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...
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.
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.
ABOUT FIEFOC-3The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is implementing the development of three- medium sized irrigation schemes in northern and eastern regions of Uganda, covering an irrigable area of 1,800 hectares. The irrigation schemes are developed at Unyama (700 ha) in Amuru and Gulu Districts, Sipi (400 ha) in Bulambuli District, and Namalu (700 ha) in Nakapiripirit District under a project code – named Farm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation Programme – Project 3 (FIEFOC-3). The five –year public sector investment (2023-2028) was designed within the context of the Government of Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III) and the long –term development strategy, the Vision 2040 both of which promote agricultural infrastructure development, agro-industrialization and household incomes.The project was also designed following a successful completion of FIEFOC-1, which ended in December 2012 and FIEFOC-2 to be completed by December 2025 respectively. The contribution of FIEFOC-3 is hinged on water sector performance indicator that focuses on harnessing irrigation potential of Uganda for increased agricultural production and productivity and household incomes (Sustainable Development Goal 2), and improving access to Sustainable Water Systems (Sustainable Development Goal 6).PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVEThe project development objective is to contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth of Ugandathrough enhanced agricultural productivity and commercialization, thereby improving household incomes, food security and climate resilience through sustainable natural resources management and agricultural enterprise development.DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSThe key financiers of the project are the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) with financial support of USD 86.5 million and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) with USD 15.0 million with counterpart funding from the Government of Uganda of USD 10.62 million, totaling USD 112.12million. The project is jointly implemented by the MWE and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).PROJECT LOCATIONThe project is implemented in the northern and eastern regions of Uganda, where three irrigation schemes are developed: Unyama in Amuru and Gulu Districts, Namalu in Nakapiripirit District and Sipi in Bulambuli District. Activities under the Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM) and Agribusiness Development (AbD) Components are implemented across 19 districts within the project catchment areas.PROJECT COMPONENTSThe four major project components include:Agricultural Infrastructure DevelopmentAgribusiness DevelopmentIntegrated Natural Resources ManagementProject Management and CoordinationOther components include Project Finance, Project Steering Committee and Technical Team inspecting proposed site of Sipi Irrigation Scheme in Bulambuli District 3 Auditing, and Contingency Emergency Response (CER) , thus making a total of 7 project components.PROJECT DESCRIPTIONAgriculture Infrastructure Development (AID) component focuses on implementation of three major sub-components. These include:Irrigation infrastructure developmentSustainable management of irrigation schemes through establishments of Farmer Based Organizations (FBO)Irrigated agronomy, as well as soil and landimprovements for training farmers on modern agricultural practices.Agribusiness Development (AbD) component focuses on (i) value chain support including marketing, agribusiness needs assessment, scoping surveys, promotion of horticulture and aquaculture in irrigation schemes and catchment areas; (ii) training offarmer groups, individual farmers and community-based organizations on commodity collective marketing, financing accessibility, agribusiness skills, food processing technologies, post-harvest handling and management; and (iii) training on sustainableutilization of crop value – addition equipment and establishment of demonstration plots for climate smart agricultural practices.Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM) component focuses on interventions that target restoration of selected degraded lands and river banks within the irrigation catchment areas, depending on the level of deforestation and status ofenvironmental degradation. This means INRM activity is implemented in 19 districts located within the watershed of the river systems feeding the irrigation schemes as shown in Table 1 below:Table 1. Districts located within the catchment areas.Catchment Area | Districts | No. ofDistricts | Irrigation SchemeUnyama catchment | Adjumani, Amuru, Guluand Nwoya | 4 | Unyama Irrigation SchemeNamalu catchment | Moroto, Napak,Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk,Katakwi, Soroti, NgoraKumi, and Amuria | 9 | Namalu Irrigation SchemeSipi Catchment | Amudat, Bukedea,Bukwo, Kapchorwa,Bulambuli, and Sironko. | 6 | Sipi Irrigation SchemeThe major project beneficiaries include communities living in degraded lands, farmersadopting agro-forestry practices and conservation farming, as well as technical stafftrained in sustainable conservation and tree planting.Project Management and Coordination (PMC) component provides resources for theestablishment and operations of project coordination unit based in Kampala, and regionalproject implementation units located at project areas; coordinate mid – term reviews,organize exposure visits for good practices in irrigation schemes management andbusiness model assessment of irrigation and drainage systems.Project Financial Audit Services provides financial audit services to the project, includingexamination of project financial expenditures, special accounts and bank statements. TheOffice of the Auditor General of Uganda is mandated by the Constitution of the Republicof Uganda to undertake