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...
The project is funded by the Adaptation Fund through the Sahara and Sahel Observatory. The overall objective of the project is to increase the resilience of smallholder farmers and pastoralists to climate change risks mainly those related to drought, through the establishment of appropriate early warning systems and implementation of drought adaptation actions in the IGAD region. The project targets to consolidate synergies and adopt innovative and resilient drought management actions from selected IGAD region countries including Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. More specifically, this project is intended to strengthen the drought resilience of smallholder farmers and pastoralists by: Developing and promoting regional investments in early drought warning systems (EWS) and improving the existing ones. Strengthening and improving the capacity of key stakeholders in drought risk management at regional, national and local levels. Facilitating smallholder farmers and pastoralists inputs to undertake innovative adaptation actions that reinforce their resilience to drought. Enhancing knowledge management and information sharing on drought resilience at the considered levels. Project implementation arrangements The project is implemented in collaboration with mandated institutions, such as the Department of Meteorology (MWE), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and Nabuin Zonal Agriculture Research and Development Institute (ZARDI). DRESSEA Project Area: Moroto (All sub counties), Napak (Ngolereit, Matany, Lopeei, Lotome, and Lokopo), and Nabilatuk (Lorengedwat) Estimated Project Cost: USH 9,236,379,840 Project Duration, 4 years, launched in 2021 at national level, now in extension period. Project Coordinator: Name: Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner, Water Resources Planning and Regulation Mobile Phone: 0772521413 Email: Callist.tindimugaya@mwe.go.ug Achievements 2 weather stations have been installed in Moroto (Rupa) and Napak (Matany). 1 Early Warning Information Center has been renovated and equipped at the Department of Meteorology. Non-Smart Phones and solar radios have been distributed to 115 farmer groups to improve their access to early warning information. Drought Management Plan and Emergency Response Plan has been prepared for Lokere Catchment. 115 farmer groups have been trained in drought adaptation measures and provided with seeds and seedlings of drought tolerant crop varieties. 4 water harvesting structures have been constructed in Moroto (Lotisan and Tapac), Napak (Lopeei and Lokopo). Soil and water conservation measures have been implemented in Moroto, Napak, and Nabilatuk to improve crop productivity. 3 water boreholes have been protected following the guidelines for the protection of groundwater sources. Impact: Early waring information sharing and feedback collection meetings Innovative soil on farm soil and water conservation techniques in Vegetable growing in Katikekile Sub County Perma-gardens in Moroto (Nakonyen and Lotisan) Distribution of seeds in Lokopo Sub County
The Water Management and Development Project (WMDP) – Component 2.2 was a vital initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Water and Environment, designed to address pressing water supply and sanitation challenges in eight rapidly growing towns across Uganda. By focusing on both new infrastructure development and the rehabilitation and expansion of existing systems, WMDP significantly improved access to clean water and sanitation services, enhanced public health, and contributed to the long-term sustainability of water resources in these critical urban centers. SUMMARY OF THE RAP REPORT FOR KALIRO NAMUNGALWE The Government of Uganda secured financing from the International Development Association (The World Bank) to implement the Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP). The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a follow on from the Water Management and Development Project (WMDP) and is being implemented by Ministry of Water and Environment, Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Department (Small Towns and Rural Growth Centres) together with National Water & Sewerage Corporation (large towns). The project will focus on; improving access to water supply and sanitation services in urban, small town and rural areas including refugee hosting communities in the country; improving water resources management; and Institutional strengthening to ensure improved service delivery and sustainable water resources management in Uganda. One of the beneficiaries under IWMDP is Kaliro-Namungalwe cluster towns located in Iganga & Kaliro Districts respectively. The benefiting centers are; towns of Iganga and Kaliro and rural growth centers and subcounties of Nakalama, Namungalwe, Nambale and Nabitende in Iganga District, whereas the benefiting trading centres in Kaliro district include Silver ward, Kigulu village, Bugumba, Nabikote, Namungalwe, Nasuti, Nambale, Naibiri and Nabitende. The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) has been developed for Kaliro-Namungalwe Town Water Supply and Sanitation System and explores the resettlement strategies including entitlement matrix and implementation arrangements that would mitigate adverse socio-economic impacts and grievances; and the strategies to mitigate adverse impacts and grievances. SUMMARY OF THE ESIA REPORT FOR NAMASALE The Government of Uganda secured financing from the International Development Association (The World Bank) to implement the Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP). The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a follow on from the Water Management and Development Project (WMDP) and is being implemented by Ministry of Water and Environment, Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Department (Small Towns and Rural Growth Centres) together with National Water & Sewerage Corporation (large towns). The project will focus on; improving access to water supply and sanitation