Government Commissions Modern Solar-Powered Water System in Kyankwanzi District
KYANKWANZI, UGANDA — In a major boost to safe water coverag...
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
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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
The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a Seven (7) year Government of Uganda (GoU) Project funded with a loan worth US $313 Million by the World Bank. The Project will support GoU through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG #6, ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.’Core Objective:The primary objective of the IWMDP is to improve access to water supply and sanitation (WSS) services, strengthen capacity for integrated water resources management, and enhance the operational performance of water and sanitation service providers in project areas. This aims to ensure sustainable access to clean water and improved sanitation for a significant portion of Uganda’s population, particularly in vulnerable regions.Funding and Implementation:The project is funded by the World Bank, primarily through the International Development Association (IDA), with an initial credit of US $280 million and an additional US $29 million from the IDA 18 Sub-Window for Refugees and Host Communities. Additional co-financing includes KfW (US$25 million) and GoU Counterpart financing (US$8 million).The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) are the key implementing agencies, responsible for different components of the project.The project commenced in June 2019 and is currently projected to close in January 2026.Project Area and Beneficiaries:The IWMDP targets various areas across Uganda, with a significant focus on improving services in:Small towns and Rural Growth Centers (RGCs): These areas are critical for expanding access beyond major urban centers.Large towns: Especially those with significant populations and growing demand.Districts hosting refugees and host communities: Addressing the increased strain on water and sanitation infrastructure due to large refugee populations. This includes areas like Adjumani, Yumbe, Arua, Moyo (including Obongi), Lamwo, and Kiryandongo.Specific towns and regions mentioned in project documents and news include Busia, Gulu, Mbale, Kumi, Namasale, Koboko, Rakai, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kaliro, Iganga (Namungalwe), Kyegegwa, and Ruyonza (Rukungiri).The project is designed to benefit hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Ugandans, including an estimated 1,075,000 people in Adjumani and Mbale alone, with long-term projections to serve even larger populations by 2040.Key Components and Activities:The IWMDP is structured around four main components:Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) in Small Towns and Rural Growth Centers (RGCs) and Support to Districts Hosting Refugees:Construction and rehabilitation of WSS facilities: This includes new water supply systems, expansion of existing ones, and improvement of sanitation infrastructure.Technical assistance to small towns: Supporting the preparation of fecal sludge management assessments and integrated sanitation plans.Support for refugee and host communities: Providing piped water supply and sanitation services in areas with significant refugee populations.Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) in Large Towns:Construction and rehabilitation of WSS infrastructure in larger municipalities: This component is primarily implemented by NWSC to enhance services in growing urban centers like Mbale and Gulu, including the development of new water sources, treatment plants, transmission pipelines, and sewerage systems.Development of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs): Improving urban sanitation by managing wastewater and fecal sludge.Water Resources Management:Strengthening institutional capacity for integrated water resources management (IWRM): This involves developing and implementing water management plans, monitoring water quality and quantity, and promoting sustainable use of water resources.Support for water source protection: Implementing measures to safeguard water sources and their catchments, ensuring long-term sustainability.Project Implementation and Sector Support:Project management and coordination: Ensuring efficient execution, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities.Capacity building: Strengthening the human and institutional capacities of MWE, NWSC, and local governments to manage water resources and deliver services effectively.Environmental and social safeguards: Implementing measures to mitigate any potential negative environmental and social impacts of project activities, ensuring compliance with World Bank and national standards. This includes the development and application of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs) and site-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs)/Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
The five-year project aims to restore degraded sections of ten wetland systems and maintain their integrity for improved water availability, flood abatement, biodiversity flows and climate amelioration measured in area of wetland restored and maintained in hectares by the DLGs, Regional Technical Support Units (RTSUs) and MoWE.The key interventions under the project include; demarcating 2500km of wetlands through planting of pillars and gazettement, restoring 31,000ha of wetland hydro-ecological and socio-economic services, developing 40 management plans for the restored wetlands, promoting 1160 wetland-based enterprises for improved community livelihoods, elevating the status of 5 selected wetlands by designating them as reserves and Ramsar Sites, strengthening 237 wetland technical and institutional capacity at National, District and Community levels and enhancing public and stakeholder awareness for 600,000hhs for effective participation.The project is being implemented in the following target areas: Lumbuye, Kibimba, Awoja, Ssezibwa, Mayanja, Tochi, Enyau, Aswa, Muzizi and Mpanga wetland systems.
Nexus GreenThe Nexus Green Solar-Powered Water Supply and Irrigation Systems Project is a major initiative commissioned by the Government of Uganda (GoU) through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). It involves Nexus Green Ltd (UK) as the contractor and is funded by UK Export Finance. This project aims to significantly enhance water access for domestic use and irrigation across Uganda.Core Objective:The core objective of the Nexus Green project is to increase water supply coverage countrywide for domestic use and support irrigation for improved agricultural productivity. By utilizing solar energy to power water systems, the project addresses water scarcity, mitigates drought-induced food insecurity, and contributes to Uganda’s climate resilience and food security.Funding and Implementation:Funding: Primarily financed by UK Export Finance, facilitated through directives from the President of Uganda to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and MWE.Implementing Agencies: The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is the lead government agency, overseeing the project. Nexus Green Ltd (UK) is the contracted company responsible for the design, supply, manufacture, installation, and overall implementation of the solar water systems.Duration: The project began around 2021 and is anticipated to be completed by 2024, running over approximately three years. It involves the development of a large number of sites (initially aimed for 687, with some reports mentioning up to 920).Project Area and Beneficiaries:The project is implemented countrywide across Uganda, targeting numerous districts to increase water supply coverage. While specific districts for all 600+ sites are not exhaustively listed in general overviews, individual project sites mentioned include Ntenjeru sub-county (Mukono district) and Kigezi High School.The project aims to benefit millions of Ugandans, particularly:Rural communities and farmers: By providing water for irrigation to boost agricultural production, which is a main source of income and employment for a significant portion of the population.Women and youth: These groups are often disproportionately burdened with water collection and are expected to benefit economically from increased agricultural output.Communities affected by water scarcity and drought: Directly addressing water access challenges.Key Components and Activities:The project focuses on the comprehensive development and deployment of solar-powered water systems, typically involving:Site Assessment and Design:Identifying suitable locations for water sources and system installation.Designing integrated water supply systems, including source development, transmission pipelines, and distribution networks.Solar-Powered Pumping Infrastructure:Installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity.Deployment of water pumps (submersible, booster, etc.) powered by solar energy for water abstraction.Construction of storage tanks for collected water.Water Distribution and Irrigation Networks:Setting up distribution networks to deliver water for domestic use.Constructing on-farm irrigation networks to support high-value crop cultivation.Turnkey Solution and Support:Nexus Green provides a full turnkey solution, covering procurement, installation, commissioning, and initial maintenance.Community engagement and training: Ensuring proper operation, maintenance, and safeguarding of the new water systems by local communities.Quality Assurance and Monitoring:Rigorous inspection and supervision of construction activities to ensure conformity to standards and quality control.Ongoing monitoring of system performance.
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
The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) is a Seven (7) y...
The five-year project aims to restore degraded sections of ten wetland systems a...
Nexus GreenThe Nexus Green Solar-Powered Water Supply and Irrigation Systems Pro...
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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