Official Website of the Ministry of Water and Environment
Official Website of the Ministry of Water and Environment
Ensure that policies for sound water use planning, allocation and
regulation, and water conservation are continuously developed and implemented.
Recently, the Ministry launched the Mpanga Catchment Conservation Project to strengthen ecosystem resilience and ensure sustainable water availability in the region. With water resources identified as vital to Uganda’s development, the department supports key sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, hydropower, industry, navigation, mining, oil production, and tourism. It spearheads initiatives like the National Water Resources Strategy and the Water Security Action and Investment Plan for the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area to ensure water security and equitable access across regions. The department is also responsible for overseeing and regulating activities through clear procedures and guidelines, including issuing water abstraction, wastewater discharge, and construction permits, as well as maintaining transparency through published fees and charges. In addition, it enforces compliance by licensing borehole drilling companies, ensuring that all operators hold valid annual drilling permits before commencing activities. This holistic approach to planning and regulation is vital for maintaining water quality, enhancing access, and promoting sustainable utilization of Uganda’s water resources.
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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:
a. 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).
b. Groundwater Abstraction Permit for using a motorized or a powered pump to abstract water from a groundwater source (borehole, well or spring).
c. Construction Permit for constructing or operating any works for impounding, damming, diverting or conveying any surface water or Hydraulic Works requires a permit.
d. 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.
e. Drilling Permit for those in the business of drilling wells for water supply in any part of Uganda.
f. 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.
