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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

·      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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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

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