services in urban, small town and rural areas including refugee hosting communities in the country; improving water resources management; and Institutional strengthening to ensure improved service delivery and sustainable water resources management in Uganda. One of the beneficiaries under IWMDP is Namasale town in Amolatar District. The benefiting centers are; parishes of Kayago, Wabinua and Aweipeko with 20 villages. The Environment and Social Impact assessment (ESIA) has been developed for Namasale Town Water Supply and Sanitation System and explores the likely impacts of the proposed project on the biophysical and social-economic environment hence ensuring promotion of environmental and social sustainability through identifying and implementing appropriate mitigation measures proposed. KALIRO-NAMUNGALWE ESIA FINAL APPROVED BY WORLD BANK The Government of Uganda secured financing from the International Development Association (The World Bank) to implement the Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP). The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a follow on from the Water Management and Development Project (WMDP) is being implemented by Ministry of Water and Environment, Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Department (Small Towns and Rural Growth Centres) together with National Water & Sewerage Corporation (large towns). The project will focus on; improving access to water supply and sanitation services in urban, small town and rural areas including refugee hosting communities in the country; improving water resources management; and Institutional strengthening to ensure improved service delivery and sustainable water resources management in Uganda. One of the beneficiaries under IWMDP is Kaliro-Namungalwe cluster towns located in Iganga & Kaliro District. The benefiting centers are; towns of Iganga and Kaliro and rural growth centers and subcounties of Nakalama, Namungalwe, Nambale and Nabitende in Iganga District, whereas the benefiting trading centres in Kaliro district include Silver ward, Kigulu village, Bugumba, Nabikote, Namungalwe, Nasuti, Nambale, Naibiri and Nabitende. The Environment and Social Impact assessment (ESIA) has been developed for Kaliro-Namungalwe Town Water Supply and Sanitation System and explores the likely impacts of the proposed project on the biophysical and social-economic environment hence ensuring promotion of environmental and social sustainability through identifying and implementing appropriate mitigation measures proposed. FINAL RESETTLEMENT PLAN FOR NAMASALE TOWN WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SYSTEM IN AMOLATAR DISTRICT The Government of Uganda secured financing from the International Development Association (The World Bank) to implement the Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP). The proposed Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a follow on from the Water Management and Development Project (WMDP) and will be implemented by Ministry of Water and Environment, Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Department (Small Towns and Rural Growth Centres) together with National Water & Sewerage Corporation (large towns). The project will focus on; improving access to water supply and sanitation services in urban, small town and rural areas including refugee hosting communities in the country; improving water resources management; and Institutional strengthening to ensure improved service delivery and sustainable water resources management in Uganda. The Final Resettlement Plan for Namasale Town Water Supply and Sanitation System in Amolatar District has been finalised and is now ready for use. The RAP will guide the implementation of the corrective construction works for Namasale small towns’ water supply and sanitation systems project. This Report also provides guidelines to stakeholders participating in the mitigation, including rehabilitation/resettlement operations in order to ensure that the project affected persons (PAPs) are not impoverished by the adverse social impacts of the project. Mbale & Small Towns (Busolwe-Kadama-Tirinyi-Kibuku-Butaleja-Budaka) ESIA Final Approved by RSA Uganda Government has requested funds from the World Bank for implementing the Uganda Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP). The IWMDP was developed under the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) as an integrated water resource management and development project with objectives of improving integrated water resources planning, management and development; and access to water and sanitation services in priority urban areas and rural growth centers. It is believed that the project will contribute to higher level goals of sustaining natural resources, improving service delivery,and increasing economic productivity. Part of the IWMDP funds is intended to be applied towards Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Mbale NWSC service area and neighbouring small towns and rural growth centres of Busolwe, Kadama, Tirinyi, Kibuku, Butaleja and Budaka. National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is the implementing agency in Mbale Municipality while MWE through the Directorate of Water Development (DWD) is directly in charge with the small towns.Piped water will be extended from the NWSC Mbale Service Area to the neighbouring small towns and rural growth centres. The NWSC was established as a government parastatal organisation in 1972 to develop, operate, and maintain water supply and sewerage services in urban areas of Uganda. Final ESMF IWMDP-March 2018-Approved by Bank’s RSA The proposed Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project (IWMDP-P163782) is a follow-on from the Water Management and Development Project (WMDP-P123204) and will be implemented by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Water and Environment. The proposed project’s development objective (PDO) is to improve access to water supply and sanitation services, and strengthen the capacity for water resources management in project targeted areas.
