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...
FIEFOC IIThe Farm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation Programme – Project 2 (FIEFOC – 2) has been a significant development initiative for Uganda, designed within the context of the Government’s National Development Plan II (NDP II) and the long-term development strategy, Vision 2040. Both national frameworks have promoted agricultural infrastructure and income enhancement as key drivers of socio-economic progress. Building upon the achievements of its predecessor, FIEFOC 1 (which concluded in December 2012), FIEFOC – 2 has played a crucial role in the national agenda to significantly increase the land area under irrigated agriculture from 14,418 hectares in 2014 towards the ambitious target of about 420,000 hectares by 2035. The project has completed its operations in December 2024, following a “no cost extension” agreement between the African Development Bank and the Government of Uganda.ABOUT FIEFOC IIFarm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation Programme – Project 2 (FIEFOC –2) is designed within the context of the Government of Uganda’s National Development Plan II (NDP II), and the long term development strategy, the Vision 2040 both of which promote agricultural infrastructure and income enhancement. The project was initially designed as a five – year development project (2016-2021), but was later extended under “no cost extension” to December 2024, following an agreement between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Uganda (GoU). The project is further designed to assist the Government of Uganda increase land area under irrigated agriculture from 14,418 hectares in 2014 to about 420,000 hectares by 2035. The project also seeks to consolidate and expand notable achievements registered under FIEFOC 1, which ended in December 2012.The overall objective of FIEFOC – 2 is to contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth in Uganda through enhanced productivity and commercialization of agriculture. Specifically, the project aims to improve household incomes, food security and climate resilience through sustainable natural resources management and agricultural enterprise development.The project has four components, including Agricultural Infrastructure Development, Agribusiness Development, Integrated Natural Resources Management and Project Coordination. The primary project beneficiaries, estimated at 1,816,756 are found in the districts of Pakwach, Oyam, Butaleja, Kween, and Kasese, where five irrigation schemes are constructed. These include Mubuku II irrigation scheme (Kasese district), Doho II irrigation scheme (Butaleja District), Tochi irrigation scheme (Oyam District), Ngenge irrigation scheme (Kween District) and Wadelai irrigation scheme (Pakwach District).The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) jointly implement the project. The water ministry is the executing agency, responsible for implementation of irrigation infrastructure and related activities under project component one and the natural resources management activities under component three. While the agriculture ministry is a key implementing partner, responsible for implementation of agronomy and extension related activities and the agri-business development.The African Development Bank (AfDB), Nordic Development Fund (NDF) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) are the key financiers of the project at the tune of USD 91, 43 million. Overall Objective and Specific Aims: The overarching objective of FIEFOC – 2 has been to contribute substantially to poverty reduction and economic growth in Uganda through enhanced productivity and commercialization of agriculture. More specifically, the project has aimed to:Improve household incomes and food security.Strengthen climate resilience among farming communities.Achieve these goals through sustainable natural resources management and robust agricultural enterprise development.Project Components: The project has been structured around four key components to achieve its comprehensive objectives:Agricultural Infrastructure Development: Has focused on the construction and rehabilitation of vital agricultural infrastructure, primarily irrigation schemes.Agribusiness Development: Has aimed at supporting the commercialization of agriculture by strengthening value chains and market linkages for farmers.Integrated Natural Resources Management: Has focused on promoting sustainable land use, soil and water conservation, and forest conservation to ensure the long-term health of the environment supporting agriculture.Project Coordination: Has ensured efficient management, monitoring, and evaluation across all project activities and implementing partners.Key Achievements and Scope: FIEFOC – 2 has delivered significant tangible outcomes across its target areas. The project’s primary beneficiaries, estimated at 1,816,756 individuals, have been found in the districts of Pakwach, Oyam, Butaleja, Kween, and Kasese. A cornerstone of the project’s success has been the construction of five major irrigation schemes:Mubuku II irrigation scheme (Kasese District)Doho II irrigation scheme (Butaleja District)Tochi irrigation scheme (Oyam District)Ngenge irrigation scheme (Kween District)Wadelai irrigation scheme (Pakwach District)Ministry Roles in Implementation: The project has been a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE): As the executing agency, MWE has been responsible for the implementation of irrigation infrastructure and related activities under the Agricultural Infrastructure Development component (Component 1). MWE also has led the natural resources management activities under Component 3.Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF): As a key implementing partner, MAAIF has been responsible for agronomy and extension-related activities, as well as agribusiness development initiatives under Component 2.Impact and Legacy: The completion of FIEFOC – 2 has marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards agricultural transformation and climate resilience. The five newly constructed irrigation schemes have provided essential infrastructure to support year-round farming, reduce climate vulnerability, and boost food security in their respective regions. The project’s integrated approach to agricultural development and natural resources management has laid a stronger foundation for sustainable farming practices, contributing directly to poverty reduction and enhanced economic growth for hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries across the targeted districts. The experiences and lessons learned from FIEFOC-2 continue to inform future strategies for sustainable agriculture and water resource management in Uganda.
