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
Government, German Partners Inspect Karamoja Water Projects
EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGY: MINISTRY OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENT’S INNOVATIVE WATER PROJECT EXCITES NTUNG...
MINISTRY CONDUCTS SITE MEETINGS FOR SOLAR-POWERED WATER SYSTEMS IN GOBORO, LOBE & LOMUNGA RGCs,...
The Ministry of Water and Environment as the Lead Institution for the Natural Resources, Environment...
Uganda’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project is a strategic initiative to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change through long-term, integrated planning. It’s backed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, with technical support from UNEPKey Goals of the NAP ProjectReduce vulnerability to climate impacts like floods, droughts, and slow-onset eventsIntegrate climate adaptation into national and district-level development plansBuild capacity across ministries and local governments for climate-smart planningMobilize climate finance and align sectoral budgets with adaptation priorities Where It’s HappeningClimate risk assessments are being conducted in six districtsFive ministries are developing five-year expenditure frameworks for adaptationThe project promotes a whole-of-government and society approach, engaging civil society, academia, and local communitiesSector-Specific Focus: AgricultureUganda also developed a NAP for the Agricultural Sector (NAP-Ag) to:Boost climate-resilient crop, livestock, and fisheries productionPromote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)Ensure gender-responsive and evidence-based adaptation actions
Project: Mobilization and Institutional Facilitation of Sanitation (UN-Habitat)Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation program (LVWATSAN) was first launched in 2004 by the Ministers responsible for water within the East Africa Community (EAC) with the aim of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for water and sanitation in the ‘secondary urban centres’ within the Lake Victoria Basin; ensuring the long term sustainability of the physical investments; addressing the current threats to the lake’s ecosystems from inadequate water and sanitation provision in the secondary and larger settlements around the Lake. LVWATSAN was designed by UN-HABITAT at the request of the Ministers of Water of the EAC for an integrated package of interventions, including water supply and sanitation improvements, solid waste management, and drainage improvements in key areas, as well as capacity building and training for the utilities and town planners.The Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) Initiative is a pivotal multi-phase program dedicated to addressing the critical challenges of water supply, sanitation, and environmental management in urban centers situated within the Lake Victoria Basin. As a key East African Community (EAC) initiative, LVWATSAN is coordinated by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and implemented by the respective EAC Partner States, including Uganda. The program aims to reverse the growing pollution of Lake Victoria, improve public health, and enhance the living standards of millions of residents by providing sustainable access to clean water and adequate sanitation infrastructure.Key Objectives of the Initiative:LVWATSAN pursues comprehensive objectives to achieve a healthier and more sustainable Lake Victoria Basin:Improve Sustainable Water Supply Infrastructure: To significantly expand and rehabilitate water supply systems in targeted urban centers, ensuring reliable access to safe and clean drinking water for growing populations.Enhance Sanitation and Wastewater Management: To drastically improve sanitation facilities, including sewerage systems, faecal sludge management, and public toilets, thereby reducing the discharge of untreated wastewater into the lake and its tributaries.Strengthen Solid Waste and Storm Water Management: To implement integrated solutions for managing solid waste and improving urban drainage, preventing pollution and improving the urban environment.Build Institutional and Human Resource Capacities: To strengthen the technical and operational capacities of local authorities, water utilities (like NWSC), and communities for the sustainable management of water and sanitation services.Contribute to Environmental Protection: To reduce the negative environmental impact of urbanization on the Lake Victoria Basin, safeguarding its fragile ecosystem and biodiversity.Support Pro-Poor Investments: To ensure that water and sanitation improvements specifically benefit vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including residents of informal settlements and low-income areas.Phases and Key Achievements:The LVWATSAN Initiative has progressed through several impactful phases:LVWATSAN Phase I (Supported by UN-HABITAT and Dutch Grants):This initial phase targeted 10 secondary urban centers