Strengthening Rural Water and Sanitation Services in Uganda

Department Mandate

Providing overall technical oversight for the planning, implementation, and supervision of the delivery of urban, rural water and sanitation services, and water for production across the country; Regulation of provision of water supply and sanitation; and
Provision of capacity development and other support services to Local Governments, Private Operators, and other service providers.

The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department (RWSSD), under the Directorate of Water Development in the Ministry of Water and Environment, is responsible for ensuring access to safe water and sanitation services in rural Uganda. The department coordinates the use of the District Water and Sanitation Conditional Grant (DWSCG) by District Local Governments to support the planning and implementation of water supply projects such as large gravity flow schemes, motorized piped systems, and solar-powered mini-piped water systems. It promotes appropriate technologies and sanitation practices suited to rural settings. RWSSD has developed key documents like the Grant Budget and Implementation Guidelines, the Operational Manual for Area Service Providers (ASP), and the Water Supply Services Boards (WSSB) Manual to guide effective service delivery. Additionally, the National Framework for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Rural Water Infrastructure, developed with support from the Royal Danish Embassy and UNICEF, provides standards for sustaining rural water systems. These efforts target both scattered rural communities (up to 1,500 people) and Rural Growth Centres (1,500–5,000 people), aiming to improve health, hygiene, and livelihoods across Uganda’s rural areas.