From Timber Dust to DNA: How Uganda’s Forensic Lab Tracks Illegal Timber
ENTEBBE, Uganda - piece of timber may look like ordinary wood, but inside its cells lies evidence that can help establish what species it belongs to and whether...
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
ENTEBBE, Uganda - piece of timber may look like ordinary wood, but inside its cells lies evidence that can help establish what species it belongs to and whether...
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Regional Centre – South West, in partnershi...
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Multi-purpose and Bulk Water Development (M...
Uganda is strengthening its fight against forest and wildlife crime through closer inter-agency coll...
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 9 Uganda 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 Plan Uganda 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 commitment Indigenous Peoples’ Planning Framework June 2021 The 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+ Programme As 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 Mechanism A 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 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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Introduction The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is implementing a project titled “Reducing the climate change vulnerability of local communities in Uganda through Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EbA) in forest and wetland ecosystems”. The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Least Developed Country Fund (LDCF) totaling USD 4,350,000. The goal of this project is to reduce the vulnerability of communities living around wetlands and forests to climate change with the specific objective of increasing the technical and institutional capacity of government authorities and local communities in Uganda to implement EbA in wetland and forest ecosystems to reduce vulnerability of dependent communities to observed and anticipated effects of climate change. The project outcome areas: Outcome 1: Technical and institutional capacity at the local and national level to integrate EbA into existing management plans for wetlands and forests is strengthened Outcome 2: Climate change vulnerability of communities living around degraded wetlands and forests is decreased through the implementation of EbA interventions Outcome 3: Communities living at the project intervention sites have increased capacity to adopt alternative livelihoods and climate-resilient agriculture techniques to decrease their vulnerability to climate change and reduce degradation of wetlands and forests. Outcome 4: Increased knowledge and awareness of government officials and communities at project intervention sites of: i) the ecosystem services provided by wetlands and forests; and ii) the benefits of EbA for increasing the resilience of livelihoods to climate change Project intervention sites: This project is being implemented in four intervention areas-ecosystems R Enyau system (Arua; Arua City) R Sironko system (Sironko; Bulambuli) R Rwambu-Mpanga system (Ibanda; Kitagwenda and Kamwenge) R Rwizi-Nakivale system (Mbarara; Mbarara City)
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 9 Uganda 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 Plan Uganda 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 commitment Indigenous Peoples’ Planning Framework June 2021 The 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+ Programme As 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 Mechanism A 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 Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (STWSSP), managed under...
Introduction The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Water and Environm...
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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