Frequently Asked Questions

All major users (either for the abstraction of water or discharge of wastewater) are required to apply for permits under the Water Act Cap.152 of the Laws of Uganda 2000. Thus, the following categories of users require permits:

1. Surface Water Abstraction Permit for using a motorized or a powered pump to abstract water or for diverting or impounding inflow of more than 400 cubic metres of water in a day from any surface water body (stream, river or lake).
2. Groundwater Abstraction Permit for using a motorized or a powered pump to abstract water from a groundwater source (borehole, well or spring).
3. Construction Permit for constructing or operating any works for impounding, damming, diverting or conveying any surface water or Hydraulic Works requires a permit.
4. Wastewater Discharge Permit for causing or allowing any wastewater to come into contact with any water body or a piece of land as per the National Environment (Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water or Land) Regulations, 2020.
5. Drilling Permit for those in the business of drilling wells for water supply in any part of Uganda.
6. Easement Certificate for accessing a water body for either abstraction of water discharge of pre-treated wastewater through land where a neighbor has objected to such access.

Type of Permit 
Surface Water Abstraction Permit - 50,000
Ground Water Abstraction permit - 50,000
Drilling Permit - 500,000
Construction Permit - 500,000
Waste Water Discharge Permit - 650,000

Permit processing is within the stipulated 90 days of receipt of the application with all the required attachments.

Water permit fees are paid to any bank in Uganda using a Payment Registration Slip (PRS) or invoice which is generated from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) portal by the Data Assistant and shared with a permit applicant.

According to the Water Resources Regulations, 1998 the annual fees charged depending on the amount of water being used

(a) Taking and using water in the range of 1 and 400 m3/day -            200,000 Ugx

(b) Taking and using water in the range of more than 400 but less than 1,000 m3/day -          1,000,000 Ugx

(c) Taking and using water of above 1000 m3/day and above            -                       3,000,000 Ugx

Annual fees for operating any works which impound water for non-consumptive use

(a) Hydro Power in the range of 10-50 Mega Watts              -            1,000,000 Ugx

(b) Hydro Power in the range of 50-100 Mega Watts            -            5,000,000 Ugx

(c) Hydropower of over 100 Mega Watts                   -                       20,000,000 Ugx

According to the Water (waste discharge) Regulations, 1998 the annual fees charged are as follows.

Annual monitoring fee on Wastewater discharge permits

Wastewater discharge permit holders pay for the regulator’s on-spot checks -                  650,000 Ugx

Annual Charges levied depending on BOD loading are as follows:

(a) BOD5 loading (in 1000Kg Oxygen per a year) of between 100 and 400 -     500,000 Ugx

(b) BOD5 loading (in1000 Kg Oxygen per year) of between 400 and 600 -     1,000,000 Ugx

(c) BOD5 loading (in 1000 Kg Oxygen per year) of between 600 and 1800 -   2,500,000 Ugx

(d) BOD5 loading (in 1000 Kg Oxygen per year) of between 1800 and 3000 -        5,000,000 Ugx

(e) BOD5 loading (in 1000 Kg Oxygen per year) of between 3000 and 3800 -        7,500,000 Ugx

(e) BOD5 loading (in 1000 Kg Oxygen per year) of between 3800 and 5200 -        10,000,000 Ugx

(f) BOD5 loading (in 1000 Kg Oxygen per year) of 5200 and over             -           13,000,000 Ugx

Types of Permits 
Surface Water Abstraction Permit - 450,000
Ground Water Abstraction permit - 450,000
Drilling Permit - 500,000
Construction Permit - 500,000
Waste Water Discharge Permit - 650,000
Easement Certificate - 100,000

During the tenure of any water abstraction permit or wastewater discharge permit, a holder of a permit pays annual fees as stated in the permit conditions for the following reasons.

