LAUNCH OF THE GEF - FUNDED PROJECT: “FOSTERING WATER SECURITY AND CATCHMENT RESILIENCE IN UGANDA’s CATTLE CORRIDOR”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment; Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi represent...
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 Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment; Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi represent...
FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION (FLR) IMPLEMENTATION HUB PROJECT LAUNCHEDThe Permanent Secretary launch...
The Ministry of Water and Environment, through the Water for Production Regional Centre–Karamoja, ha...
The Ministry of Water and Environment( MWE) through the Department of Environment Sector Support Ser...
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 PlanThe 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.
REDD+ is an acronym for Reducing of Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation. The plus sign (+) stands for the role of Conservation, Sustainable Forest Management and Enhancement of Carbon Stocks (REDD+). The (+) enhances the land’s capacity for carbon storage through activities that improve forest health. In addition to carbon stocks being protected by avoiding forest damage and or clearing of entire forests, measures such as better forest management, conservation, restoration, and afforestation also increase carbon stocks. Read the Redd+ Programme writeup in the publications on this page.Biomass Degradation in Uganda-Annex 9Uganda has a rich source of data from a variety of forest inventories that have been conducted over the last twenty years and therefore is fortunate enough to be able to analyse the occurrence of forest degradation in some of the inventory sites that have been revisited over the years.Resettlement Process Framework for Uganda’s National REDD+ Strategy and Action PlanUganda has completed drafting its National REDD+ Strategy and Implementation Plan, Feedback Grievance and Redress Mechanism (FGRM), Benefit Sharing Arrangements (BSA), Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The implementation of REDD+ National strategy as a long-term measure for tackling deforestation and forest degradation, while meeting the demands for wood, energy and other forest products may come with displacement of people. Some of the REDD+ options may cause displacements; it is therefore necessary to have a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) to provide guidance.Safeguards Information System for National REDD+Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed at the Conference of Parties (COP) in Cancun in December 2010 to promote and support seven safeguards when undertaking REDD+ activities and requested countries to develop a system for providing information on how these safeguards are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of REDD+ activities. Uganda is developing a Safeguards Information System (SIS) to meet this commitmentIndigenous Peoples’ Planning Framework June 2021The realization of REDD+ Strategies in Uganda requires inclusion and participation of every stakeholder that matters, affected or may be affected. However, the inclusion and participation of the forest dependent indigenous peoples (FDIP) tend to be very limited in the current planning processes. In view of this, what would be very important for FDIP, and have impacts in their livelihoods and rights are either not captured or addressed inappropriately.Process Framework for Implementation of Uganda’s National REDD+ ProgrammeAs per the World Bank environmental and social risks screening, the Government of Uganda is required to develop a Process Framework (PF). A process framework is prepared when Bank-supported projects may cause restrictions in access to natural resources in legally designated protected areas. The purpose of the process framework is to establish a process by which members of potentially affected communities participate in design of project components, determination of measures necessary to achieve the objectives of ESS5 (see box below), and implementation and monitoring of relevant project activities.Feedback and Grievance Redress MechanismA Grievance refers to a complaint, a feeling of dissatisfaction, an injustice, a wrong doing, an accusation, or criticism. It may include queries, suggestions and comments. A grievance may be mistaken to be “a case”, however, the two concepts are different. A case is a question contested before Courts of justice or an equivalent legal process.
