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...
ICRP Project Overview The Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP) aims to support the shift towards more resilient agriculture through the development of sustainable irrigation services. Access to irrigation is critical to allow farmers coping with climate variability, to increase yield and intensification, and diversify towards higher value crops. The project will address Uganda’s climate change vulnerabilities by: (i) promoting adoption of irrigation by smallholder farmers, in synergy with other agriculture inputs and technologies; (ii) increasing water storage capacity; and (iii) promoting sustainable catchment management. This change will be market-driven, with irrigation becoming the anchor for stronger producer organizations and development of value chains. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) as technical implementation partner. Project Development Objectives To provide farmers with access to irrigation and other agricultural services, and to establish management arrangements for irrigation service delivery.
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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EURECCCA The EURECCCA project is a vital initiative by the Government of Uganda, spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, to bolster the resilience of communities against the adverse impacts of climate change, specifically floods and landslides. The project adopts a catchment-based integrated management approach to water and related resources, aligning with Uganda’s broader environmental and development goals. While the initial duration was set for 2017-2021, the project’s discussions and ongoing activities suggest its continued relevance and impact. Overall Goal and Specific Aims The overarching goal of the EURECCCA project is to increase the resilience of communities to the risk of floods and landslides in the targeted catchments. This is achieved by promoting integrated, equitable, and sustainable management of water and related resources. More specifically, the project aims to: Support the Government’s efforts to implement Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) through Catchment Management Planning. Directly enhance the resilience of communities to climate-induced hazards in the designated project areas. Project Components The project’s strategy is designed to achieve its comprehensive objectives through various interlinked activities, primarily focusing on: Catchment Management Planning: Developing and implementing strategic plans for the sustainable management of water and related resources within each target catchment. Community Resilience Building: Implementing interventions that directly reduce the vulnerability of local communities to floods and landslides. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: Fostering participation among local communities and relevant stakeholders, and building their capacity in integrated water resource management. Key Project Areas and Scope EURECCCA focuses on three primary catchments in Uganda, situated within different Water Management Zones: Maziba Catchment: Located in the Kagera Basin, Victoria Water Management Zone, specifically launched in Kabale district. This area faces significant challenges related to natural resource management and sustainable socio-economic development. Aswa Catchment: Located in the Upper Nile Water Management Zone, launched in Gulu district. This large catchment spans approximately 31,428 km2, with a significant portion within Uganda (about 27,631 km2). It covers numerous districts including Kaabong, Kotido, Napak, Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader, Agago, Abim, Kole, Amuria, Otuke, Alebtong, Lira, Gulu, and Oyam. The Aswa Catchment is further subdivided into eight sub-catchments: Agago, Aswa 1, Aswa 2, Aswa 3, Nyimur, Pager Aringa, Pager Matidi, and Pager Kitgum. Within the Upper Nile Water Management Zone, the project specifically targets Aswa 1, Agago, and Pager Matidi sub-catchments. Awoja Catchment: Located in the Kyoga Water Management Zone. Key Activities and Stakeholder Engagement The project emphasizes active engagement with stakeholders to ensure localized and effective implementation: Supervision Missions: Regular missions, such as the one held in June 2018 at the Royal Suites Hotel in Bugolobi, Kampala, are conducted to review project progress and report to stakeholders. Stakeholder Forum Meetings: Meetings like the one for the Pager Matidi Sub-Catchment at Little Palace Hotel in Kitgum district are crucial for introducing the project to local stakeholders and facilitating the establishment of sub-catchment management committees to oversee interventions. Project Launches: Formal launches, such as those in Kabale for Maziba Catchment and Gulu for Aswa Catchment, signify the official commencement of project activities in specific regions and engage local leadership, including the State Minister for Environment, Hon. Gorretti Mary Kitutu. Impact and Future Outlook The EURECCCA project is actively working to address critical challenges related to natural resource management and sustainable socio-economic development in Uganda. By promoting catchment-based integrated management, it aims to enhance community resilience, reduce the devastating impacts of floods and landslides, and secure livelihoods that depend on a healthy environment. The ongoing efforts and lessons learned from the project are vital for informing future strategies for sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation in Uganda.
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 Aims The 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 Components The 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 Progress Within 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 Legacy The 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.
ICRP Project Overview The Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP) aims to support the shift towards more resilient agriculture through the development of sustainable irrigation services. Access to irrigation is critical to allow farmers coping with climate variability, to increase yield and intensification, and diversify towards higher value crops. The project will address Uganda’s climate change vulnerabilities by: (i) promoting adoption of irrigation by smallholder farmers, in synergy with other agriculture inputs and technologies; (ii) increasing water storage capacity; and (iii) promoting sustainable catchment management. This change will be market-driven, with irrigation becoming the anchor for stronger producer organizations and development of value chains. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) as technical implementation partner. Project Development Objectives To provide farmers with access to irrigation and other agricultural services, and to establish management arrangements for irrigation service delivery.
The Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (STWSSP), managed under...
EURECCCA The EURECCCA project is a vital initiative by the Government of Uganda,...
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.
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