Progress and Challenges in the Water and Environment Sector: Insights from the NRM Manifesto Performance Report

*By John Kusolo*

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Alfred Okot Okidi, presented the Water and Environment Sector's performance report on behalf of Hon. Sam Cheptoris, the Minister of Water and Environment, during the NRM Manifesto Week at the Office of the President Auditorium on November 29, 2024. Themed "Securing Your Future," the event evaluated the milestones and challenges in implementing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto (2021–2026).

*Progress Achieved Under the NRM Manifesto Commitments*

The NRM Manifesto has been described as a social contract with the Ugandan people, committing to increasing access to safe water, improving sanitation, and protecting water and environmental resources.

*Access to Safe Water:*

Rural water access has significantly improved, rising from just 10% in 1986 to 68% by June 2023. Urban access has also increased to 72.8%.

Of Uganda's 71,225 villages, 79% now have access to clean water, leaving 14,606 villages (21%) without safe water sources.

Investments in piped water systems have expanded water access to over 300 towns and municipalities.

*Sanitation Coverage:*

Sanitation coverage has grown from poor levels in 1986 to over 79.5%, with rural areas primarily using pit latrines and urban areas adopting modern eco-sanitation systems.

*Wetland and Forest Conservation:*

Wetland coverage has increased from 8.9% to 9.3%, with 8,614 wetlands officially gazetted and protected as of December 2023.

Forest cover has risen from 9% in 2016 to 13% by June 2024, reflecting steady restoration efforts.

*Water for Production:*

Multipurpose reservoirs have been constructed to enhance agricultural productivity and boost key economic sectors.

Catchment restoration efforts have improved water sustainability and ecosystem health.

Challenges Encountered

Despite these achievements, several obstacles hinder full implementation of the Manifesto commitments:

*Limited Financial Resources:*

Inadequate funding affects the pace and scope of infrastructure development.

*Land Acquisition Delays:*

Lengthy processes in acquiring and compensating land for projects impede timely implementation.

Climate Change Effects: Prolonged dry spells and floods disrupt water supply systems and sustainability efforts.

Ecosystem Encroachment: Increased encroachment on wetlands and forests threatens environmental sustainability.

The Ministry emphasized the need for innovative solutions to overcome the identified challenges. Hon. Sam Cheptoris, through the Permanent Secretary, reiterated the government's commitment to protecting Uganda's water resources and ecosystems, ensuring that all water-related projects are sustainable. The focus remains on achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation, while enhancing environmental protection measures.

The Water and Environment Sector’s progress, despite challenges, demonstrates the government's dedication to fulfilling its commitments under the NRM Manifesto. The sector's achievements in increasing water access, improving sanitation, and restoring ecosystems underscore its vital role in national development. The NRM Manifesto Week provided a platform to reflect on these milestones and chart a path for even greater accomplishments in the coming years.