across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.In Uganda, towns included: Nyendo/Ssenyange, Bugemebe, and Kyotera.UN-HABITAT, through its Lake Victoria Region City Development Strategies Programme, also prioritized major cities like Kampala (Uganda), Kisumu (Kenya), and Mwanza (Tanzania) for improvements in sanitation, waste management, and access to safe drinking water.LVWATSAN Phase II (Supported by African Development Bank and African Water Facility):Following Ministerial endorsements in 2008 and 2009, this phase scaled up the initiative to include 15 additional secondary towns across five EAC Partner States.In Uganda, the targeted towns included: Mayuge, Buwama-Kayabwe-Bukakata (cluster), and Ntungamo.Significant infrastructure development occurred, with commissionings of facilities such as the Ntungamo Water Supply and Sanitation System and the Mayuge Water Supply System in 2016.The project also focused on construction of public and institutional toilets and integrated water supply systems in these towns.Key achievements include the drilling of numerous boreholes, rehabilitation/construction of water treatment plants, and the establishment of public water fountains and public toilets across the EAC Partner States.Kampala Water – Lake Victoria WATSAN (KW-LVWATSAN):This specific sub-project focused on addressing the pressing water supply and sanitation challenges within Kampala, implemented primarily by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) with significant funding from development partners like AFD, EIB, KfW, and the EU.It involved extensive upgrades and rehabilitation of existing water treatment, transmission, and distribution systems, including extending services to informal settlements and improving public sanitation facilities. An operational audit covering 2014-2022 was conducted to assess its impact.Towards LVWATSAN Phase III:The initiative continues to evolve, with planning and preparatory work for potential subsequent phases, including “LV WATSAN Phase III,” indicating a sustained commitment to meeting the growing water and sanitation needs of the Lake Victoria Basin in the face of climate change and urbanization.Project Scope and Impact:The LVWATSAN Initiative’s multifaceted approach has led to substantial improvements in urban water supply and sanitation coverage across the Lake Victoria Basin. By focusing on both “hardware” (infrastructure) and “software” (capacity building, hygiene promotion) interventions, the program has directly contributed to:Enhanced Public Health: Reducing the burden of waterborne diseases and improving overall hygiene standards.Environmental Protection: Minimizing pollution loads entering Lake Victoria, contributing to the health of the lake’s ecosystem.Socio-Economic Development: Freeing up community time for productive activities, fostering local economic opportunities, and enhancing the liveability of urban centers.Regional Integration: Strengthening collaboration and shared responsibility among EAC Partner States for managing a critical trans-boundary resource.The ongoing efforts under the LVWATSAN Initiative underscore the Ministry of Water and Environment’s dedication to providing sustainable water and sanitation services and protecting Uganda’s vital natural resources.
European Green Deal – focused and strategic action to international response to forest on environmental issues.MoU for a Forest Partnership was signed on 8th November 2022 at COP27 (ASham el Sheikh).This was to ensure that Uganda’s forests continue to meet their social, economic and environmental benefits.The overall aim is to enhance the role of Ugandan forests in sustainable and inclusive national development, and address challenges related to deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss.Specifically contributing to;Increasing the area of protected, restored or sustainably managed forestsIncreasing the number of forest related decent jobsReducing of the annual rate of deforestation of natural forestsLooking for ways to facilitate trade
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EURECCCAThe EURECCCA project is a vital initiative by the Government of Uganda, spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, to bolster the resilience of communities against the adverse impacts of climate change, specifically floods and landslides. The project adopts a catchment-based integrated management approach to water and related resources, aligning with Uganda’s broader environmental and development goals. While the initial duration was set for 2017-2021, the project’s discussions and ongoing activities suggest its continued relevance and impact.Overall Goal and Specific AimsThe overarching goal of the EURECCCA project is to increase the resilience of communities to the risk of floods and landslides in the targeted catchments. This is achieved by promoting integrated, equitable, and sustainable management of water and related resources. More specifically, the project aims to:Support the Government’s efforts to implement Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) through Catchment Management Planning.Directly enhance the resilience of communities to climate-induced hazards in the designated project areas.Project ComponentsThe project’s strategy is designed to achieve its comprehensive objectives through various interlinked activities, primarily focusing on:Catchment Management Planning: Developing and implementing strategic plans for the sustainable management of water and related resources within each target catchment.Community Resilience Building: Implementing interventions that directly reduce the vulnerability of local communities to floods and landslides.Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: Fostering participation among local communities and relevant stakeholders, and building their capacity in integrated water resource management.Key Project Areas and ScopeEURECCCA focuses on three primary catchments in Uganda, situated within different Water Management Zones:Maziba Catchment: Located in the Kagera Basin, Victoria Water Management Zone, specifically launched in Kabale district. This area faces significant challenges related to natural resource management and sustainable socio-economic development.Aswa Catchment: Located in the Upper Nile Water Management Zone, launched in Gulu district. This large catchment spans approximately 31,428 km2, with a significant portion within Uganda (about 27,631 km2). It covers numerous districts including Kaabong, Kotido, Napak, Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader, Agago, Abim, Kole, Amuria, Otuke, Alebtong, Lira, Gulu, and Oyam. The Aswa Catchment is further subdivided into eight sub-catchments: Agago, Aswa 1, Aswa 2, Aswa 3, Nyimur, Pager Aringa, Pager Matidi, and Pager Kitgum. Within the Upper Nile Water Management Zone, the project specifically targets Aswa 1, Agago, and Pager Matidi sub-catchments.Awoja Catchment: Located in the Kyoga Water Management Zone.Key Activities and Stakeholder EngagementThe project emphasizes active engagement with stakeholders to ensure localized and effective implementation:Supervision Missions: Regular missions, such as the one held in June 2018 at the Royal Suites Hotel in Bugolobi, Kampala, are conducted to review project progress and report to stakeholders.Stakeholder Forum Meetings: Meetings like the one for the Pager Matidi Sub-Catchment at Little Palace Hotel in Kitgum district are crucial for introducing the project to local stakeholders and facilitating the establishment of sub-catchment management committees to oversee interventions.Project Launches: Formal launches, such as those in Kabale for Maziba Catchment and Gulu for Aswa Catchment, signify the official commencement of project activities in specific regions and engage local leadership, including the State Minister for Environment, Hon. Gorretti Mary Kitutu.Impact and Future OutlookThe EURECCCA project is actively working to address critical challenges related to natural resource management and sustainable socio-economic development in Uganda. By promoting catchment-based integrated management, it aims to enhance community resilience, reduce the devastating impacts of floods and landslides, and secure livelihoods that depend on a healthy environment. The ongoing efforts and lessons learned from the project are vital for informing future strategies for sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation in Uganda.
Uganda’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project is a strategic initiative to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change through long-term, integrated planning. It’s backed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, with technical support from UNEPKey Goals of the NAP ProjectReduce vulnerability to climate impacts like floods, droughts, and slow-onset eventsIntegrate climate adaptation into national and district-level development plansBuild capacity across ministries and local governments for climate-smart planningMobilize climate finance and align sectoral budgets with adaptation priorities Where It’s HappeningClimate risk assessments are being conducted in six districtsFive ministries are developing five-year expenditure frameworks for adaptationThe project promotes a whole-of-government and society approach, engaging civil society, academia, and local communitiesSector-Specific Focus: AgricultureUganda also developed a NAP for the Agricultural Sector (NAP-Ag) to:Boost climate-resilient crop, livestock, and fisheries productionPromote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)Ensure gender-responsive and evidence-based adaptation actions
Project: Mobilization and Institutional Facilitation of Sanitation (UN-Habitat)L...
European Green Deal – focused and strategic action to international response to...
EURECCCAThe EURECCCA project is a vital initiative by the Government of Uganda,...
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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