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.
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Project: Mobilization and Institutional Facilitation of Sanitation (UN-Habitat)Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation program (LVWATSAN) was first launched in 2004 by the Ministers responsible for water within the East Africa Community (EAC) with the aim of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for water and sanitation in the ‘secondary urban centres’ within the Lake Victoria Basin; ensuring the long term sustainability of the physical investments; addressing the current threats to the lake’s ecosystems from inadequate water and sanitation provision in the secondary and larger settlements around the Lake. LVWATSAN was designed by UN-HABITAT at the request of the Ministers of Water of the EAC for an integrated package of interventions, including water supply and sanitation improvements, solid waste management, and drainage improvements in key areas, as well as capacity building and training for the utilities and town planners.The Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) Initiative is a pivotal multi-phase program dedicated to addressing the critical challenges of water supply, sanitation, and environmental management in urban centers situated within the Lake Victoria Basin. As a key East African Community (EAC) initiative, LVWATSAN is coordinated by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and implemented by the respective EAC Partner States, including Uganda. The program aims to reverse the growing pollution of Lake Victoria, improve public health, and enhance the living standards of millions of residents by providing sustainable access to clean water and adequate sanitation infrastructure.Key Objectives of the Initiative:LVWATSAN pursues comprehensive objectives to achieve a healthier and more sustainable Lake Victoria Basin:Improve Sustainable Water Supply Infrastructure: To significantly expand and rehabilitate water supply systems in targeted urban centers, ensuring reliable access to safe and clean drinking water for growing populations.Enhance Sanitation and Wastewater Management: To drastically improve sanitation facilities, including sewerage systems, faecal sludge management, and public toilets, thereby reducing the discharge of untreated wastewater into the lake and its tributaries.Strengthen Solid Waste and Storm Water Management: To implement integrated solutions for managing solid waste and improving urban drainage, preventing pollution and improving the urban environment.Build Institutional and Human Resource Capacities: To strengthen the technical and operational capacities of local authorities, water utilities (like NWSC), and communities for the sustainable management of water and sanitation services.Contribute to Environmental Protection: To reduce the negative environmental impact of urbanization on the Lake Victoria Basin, safeguarding its fragile ecosystem and biodiversity.Support Pro-Poor Investments: To ensure that water and sanitation improvements specifically benefit vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including residents of informal settlements and low-income areas.Phases and Key Achievements:The LVWATSAN Initiative has progressed through several impactful phases:LVWATSAN Phase I (Supported by UN-HABITAT and Dutch Grants):This initial phase targeted 10 secondary urban centers across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.In Uganda, towns included: Nyendo/Ssenyange, Bugemebe, and Kyotera.UN-HABITAT, through its Lake Victoria Region City Development Strategies Programme, also prioritized major cities like Kampala (Uganda), Kisumu (Kenya), and Mwanza (Tanzania) for improvements in sanitation, waste management, and access to safe drinking water.LVWATSAN Phase II (Supported by African Development Bank and African Water Facility):Following Ministerial endorsements in 2008 and 2009, this phase scaled up the initiative to include 15 additional secondary towns across five EAC Partner States.In Uganda, the targeted towns included: Mayuge, Buwama-Kayabwe-Bukakata (cluster), and Ntungamo.Significant infrastructure development occurred, with commissionings of facilities such as the Ntungamo Water Supply and Sanitation System and the Mayuge Water Supply System in 2016.The project also focused on construction of public and institutional toilets and integrated water supply systems in these towns.Key achievements include the drilling of numerous boreholes, rehabilitation/construction of water treatment plants, and the establishment of public water fountains and public toilets across the EAC Partner States.Kampala Water – Lake Victoria WATSAN (KW-LVWATSAN):This specific sub-project focused on addressing the pressing water supply and sanitation challenges within Kampala, implemented primarily by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) with significant funding from development partners like AFD, EIB, KfW, and the EU.It involved extensive upgrades and rehabilitation of existing water treatment, transmission, and distribution systems, including extending services to informal settlements and improving public sanitation facilities. An operational audit covering 2014-2022 was conducted to assess its impact.Towards LVWATSAN Phase III:The initiative continues to evolve, with planning and preparatory work for potential subsequent phases, including “LV WATSAN Phase III,” indicating a sustained commitment to meeting the growing water and sanitation needs of the Lake Victoria Basin in the face of climate change and urbanization.Project Scope and Impact:The LVWATSAN Initiative’s multifaceted approach has led to substantial improvements in urban water supply and sanitation coverage across the Lake Victoria Basin. By focusing on both “hardware” (infrastructure) and “software” (capacity building, hygiene promotion) interventions, the program has directly contributed to:Enhanced Public Health: Reducing the burden of waterborne diseases and improving overall hygiene standards.Environmental Protection: Minimizing pollution loads entering Lake Victoria, contributing to the health of the lake’s ecosystem.Socio-Economic Development: Freeing up community time for productive activities, fostering local economic opportunities, and enhancing the liveability of urban centers.Regional Integration: Strengthening collaboration and shared responsibility among EAC Partner States for managing a critical trans-boundary resource.The ongoing efforts under the LVWATSAN Initiative underscore the Ministry of Water and Environment’s dedication to providing sustainable water and sanitation services and protecting Uganda’s vital natural resources.
