Innovative strategies will plug water ministry financing gap — Tayebwa

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Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has acknowledged that inadequate funding plagues the water and environment ministry.

He says the resources allocated to water ministry-related programmes are lower than expected.

Therefore, to improve the institution’s performance, the Deputy Speaker says, “Government is responding to this challenge by putting in place strategies and mechanisms for mobilising innovative financing from various sources including carbon credits".

Efficiency needed

To ensure people have access to clean and safe water, Tayebwa advised the ministry to utilise the available resources more efficiently and effectively so that they deliver more with the limited resources.

According to Tayebwa, delivery of water, environment and climate change services requires partnerships and collaboration between government and other stakeholders within Uganda and beyond.

“I wish, therefore, to assure you of the support of the Office of the Prime Minister in strengthening co-ordination of government institutions and programmes so that there is more synergy and collaboration,” Tayebwa says.

He made the remarks during the opening of the eighth Uganda Water and Environment week, (UWEWK) 2025 at the water ministry headquarters in Luzira, Kampala on Monday, March 17, 2025.

A cross section of participants during the eighth Uganda Water and Environment week, (UWEWK) 2025 at the Water Ministry headquarters in Luzira on March 17, 2025. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

This year’s UWEWK was organised under the theme: Water and environment resources for enhanced resilience and improved incomes and livelihoods.

UWEWK will enhance co-operation and bridge borders for peaceful and sustainable utilisation of water and environment resources to ensure resilient communities and improved lives and livelihood.

Apart from that, during UWEWK, environmental experts will also review the status of the implementation of the outcomes and recommendations of UWEWK 2024, and those of key global, regional and national water, environment and climate change related events.

They will also explore approaches for translating science and innovation for effective and efficient use, development and protection of water and environment resources for a sustainable future.

This year’s theme, according to Tayebwa is challenging all individuals and institutions, to realise how these resources are key to our livelihoods and wellbeing. Noting that our survival and that of generations to come will depend on how well we preserve these resources.

“Considering that the focus of government now is on eradication of poverty and improving household incomes and livelihoods, and that many government programs such as Parish Development Model, Women and Youth Programmes are geared towards this objective, your theme rhymes very well with the long-term plans of government,” Tayebwa said.

While addressing environmental experts, Tayebwa requested all participants to critically discuss how water and environment resources can be sustainably developed, and managed for inclusive growth, employment and wealth creation as well as peace and sustainable socio-economic transformation of Uganda. 

Tayebwa’s remarks were in a speech delivered by the general duties minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Kasule Lumumba.

Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister for General duties addressing participants during the eighth Uganda Water and Environment week, (UWEWK) 2025 at the Water Ministry headquarters in Luzira on March 17, 2025. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

According to Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, the Church recognises the vital importance of wetlands in ensuring sustainable water resources for all Ugandans.

“As stewards of creation, we are called to protect these fragile ecosystems from degradation. We must advocate for the responsible use of the wetlands and work to halt the encroachment of urbanization, agriculture and industrialization that threatens their survival.” Ssemogerere stated.

Ssemogerere’s remarks were delivered by Fr John Peter Musumba, the member of the Kampala diocesan advisory committee.