhances the land’s capacity for carbon storage through activities that improve forest health. In addition to carbon stocks being protected by avoiding forest damage and or clearing of entire forests, measures such as better forest management, conservation, restoration, and afforestation also increase carbon stocks. Read the Redd+ Programme writeup in the publications on this page. Biomass Degradation in Uganda-Annex 9 Uganda has a rich source of data from a variety of forest inventories that have been conducted over the last twenty years and therefore is fortunate enough to be able to analyse the occurrence of forest degradation in some of the inventory sites that have been revisited over the years. Resettlement Process Framework for Uganda’s National REDD+ Strategy and Action Plan Uganda has completed drafting its National REDD+ Strategy and Implementation Plan, Feedback Grievance and Redress Mechanism (FGRM), Benefit Sharing Arrangements (BSA), Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The implementation of REDD+ National strategy as a long-term measure for tackling deforestation and forest degradation, while meeting the demands for wood, energy and other forest products may come with displacement of people. Some of the REDD+ options may cause displacements; it is therefore necessary to have a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) to provide guidance. Safeguards Information System for National REDD+ Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed at the Conference of Parties (COP) in Cancun in December 2010 to promote and support seven safeguards when undertaking REDD+ activities and requested countries to develop a system for providing information on how these safeguards are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of REDD+ activities. Uganda is developing a Safeguards Information System (SIS) to meet this commitment Indigenous Peoples’ Planning Framework June 2021 The realization of REDD+ Strategies in Uganda requires inclusion and participation of every stakeholder that matters, affected or may be affected. However, the inclusion and participation of the forest dependent indigenous peoples (FDIP) tend to be very limited in the current planning processes. In view of this, what would be very important for FDIP, and have impacts in their livelihoods and rights are either not captured or addressed inappropriately. Process Framework for Implementation of Uganda’s National REDD+ Programme As per the World Bank environmental and social risks screening, the Government of Uganda is required to develop a Process Framework (PF). A process framework is prepared when Bank-supported projects may cause restrictions in access to natural resources in legally designated protected areas. The purpose of the process framework is to establish a process by which members of potentially affected communities participate in design of project components, determination of measures necessary to achieve the objectives of ESS5 (see box below), and implementation and monitoring of relevant project activities. Feedback and Grievance Redress Mechanism A Grievance refers to a complaint, a feeling of dissatisfaction, an injustice, a wrong doing, an accusation, or criticism. It may include queries, suggestions and comments. A grievance may be mistaken to be “a case”, however, the two concepts are different. A case is a question contested before Courts of justice or an equivalent legal process.
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The IFPA-CD project development objective is to to improve sustainable management of forests and protected areas and increase benefits to communities from forests in target landscapes that include Albertine Rift, the refugee hosting areas of West Nile Region and Lamwo District. The project has four components: Improved management of protected areas; Increased revenues and jobs from forests and wildlife protected areas; Improved landscape management in refugee-hosting areas; and Project management and monitoring.
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 Objective The 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.
The Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (STWSSP), managed under...
REDD+ is an acronym for Reducing of Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degr...
The IFPA-CD project development objective is to to improve sustainable managemen...
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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