GCF-Wetlands The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a pivotal financial mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dedicated to supporting developing countries in their efforts to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. In Uganda, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is an accredited entity and plays a central role in accessing and managing GCF resources to implement transformative climate action. GCF projects in Uganda are designed to build resilience in communities and ecosystems, promote sustainable land and water management, and foster low-carbon development pathways. These initiatives are crucial for Uganda to achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and sustainable development goals. Key Objectives of GCF Projects in Uganda: GCF projects in Uganda typically focus on a range of strategic objectives aimed at addressing critical climate vulnerabilities and promoting sustainable development: Building Climate Resilience in Vulnerable Communities: To enhance the adaptive capacity of communities, particularly those dependent on natural resources, to cope with climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns. Expected Activities: Restoring degraded wetlands and associated catchments; promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices and alternative livelihoods; developing and strengthening early warning systems for climate-related disasters. Enhancing Ecosystem Health and Services: To restore and conserve vital ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, which provide essential services for climate regulation, water security, and biodiversity. Expected Activities: Large-scale wetland restoration and rehabilitation; sustainable land management practices in catchment areas; promoting reforestation and afforestation initiatives. Promoting Climate-Resilient Water Security: To ensure sustainable access to water resources for communities, agriculture, and livestock, especially in drought-prone regions. Expected Activities: Development and rehabilitation of climate-resilient water infrastructure (e.g., solar-powered boreholes, earth dams); promotion of rainwater harvesting technologies; integrated water resource management. Fostering Low-Carbon Development: To support transitions towards a low-emission economy by promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Expected Activities: Facilitating access to renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar energy for households and communities); supporting sustainable land use practices that reduce emissions. Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Climate Information Systems: To enhance the capacity of national and local institutions to effectively plan, implement, and monitor climate change interventions, and to improve the availability and use of climate information. Expected Activities: Providing technical training and resources to government agencies and local communities; strengthening climate data collection, analysis, and dissemination; integrating climate considerations into national and sub-national development planning. Project Scope Description: GCF projects in Uganda typically involve significant financial grants and technical assistance to support the implementation of large-scale, multi-sectoral interventions. The scope often encompasses: Grant Financing: Direct financial support for project activities, leveraging co-financing from the Government of Uganda and other development partners. Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: Provision of expertise, training, and knowledge transfer to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities of implementing partners and beneficiaries. Community Engagement and Livelihood Support: Direct engagement with vulnerable communities to identify their needs, build their adaptive capacity, and provide alternative sustainable livelihoods. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: Robust systems for tracking project progress, measuring impacts, and generating lessons learned to inform future climate action. Policy and Regulatory Support: Contributions to the development and implementation of supportive policies and regulatory frameworks that enable effective climate change adaptation and mitigation. GCF projects, such as the “Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda” project, exemplify Uganda’s commitment to tackling climate change through integrated and community-centric approaches, ultimately aiming for a more resilient and sustainable future.