August 8, 2024 – Kabarole District: The Ministry of Water and Environment has officially launched an ambitious watershed management and nature-based conservation project aimed at safeguarding the Mpanga catchment area, which spans approximately 5,200 km² across the districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kitagwenda, Kamwenge, Kazo, Ibanda, Mbarara, and Kiruhura. This project is set to play a pivotal role in addressing pressing environmental challenges, including wetland encroachment, river bank degradation, and pollution, as identified in the Mpanga Catchment Management Plan (CMP) completed in 2015.The CMP has been actively implemented by both government and non-government actors under the leadership of the Directorate of Water Resources Management through the Albert Water Management Zone (AWMZ) since 2015. With a fresh injection of funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Ministry is poised to intensify efforts in watershed management and nature-based water conservation activities within the Mpanga catchment.The project launch, held in Fort Portal Tourism City, Kabarole District, was graced by the Director Water Resources Management, Dr Callist who represented the Minister of Water and Environment and who delivered an inspiring speech. “It is my honor and privilege to be with you today at the launch of this transformative initiative, made possible through the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation,” the Minister began. “This project marks a significant milestone for sustainable water management and environmental stewardship in the Mpanga Catchment.”Project Goals and ObjectivesThe primary goal of this project is to bolster the implementation of the Mpanga Catchment Management Plan by enhancing the capacity of the AWMZ and Catchment Management Organizations (CMOs). Specific objectives include:Building the capacity of catchment management organizations to improve institutional processes, planning, and management through targeted training programs.Strengthening the AWMZ staff’s ability to coordinate activities through enhanced skills in work planning, monitoring, and conducting technical tests to ensure effective implementation.Supporting the restoration and implementation of priority conservation measures within the catchment.Positioning the AWMZ as a model for catchment-based water resources management by promoting institutional cooperation and disseminating success stories from the Mpanga catchment.Project Timeline and FundingThe project is slated to run for three years, from June 2024 to June 2027, with a total budget of 1.395 million USD, generously provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The Ministry of Water and Environment will lead the project, collaborating closely with key partners such as Water for People and Join for Water, along with additional consultancy firms to be procured by the Ministry.Anticipated BenefitsThe project is expected to yield significant environmental and institutional benefits, including:Restoration of degraded landscapes through afforestation on both private and public lands.Restoration and demarcation of wetland systems and their buffer zones.Establishment of soil and water conservation structures.Installation of a mini weather station within the Mpanga catchment.Construction of a hydro-monitoring station at the Mpanga catchment outlet.Capacity building for the Mpanga Catchment Management Organization (CMO) to enhance its operational effectiveness.The Minister highlighted the project’s focus on scaling up these efforts: “Today, we embark on a journey to scale up the implementation of remedial catchment management measures in the Mpanga Catchment to safeguard our precious water and environmental resources for generations. This project will focus on data collection, wetland restoration, re-afforestation, and capacity development of the Catchment Management Organization.”As the project officially gets underway, it marks a significant step forward in the sustainable management of the Mpanga catchment, ensuring the protection and conservation of vital water resources for the communities and ecosystems that depend on them.The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to the partners involved: “I appreciate the Water For People team working tirelessly with the Ministry staff in drafting the project proposal. I also acknowledge Join For Water for their support in the preparatory meetings.”The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including district chairpersons, resident district commissioners, chief administrative officers, representatives from civil society organizations, the private sector, religious institutions, and the media.This ambitious project underscores the Ministry of Water and Environment’s commitment to sustainable environmental management and its role in contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.
