The Eighth Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK 2025) commenced on March 17, 2025, at the Ministry of Water and Environment, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting Uganda’s water and environment resources. The event, running until March 21, 2025, serves as a platform for advocacy, policy influence, and knowledge sharing among government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
A Platform for Dialogue and Action
Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, the Minister of State for Environment, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Water and Environment, emphasized the significance of the annual gathering. She highlighted that UWEWK has grown into a flagship event, fostering meaningful discussions on sustainable water and environmental management.
Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister and the event’s Guest of Honour, commended the Ministry of Water and Environment for consistently organizing the event for eight years. She noted that the forum provides an opportunity to address Uganda’s climate resilience, economic sustainability, and the challenges posed by population growth and industrialization.
Theme and Key Discussions
This year’s theme, “Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods,” focuses on how sustainable management of water and environmental resources can drive economic growth and enhance livelihoods. Panel discussions and keynote presentations will address the impact of climate change, deforestation, pollution, and inadequate resource management on Uganda’s socio-economic development.
Hon. Lumumba emphasized the urgent need for climate action, revealing that climate change could cost Uganda between $3.2 and $5.9 billion annually if no interventions are implemented. She further noted that Uganda’s natural landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and water bodies, are under threat due to urbanization and unsustainable agricultural practices.
Challenges Facing the Sector
The Minister of Water and Environment highlighted key challenges hampering effective water and environment management, including:
- Inadequate financing and budget constraints, with only 46% of required funding available.
- Continued degradation of water catchments and natural ecosystems.
- Pollution from untreated waste and the increasing presence of invasive weeds like Water Hyacinth.
- Vulnerability to climate change and over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture, increasing risks of food insecurity.
- Weak enforcement of environmental laws and policies.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to improving water and environment governance and strengthening partnerships with development agencies, civil society, and the private sector to enhance climate resilience.
The Call for Collective Action
Hon. Lumumba called upon all stakeholders to take decisive actions in protecting Uganda’s natural resources, urging policymakers to integrate environmental sustainability into national development plans. She also appreciated the continued support of international partners, including the UNDP, in advancing climate-resilient development in Uganda.
The Uganda Water and Environment Week 2025 promises to be a landmark event in shaping Uganda’s policies on water and environmental sustainability. As discussions continue throughout the week, it is anticipated that key recommendations will emerge to guide the country’s efforts in tackling climate change, resource management, and sustainable development.
