Publications

BACKGROUND The Government of Uganda (GOU) represented by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the implementation of the Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP). The project development objective (PDO) is to provide farmers in the project areas with access to irrigation and other agricultural services, and to establish Operation and Maintenance arrangements for irrigation service delivery. The 6- year project will be implemented by MWE with the Ministry of Agriculture Industry and Animal Fisheries (MAAIF) as the Technical Implementation Partner.

BACKGROUND

The Government of Uganda (GOU) represented by the Ministry of Water and Environment
(MWE) has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the implementation of
the Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP). The project development objective (PDO) is
to provide farmers in the project areas with access to irrigation and other agricultural services,
and to establish Operation and Maintenance arrangements for irrigation service delivery. The 6-
year project will be implemented by MWE with the Ministry of Agriculture Industry and Animal
Fisheries (MAAIF) as the Technical Implementation Partner.

Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) – Uganda; is a Government Ministry
responsible for managing and sustainably utilizing water and environmental resources. Its
vision is to ensure the sound management and sustainable use of water and environment
for the betterment of Ugandans. The Ministry is headed by the Minister of Water and
Environment.
The Ministry's core values include ensuring transparency and accountability in its
operations, as well as addressing social and gender-related issues in its projects. The
Ministry is also committed to resolving disputes related to environmental and social risks
and gender considerations.
The Ministry of Water and Environment is structured into three main directorates: the
Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM), the Directorate of Water
Development (DWD), and the Directorate of Environmental Affairs (DEA). These
directorates are responsible for the overall management, development, and protection of
the country's water and environmental resources.

Inside the Uganda Water and Environment Week 2025:
Shaping the Future of Water and Environment Sustainability

 

The Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) 2025 is a distinguished forum designed for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among various stakeholders in the water and environmental sectors. Organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Water Resources Institute (WRI), this event brings together policymakers, researchers, development partners, and practitioners to identify solutions that bolster resilience, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable economic development. Under the theme; “Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods,”

Hon. Beatrice Anywar Calls for Practical Recommendations to Address Water and Environment Challenges:

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.

KEYNOTE: Water and Environment for A Peaceful and Sustainable Future.

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.

Beyond the Surface:
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 but also complicate sanitation efforts, leading to an increase in waterborne diseases and public health risks.

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.