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The Water Supply and Sanitation Project III (WSSP III) is a significant initiative of the Government of Uganda (GoU), primarily through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). Building on previous phases, this project receives substantial funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and aims to significantly expand access to water supply and sanitation services across targeted areas in Uganda.Core ObjectiveThe core objective of WSSP III is to increase access to sustainable water supply and sanitation services in small towns and rural growth centers, and to enhance the capacity for effective management of water resources. This contributes to improved public health, economic development, and overall well-being of the beneficiary communities.Funding and Implementation:Funding: The project is primarily funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, including significant contributions from the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative (RWSSI) Trust Fund.Total Cost: The total project cost is approximately UA 50.13 million (equivalent to roughly US$70-75 million depending on exchange rates at the time of approval).Implementing Agencies: The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is the executing agency, responsible for overall coordination and implementation. The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is typically involved in urban water supply components, while MWE handles rural water supply and sanitation directly or through local governments.Duration: Projects of this nature generally have an implementation period of around 5 years.Project Area and Beneficiaries:WSSP III targets various small towns and rural growth centers (RGCs) across Uganda, aiming to extend water and sanitation services to populations currently underserved. The specific towns and regions vary per phase, but the focus is generally on improving living conditions and economic opportunities in these areas.While a comprehensive list of all specific towns might be extensive, the project typically focuses on a cluster of towns in different regions.The project directly benefits:Residents of targeted small towns and RGCs: Gaining improved access to safe and reliable water and sanitation.Local businesses and institutions: Benefiting from better infrastructure and healthier communities.Women and children: Who often bear the primary burden of water collection and are most vulnerable to water-borne diseases.Key Components and Activities:WSSP III typically comprises several key components aimed at achieving its objectives:Urban and Rural Water Supply Infrastructure Development:Construction and rehabilitation of water supply systems: This includes new boreholes, bulk water treatment plants, pumping stations, storage reservoirs, and extensive distribution networks within the targeted towns and RGCs.Extension of water pipelines: Connecting more households, institutions, and public facilities to the piped water supply.Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion:Construction of public sanitation facilities: Building improved public latrines, especially in markets, schools, and health centers.Promotion of household sanitation: Encouraging and supporting communities in constructing improved household latrines.Hygiene promotion campaigns: Raising awareness about safe hygiene practices, handwashing, and water handling to prevent waterborne diseases.Water Resources Management and Environmental Safeguards:Strengthening water resource monitoring: Improving data collection and analysis on water quality and quantity.Water source protection: Implementing measures to safeguard critical water sources from pollution and degradation.Environmental and social management: Ensuring project activities comply with national and international environmental and social safeguard standards.Institutional Development and Capacity Building:Strengthening service providers: Providing technical assistance and training to local water authorities and private operators for sustainable operation and maintenance of WSS facilities.Community management: Empowering communities to participate in the planning, implementation, and management of water points and sanitation facilities.Sector policy and regulatory support: Supporting MWE in refining policies and regulations for the water and sanitation sector.
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IntroductionThe Government of Uganda (GOU) has received funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the development of the Strengthening the Adaptive Capacity and Resilience of Communities in Uganda’s watersheds project (SACRiAC). The Project’s Executing Agency, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), is responsible for the overall implementation and management of the Project.The project (SACRiAC) objective is to build adaptive capacity of rural communities and reduce their vulnerability to climate change and improve rural livelihoods and food security through integrated watershed management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.SACRiAC will be implemented in Bukedea, Sironko, Kapchorwa, and Bulambuli districts, within the Awoja catchment downstream of the sub-catchments of Komirya, Sironko, Simu-sisi, Muyembe, and Sipi. It will be implemented, with focus on catchment management and improving rural livelihood.BackgroundUganda’s economy and local communities are vulnerable to climate change and variability as a result of several compounding factors:heavy reliance on natural resources, particularly within the agricultural sector;dependence on rain-fed agriculture;close linkages between agriculture performance and climatic changes – with the gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation rates closely corresponding to seasonal rainfall patterns;high population growth rates – ~3.6% per year – that in combination with high poverty levels reduce capacity to cope with climate hazards;low per capita income;limited financial capacity to fund adaptation measures;weak and inadequate infrastructure;inadequate supply of clean water and sanitation facilities; andinadequate availability of health and medical services.Floods and droughts have the greatest impacts on local communities as well as socio-economic sectors – particularly the agriculture sector. Other predicted socio-economic impacts will result in the reduction of:national security;the life-span and durability of infrastructure;hydropower production;human health; andecosystem integrity, and thus natural capital.Climate change is expected to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. These include the poor, people living with disability and HIV/AIDS, youth and children – orphans in particular – the elderly, refugees, and marginalized communities.Current and future impacts of climate change, therefore, make adaptation urgent. Without adaptation, the negative effects of climate change will undermine years of development assistance and asset accumulation in Uganda. Effective adaptation planning – in the context of this project and in particular for an increase in intensity and frequency of droughts, floods, and severe storms requires:improved climate monitoring and early warning systems;reduced vulnerability of people, livelihoods, physical assets, and watersheds to the adverse effects of climate change, through improved storage and reduced land degradation; andstrengthening institutional capacities for effective climate change Adaptation.
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 PlanThe 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.
REDD+ is an acronym for Reducing of Emissions from Deforestation and fores...
The Water Supply and Sanitation Project III (WSSP III) is a significant initiati...
IntroductionThe Government of Uganda (GOU) has received funding from the Global...
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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