Annual Wastewater discharge charges are for:

1. Providing incentives for the protection of the environment and the minimization of wasting
2. Influencing the user’s habits regarding the consumption and use of water.
3. Encouraging the reduction of the concentration of pollutants in discharged wastewater and thus enhancing Environmental conservation.
4. Funding of compliance monitoring activities

Annual Water Abstraction charges are for:

1. Providing incentives for sustainable use of water
2. Influencing the user’s habits regarding the consumption.
3. Encouraging efficient use of water Funding of compliance monitoring activities
4. Funding of compliance monitoring activities

FIEFOC 2 is an acronym, which stands for Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry Conservation Programme – Project 2. It is a public sector investment that seeks to consolidate and expand notable achievements of FIEFOC 1 that ended in December 2012. It complements other existing agricultural production and natural resources management programmes. It was designed within the context of the Government of Uganda’s second National Development Plan (NDP II) and the long-term development strategy, the Vision 2040 both of which promote agricultural infrastructure and income enhancement.

The project was initially designed as a five–year project , starting from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2021 for the AfDB supported component (agricultural infrastructure development), and from 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2021 for the NDF supported components (agribusiness component and integrated natural resources management component). However, following the impact of Covid 19 pandemic and extensive flood in Kasese District, Oyam District and Butaleja District that affected Mubuku II irrigation scheme; Tochi irrigation scheme; and Doho II irrigation scheme; the Bank decided to grant FIEFOC 2 “No Cost Extension” from July 2021 to December 2022, and later to December 2024.

The overall objective of FIEFOC 2 is to improve farm incomes, rural livelihoods, food security and climate resilience through sustainable natural resources management and agricultural enterprise development. The project also aims to create employment opportunities for the youth through commercialization of agriculture, including post-harvest handling and marketing.

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.

The project is implemented in five districts, where the irrigation schemes are located. These include Mubuku II irrigation scheme (480 hectares) in Kasese district, Doho II irrigation scheme (1226 hectares) in Butaleja district, Tochi irrigation scheme (500 hectares) in Oyam district, Ngenge irrigation scheme (880 hectares) in Kween district, and Wadelai irrigation scheme (1000 hectares) in Pakwach district. The project is also implemented in 40 districts, which form part of the irrigation scheme catchment areas.

The project consists of four major components: Agriculture Infrastructure Development (AID), Agribusiness Development (ABD), Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM), and National Project Coordination Unit (NPCU).

Water is a critical element for irrigation. The water source for Mubuku II irrigation scheme (Kasese District) is River Nyamwamba and for Doho II irrigation scheme (Butaleja District) is River Manafwa. While Ngenge irrigation scheme (Kween District) are rivers: Kabajiria and Ngenge; for Wadelai irrigation scheme (Pakwach District) is River Ora, and Tochi irrigation scheme (Oyam District) is feed by River Tochi.

·      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.

The project beneficiaries are farmers, including youth and women located within the five irrigation catchment. The overall target population is 8,554, 049 of which 51 per cent are women.

Stakeholders can reach the department through official ministry communication channels — via the Ministry’s headquarters, designated regional liaison officers, or through online portals such as ministry website and WEMIS(wemis.mwe.go.ug) for reporting and information exchange.

The funders of FIEFOC 2 are the African Development Bank (AfDB), Nordic Development Bank (NDF) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) with a total project cost of USD 108.3 million.

It acts as the primary contact point for donor coordination, ensuring that all partner-funded projects align with national priorities. The department organizes partner coordination meetings and facilitates joint planning to avoid duplication of efforts.

Yes, the Forestry Department charges for technical advisory services. While basic advice is offered free of charge to farmers within CFRs, more detailed services — such as creating management plans, establishing nurseries, conducting silvicultural operations, and providing financial analysis and projections—are available for a reasonable fee. These services are managed by the Private Forestry Promotion Unit, which supports the Forestry Department’s mandate of supplying high-quality forestry products and services to both the public and private sectors.

