Uganda calls for multi-billion regional investments to save Lake Victoria
By MWE (Communications Unit)–Mwanza, Tanzania.
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
By MWE (Communications Unit)–Mwanza, Tanzania.
Amudat, Uganda – 19 May 2026 Officials led by Eng. Wilson Tabaaro, Regional Manager, Wate...
The Under Secretary Finance and Administration; Ms. Nassuna Catherine officiated at the Entry Meetin...
The Ministers of Water and Environment, the Permanent Secretary and Staff of Ministry of Water and E...
REDD+ is an acronym for Reducing of Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation. The plus sign (+) stands for the role of Conservation, Sustainable Forest Management and Enhancement of Carbon Stocks (REDD+). The (+) enhances the land’s capacity for carbon storage through activities that improve forest health. In addition to carbon stocks being protected by avoiding forest damage and or clearing of entire forests, measures such as better forest management, conservation, restoration, and afforestation also increase carbon stocks. Read the Redd+ Programme writeup in the publications on this page.Biomass Degradation in Uganda-Annex 9Uganda has a rich source of data from a variety of forest inventories that have been conducted over the last twenty years and therefore is fortunate enough to be able to analyse the occurrence of forest degradation in some of the inventory sites that have been revisited over the years.Resettlement Process Framework for Uganda’s National REDD+ Strategy and Action PlanUganda has completed drafting its National REDD+ Strategy and Implementation Plan, Feedback Grievance and Redress Mechanism (FGRM), Benefit Sharing Arrangements (BSA), Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The implementation of REDD+ National strategy as a long-term measure for tackling deforestation and forest degradation, while meeting the demands for wood, energy and other forest products may come with displacement of people. Some of the REDD+ options may cause displacements; it is therefore necessary to have a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) to provide guidance.Safeguards Information System for National REDD+Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed at the Conference of Parties (COP) in Cancun in December 2010 to promote and support seven safeguards when undertaking REDD+ activities and requested countries to develop a system for providing information on how these safeguards are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of REDD+ activities. Uganda is developing a Safeguards Information System (SIS) to meet this commitmentIndigenous Peoples’ Planning Framework June 2021The realization of REDD+ Strategies in Uganda requires inclusion and participation of every stakeholder that matters, affected or may be affected. However, the inclusion and participation of the forest dependent indigenous peoples (FDIP) tend to be very limited in the current planning processes. In view of this, what would be very important for FDIP, and have impacts in their livelihoods and rights are either not captured or addressed inappropriately.Process Framework for Implementation of Uganda’s National REDD+ ProgrammeAs per the World Bank environmental and social risks screening, the Government of Uganda is required to develop a Process Framework (PF). A process framework is prepared when Bank-supported projects may cause restrictions in access to natural resources in legally designated protected areas. The purpose of the process framework is to establish a process by which members of potentially affected communities participate in design of project components, determination of measures necessary to achieve the objectives of ESS5 (see box below), and implementation and monitoring of relevant project activities.Feedback and Grievance Redress MechanismA Grievance refers to a complaint, a feeling of dissatisfaction, an injustice, a wrong doing, an accusation, or criticism. It may include queries, suggestions and comments. A grievance may be mistaken to be “a case”, however, the two concepts are different. A case is a question contested before Courts of justice or an equivalent legal process.
