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
On 26th August 2026, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Regional Centre 4 - Wakiso (RWSSRC 4), together w...
Ministry of Water and Environment, Jinja District Harmonize Plans to Reopen Namavundu Central Forest...
KYANKWANZI, UGANDA - In a major boost to safe water coverage and agricultural resilience in central...
Local government leaders from five districts along the River Nile have pledged total support for a m...
Uganda’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project is a strategic initiative to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change through long-term, integrated planning. It’s backed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, with technical support from UNEP Key Goals of the NAP Project Reduce vulnerability to climate impacts like floods, droughts, and slow-onset events Integrate climate adaptation into national and district-level development plans Build capacity across ministries and local governments for climate-smart planning Mobilize climate finance and align sectoral budgets with adaptation priorities Where It’s Happening Climate risk assessments are being conducted in six districts Five ministries are developing five-year expenditure frameworks for adaptation The project promotes a whole-of-government and society approach, engaging civil society, academia, and local communities Sector-Specific Focus: Agriculture Uganda also developed a NAP for the Agricultural Sector (NAP-Ag) to: Boost climate-resilient crop, livestock, and fisheries production Promote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Ensure gender-responsive and evidence-based adaptation actions
Overview: This is an ongoing Government of Uganda initiative, led by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD). It is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Problem: Uganda faces significant deforestation and environmental degradation due to unsustainable charcoal production, which remains a primary energy source, particularly in urban areas. Goal: To mitigate the negative environmental, social, and economic impacts of charcoal production by promoting sustainable practices and cleaner energy alternatives across the value chain. Key Interventions: Sustainable Forest Management: Supporting the establishment of wood energy plantations with fast-growing tree species and rehabilitating degraded natural forests on private lands. Improved Charcoal Production: Facilitating the adoption of efficient charcoal kilns (e.g., Casamance kilns) through subsidies and training to reduce wood waste and increase efficiency. Policy & Governance: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering cross-sector collaboration to formalize and govern the sustainable charcoal value chain. Clean Energy Promotion: Raising public awareness and supporting the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives like solar, LPG, and improved cooking stoves. Impact: The project aims to achieve reduced deforestation, increased forest cover, enhanced livelihoods for communities reliant on charcoal, and the development of a more efficient and sustainable energy sector in Uganda. Project activities are concentrated in 14 districts across Northern, West Nile, Central, and Mid-Western Uganda.
Learn More
The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a Seven (7) year Government of Uganda (GoU) Project funded with a loan worth US $313 Million by the World Bank. The Project will support GoU through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG #6, ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.’ Core Objective: The primary objective of the IWMDP is to improve access to water supply and sanitation (WSS) services, strengthen capacity for integrated water resources management, and enhance the operational performance of water and sanitation service providers in project areas. This aims to ensure sustainable access to clean water and improved sanitation for a significant portion of Uganda’s population, particularly in vulnerable regions. Funding and Implementation: The project is funded by the World Bank, primarily through the International Development Association (IDA), with an initial credit of US $280 million and an additional US $29 million from the IDA 18 Sub-Window for Refugees and Host Communities. Additional co-financing includes KfW (US$25 million) and GoU Counterpart financing (US$8 million). The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) are the key implementing agencies, responsible for different components of the project. The project commenced in June 2019 and is currently projected to close in January 2026. Project Area and Beneficiaries: The IWMDP targets various areas across Uganda, with a significant focus on improving services in: Small towns and Rural Growth Centers (RGCs): These areas are critical for expanding access beyond major urban centers. Large towns: Especially those with significant populations and growing demand. Districts hosting refugees and host communities: Addressing the increased strain on water and sanitation infrastructure due to large refugee populations. This includes areas like Adjumani, Yumbe, Arua, Moyo (including Obongi), Lamwo, and Kiryandongo. Specific towns and regions mentioned in project documents and news include Busia, Gulu, Mbale, Kumi, Namasale, Koboko, Rakai, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kaliro, Iganga (Namungalwe), Kyegegwa, and Ruyonza (Rukungiri). The project is designed to benefit hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Ugandans, including an estimated 1,075,000 people in Adjumani and Mbale alone, with long-term projections to serve even larger populations by 2040. Key Components and Activities: The IWMDP is structured around four main components: Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) in Small Towns and Rural Growth Centers (RGCs) and Support to Districts Hosting Refugees: Construction and rehabilitation of WSS facilities: This includes new water supply systems, expansion of existing ones, and improvement of sanitation infrastructure. Technical assistance to small towns: Supporting the preparation of fecal sludge management assessments and integrated sanitation plans. Support for refugee and host communities: Providing piped water supply and sanitation services in areas with significant refugee populations. Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) in Large Towns: Construction and rehabilitation of WSS infrastructure in larger municipalities: This component is primarily implemented by NWSC to enhance services in growing urban centers like Mbale and Gulu, including the development of new water sources, treatment plants, transmission pipelines, and sewerage systems. Development of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs): Improving urban sanitation by managing wastewater and fecal sludge. Water Resources Management: Strengthening institutional capacity for integrated water resources management (IWRM): This involves developing and implementing water management plans, monitoring water quality and quantity, and promoting sustainable use of water resources. Support for water source protection: Implementing measures to safeguard water sources and their catchments, ensuring long-term sustainability. Project Implementation and Sector Support: Project management and coordination: Ensuring efficient execution, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities. Capacity building: Strengthening the human and institutional capacities of MWE, NWSC, and local governments to manage water resources and deliver services effectively. Environmental and social safeguards: Implementing measures to mitigate any potential negative environmental and social impacts of project activities, ensuring compliance with World Bank and national standards. This includes the development and application of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs) and site-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs)/Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) has been developed to guide all stakeholders – including contractors, consultants, local government officials, and project beneficiaries - on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies that may arise during the construction and operational phases of the Multi-Purpose Water for Climate Resilience and Irrigation Development for Livelihood Transformation (MWACRID) Project. The project is being implemented in the sub-counties of Masindi-Port and Kigumba in Kiryandongo District, as well as Mirya and Kimengo in Masindi District, Uganda. This plan reinforces the project’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and compliance with the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) environmental and social safeguard policies. This plan ensures consistent procedures are in place across all project components to minimize risk to human health, the environment, infrastructure, and financial investment. The project will consist of two major components: a potable water supply infrastructure and an irrigation water supply system. Key features include diversion canals, intake and pump stations, treatment plants, transmission and distribution pipelines, and various support facilities such as process buildings, control rooms, electrical and maintenance buildings, administrative offices, and reservoir tanks. Each component is designed to enhance water access for both domestic use and irrigation purposes. A detailed description of these components is provided in appendix 1. 1.1. Purpose of the Plan The purpose of this plan is to provide measures and guidance for the establishment and implementation of emergency preparedness and response plan for the Multi-Purpose Water for Climate Resilience and Irrigation Development for Livelihood Transformation (MWACRID) Project. The purpose of the EPRP is to: Provide a plan, which facilitates public safety by notifying all appropriate authorities and stakeholders; Provide information to all stakeholders to allow for an informed evaluation to be made during emergency events; Provide a plan of action for foreseeable flood emergencies affecting safety of the MWACRID Project and local communities; Ensure all personnel and visitors are given the maximum protection from unforeseen events; Ensure all personnel are aware of the importance of this plan to support the protection of life and property. The plan is intended to assist the Contractor, Employer, the local community and any other stakeholders in responding swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency at the MWACRID Project. This plan is primarily biased to emergency preparedness and response to MWACRID –Project water reservoirs and bulk water transmission lines and associated risks directly linked to the proposed bulk water supply infrastructure. It is important to note that other common emergencies or risks associated with the MWACRID-P associate project’s such as marram borrow areas, water abstraction point, rock blasting for rocky areas and a host of other policies, procedures and plans that the Contractor has developed with respect to MWACRID -P. Therefore; this Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan in a bid avoid duplication of other plans and procedures already prepared by the contractor will prioritize and discuss bulk water transmission lines and water reservoir(s) for MWACRID P, an aspect which is not exhaustively addressed in the other MWACRID P plans, procedures and policies.
Uganda’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project is a strategic initiative to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change through long-term, integrated planning. It’s backed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, with technical support from UNEP Key Goals of the NAP Project Reduce vulnerability to climate impacts like floods, droughts, and slow-onset events Integrate climate adaptation into national and district-level development plans Build capacity across ministries and local governments for climate-smart planning Mobilize climate finance and align sectoral budgets with adaptation priorities Where It’s Happening Climate risk assessments are being conducted in six districts Five ministries are developing five-year expenditure frameworks for adaptation The project promotes a whole-of-government and society approach, engaging civil society, academia, and local communities Sector-Specific Focus: Agriculture Uganda also developed a NAP for the Agricultural Sector (NAP-Ag) to: Boost climate-resilient crop, livestock, and fisheries production Promote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Ensure gender-responsive and evidence-based adaptation actions
Overview: This is an ongoing Government of Uganda initiative, led by the Ministr...
The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a Seven (7) y...
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) has been developed to guide...
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
