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
Kaabong/Karenga - The Ministry of Water and Environment through the Department of Forestry Management has commenced the review of the Forest Management Plan (FM...
ENTEBBE, Uganda - piece of timber may look like ordinary wood, but inside its cells lies evidence th...
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...
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.
INTEGRATED FLOOD AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (IFDMP) The Integrated Flood and Drought Management Program (IFDMP) is a Government of Uganda initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Department of Water Resources Management (DWRM), in collaboration with other relevant Ministries, Agencies, Local Governments and Development Partners. Uganda is increasingly experiencing the adverse impacts of climate variability and change, including recurrent riverine and urban flooding, prolonged droughts and water scarcity, as well as rainfall-induced landslides. These hazards continue to affect lives and livelihoods, agriculture, water supply, infrastructure, settlements and ecosystems. Floods, droughts and landslides are closely interconnected through catchment processes and therefore require an integrated approach combining improved risk information, engineering measures, nature-based solutions, early warning, preparedness and strengthened institutional capacity. The Program encompasses Uganda's major river basins, catchments, urban centres and rural areas affected by or vulnerable to floods, droughts, landslides and associated climate-related hazards. The program will advance a proactive, science-based and integrated approach to managing Uganda's growing hydro-climatic risks, shifting from emergency response towards prevention, preparedness, resilient infrastructure, ecosystem restoration and long-term water security. Project Goal The overall goal of IFDMP is to strengthen the resilience of communities, ecosystems, infrastructure and institutions to the increasing adverse impacts of floods, droughts and landslides through integrated water resources management, climate-resilient investments and strengthened hydrological information services. Key Areas of Intervention Hydrological forecasting and early warning: Development of a National Hydrological Modelling and Forecasting System and Centre to improve monitoring, forecasting, early warning and dissemination of actionable information. Flood and landslide risk management: Flood-risk assessments and mapping, river training, drainage improvement, flood-protection infrastructure, catchment restoration, nature-based solutions and community preparedness. Drought resilience and water security: Climate-resilient water storage, groundwater management, managed aquifer recharge, water-for-production interventions, drought forecasting and climate-smart water conservation. Catchment and ecosystem restoration: Rehabilitation of degraded riverbanks, wetlands, floodplains and catchments to improve natural flood attenuation, groundwater recharge and long-term water security. Institutional and community resilience: Strengthening the capacity of national and local institutions and communities for preparedness, anticipatory action, operation, maintenance and sustainable flood and drought risk management. Expected Results This program is expected to reduce the vulnerability of communities, infrastructure and ecosystems to floods, droughts and landslides while strengthening national hydrological monitoring, forecasting and early warning. This will reduce disaster-related economic losses, disruption of livelihoods, improve water security and promote climate change resilience.
Learn More
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.
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 Plan The 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.
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.
INTEGRATED FLOOD AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (IFDMP) The Integrated Flood and...
Project: Mobilization and Institutional Facilitation of Sanitation (UN-Habitat)...
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.
View Standards