35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water Schemes.The 35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water Schemes (SPMPWS) project was a significant initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aimed at enhancing access to safe and reliable water supply in numerous rural and semi-urban communities across Uganda. This project leveraged renewable solar energy to power water pumping and distribution systems, representing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to expanding water coverage and improving public health. The focus on solar technology underscored Uganda’s commitment to environmentally friendly solutions and climate change adaptation in the water sector.Key Objectives Achieved by the Project:The SPMPWS project successfully accomplished several crucial objectives:Increased Access to Safe Water: The primary objective of providing increased access to safe and clean piped water was met across the target communities. The installation of 35 mini-piped schemes significantly expanded the reach of reliable water sources to previously underserved populations.Activities included: Drilling of boreholes, installation of solar panels and submersible pumps, construction of elevated storage tanks, and laying of distribution networks with public water points and household connections.Promotion of Sustainable and Green Technology: The project championed the use of solar energy, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable water supply solutions. This reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lowered operational costs for communities, and minimized the carbon footprint of water provision.Activities included: Design and installation of solar power systems tailored to the specific water demand of each scheme.Improved Health and Hygiene: By ensuring the availability of safe piped water, the project directly contributed to improved public health outcomes in the beneficiary communities. This reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases and facilitated better hygiene practices.Activities included: Community sensitization on water safety, hygiene, and proper utilization of the new piped water systems.Enhanced Community Management and Ownership: The project fostered strong community involvement in the management and maintenance of the water schemes. This approach aimed to ensure the long-term functionality and sustainability of the infrastructure.Activities included: Training of Water User Committees (WUCs) in scheme operation, maintenance, and financial management.Economic Benefits for Communities: Reliable access to water freed up time, particularly for women and children who traditionally spent hours fetching water, allowing them to engage in more productive activities. This indirectly stimulated local economic development.Activities included: Creating local employment opportunities during the construction phase and empowering communities to manage their own water resources.Project Scope and Impact:The SPMPWS project involved the complete development and commissioning of 35 independent solar-powered mini-piped water schemes across various districts in Uganda. Each scheme typically comprised a high-yielding borehole as the water source, a robust solar power system to drive the pump, a submersible pump to abstract water from the borehole, an elevated water storage tank to ensure gravity-fed distribution, and a network of pipes distributing water to multiple public standpipes (water points) and, in some cases, private household connections.The implementation of these schemes resulted in a tangible improvement in the quality of life for thousands of Ugandans, providing them with consistent access to safe, clean water right within their communities. The project stands as a testament to the effectiveness of decentralized, solar-powered solutions in addressing water scarcity challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The five-year project aims to restore degraded sections of ten wetland systems and maintain their integrity for improved water availability, flood abatement, biodiversity flows and climate amelioration measured in area of wetland restored and maintained in hectares by the DLGs, Regional Technical Support Units (RTSUs) and MoWE.The key interventions under the project include; demarcating 2500km of wetlands through planting of pillars and gazettement, restoring 31,000ha of wetland hydro-ecological and socio-economic services, developing 40 management plans for the restored wetlands, promoting 1160 wetland-based enterprises for improved community livelihoods, elevating the status of 5 selected wetlands by designating them as reserves and Ramsar Sites, strengthening 237 wetland technical and institutional capacity at National, District and Community levels and enhancing public and stakeholder awareness for 600,000hhs for effective participation.The project is being implemented in the following target areas: Lumbuye, Kibimba, Awoja, Ssezibwa, Mayanja, Tochi, Enyau, Aswa, Muzizi and Mpanga wetland systems.
LGFSsThe Ministry of Water and Environment is actively implementing and expanding its program for Large Gravity Flow Schemes across Uganda. This strategic approach to water supply development leverages Uganda’s natural topography, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions, to deliver safe, clean, and reliable piped water to communities without the need for energy-intensive pumping. By harnessing the natural force of gravity, these schemes offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for increasing water access, improving public health, and reducing the burden of water collection, particularly for women and children in rural and peri-urban areas.Key Objectives of the Program:The Large Gravity Flow Schemes program aims to achieve several critical objectives:Increase Access to Safe Piped Water: To significantly expand the percentage of the population with sustainable access to safe and readily available piped water, especially in geographically challenging terrains where conventional motorized systems might be impractical or costly.Ensure Reliable and Sustainable Water Supply: To provide communities with a continuous and dependable flow of water throughout the year, utilizing perennial high-altitude water sources.Optimize Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability: To reduce the operational and maintenance costs associated with water supply by minimizing or eliminating the need for pumps, thereby ensuring the long-term viability of the schemes.Improve Health, Sanitation, and Hygiene: To contribute directly to better health outcomes by providing clean water for drinking, cooking, and domestic hygiene, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.Reduce Distances to Water Sources: To bring water closer to households, schools, and health centers, saving communities significant time and effort previously spent on fetching water from distant or unsafe sources.Promote Environmental Protection: To ensure the protection and sustainable management of the water sources and their catchment areas, safeguarding the quantity and quality of water for future generations.Project Scope and Typical Activities:The