A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, held a meeting today with His Majesty Rukirabasaija Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, the King of Tooro.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the strategic partnership between MWE and Tooro Kingdom while enhancing the visibility of MWE's interventions in water resources management, sanitation, and environmental protection across the region.
These initiatives directly align with national development priorities under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and global commitments, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), alongside broader SDGs including SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
The delegation included Ag. Commissioner for Planning, Investment, M&E , Statistics (PIMS) Mr. Masaba Andrew and Dr. Eng. Frank Kweronda (Ag. Commissioner for Water Utility Regulations, MWE), the Team Leader of the Albert Water Management Zone (AWMZ), the Manager of Regional Water and Sanitation Centre 5 (RWSRC-5), the Manager of the Water and Sanitation Development Facility-Mid West (WSDF-MW), and other technical staff from regional offices. Also in attendance were the Country Director of IRC Uganda and the Executive Director of the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET).
In his remarks, Dr. Okot Okidi commended Tooro Kingdom for its robust partnership with MWE, highlighting that the Ministry actively collaborates with cultural institutions through formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), with Tooro Kingdom being a key partner. He raised concern over the severe degradation of River Mpanga - a crucial lifeline for the region - and referenced the River Mpanga Catchment Management Plan (CMP) developed in 2015 to guide targeted restoration efforts.
Addressing regional service delivery, the Permanent Secretary noted that safe water coverage in Tooro Kingdom currently stands at 69%, which is below the national average. Disparities range from Kyegegwa District at 46% to Kamwenge District at 84%.
To address these gaps in line with NDP IV infrastructure goals and SDG 6 targets, he announced the upcoming Kyegegwa-Mpara-Ruyonza Water Supply System project, which will serve 154 villages across Kyegegwa and surrounding areas.
Dr. Okidi further expressed concern over escalating wetland degradation and deforestation in critical ecosystems such as the Kibale Forest Reserve.
To demonstrate practical solutions, he requested His Majesty to allocate a portion of land to serve as a demonstration site for sustainable wetland management through controlled irrigation and fish farming - an initiative that bridges environmental conservation with sustainable livelihoods (SDG 1 - No Poverty and SDG 2 - Zero Hunger).
In his remarks, His Majesty King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I emphasized that access to clean water and sanitation is fundamental to community health, dignity, and economic survival.
He noted that in Tooro kingdom, climate-resilient WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) is not merely a development issue, but an integral part of the Kingdom's heritage and culture.
His Majesty reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging his leadership to advocate for the protection of River Mpanga, mobilize his subjects against plastic pollution and waste dumping in water bodies, and work closely with MWE to safeguard water resources for future generations.
The Ministry delegation extended sincere gratitude to His Majesty for the warm reception and his unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable water management and environmental protection in Tooro Kingdom.