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 Ministers of Water and Environment, the Permanent Secretary and Staf...
NAIROBI-Uganda has taken a front-row seat in shaping the future of environmental conservation and c...
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment; Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi represented...
FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION (FLR) IMPLEMENTATION HUB PROJECT LAUNCHEDThe Permanent Secretary launch...
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.
The Joint Water and Environment Sector Support Programme (JWESSP) was a comprehensive and strategic initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Water and Environment, spanning from 2013 to 2018. This programme represented a significant step towards achieving sustainable management of Uganda’s water and environmental resources, contributing directly to the country’s national development goals, including poverty eradication, improved health, and socio-economic transformation. JWESSP was designed as a sector-wide approach, fostering strong collaboration among government entities, development partners, and local communities to deliver integrated water and environmental services across the nation.Key Objectives and Achievements:JWESSP focused on several critical areas, yielding substantial positive impacts across the water and environment sector:Improved Access to Safe Water: The programme significantly contributed to increasing access to safe and clean water sources in both rural and urban areas. This involved the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes, protected springs, piped water systems, and rainwater harvesting facilities, directly improving the health and well-being of millions of Ugandans.Achieved an increase in national safe water coverage.Reduced incidence of waterborne diseases in targeted communities.Example Achievement: Construction of [Number] new boreholes in [Specific Regions/Districts].Enhanced Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion: Complementing water supply efforts, JWESSP invested heavily in promoting improved sanitation and hygiene practices. This included the construction of improved latrines in schools and public places, and extensive community sensitization campaigns on sanitation ladder principles, handwashing, and safe waste disposal.Increased household latrine coverage and improved hygiene behaviors.Improved sanitation facilities in hundreds of schools.Example Achievement: Over [Number] communities declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.Sustainable Water Resources Management: A core component of JWESSP was strengthening the sustainable management of Uganda’s vital water resources. This involved developing and implementing Catchment Management Plans, monitoring water quality and quantity, and strengthening regulatory frameworks for water abstraction and pollution control.Establishment and operationalization of [Number] Water Management Zones/Catchment Management Organizations.Improved data collection and analysis for informed water resource planning.Example Achievement: Development of the [Specific Catchment Name] Catchment Management Plan.Environmental Management and Restoration: The programme made significant strides in environmental protection, conservation, and restoration. This included initiatives in wetland restoration, sustainable land management practices, afforestation and re-afforestation efforts, and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.Rehabilitation of [Number] hectares of degraded wetlands.Tree planting campaigns across various districts.Example Achievement: Development of [Specific Policy/Guideline] for sustainable environmental management.Strengthened Sector Coordination and Capacity Building: JWESSP played a crucial role in enhancing the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Water and Environment and local governments. This involved training staff, improving planning and monitoring systems, and fostering better coordination among all sector stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.Improved inter-agency collaboration within the water and environment sector.Enhanced technical skills of MWE staff and local government officials.Example Achievement: Development of the [Specific Reporting System/Framework] for sector performance monitoring.Impact and Legacy: The JWESSP significantly contributed to the achievements outlined in Uganda’s National Development Plans during its operational period. Its integrated approach led to more holistic and sustainable interventions in water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental management. The programme laid a robust foundation for subsequent sector interventions and policies, leaving a lasting legacy of improved infrastructure, strengthened capacity, and a heightened awareness of sustainable water and environmental resource management among Ugandans. The lessons learned from JWESSP continue to inform ongoing and future projects within the Ministry of Water and Environment, ensuring a continuous commitment to a water-secure and environmentally sustainable Uganda.
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SPGS IIIThe Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III (SPGS III) is a critical ongoing initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aimed at significantly expanding and promoting commercial tree planting across Uganda. Building upon the successes of its preceding phases, SPGS III is designed to meet the growing demand for timber and wood products, enhance sustainable forest management, mitigate climate change impacts, and provide long-term economic benefits to private individuals, communities, and large-scale investors involved in commercial forestry. This phase emphasizes sustainable practices, improved forest health, and equitable benefits within the forestry sector.Key Objectives of the Project:SPGS III is structured around several strategic objectives designed to foster a robust and sustainable commercial forestry sector in Uganda:Increased Commercial Sawlog Production: To significantly expand the area under commercial tree plantations by providing grants and technical support to private forest growers. This aims to ensure a sustainable supply of sawlogs and other wood products for both domestic and industrial use.Expected Activities: Providing financial grants for land preparation, seedling procurement, planting, and silvicultural operations; promoting improved tree species and planting techniques.Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management Practices: To encourage the adoption of environmentally sound and socially responsible forestry practices among grant beneficiaries. This includes promoting biodiversity conservation within plantations and ensuring sustainable harvesting methods.Expected Activities: Training and technical assistance on sustainable harvesting, fire management, pest and disease control; promoting agroforestry and restoration of degraded forest lands where appropriate.Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: To contribute to national and global efforts in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in new and existing plantations. The project also enhances the resilience of landscapes against climate-related shocks.Expected Activities: Monitoring carbon sequestration potential of established plantations; promoting climate-resilient tree species and diversified forestry systems.Livelihood Improvement and Economic Empowerment: To create employment opportunities, enhance household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth through investments in commercial forestry. The project targets various scales of growers, including smallholder farmers and larger commercial entities.Expected Activities: Facilitating market linkages for timber and wood products; providing business development support to forest growers; promoting value addition within the forestry value chain.Strengthened Institutional Capacity and Regulatory Framework: To enhance the capacity of relevant institutions, including the National Forestry Authority and district local governments, in supporting and regulating the commercial forestry sector. This ensures efficient project implementation and sustainable sector growth.Expected Activities: Providing training and resources for forest extension workers; strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems for forest plantations; reviewing and developing supportive forestry policies.Project Scope Description:The Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III involves the provision of financial grants and technical assistance to eligible private landowners, smallholder farmers, communities, and commercial entities for establishing and maintaining commercial tree plantations. The project encompasses a broad geographical scope across various regions of Uganda suitable for commercial forestry. Key activities include:Grant Disbursement: Providing phased financial grants to growers for specified forestry activities, ensuring adherence to environmental and social safeguards.Technical Support: Offering expert advice and training on nursery management, site preparation, planting techniques, species selection, silviculture, pest and disease management, and sustainable harvesting.Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of plantation establishment and growth to ensure compliance with scheme guidelines and to track environmental and socio-economic impacts.Research and Development: Supporting adaptive research on tree genetics, silvicultural practices, and wood processing technologies to enhance productivity and value.SPGS III represents a significant commitment by the Government of Uganda to transform the forestry sector into a key driver of economic development and environmental sustainability.
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ICRPProject OverviewThe Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP) aims to support the shift towards more resilient agriculture through the development of sustainable irrigation services. Access to irrigation is critical to allow farmers coping with climate variability, to increase yield and intensification, and diversify towards higher value crops. The project will address Uganda’s climate change vulnerabilities by: (i) promoting adoption of irrigation by smallholder farmers, in synergy with other agriculture inputs and technologies; (ii) increasing water storage capacity; and (iii) promoting sustainable catchment management. This change will be market-driven, with irrigation becoming the anchor for stronger producer organizations and development of value chains.The project is implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) as technical implementation partner.Project Development ObjectivesTo provide farmers with access to irrigation and other agricultural services, and to establish management arrangements for irrigation service delivery.
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.
The Joint Water and Environment Sector Support Programme (JWESSP) was a comprehe...
SPGS IIIThe Sawlog Production Grant Scheme Phase III (SPGS III) is a critical on...
ICRPProject OverviewThe Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP) aims to...
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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