FIEFOC IIThe Farm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation Programme – Project 2 (FIEFOC – 2) has been a significant development initiative for Uganda, designed within the context of the Government’s National Development Plan II (NDP II) and the long-term development strategy, Vision 2040. Both national frameworks have promoted agricultural infrastructure and income enhancement as key drivers of socio-economic progress. Building upon the achievements of its predecessor, FIEFOC 1 (which concluded in December 2012), FIEFOC – 2 has played a crucial role in the national agenda to significantly increase the land area under irrigated agriculture from 14,418 hectares in 2014 towards the ambitious target of about 420,000 hectares by 2035. The project has completed its operations in December 2024, following a “no cost extension” agreement between the African Development Bank and the Government of Uganda.ABOUT FIEFOC IIFarm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation Programme – Project 2 (FIEFOC –2) is designed within the context of the Government of Uganda’s National Development Plan II (NDP II), and the long term development strategy, the Vision 2040 both of which promote agricultural infrastructure and income enhancement. The project was initially designed as a five – year development project (2016-2021), but was later extended under “no cost extension” to December 2024, following an agreement between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Uganda (GoU). The project is further designed to assist the Government of Uganda increase land area under irrigated agriculture from 14,418 hectares in 2014 to about 420,000 hectares by 2035. The project also seeks to consolidate and expand notable achievements registered under FIEFOC 1, which ended in December 2012.The overall objective of FIEFOC – 2 is to contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth in Uganda through enhanced productivity and commercialization of agriculture. Specifically, the project aims to improve household incomes, food security and climate resilience through sustainable natural resources management and agricultural enterprise development.The project has four components, including Agricultural Infrastructure Development, Agribusiness Development, Integrated Natural Resources Management and Project Coordination. The primary project beneficiaries, estimated at 1,816,756 are found in the districts of Pakwach, Oyam, Butaleja, Kween, and Kasese, where five irrigation schemes are constructed. These include Mubuku II irrigation scheme (Kasese district), Doho II irrigation scheme (Butaleja District), Tochi irrigation scheme (Oyam District), Ngenge irrigation scheme (Kween District) and Wadelai irrigation scheme (Pakwach District).The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) jointly implement the project. The water ministry is the executing agency, responsible for implementation of irrigation infrastructure and related activities under project component one and the natural resources management activities under component three. While the agriculture ministry is a key implementing partner, responsible for implementation of agronomy and extension related activities and the agri-business development.The African Development Bank (AfDB), Nordic Development Fund (NDF) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) are the key financiers of the project at the tune of USD 91, 43 million. Overall Objective and Specific Aims: The overarching objective of FIEFOC – 2 has been to contribute substantially to poverty reduction and economic growth in Uganda through enhanced productivity and commercialization of agriculture. More specifically, the project has aimed to:Improve household incomes and food security.Strengthen climate resilience among farming communities.Achieve these goals through sustainable natural resources management and robust agricultural enterprise development.Project Components: The project has been structured around four key components to achieve its comprehensive objectives:Agricultural Infrastructure Development: Has focused on the construction and rehabilitation of vital agricultural infrastructure, primarily irrigation schemes.Agribusiness Development: Has aimed at supporting the commercialization of agriculture by strengthening value chains and market linkages for farmers.Integrated Natural Resources Management: Has focused on promoting sustainable land use, soil and water conservation, and forest conservation to ensure the long-term health of the environment supporting agriculture.Project Coordination: Has ensured efficient management, monitoring, and evaluation across all project activities and implementing partners.Key Achievements and Scope: FIEFOC – 2 has delivered significant tangible outcomes across its target areas. The project’s primary beneficiaries, estimated at 1,816,756 individuals, have been found in the districts of Pakwach, Oyam, Butaleja, Kween, and Kasese. A cornerstone of the project’s success has been the construction of five major irrigation schemes:Mubuku II irrigation scheme (Kasese District)Doho II irrigation scheme (Butaleja District)Tochi irrigation scheme (Oyam District)Ngenge irrigation scheme (Kween District)Wadelai irrigation scheme (Pakwach District)Ministry Roles in Implementation: The project has been a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE): As the executing agency, MWE has been responsible for the implementation of irrigation infrastructure and related activities under the Agricultural Infrastructure Development component (Component 1). MWE also has led the natural resources management activities under Component 3.Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF): As a key implementing partner, MAAIF has been responsible for agronomy and extension-related activities, as well as agribusiness development initiatives under Component 2.Impact and Legacy: The completion of FIEFOC – 2 has marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards agricultural transformation and climate resilience. The five newly constructed irrigation schemes have provided essential infrastructure to support year-round farming, reduce climate vulnerability, and boost food security in their respective regions. The project’s integrated approach to agricultural development and natural resources management has laid a stronger foundation for sustainable farming practices, contributing directly to poverty reduction and enhanced economic growth for hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries across the targeted districts. The experiences and lessons learned from FIEFOC-2 continue to inform future strategies for sustainable agriculture and water resource management in Uganda.
Multinational Lakes Edward and Albert Integrated Fisheries and Water Resources M...
Project: Mobilization and Institutional Facilitation of Sanitation (UN-Habitat)L...
August 8, 2024 – Kabarole District: The Ministry of Water and Environment has of...
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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