The Ministry of Water and Environment has shared a progress report on its efforts to fulfill the NRM government’s 2021-2026 manifesto commitments. While strides have been made in environmental conservation, water access, and climate adaptation, persistent challenges are slowing down full implementation.
Wins in Water Access and Agricultural Support
To boost agricultural productivity and livestock farming, the government has constructed bulk water systems and valley tanks in cattle corridor districts. Several irrigation schemes have also been established, helping farmers cope with unpredictable rainfall patterns.
In an effort to improve water resource management, the ministry has invested in research and innovation, focusing on better conservation and efficient water usage.
Forest Cover and Wetlands on the Rise—But Still Below Target
There’s been notable progress in environmental conservation. National forest cover has inched up to 12.2%, and wetland cover has grown from 8.9% to 9.3%. While these numbers are moving in the right direction, the target remains 15% forest cover by 2026—an ambitious goal given the ongoing threats of deforestation and encroachment.
To aid reforestation, the government has distributed over 50 million tree seedlings, encouraging afforestation efforts nationwide.
Fighting Climate Change with Tech
The ministry has enhanced meteorological services using digital tools like social media updates and the Weather Information Dissemination System (WIDS). These efforts aim to provide real-time climate data to farmers, businesses, and disaster response teams.
Roadblocks Slowing Progress
Despite these achievements, several challenges continue to stall progress:
• Bureaucratic Delays: Some projects are stuck due to slow approvals from development partners.
• Climate Change Impact: Prolonged droughts and extreme weather events are straining water resources.
• Land Disputes: Delays in land acquisition have slowed down infrastructure projects.
• Weak Law Enforcement: Illegal encroachment on forests and wetlands remains a major issue.
• Financial Constraints: Limited funding is affecting restoration efforts and alternative livelihood programs.
Next Steps: What’s the Plan?
To address these challenges, the government is:
• Strengthening partnerships and law enforcement to curb environmental degradation.
• Recruiting more Environment Protection Force (EPF) officers to ensure compliance.
• Introducing express penalties for those who destroy wetlands and forests.
• Digitizing forest reserve boundaries and linking them to the national land management system.
While progress is being made, the Ministry of Water and Environment acknowledges that more needs to be done. With the right investments and stricter policies, Uganda hopes to meet its 2026 environmental goals and build a more sustainable future.
