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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
Stay informed about our activities and achievements
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment; Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi hosted a del...
Uganda Secures $6.3M Grant to Modernize Weather Infrastructure and Early Warning SystemsKAMPALA – Th...
Rt. Hon Robinah Nabbanja officially commissioned Mwitazinge and Kikoora Solar Water Systems in Mwita...
The Minister of State for Environment; Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar holding Fort for the Minister of Wa...
SPGS IIIThe Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III (SPGS III) is a critical ongoing initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aimed at significantly expanding and promoting commercial tree planting across Uganda. Building upon the successes of its preceding phases, SPGS III is designed to meet the growing demand for timber and wood products, enhance sustainable forest management, mitigate climate change impacts, and provide long-term economic benefits to private individuals, communities, and large-scale investors involved in commercial forestry. This phase emphasizes sustainable practices, improved forest health, and equitable benefits within the forestry sector.Key Objectives of the Project:SPGS III is structured around several strategic objectives designed to foster a robust and sustainable commercial forestry sector in Uganda:Increased Commercial Sawlog Production: To significantly expand the area under commercial tree plantations by providing grants and technical support to private forest growers. This aims to ensure a sustainable supply of sawlogs and other wood products for both domestic and industrial use.Expected Activities: Providing financial grants for land preparation, seedling procurement, planting, and silvicultural operations; promoting improved tree species and planting techniques.Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management Practices: To encourage the adoption of environmentally sound and socially responsible forestry practices among grant beneficiaries. This includes promoting biodiversity conservation within plantations and ensuring sustainable harvesting methods.Expected Activities: Training and technical assistance on sustainable harvesting, fire management, pest and disease control; promoting agroforestry and restoration of degraded forest lands where appropriate.Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: To contribute to national and global efforts in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in new and existing plantations. The project also enhances the resilience of landscapes against climate-related shocks.Expected Activities: Monitoring carbon sequestration potential of established plantations; promoting climate-resilient tree species and diversified forestry systems.Livelihood Improvement and Economic Empowerment: To create employment opportunities, enhance household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth through investments in commercial forestry. The project targets various scales of growers, including smallholder farmers and larger commercial entities.Expected Activities: Facilitating market linkages for timber and wood products; providing business development support to forest growers; promoting value addition within the forestry value chain.Strengthened Institutional Capacity and Regulatory Framework: To enhance the capacity of relevant institutions, including the National Forestry Authority and district local governments, in supporting and regulating the commercial forestry sector. This ensures efficient project implementation and sustainable sector growth.Expected Activities: Providing training and resources for forest extension workers; strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems for forest plantations; reviewing and developing supportive forestry policies.Project Scope Description:The Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III involves the provision of financial grants and technical assistance to eligible private landowners, smallholder farmers, communities, and commercial entities for establishing and maintaining commercial tree plantations. The project encompasses a broad geographical scope across various regions of Uganda suitable for commercial forestry. Key activities include:Grant Disbursement: Providing phased financial grants to growers for specified forestry activities, ensuring adherence to environmental and social safeguards.Technical Support: Offering expert advice and training on nursery management, site preparation, planting techniques, species selection, silviculture, pest and disease management, and sustainable harvesting.Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of plantation establishment and growth to ensure compliance with scheme guidelines and to track environmental and socio-economic impacts.Research and Development: Supporting adaptive research on tree genetics, silvicultural practices, and wood processing technologies to enhance productivity and value.SPGS III represents a significant commitment by the Government of Uganda to transform the forestry sector into a key driver of economic development and environmental sustainability.
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.
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.
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.
SPGS IIIThe Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III (SPGS III) is a critical ongoing initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aimed at significantly expanding and promoting commercial tree planting across Uganda. Building upon the successes of its preceding phases, SPGS III is designed to meet the growing demand for timber and wood products, enhance sustainable forest management, mitigate climate change impacts, and provide long-term economic benefits to private individuals, communities, and large-scale investors involved in commercial forestry. This phase emphasizes sustainable practices, improved forest health, and equitable benefits within the forestry sector.Key Objectives of the Project:SPGS III is structured around several strategic objectives designed to foster a robust and sustainable commercial forestry sector in Uganda:Increased Commercial Sawlog Production: To significantly expand the area under commercial tree plantations by providing grants and technical support to private forest growers. This aims to ensure a sustainable supply of sawlogs and other wood products for both domestic and industrial use.Expected Activities: Providing financial grants for land preparation, seedling procurement, planting, and silvicultural operations; promoting improved tree species and planting techniques.Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management Practices: To encourage the adoption of environmentally sound and socially responsible forestry practices among grant beneficiaries. This includes promoting biodiversity conservation within plantations and ensuring sustainable harvesting methods.Expected Activities: Training and technical assistance on sustainable harvesting, fire management, pest and disease control; promoting agroforestry and restoration of degraded forest lands where appropriate.Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: To contribute to national and global efforts in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in new and existing plantations. The project also enhances the resilience of landscapes against climate-related shocks.Expected Activities: Monitoring carbon sequestration potential of established plantations; promoting climate-resilient tree species and diversified forestry systems.Livelihood Improvement and Economic Empowerment: To create employment opportunities, enhance household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth through investments in commercial forestry. The project targets various scales of growers, including smallholder farmers and larger commercial entities.Expected Activities: Facilitating market linkages for timber and wood products; providing business development support to forest growers; promoting value addition within the forestry value chain.Strengthened Institutional Capacity and Regulatory Framework: To enhance the capacity of relevant institutions, including the National Forestry Authority and district local governments, in supporting and regulating the commercial forestry sector. This ensures efficient project implementation and sustainable sector growth.Expected Activities: Providing training and resources for forest extension workers; strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems for forest plantations; reviewing and developing supportive forestry policies.Project Scope Description:The Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III involves the provision of financial grants and technical assistance to eligible private landowners, smallholder farmers, communities, and commercial entities for establishing and maintaining commercial tree plantations. The project encompasses a broad geographical scope across various regions of Uganda suitable for commercial forestry. Key activities include:Grant Disbursement: Providing phased financial grants to growers for specified forestry activities, ensuring adherence to environmental and social safeguards.Technical Support: Offering expert advice and training on nursery management, site preparation, planting techniques, species selection, silviculture, pest and disease management, and sustainable harvesting.Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of plantation establishment and growth to ensure compliance with scheme guidelines and to track environmental and socio-economic impacts.Research and Development: Supporting adaptive research on tree genetics, silvicultural practices, and wood processing technologies to enhance productivity and value.SPGS III represents a significant commitment by the Government of Uganda to transform the forestry sector into a key driver of economic development and environmental sustainability.
Project: Mobilization and Institutional Facilitation of Sanitation (UN-Habitat)L...
FIEFOC IIThe Farm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation Programme – Project...
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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