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
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Regional Centre – South West, in partnership with key stakeholders, successfully held the 5th Edition o...
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Multi-purpose and Bulk Water Development (M...
Uganda is strengthening its fight against forest and wildlife crime through closer inter-agency coll...
On 26th August 2026, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Rural Water Supply and...
The EU-TF (SPRS-NU) Support Programme to the Refugee Settlements and Host Communities in Northern Uganda is a multifaceted initiative established under the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. Its primary objective is to address the humanitarian and developmental needs of South Sudanese refugees and their host communities in Northern Uganda, particularly in response to the significant influx of refugees since July 2016. The project aims to move beyond emergency aid towards more sustainable solutions, fostering stability and reducing the risk of conflict between refugee and host populations. Overall Objective and Specific Aims The overarching objective of SPRS-NU is to reduce the risk of violent conflict between host communities and refugees in the refugee-hosting districts of Northern Uganda. More specifically, the project aims to: Improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods of both refugee populations and host communities in a sustainable manner, by enhancing local production and fostering economic exchanges. Improve inter-community dialogue at the local level and establish conflict prevention mechanisms to mitigate clashes between or within communities. Improve the level of education and increase medium to long-term economic opportunities for refugees and host communities, especially youth and women, through skills development and entrepreneurship support, contributing to better integration. Ensure sustainable access to safe water and improve environmental sanitation conditions in targeted settlements and host communities. Project Components The SPRS-NU project is structured around several key components, often implemented by different partners to achieve its comprehensive objectives: Livelihood and Labor Market Relevant Skills Development: Focuses on providing quality skills training, entrepreneurial guidance, and start-up kits for refugees and host communities, with a particular emphasis on youth, women, and girls. This includes vocational training and accreditation of acquired skills. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Component: Concentrates on constructing and rehabilitating essential water supply systems (e.g., piped water systems), improving environmental sanitation through the construction of faecal sludge treatment plants, and establishing sustainable operation and maintenance structures for these facilities. Community Dialogue and Conflict Prevention: Aims to facilitate improved relations between refugees and host communities through dialogue mechanisms and the establishment of local conflict prevention initiatives. Basic Services and Education: Supports improved access to essential services like education, recognizing its role in long-term economic opportunities and integration. Key Activities and Progress Within the WASH component, the project has specifically targeted 12 settlements, including Alere, Nyumanzi, Maaji II, Olujobo, Ranch I, Ayelo, Maaji III, Pagirinya, Bidibidi Zone V, Eden, Afua, and Ariaze. The project has undertaken a range of activities to achieve its aims: Skills Development: Provision of technical vocational education and training (TVET) and entrepreneurship support, with thousands of beneficiaries receiving quality skills development and start-up kits. WASH Infrastructure: Construction of piped water supply systems and faecal sludge treatment plants, alongside geological and hydrological surveys and drilling of production wells in various settlements (e.g., Alere, Nyumanzi, Maaji II, Ranch I). Feasibility Studies and Designs: Ongoing detailed engineering designs for water and sanitation infrastructure in several settlements. Inter-Community Dialogue: Facilitating platforms for dialogue and conflict prevention. Mid-term Reviews: Periodic reviews (e.g., November 2023) assess project performance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability, providing insights for continuous improvement and learning. Impact and Legacy The EU-TF (SPRS-NU) project has played a crucial role in addressing the complex challenges arising from large refugee populations in Northern Uganda. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term development, it contributes significantly to: Enhanced Livelihoods: Equipping refugees and host communities with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, thereby increasing their economic opportunities and reducing reliance on subsistence agriculture. Improved Social Cohesion: Mitigating potential conflicts by fostering better understanding and shared benefits between refugee and host communities. Access to Essential Services: Providing sustainable access to safe water and improved sanitation, which are fundamental for public health and environmental well-being. Sustainable Development: Laying a foundation for more resilient and self-reliant communities, aligning with Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and broader development goals. While some components of the project have concluded their initial phases, the overall program’s integrated approach and its focus on sustainable solutions continue to inform and shape future interventions in refugee-hosting areas of Uganda.
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.
