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
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...
IntroductionThe Government of Uganda (GOU) has received funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the development of the Strengthening the Adaptive Capacity and Resilience of Communities in Uganda’s watersheds project (SACRiAC). The Project’s Executing Agency, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), is responsible for the overall implementation and management of the Project.The project (SACRiAC) objective is to build adaptive capacity of rural communities and reduce their vulnerability to climate change and improve rural livelihoods and food security through integrated watershed management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.SACRiAC will be implemented in Bukedea, Sironko, Kapchorwa, and Bulambuli districts, within the Awoja catchment downstream of the sub-catchments of Komirya, Sironko, Simu-sisi, Muyembe, and Sipi. It will be implemented, with focus on catchment management and improving rural livelihood.BackgroundUganda’s economy and local communities are vulnerable to climate change and variability as a result of several compounding factors:heavy reliance on natural resources, particularly within the agricultural sector;dependence on rain-fed agriculture;close linkages between agriculture performance and climatic changes – with the gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation rates closely corresponding to seasonal rainfall patterns;high population growth rates – ~3.6% per year – that in combination with high poverty levels reduce capacity to cope with climate hazards;low per capita income;limited financial capacity to fund adaptation measures;weak and inadequate infrastructure;inadequate supply of clean water and sanitation facilities; andinadequate availability of health and medical services.Floods and droughts have the greatest impacts on local communities as well as socio-economic sectors – particularly the agriculture sector. Other predicted socio-economic impacts will result in the reduction of:national security;the life-span and durability of infrastructure;hydropower production;human health; andecosystem integrity, and thus natural capital.Climate change is expected to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. These include the poor, people living with disability and HIV/AIDS, youth and children – orphans in particular – the elderly, refugees, and marginalized communities.Current and future impacts of climate change, therefore, make adaptation urgent. Without adaptation, the negative effects of climate change will undermine years of development assistance and asset accumulation in Uganda. Effective adaptation planning – in the context of this project and in particular for an increase in intensity and frequency of droughts, floods, and severe storms requires:improved climate monitoring and early warning systems;reduced vulnerability of people, livelihoods, physical assets, and watersheds to the adverse effects of climate change, through improved storage and reduced land degradation; andstrengthening institutional capacities for effective climate change Adaptation.
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; andProject management and monitoring.
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.
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).
IntroductionThe Government of Uganda (GOU) has received funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the development of the Strengthening the Adaptive Capacity and Resilience of Communities in Uganda’s watersheds project (SACRiAC). The Project’s Executing Agency, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), is responsible for the overall implementation and management of the Project.The project (SACRiAC) objective is to build adaptive capacity of rural communities and reduce their vulnerability to climate change and improve rural livelihoods and food security through integrated watershed management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.SACRiAC will be implemented in Bukedea, Sironko, Kapchorwa, and Bulambuli districts, within the Awoja catchment downstream of the sub-catchments of Komirya, Sironko, Simu-sisi, Muyembe, and Sipi. It will be implemented, with focus on catchment management and improving rural livelihood.BackgroundUganda’s economy and local communities are vulnerable to climate change and variability as a result of several compounding factors:heavy reliance on natural resources, particularly within the agricultural sector;dependence on rain-fed agriculture;close linkages between agriculture performance and climatic changes – with the gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation rates closely corresponding to seasonal rainfall patterns;high population growth rates – ~3.6% per year – that in combination with high poverty levels reduce capacity to cope with climate hazards;low per capita income;limited financial capacity to fund adaptation measures;weak and inadequate infrastructure;inadequate supply of clean water and sanitation facilities; andinadequate availability of health and medical services.Floods and droughts have the greatest impacts on local communities as well as socio-economic sectors – particularly the agriculture sector. Other predicted socio-economic impacts will result in the reduction of:national security;the life-span and durability of infrastructure;hydropower production;human health; andecosystem integrity, and thus natural capital.Climate change is expected to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. These include the poor, people living with disability and HIV/AIDS, youth and children – orphans in particular – the elderly, refugees, and marginalized communities.Current and future impacts of climate change, therefore, make adaptation urgent. Without adaptation, the negative effects of climate change will undermine years of development assistance and asset accumulation in Uganda. Effective adaptation planning – in the context of this project and in particular for an increase in intensity and frequency of droughts, floods, and severe storms requires:improved climate monitoring and early warning systems;reduced vulnerability of people, livelihoods, physical assets, and watersheds to the adverse effects of climate change, through improved storage and reduced land degradation; andstrengthening institutional capacities for effective climate change Adaptation.
The IFPA-CD project development objective is to to improve sustainable managemen...
Project: Mobilization and Institutional Facilitation of Sanitation (UN-Habitat)L...
The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a Seven (7) y...
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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