Govt partners with CSOs and bankers to address water security

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The Ministry of Water and Environment has partnered with civil society organisations (CSOs) and bankers to tackle complex water challenges.

This partnership, according to the ministry, will supplement government efforts in the delivery of water and sanitation, environment and climate change services in the country.

The permanent secretary in the water ministry, Dr Alfred Okidi, said the partnership was made after realising that no single actor can satisfactorily deliver these services alone.

“Each partnership presents a clear intention to collaboratively support govt through tangible actions such as technical engagements, resource mobilisation, knowledge sharing, innovation, advocacy, and strategic visibility in the delivery of services,” he said.

Pauline Onen, from ZOA Uganda and Dr Alfred Okidi, water ministry PS sign memorandum of understanding during the breakfast meeting at Skyz hotel in Naguru on Friday, March 6, 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

The PS added that ​the ministry commits to performing its roles and responsibilities in these partnerships in a very transparent and consultative manner.

He made the remarks during the breakfast meeting and signing of memorandum of understandings (MOUs) organised by the water ministry at Skyz Hotel in Naguru on Friday.

Brenda Achiro (left), Water for People country director, Dr Alfred Okidi, water ministry PS and Wilbrod Humphreys Owor, Uganda Bankers Association ED, display copies of signed MOUs during the breakfast meeting at Skyz hotel in Naguru on Friday, March 6, 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

The meeting attracted development partners, financial institutions, private sector and CSOs.

It explored opportunities for strengthening partnerships and collaboration in pursuit of their efforts towards the achievement of Agenda 2030, Africa Agenda 2063, Uganda’s Vision 2040, the National Development Plan, and other national commitments.

According to the press statement issued by the water ministry on March 6, 2026, the ministry recognises that water and environment challenges are multi-faceted phenomena demanding a multi-pronged, integrated and collaborative approach across different sectors and actors.

Currently, according to the ministry, about 72% of the population has access to safe water, reflecting a significant expansion of water infrastructure across both rural and urban communities.

However, only 43.6% of households have access to improved sanitation facilities, highlighting a persistent and substantial gap in sanitation coverage that sustains public health risks and environmental hazards.

The tripartite MOU signed between the ministry, Water for People, Uganda Bankers Association, and ZOA Uganda is designed to deliver cutting-edge environmental, social and governance financing capacity development programmes for water, sanitation and hygiene.

After the signing ceremony, Okidi disclosed that the bilateral MOU between the ministry and ZOA Uganda will strengthen collaboration in the co-design and implementation of new approaches, projects, and programmes that align with the Catchment-Based Integrated Water Resources Management Framework.

Additionally, the agreement between Water for People and the ministry will facilitate joint development of water, sanitation and hygiene services and management, protection and conservation of water and environmental resources.

Apart from the MOU, during the meeting, Okidi also briefed stakeholders about the status of the preparations for the 9^th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) 2026, slated for March 23-27.

UWEWK 2026 will be held under the theme: “Water and Environment for an inclusive and prosperous Uganda". 

This annual event, organised by the ministry in collaboration with various stakeholders, focuses on exchanging knowledge, information and also devising ways and approaches to the sustainable management and development of water, environment, and related natural resources across various sectors of the economy. 

Stakeholders speak out

Jasper Okello, the climate resilience and livelihood advisor for ZOA Uganda, said the partnership is a great opportunity to collaborate with the ministry and other development partners to reduce the burden that mainly affects women, youth and children.

He said the MOUs will guide stakeholders in the catchment to identify, decide on the issues that affect them, and plan for a solution.

“Currently, our main focus of WASH is in Kiryandongo, and we are reaching out to 1380 beneficiaries. Since Kiryandongo has over 90,000 households of refugees, their major challenge is water quality. The water stability, coverage is very low, and they also have issues around the operation and maintenance of the facilities."

Wilbrod Humphreys Owor, the executive director of Uganda Bankers Association, said
the partnership will focus on mobilisation of finances, advocacy, strategic visibility, and knowledge sharing.

“We are working on a strategic shift to support the wider community because without the community that is living sustainably, there is no bank in business. Globally, private sector players are realizing that sustainability is very critical as there are new opportunities and innovations that are coming," he said.

The country director of Water for People, Brenda Achiro, said the bilateral MOU is a renewal of their commitment to complementing the efforts of the government by increasing safe water services to the people.

“We believe in strong partnerships and strengthening the systems of government for sustainability purposes. We continue to invest in local impact, that is, building water, sanitation and hygiene systems across the country," she said.