At the apex, FIEFOC 2 is managed through a multi-sectoral Project Steering Committee (PSC) that provides policy oversight, reviews and approves annual work plans and budgets, and ensures adherence to relevant strategies established by the Government of Uganda. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) chairs the National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) meeting, which draws its membership from the Permanent Secretaries or Representatives of MAAIF; Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD); Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED); Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives (MoTC); Ministry of Local governments (MoLG); National Environment Management Authority (NEMA); Uganda National Farmers’ Federation (UNFFE), and Chief Administrative Officers of the six districts of Oyam, Nebbi, Kween, Butaleja, Kasese and Pakwach. The Committee meets every quarter to review progress of the project implementation and perform other functions as deemed necessary by its mandate.

The day –to – day coordination and management of the project is undertaken through the National Project Coordination Unit (NPCU) with support from the project components and District Technical Support Teams (DTST). The DTST supports implementation and technical supervision of the Project, including sensitization of farmers, training and monitoring and evaluation in the respective Local Governments. Each District has designated a Project Support Officer (PSO) among its staff, who heads the DTST composed of the District Engineer, District Forestry Officer (DFO), District Water Officer (DWO), District Agricultural Officer (DAO), District Natural Resources Officer (DNRO), District Production Officer (DPO), District Commercial Officer (DCO), and Community Development Officer (CDO). FIEFOC 2 also receives technical support from the development partners – especially on matters of project implementation, procurement and financial management.

• Coordinates 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).

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

• Spearheads 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.

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

• 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.

• Maintains 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.

• Provides 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.

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

• Coordinates 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).

• Implements and supports cross-cutting “software” activities, including gender and HIV/AIDs mainstreaming, community management, and environmental and social safeguards.

• Actively participates in the formulation and periodic review of policies for the Water and Environment Sector.

Multi-stakeholder forums that bring together government entities, civil society, and development partners to harmonize priorities and share progress updates.

Water Atlas, Databases and Information Systems including Water and Environment Management Information System which shares data to support the implementation of cross cutting issues and identify gaps in the Ministry performance indicators for action.  The other tools it uses are the Sector Strategic Investment Plan, Sector Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) to ensure harmonized approach to sector growth initiatives. These systems enhance transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

It ensures formulation of the Sector Performance Measurement Framework, water atlas and facilitates open data access through the 24/7 management information system, and encourages public participation in planning and monitoring of water and environment services. The department also supports anti-corruption and compliance initiatives

• Inconsistent data submission from districts.

• Limited ICT and internet infrastructure.

• Delayed communication across administrative levels.

• Inadequate funding for departmental activities.

• Overlaps on mandates among sector actors.

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) was a government agency established under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (NFTPA) of 2003. Its mandate was to manage Uganda’s Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) — forests owned by the central government — on behalf of the government and the people of Uganda.

Following Government’s rationalisation of agencies, the NFA’s functions are now carried out by the Forestry Department under the Ministry of Water and Environment. The Central Forest Reserves continue to be managed, and the services previously provided by the NFA continue to be available, through the Department.

The core mandate — managing Central Forest Reserves and supplying quality forestry products and services to the public and private sectors — continues under the Forestry Department.

Section 54 of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003 set out the specific functions of the National Forestry Authority. Following rationalisation, these functions are discharged by the Forestry Department within the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Transferring land allocated for tree planting is not allowed. However, you may cancel your license and transfer your planted trees to another party, provided the new party agrees to the same conditions.

The the Forestry Department is working to prevent encroachment and degradation in CFRs. It is also encouraging private investment in afforestation by offering land at minimal fees and promoting tree planting nationwide. the Forestry Department provides quality tree seeds and seedlings at affordable prices and offers technical support for nursery and plantation management.