implementation of Large Gravity Flow Schemes involves a comprehensive set of activities:Feasibility Studies and Source Identification: Thorough technical and social assessments to identify perennial springs, rivers, or other suitable water sources at higher elevations.Intake Structure Construction: Building robust intake structures at the water source to abstract water efficiently while protecting its quality.Transmission Pipeline Laying: Installation of extensive main pipelines, often spanning many kilometers, to convey water from the intake to storage reservoirs, utilizing gravity.Reservoir and Break-Pressure Tank Construction: Building strategically located reservoirs (storage tanks) and break-pressure tanks to manage water flow, maintain pressure, and ensure sufficient storage capacity.Distribution Network Development: Establishment of a network of secondary pipelines to distribute water from the reservoirs to various communities.Public Water Point (Standpipe) and Household Connections: Installation of public standpipes in accessible locations and facilitating private household connections where feasible.Water Source Protection: Implementing measures such as fencing, tree planting, and community sensitization to protect the integrity of the water source and its immediate catchment.Community Mobilization and Capacity Building: Engaging local communities, forming Water and Sanitation Committees (WSCs), and providing training on scheme operation, maintenance, and financial management to ensure local ownership and sustainability.Expected Impact and Benefits:The Large Gravity Flow Schemes program is expected to bring transformative benefits to beneficiary communities:Enhanced Water Coverage: A significant increase in the number of people with access to safe and reliable water, particularly in challenging terrains.Improved Public Health: A noticeable reduction in waterborne diseases due to the availability of clean water.Time and Labor Savings: Freeing up valuable time, especially for women and girls, which can be re-allocated to education, economic activities, and other productive endeavors.Economic Empowerment: Creating opportunities for small-scale agriculture and other enterprises due to reliable water access, and reducing healthcare expenditures.Environmental Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly water supply solutions with minimal energy requirements and fostering responsible water resource management.This ongoing program is a cornerstone of Uganda’s commitment to achieving national water security and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.Bukedea GFS Revised RAP ReportBukedea District is water stressed and lies within the flood zone and hence faces a major challenge of increasing access to clean and safe water to its rapidly growing population amidst diminishing water resources both in quantity and quality. Ground water resourceshave proved inadequate to meet the district’s potable water demand.
REDD+ is an acronym for Reducing of Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation. The plus sign (+) stands for the role of Conservation, Sustainable Forest Management and Enhancement of Carbon Stocks (REDD+). The (+) enhances the land’s capacity for carbon storage through activities that improve forest health. In addition to carbon stocks being protected by avoiding forest damage and or clearing of entire forests, measures such as better forest management, conservation, restoration, and afforestation also increase carbon stocks. Read the Redd+ Programme writeup in the publications on this page.Biomass Degradation in Uganda-Annex 9Uganda has a rich source of data from a variety of forest inventories that have been conducted over the last twenty years and therefore is fortunate enough to be able to analyse the occurrence of forest degradation in some of the inventory sites that have been revisited over the years.Resettlement Process Framework for Uganda’s National REDD+ Strategy and Action PlanUganda has completed drafting its National REDD+ Strategy and Implementation Plan, Feedback Grievance and Redress Mechanism (FGRM), Benefit Sharing Arrangements (BSA), Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The implementation of REDD+ National strategy as a long-term measure for tackling deforestation and forest degradation, while meeting the demands for wood, energy and other forest products may come with displacement of people. Some of the REDD+ options may cause displacements; it is therefore necessary to have a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) to provide guidance.Safeguards Information System for National REDD+Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed at the Conference of Parties (COP) in Cancun in December 2010 to promote and support seven safeguards when undertaking REDD+ activities and requested countries to develop a system for providing information on how these safeguards are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of REDD+ activities. Uganda is developing a Safeguards Information System (SIS) to meet this commitmentIndigenous Peoples’ Planning Framework June 2021The realization of REDD+ Strategies in Uganda requires inclusion and participation of every stakeholder that matters, affected or may be affected. However, the inclusion and participation of the forest dependent indigenous peoples (FDIP) tend to be very limited in the current planning processes. In view of this, what would be very important for FDIP, and have impacts in their livelihoods and rights are either not captured or addressed inappropriately.Process Framework for Implementation of Uganda’s National REDD+ ProgrammeAs per the World Bank environmental and social risks screening, the Government of Uganda is required to develop a Process Framework (PF). A process framework is prepared when Bank-supported projects may cause restrictions in access to natural resources in legally designated protected areas. The purpose of the process framework is to establish a process by which members of potentially affected communities participate in design of project components, determination of measures necessary to achieve the objectives of ESS5 (see box below), and implementation and monitoring of relevant project activities.Feedback and Grievance Redress MechanismA Grievance refers to a complaint, a feeling of dissatisfaction, an injustice, a wrong doing, an accusation, or criticism. It may include queries, suggestions and comments. A grievance may be mistaken to be “a case”, however, the two concepts are different. A case is a question contested before Courts of justice or an equivalent legal process.
35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water Schemes.The 35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water...
The five-year project aims to restore degraded sections of ten wetland systems a...
LGFSsThe Ministry of Water and Environment is actively implementing and expandin...
The Ministry of Water and Environment is committed to avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating adverse environmental and social impacts associated with its projects, as well as adopting a gender-sensitive and gender-equitable approach for all its projects.
View Standards