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Uganda Kicks Off First Presidential Dialogue on WASH, Spotlighting National Water Security
Kampala, Uganda – In a landmark move to address Uganda’s water and sanitation challenges, the 1st Presidential Dialogue on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) commenced today at Parliament’s Conference Hall. The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presided over the event as the representative of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, underscoring the government’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Why This Dialogue Matters
With 24% of Ugandans still lacking access to safe water (UNICEF 2024) and climate change exacerbating water scarcity, the dialogue aims to: Accelerate investments in rural water infrastructure. Strengthen public-private partnerships for urban sanitation. Integrate climate resilience into national WASH policies.
Observers noted the timing aligns with Uganda’s 2024 Water Sector Performance Report, which revealed a 15% increase in borehole functionality but persistent gaps in refugee-hosting districts.
The Prime Minister emphasized cross-sectoral collaboration, citing ongoing projects like the $500 million Lake Victoria WASH Initiative (funded by the World Bank). The dialogue brought together:
- Ministry of Water and Environment officials.
- Development partners (UNICEF, WHO, JICA).
- Local government leaders from water-stressed regions.
Discussions also highlighted innovative solutions, such as AI-powered water quality monitoring piloted in Kampala and solar-powered irrigation schemes in Karamoja.
The outcomes will inform Uganda’s Revised National WASH Strategy (2025–2030), expected to be tabled before Cabinet next month. A white paper on private-sector incentives for sanitation startups is also in development.
