MWE Headquarters

Water and Environment Sector Liaison

Eng. Ivan Birungi

Eng. Ivan Birungi

Assistant Commissioner

KEY MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER- WESLD

Welcome to the Water and Environment Sector Liaison Department (WESLD). As the central coordinating hub for Uganda’s water and environment sector, our mandate is to harmonize efforts across the Ministry’s internal departments, deconcentrated structures, and sector semi-autonomous agencies: NWSC, NEMA, and NFA. By serving as a bridge between high-level policy and field implementation, we ensure that every initiative is strategically aligned towards achieving sector goals. We also coordinate resource mobilization through development of the Sector Resource Mobilization Strategy. Our concerted efforts aim to drive the sustainable development of Uganda’s natural assets. To guide this growth, WESLD leads the development of the Strategic Sector Strategic Investment Plan (SSIP), providing a clear roadmap for prioritized investments that maximize impact across the entire sector.

To ensure transparency and excellence, WESLD spearheads the development of the Sector Performance Measurement Framework. This framework allows us to track progress and ensure sector goals are met with efficiency. This commitment to precision is mirrored in our digital transformation efforts; we maintain a 24/7 Management Information System (MIS) and a comprehensive national digital atlas of all water and sanitation facilities. By providing technical assistance in Geographical Information Systems and Data Management to District Local Governments and Urban Councils, we empower local leaders to contribute to a unified, data-driven national vision.

Ultimately, our work is defined by its impact on the citizens of Uganda. WESLD is steadfast in its commitment to socially-inclusive and gender-responsive resource management. We coordinate the implementation of environmental and social safeguards, including gender and HIV/AIDS mainstreaming, into the Ministry’s operations. By collaborating with over 150 water-and-sanitation civil society organizations through the Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network (UWASNET) and our valued Sector Development Partners, we strive to build a resilient sector. Together with rest of the MWE departments, we are securing a sustainable, equitable, and well-managed water and environment sector for all Ugandans.

Eng. Ivan Birungi

Assistant Commissioner

Water and Environment Sector Liaison Department

Function

Mandate

The Mandate of the Water and Environment Sector Liaison Department (WESLD) is to provide centralized strategic and integrated coordination across the Ministry, its semi-autonomous agencies, and development partners, to ensure a harmonized approach to sector growth. WESLD is responsible for spearheading strategic investment planning, establishing the performance measurement framework, and maintaining the national water atlas and Management Information System. By driving evidence-based decision-making and mainstreaming gender, HIV/AIDS, social and environmental safeguards, the department ensures the transparent, inclusive, and sustainable management of Uganda’s water and environment resources.

About

Objectives of the Department

  •  Integrated Projects and Programme Coordination: Coordination of water and sanitation projects and programmes that span Ministry of Water and Environment departments, deconcentrated structures, and sector semi-autonomous agencies (NWSC, NEMA, and NFA).

  • Strategic Resource Mobilization: Lead resource mobilization for the Ministry through formulation and implementation of a comprehensive Sector Resource Mobilization Strategy.

  • Sector Strategic Investment Planning: Spearhead the formulation and periodic update of the Sector Strategic Investment Plan (SSIP) to provide a coordinated roadmap for prioritizing capital investments across the water and environment sector.

  • Performance Measurement and Evaluation: Develop a robust Sector Performance Measurement Framework to establish standardized indicators, track progress against national and international targets, to enhance accountability across all sector players.

  • Digital Infrastructure Mapping: Develop and maintain an up-to-date national atlas of all water supply infrastructure, including piped and point-water sources, and sanitation facilities—across the country.

  • Data Systems Management: Maintain a functional 24/7 Management Information System (MIS) with robust protocols for the collection, storage, retrieval, analysis, and dissemination of data on all water sources nationwide.

  • Technical Support: Provide technical assistance to District Local Governments and Urban Councils in Geographical Information System (GIS) utilization, and data analysis to ensure seamless integration into the central MIS.

  • Institutional Strengthening: Deliver capacity building and infrastructure development support at the central, regional and local government levels, specifically targeting data management and mapping capabilities.

  • Stakeholder and Partner Liaison: Coordinate support from Sector Development Partners and provide capacity development to over 150 Water Sector NGOs through their umbrella organization –Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network (UWASNET).

  • Social and Environmental Safeguards: Implement and support cross-cutting “software” activities, including gender and HIV/AIDs mainstreaming, community management, and environmental and social safeguards.

  • Policy Governance: Actively participate in the formulation and periodic review of policies for the Water and Environment Sector.

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