The project activities are in line with the Gender Policy Brief for Uganda’s Agricultural Sector 2012, the Uganda Forestry Policy, the Uganda Climate Change Policy and the Ministry of Gender’s revised Gender Policy 2007

The Water and Environment Sector Liaison Department provides centralized coordination, strategic resource mobilization, and integrated data management for the Water and Environment Sector. It also harmonizes and synchronizes cross-cutting projects and programmes that span the internal departments and deconcentrated structures of the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), as well as its various semi-autonomous agencies. Furthermore, WESLD develops and maintains a 24/7 Management Information System and a comprehensive national atlas of water and sanitation facilities, while ensuring gender-responsive management, and the socially-inclusive utilization of Uganda’s water and environment resources.

It provides technical guidance, and facilitates capacity-building initiatives in mapping, data management, GIS utilization. It monitors and coordinates the implementation of environment and social safeguards and ensures that districts adhere to national reporting and monitoring frameworks. The department also helps districts communicate challenges and coordinate with central government agencies for support.

Stakeholders can reach the department through the Ministry of Water and Environment headquarters or regional offices.
Contact details:

• Ministry of Water and Environment

• Website: mwe.go.ug

·         Office Location: Head quarter in Luzira, Kampala

Under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act of 2003, responsibility for managing Central Forest Reserves rested with the National Forestry Authority. Following rationalisation, these functions are carried out by the Forestry Department within the Ministry of Water and Environment.

District Forestry Services are responsible for managing local government forests, community forests, and forests on private land within their respective jurisdictions. The Forestry Inspection Division, now known as the Forestry Management Department (FMD), provides support to both.

While the Forestry Department is responsible for managing CFRs, it can assist local governments in managing Local Forest Reserves (LFRs) through a fee-based arrangement. This assistance can include services such as mapping, seedling provision, and technical support.

The the Forestry Department is working to demarcate riverbanks as required by environmental statutes. For lakeshores, a 200-meter strip of natural vegetation is left intact. Where vegetation has been removed, indigenous species are being replanted. For larger rivers, a 100-meter buffer zone is maintained, and for smaller ones, a 50-meter zone is recommended.

Yes, additional land can be allocated if available, and the applicant has demonstrated progress in tree planting. However, if there are many qualified applicants, the allocation process is competitive and fair.

Eucalyptus:

Construction Poles: 2-4 years

Transmission Poles: 11-13 years

Timber: 15 years

Pine Timber: 20 years

Following Government’s rationalisation of agencies, the National Forestry Authority’s functions have been brought under the Forestry Department in the Ministry of Water and Environment. Services previously obtained from the NFA — including tree seeds and seedlings, technical advisory services, licences and permits for Central Forest Reserves — are now handled by the Department. Information and documents previously published on the NFA website are available on this site.

There are currently 506 CFRs in Uganda, located across various regions of the country. These reserves account for approximately 15% of Uganda’s total forest cover, with the remaining 85% owned by local governments, private individuals, and institutions.

Forest Reserves serve several important purposes, including water catchment protection, preserving biodiversity, and providing timber and non-timber forest products. Forests also help combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and contribute to tourism, boosting national revenue.

The forest reserves were established to represent a significant portion of the country’s landscape. During colonial times, the government negotiated with various kingdoms to designate parts of their land as forest reserves. For example, Buganda offered 8% of its land. This contributed to the present-day forest cover in Uganda.

A Forest Reserve is a designated area of land, reserved by Act of Parliament, for developing forests or tree-growing activities. It can either be a forested area or an open land designated for future forest development.

A Forest is an area covered predominantly by trees, forming an ecosystem in balance with the surrounding environment.

Yes, forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide as they grow. About half of the dry weight of wood is carbon, which is stored in the tree’s tissues. When forests are cut, the carbon stored in the trees is released, contributing to global warming.

Yes, some areas of land within CFRs may be grasslands or woodlands. These are often designated for environmental protection, water catchment, or biodiversity conservation, and may also be used for non-timber forest products and services such as ecotourism. Not all CFRs are densely forested, and some may be in the process of reforestation.

While trees take time to mature (some species up to 20 years), they are still a valuable investment for the following reasons:

Planting trees contributes to environmental sustainability and is personally fulfilling, much like owning livestock.