financial audit of public funds. It will be in charge of auditing theproject either through its own resources or external independent auditing firms. Theproject audit year will be in accordance with the Government Budget Year.Contingency Emergency Response Component is embedded as a stand – alonecomponent. The component comes into force when there is an emergency during projectimplementation and the Government wishes to reallocate funds in accordance with theBank’s procedures.Table 2. Key Result Framework IndicatorsNo. | Outcome Indicators (2028) | Measure1 | Percentage increase in number of farmers applyingadvanced irrigation techniques | 0 -50%2 | Percentage increase in yields of major crops | 25-50%3 | Percentage increase in improvement of rural householdincomes. | 25-50%4 | Percentage increase in farmers’ incomes. | 0 (U$788) – 32% (USD 1039)5 | Percentage increase in water efficiency for secondarycanals. | 50-70%6 | Percentage increase in water efficiency for tertiarycanals. | 45-80%7 | Number of small medium enterprises established andpromoted. | 328 | Output Indicators (2027) | 1 | Number of medium sized irrigation schemes constructedin northern and eastern regions. | 32 | Total area of land developed under 3 irrigation schemesat Unyama (Amuru and Gulu districts), Namalu(Nakapiripirit district), and Sipi (Bulambuli district). | 2900 ha3 | Length of irrigation and drainage canals constructed | 360 km4 | Number of machineries provided per scheme | 7 met stations, 7 office blocks, 10 tractors, 8 backhoes and 4excavators5 | Number of gender responsive Farmer BasedManagement Organizations (FBMO) / Water UserAssociations (WUA) established. | 8 (30% women and 10% youth)6 | Number of farmers trained in entrepreneurship, businessskills, value addition and post – harvest handlingtechnologies. | 15,2007 | Number of farmers linked to markets | 12,7008 | Number of trees plants (seedlings) distributed to farmers. | 11 million9 | Number of project beneficiaries trained in naturalresources management. | 20,36010 | Number of districts under, which INRM catchmentactivities will be implemented. | 19
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) has been developed to guide all stakeholders – including contractors, consultants, local government officials, and project beneficiaries—on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies that may arise during the construction and operational phases of the Multi-Purpose Water for Climate Resilience and Irrigation Development for Livelihood Transformation (MWACRID) Project. The project is being implemented in the sub-counties of Masindi-Port and Kigumba in Kiryandongo District, as well as Mirya and Kimengo in Masindi District, Uganda. This plan reinforces the project’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and compliance with the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) environmental and social safeguard policies. This plan ensures consistent procedures are in place across all project components to minimize risk to human health, the environment, infrastructure, and financial investment. The project will consist of two major components: a potable water supply infrastructure and an irrigation water supply system. Key features include diversion canals, intake and pump stations, treatment plants, transmission and distribution pipelines, and various support facilities such as process buildings, control rooms, electrical and maintenance buildings, administrative offices, and reservoir tanks. Each component is designed to enhance water access for both domestic use and irrigation purposes. A detailed description of these components is provided in appendix 1.1.1. Purpose of the PlanThe purpose of this plan is to provide measures and guidance for the establishment and implementation of emergency preparedness and response plan for the Multi-Purpose Water for Climate Resilience and Irrigation Development for Livelihood Transformation (MWACRID) Project. The purpose of the EPRP is to:Provide a plan, which facilitates public safety by notifying all appropriate authorities and stakeholders;Provide information to all stakeholders to allow for an informed evaluation to be made during emergency events;Provide a plan of action for foreseeable flood emergencies affecting safety of the MWACRID Project and local communities;Ensure all personnel and visitors are given the maximum protection from unforeseen events;Ensure all personnel are aware of the importance of this plan to support the protection of life and property.The plan is intended to assist the Contractor, Employer, the local community and any other stakeholders in responding swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency at the MWACRID Project.This plan is primarily biased to emergency preparedness and response to MWACRID –Project water reservoirs and bulk water transmission lines and associated risks directly linked to the proposed bulk water supply infrastructure.It is important to note that other common emergencies or risks associated with the MWACRID-P associate project’s such as marram borrow areas, water abstraction point, rock blasting for rocky areas and a host of other policies, procedures and plans that the Contractor has developed with respect to MWACRID -P.Therefore; this Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan in a bid avoid duplication of other plans and procedures already prepared by the contractor will prioritize and discuss bulk water transmission lines and water reservoir(s) for MWACRID P, an aspect which is not exhaustively addressed in the other MWACRID P plans, procedures and policies.
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.
35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water Schemes.The 35 Solar Powered Mini-Piped Water...
ABOUT FIEFOC-3The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Water and Environ...
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) has been developed to guide...
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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