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As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Uganda faces challenges such as poverty and infrastructure gaps, but it has made significant progress in education, health, and economic reforms. Despite its negligible contribution to global emissions (0.099 percent), Uganda is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Ranked 13th in vulnerability and 160th in readiness, the country faces increasingly frequent and severe weather events such as floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall. These extreme events are causing landslides, water shortages, and crop failures and other impacts, which threaten Uganda’s socio-economic progress. Following a request by the state minister for Environment in 2018, Uganda officially joined the Least Developed Countries initiative on Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) initiative in November 2020. A task force was established to draft a concept note on how LIFE AR would be implemented in Uganda. The concept note recommended the Devolved Climate Finance (DCF) mechanism as the preferred approach to deliver climate finance for local adaptation and resilience building. This mechanism aligns with Uganda’s devolved governance system, integrates climate change into local planning, and supports the country’s National Climate Change Policy, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and National Development Plan. The initiative aims to build Uganda’s climate resilience by supporting community-driven climate action, with at least 70% of funding directed toward local priorities. LIFE AR in Uganda will strengthen in-country capabilities, systems and institutions for climate action, ensuring that there’s sustained funding for climate action and that at least 70% of this funding supports community priorities. The LIFE-AR program in Uganda has made significant strides, achieving key milestones in its Test & Evolve phase. Following the establishment phase, the program is being piloted in 12 districts across the countries with four districts of Kalungu, Kibaale, Pader Kaabong into the investment phase. Moving forward District-Wide Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (CRVAs) completed in all districts District and sub-county technical awareness meetings conducted PCCC election and training process completed Proposal development and investment selection for the first four districts completed Investment implementation in progress for the first four districts. Date joined: November 2020 Current phase: Test & Evolve Number of districts/sub-districts selected: 12 Pilot Districts Name of organisation responsible: Ministry of Water and Environment Name and function of focal point: Scovia Akot (National Focal Point) - Coordination of the Programme; Harriet Kyomuhendo (Alternate Focal Point) Follow us on social media X @LIFEARug
The project is funded by the Adaptation Fund through the Sahara and Sahel Observatory. The overall objective of the project is to increase the resilience of smallholder farmers and pastoralists to climate change risks mainly those related to drought, through the establishment of appropriate early warning systems and implementation of drought adaptation actions in the IGAD region. The project targets to consolidate synergies and adopt innovative and resilient drought management actions from selected IGAD region countries including Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. More specifically, this project is intended to strengthen the drought resilience of smallholder farmers and pastoralists by: Developing and promoting regional investments in early drought warning systems (EWS) and improving the existing ones. Strengthening and improving the capacity of key stakeholders in drought risk management at regional, national and local levels. Facilitating smallholder farmers and pastoralists inputs to undertake innovative adaptation actions that reinforce their resilience to drought. Enhancing knowledge management and information sharing on drought resilience at the considered levels. Project implementation arrangements The project is implemented in collaboration with mandated institutions, such as the Department of Meteorology (MWE), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and Nabuin Zonal Agriculture Research and Development Institute (ZARDI). DRESSEA Project Area: Moroto (All sub counties), Napak (Ngolereit, Matany, Lopeei, Lotome, and Lokopo), and Nabilatuk (Lorengedwat) Estimated Project Cost: USH 9,236,379,840 Project Duration, 4 years, launched in 2021 at national level, now in extension period. Project Coordinator: Name: Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner, Water Resources Planning and Regulation Mobile Phone: 0772521413 Email: Callist.tindimugaya@mwe.go.ug Achievements 2 weather stations have been installed in Moroto (Rupa) and Napak (Matany). 1 Early Warning Information Center has been renovated and equipped at the Department of Meteorology. Non-Smart Phones and solar radios have been distributed to 115 farmer groups to improve their access to early warning information. Drought Management Plan and Emergency Response Plan has been prepared for Lokere Catchment. 115 farmer groups have been trained in drought adaptation measures and provided with seeds and seedlings of drought tolerant crop varieties. 4 water harvesting structures have been constructed in Moroto (Lotisan and Tapac), Napak (Lopeei and Lokopo). Soil and water conservation measures have been implemented in Moroto, Napak, and Nabilatuk to improve crop productivity. 3 water boreholes have been protected following the guidelines for the protection of groundwater sources. Impact: Early waring information sharing and feedback collection meetings Innovative soil on farm soil and water conservation techniques in Vegetable growing in Katikekile Sub County Perma-gardens in Moroto (Nakonyen and Lotisan) Distribution of seeds in Lokopo Sub County
The Water Management and Development Project (WMDP) – Component 2.2 was a vital...
GCF-Wetlands The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a pivotal financial mechanism under...
As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Uganda faces challenges such as poverty and...
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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