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...
Overview: This is an ongoing Government of Uganda initiative, led by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD). It is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Problem: Uganda faces significant deforestation and environmental degradation due to unsustainable charcoal production, which remains a primary energy source, particularly in urban areas. Goal: To mitigate the negative environmental, social, and economic impacts of charcoal production by promoting sustainable practices and cleaner energy alternatives across the value chain. Key Interventions: Sustainable Forest Management: Supporting the establishment of wood energy plantations with fast-growing tree species and rehabilitating degraded natural forests on private lands. Improved Charcoal Production: Facilitating the adoption of efficient charcoal kilns (e.g., Casamance kilns) through subsidies and training to reduce wood waste and increase efficiency. Policy & Governance: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering cross-sector collaboration to formalize and govern the sustainable charcoal value chain. Clean Energy Promotion: Raising public awareness and supporting the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives like solar, LPG, and improved cooking stoves. Impact: The project aims to achieve reduced deforestation, increased forest cover, enhanced livelihoods for communities reliant on charcoal, and the development of a more efficient and sustainable energy sector in Uganda. Project activities are concentrated in 14 districts across Northern, West Nile, Central, and Mid-Western Uganda.
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.
LGFSs The 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 Report Bukedea 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 resources have proved inadequate to meet the district’s potable water demand.
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)
Overview: This is an ongoing Government of Uganda initiative, led by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD). It is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Problem: Uganda faces significant deforestation and environmental degradation due to unsustainable charcoal production, which remains a primary energy source, particularly in urban areas. Goal: To mitigate the negative environmental, social, and economic impacts of charcoal production by promoting sustainable practices and cleaner energy alternatives across the value chain. Key Interventions: Sustainable Forest Management: Supporting the establishment of wood energy plantations with fast-growing tree species and rehabilitating degraded natural forests on private lands. Improved Charcoal Production: Facilitating the adoption of efficient charcoal kilns (e.g., Casamance kilns) through subsidies and training to reduce wood waste and increase efficiency. Policy & Governance: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering cross-sector collaboration to formalize and govern the sustainable charcoal value chain. Clean Energy Promotion: Raising public awareness and supporting the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives like solar, LPG, and improved cooking stoves. Impact: The project aims to achieve reduced deforestation, increased forest cover, enhanced livelihoods for communities reliant on charcoal, and the development of a more efficient and sustainable energy sector in Uganda. Project activities are concentrated in 14 districts across Northern, West Nile, Central, and Mid-Western Uganda.
The Water Management and Development Project (WMDP) – Component 2.2 was a vital...
LGFSs The Ministry of Water and Environment is actively implementing and expandi...
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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