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 UNEP Key Goals of the NAP Project Reduce vulnerability to climate impacts like floods, droughts, and slow-onset events Integrate climate adaptation into national and district-level development plans Build capacity across ministries and local governments for climate-smart planning Mobilize climate finance and align sectoral budgets with adaptation priorities Where It’s Happening Climate risk assessments are being conducted in six districts Five ministries are developing five-year expenditure frameworks for adaptation The project promotes a whole-of-government and society approach, engaging civil society, academia, and local communities Sector-Specific Focus: Agriculture Uganda also developed a NAP for the Agricultural Sector (NAP-Ag) to: Boost climate-resilient crop, livestock, and fisheries production Promote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Ensure gender-responsive and evidence-based adaptation actions
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Multinational Lakes Edward and Albert Integrated Fisheries and Water Resources Management (LEAF II) Project. The Multinational Lakes Edward and Albert Integrated Fisheries and Water Resources Management Project (LEAF II) is a crucial trans-boundary initiative jointly implemented by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Coordinated under the framework of the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), this project is dedicated to ensuring the sustainable management of the shared fisheries and water resources of Lakes Edward and Albert and their surrounding basins. Recognizing the immense ecological and socio-economic importance of these lakes, LEAF II employs an integrated approach to address challenges such as over-exploitation, environmental degradation, and climate change impacts, ultimately aiming to enhance fish productivity and improve the livelihoods of riparian communities. Overall Project Objective: “is to sustainably increase the lakes’ fish productivity by promoting good fish capture and management practice, restoration of the lakes catchments and improvement of water quality on the shared lakes’ water resources”. Project Components Fisheries Resources Development and Management Integrated Water Resources Management Project Management and Coordination COMPONENT 1: FISHERIES RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT Component aims to promote sustainable management and productivity of the various species of fish in the two Lakes for the common benefit of the two countries. This component has four sub-components namely: Updating and harmonization of policies, legislation and regulatory frameworks, Development of a fisheries management information system, Bilateral monitoring, control and surveillance, and Local communities adopt responsible fishing practices and modern processing techniques. COMPONENT 2: INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Component consists of 5 closely related sub components: Coordination capacities of NELSAP, Uganda and DRC strengthened and formalized, Integrated Lake Management Plans (ILMP) updated and adopted by Uganda and DRC, Establishment of a Basin Management Authority/ Organization for LEAB, Water resources quantity and quality monitoring strengthened, and Community-based integrated CMPs prepared and implemented in selected watersheds. COMPONENT 3: PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION The component is to provide resources necessary for the effective implementation, coordination, communication, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities. This component has two sub-components namely: Project Management, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
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The EU-TF (SPRS-NU) Support Programme to the Refugee Settlements and Host Communities in Northern Uganda is a multifaceted initiative established under the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. Its primary objective is to address the humanitarian and developmental needs of South Sudanese refugees and their host communities in Northern Uganda, particularly in response to the significant influx of refugees since July 2016. The project aims to move beyond emergency aid towards more sustainable solutions, fostering stability and reducing the risk of conflict between refugee and host populations. Overall Objective and Specific Aims The overarching objective of SPRS-NU is to reduce the risk of violent conflict between host communities and refugees in the refugee-hosting districts of Northern Uganda. More specifically, the project aims to: Improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods of both refugee populations and host communities in a sustainable manner, by enhancing local production and fostering economic exchanges. Improve inter-community dialogue at the local level and establish conflict prevention mechanisms to mitigate clashes between or within communities. Improve the level of education and increase medium to long-term economic opportunities for refugees and host communities, especially youth and women, through skills development and entrepreneurship support, contributing to better integration. Ensure sustainable access to safe water and improve environmental sanitation conditions in targeted settlements and host communities. Project Components The SPRS-NU project is structured around several key components, often implemented by different partners to achieve its comprehensive objectives: Livelihood and Labor Market Relevant Skills Development: Focuses on providing quality skills training, entrepreneurial guidance, and start-up kits for refugees and host communities, with a particular emphasis on youth, women, and girls. This includes vocational training and accreditation of acquired skills. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Component: Concentrates on constructing and rehabilitating essential water supply systems (e.g., piped water systems), improving environmental sanitation through the construction of faecal sludge treatment plants, and establishing sustainable operation and maintenance structures for these facilities. Community Dialogue and Conflict Prevention: Aims to facilitate improved relations between refugees and host communities through dialogue mechanisms and the establishment of local conflict prevention initiatives. Basic Services and Education: Supports improved access to essential services like education, recognizing its role in long-term economic opportunities and integration. Key Activities and Progress Within the WASH component, the project has specifically targeted 12 settlements, including Alere, Nyumanzi, Maaji II, Olujobo, Ranch I, Ayelo, Maaji III, Pagirinya, Bidibidi Zone V, Eden, Afua, and Ariaze. The project has undertaken a range of activities to achieve its aims: Skills Development: Provision of technical vocational education and training (TVET) and entrepreneurship support, with thousands of beneficiaries receiving quality skills development and start-up kits. WASH Infrastructure: Construction of piped water supply systems and faecal sludge treatment plants, alongside geological and hydrological surveys and drilling of production wells in various settlements (e.g., Alere, Nyumanzi, Maaji II, Ranch I). Feasibility Studies and Designs: Ongoing detailed engineering designs for water and sanitation infrastructure in several settlements. Inter-Community Dialogue: Facilitating platforms for dialogue and conflict prevention. Mid-term Reviews: Periodic reviews (e.g., November 2023) assess project performance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability, providing insights for continuous improvement and learning. Impact and Legacy The EU-TF (SPRS-NU) project has played a crucial role in addressing the complex challenges arising from large refugee populations in Northern Uganda. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term development, it contributes significantly to: Enhanced Livelihoods: Equipping refugees and host communities with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, thereby increasing their economic opportunities and reducing reliance on subsistence agriculture. Improved Social Cohesion: Mitigating potential conflicts by fostering better understanding and shared benefits between refugee and host communities. Access to Essential Services: Providing sustainable access to safe water and improved sanitation, which are fundamental for public health and environmental well-being. Sustainable Development: Laying a foundation for more resilient and self-reliant communities, aligning with Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and broader development goals. While some components of the project have concluded their initial phases, the overall program’s integrated approach and its focus on sustainable solutions continue to inform and shape future interventions in refugee-hosting areas of Uganda.
Project: Mobilization and Institutional Facilitation of Sanitation (UN-Habitat)...
Uganda’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project is a strategic initiative to str...
Multinational Lakes Edward and Albert Integrated Fisheries and Water Resources M...
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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