Trees offer high returns on investment (over 14% in Uganda).

They provide social security benefits, such as supporting education or retirement needs.

Once established, they require minimal investment but yield high returns.

This depends on the assessment by Forestry Department field staff. If you have a good track record of responsible land use and have not engaged in illegal activities (such as grazing or farming) in the CFR, you may be allowed to plant close to the boundary. However, if there are concerns about misuse of the land, the Forestry Department may suggest an alternative location.

It is recommended to plant trees a distance equal to the mature height of the species being planted, ensuring that even during harvesting, the trees fall within your own land.

The permit fee acts as a regulatory mechanism to prevent individuals from under-pricing their competitors in the market. If the harvested timber is for personal use, no fee is necessary.

The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act No. 8, 2003, prohibits activities on land reserved as Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) without authorization. If prohibited activities, such as illegal pit sawing or charcoal burning, are detected, the timber or charcoal is impounded, and other legal actions are taken. These measures include fining the owners of vehicles or vessels caught transporting illegal forest produce, as well as prosecuting individuals in court. Illegal settlers on forest land are evicted and may also face legal action.

Unless specified by the Minister, any tree that is not located in a CFR is regulated by the District Forest Officer (DFO) or another person authorized by the Minister. In the case of the Forestry Department, its Law Enforcement Unit is responsible. On request, the Forestry Department also offers advisory services to private tree-planters on sustainable forestry practices. However, permission is not typically required before cutting trees, unless specified otherwise.

In 2004, the Minister responsible for Water, Lands and Environment issued a statutory instrument declaring chainsaw use as contraband. This decision was widely publicized in the press, and it remains the legal basis for enforcement interventions today. The details of this instrument are available on request.

Yes, only the Minister for Water and Environment has the exclusive discretion to grant permission for chainsaw use. Any individual seeking clearance must provide valid reasons for their request.

The Tree Planting License grants you the authority to prevent such activities. Section 32 of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act requires that all activities in a CFR must be licensed and comply with the Forest Management Plan. Any unauthorized activities, including grazing or crop cultivation, are illegal. Offenders should be prosecuted, and in volatile situations, the Forestry Department’s field staff and law enforcement can assist. Allowing illegal activities on your plot may lead to the cancellation of your license. It is important to protect your land from encroachers. Fencing off forest land can be permitted in exceptional circumstances with prior approval from the Forestry Department.

Proper land-use planning and conservation practices dictate that CFRs should not be used for purposes other than conservation or non-destructive ventures like tourism and beekeeping. Forest land is typically not fertile for crops, as most nutrients are absorbed by the trees. Moreover, trees have long-term environmental benefits, such as mitigating climate change, that crops cannot replicate.

CFRs are held in trust for the people of Uganda by the government through the Forestry Department. They are public resources meant to be accessible to all Ugandans. The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (Section 5, 2003) empowers individuals and organizations to take legal action against those whose actions threaten the forests. Protection of CFRs is a collective responsibility, and fencing alone would not effectively prevent encroachment. The the Forestry Department employs other, more efficient means of forest protection, considering both the costs of fencing and its limited ability to stop illegal activities entirely.

Yes, you can purchase the timber by participating in an auction when it is held.

Timber:

Pine: 1,100 seedlings (spacing of 3×3 meters)

Eucalyptus: 1,100 seedlings (spacing of 3×3 meters)

Musizi: 625 seedlings

Poles (Eucalyptus): 1,600 seedlings (spacing of 2.5×2.5 meters).

Maesopsis: 900 seedlings

Eucalyptus: 100,000 seedlings

Pine: 30,000 seedlings

The cost ranges from 1.7 million to 2.1 million UGX.

Poles (Eucalyptus): 1.5 million UGX

Timber (Eucalyptus): 23 million UGX

Timber (Pine): 19.5 million UGX

Approximately 28 million tonnes of biomass are used to produce energy.