The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) represents a pivotal moment in the global response to climate change

The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) developed and rolled out the Water and Environment Information System (WEIS) to streamline the collection, analysis and dissemination of water and environmental data, information and knowledge products; and to improve data-driven decision making. The WEIS consolidates data from various departments of MWE and integrates with other Ministry, Departments and Agencies of government for data verification and collaborations. In this regard, MWE is publishing the WEIS Beacon, a quarterly information bulletin to improve the awareness, visibility, adoption and usage of the system.

Unlocking Economic Growth through Water and Environmental Sustainability: Prof. Edward Bbaale’s Keynote on Global Challenges and Solutions. Speaking at the 8th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) 2025 under the Ministry of Water and Environment, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD Makerere Centre at Makerere University, noted the critical relationship between water, environmental resources, and economic prosperity. He emphasized that water and environmental resources are not just vital for human survival but are also engines for economic growth. However, he pointed out the paradox of widespread inequality in access to these resources, despite their abundance, and highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue for the future well-being of humanity.

Addressing the Interconnected Crises of Water, and Climate Change In a thought-provoking keynote address, Dr. Daniel Ddiba, a Research Fellow at SEI-Stockholm, shed light on the critical intersection between water, sanitation, and climate change during a recent presentation. The keynote, titled “Water and Environment for Climate Action,” outlined the deep linkages between these sectors and highlighted the urgent need for integrated approaches to tackle the growing climate crisis. Dr. Ddiba began by discussing the profound effects of climate change on the global water cycle, explaining how shifts in precipitation patterns and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are destabilizing water availability. He pointed out that these disruptions not only affect access to clean water b

A crucial foundation for a peaceful and sustainable future lies in water and environmental management, yet significant challenges persist. On the second day of the Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) 2025, a keynote presentation shed light on several pressing issues, including water scarcity driven by heightened competition among various user groups such as farmers, pastoralists, urban water supply, and industries. Other concerns included land degradation due to overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable farming practices; unequal access to resources; weak governance and institutional frameworks; limited human resources; poorly enforced water permits; climate change; social and political factors; poverty and inequality; and rapid population growth.

UWEWK 2025: A Hub for Advocacy, Policy, and Knowledge Sharing: UWEWK has become a flagship platform for advocacy, policy influence, and knowledge sharing, bringing together government leaders, cultural institutions, academia, and development partners. This year’s theme, “Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods,” aims to generate practical solutions for Uganda’s environmental challenges.

The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the water and environment sector in general is increasingly prioritizing governance activities through its Good Governance Working Group. This year, the sector has prioritized the development of a good governance indicator to be used in measuring and monitoring of processes the sector undergoes in service delivery.