Ministry of Water and Environment's Performance on NRM Manifesto (2021-2026) Commitments

*By John Kusolo*

The Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Sam Cheptoris says the Ministry, a cornerstone of Uganda's socio-economic development, is making significant strides in implementing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto (2021-2026). Through key thematic areas, the ministry is contributing to job creation, wealth generation, improved quality of life, and environmental sustainability.

Creating Jobs and Wealth for All Ugandans

Water for Production and Irrigation

The Ministry's efforts have focused on creating sustainable water resources for agriculture, livestock, and industrial development:

1. Bulk Water Systems:

Kyenshama Dam (Mbarara): Fully constructed with a 2 million cubic meter capacity, serving 190,000 cattle year-round.

Geregere Dam (Agago): Design complete; will serve 10,500 cattle upon construction.

Lemsui Dam (Amudat): Construction planned for FY 2025/26, with a 3 million cubic meter capacity.

2. Valley Tanks:

Constructed 60 communal tanks, creating a 750 million-liter capacity for 119,000 cattle, employing 900 individuals.

Constructed 134 private tanks with a 536 million-liter capacity, supporting 85,000 cattle.

3. Irrigation Schemes:

Kabuyanda (Isingiro): 21% progress; expected completion in 2026 to irrigate 3,300 hectares.

Namalu (Nakapiripirit): Under construction, with 11.2 million cubic meters planned for 2,500 hectares.

Sipi (Bulambuli): Set to serve 1,000 hectares by FY 2025/26.

4. Support for Industrial Parks:

Water infrastructure extended to Mbale, Kapeeka, Jinja, and Karamoja Industrial Parks.

The Kapeeka Industrial Park water treatment plant upgraded to 5,000m³/day to support industries like Goodwill Ceramic and Huawei.

Delivering Education, Health, and Water

Access to Safe Water:

The Ministry has expanded access to safe water through gravity flow schemes, piped water systems, and boreholes:

Constructed 2,725 boreholes, serving 817,500 people.

Installed 324 solar-powered boreholes in remote areas.

Completed construction of 23 town water systems in districts like Bundibugyo and Nakasongola.

Sanitation and Hygiene:

Established community-led sanitation initiatives benefiting 727,332 people.

Constructed 190 public sanitation facilities serving over 38,000 individuals.

Protecting Life and Property

Environmental Conservation:

Restored 7,723 hectares of degraded wetlands in districts like Ntungamo and Rubirizi.

Demarcated 1,830 kilometers of wetland boundaries to prevent encroachment.

Distributed 50 million tree seedlings, restoring degraded forest reserves like Mabira and Bugoma.

Climate Resilience:

Developed 12 water source protection plans and implemented early warning systems for floods and droughts.

Installed 65 telemetry stations for real-time water data monitoring.

Challenges and Future Prospects

The Ministry faces challenges such as land disputes, climate change impacts, and funding gaps. However, plans are underway to:

Complete ongoing irrigation projects like Unyama and Lopei.

Scale up access to safe water in underserved regions.

Enhance climate resilience measures and transboundary water management.

The Ministry of Water and Environment remains committed to achieving the NRM Manifesto’s objectives. Its investments in water infrastructure, irrigation, and environmental conservation are pivotal for Uganda’s sustainable development, driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.