A Sigh of Relief With The Climate Change Adaptation Project
Residents of 11 districts in Eastern Uganda can now look forward to relief from flooding and landslides with the launch of a climate change adaptation project in the Mpologoma water catchment area. This $9.5 million project, funded by the Adaptation Fund, will be executed by WaterAid Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment.
About WaterAid Uganda (WAU)
WaterAid Uganda (WAU) is an International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) specializing in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). It envisions a world where everyone, everywhere has access to safe water, sanitation, and good hygiene.
In November 2023, WAU launched a new country strategy for 2023-2028. The strategy aims to position WASH across the health sector to improve public health; and strengthen the resilience of WASH to climate change.
Country Director of WaterAid Uganda Speech
“WaterAid Uganda recognizes the incredible impact that climate change continues to have on our communities living within the Mpologoma water catchment area. Disasters such as floods, storms, and landslides are destroying livelihoods, water supply and sanitation facilities, leaving behind contaminated water and putting the lives of millions at risk,” said Dr. Joyce Mpalanyi Magala, Country Director of WaterAid Uganda.
“We are truly excited for yet another opportunity to join hands with the Ministry of Water and Environment and ensure that families and communities in the Mpologoma Water Catchment Area adapt to these climate change events. Our strategy promotes locally led adaptation methods grounded in the local context.”
From left to right: Dr Callist Tindimugaya, Director of Directorate of Resources Management (MWE), Dr Joyce Mpalanyi Magala, Rt. Hon. Sam Cheptoris, Minister of Water & Environment, Hon. John Musila, MP for Manafwa, Chairperson of Epologoma Water Catchment, Uganda and Eng. Joseph Epitu, Commissioner Water and Environment Liaisons Dept.
About WaterAid’s Work With Ministry of Water and Environment
WaterAid Uganda has a long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, dating back to the inception of WaterAid’s work in Uganda in 1983. Most of WaterAid Uganda’s programs are implemented in close collaboration with and under the technical guidance of various agencies within the Ministry, including the Eastern Umbrella, Kyoga water management zones, Rural Water Supply, and Water Resources Institute, among others.
Which 11 Districts Have Been Considered in The Climate Change Adaptation Project ?
The project, titled “Enhancing Community Adaptation to Climate Change through Climate Resilient Flood Early Warning, Catchment Management, and WASH Technologies in Mpologoma Catchment” (CARFEWW), will be implemented in 11 districts considered most vulnerable to floods and landslides. These districts include Bududa, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Mbale, Tororo, Butaleja, Budaka, Kibuku, Pallisa, Namutumba, and Kaliro.
Government To Implement A lot Through The Climate Change Adaptation Project
This initiative supports the government’s efforts to implement the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) framework. As the executing entity, WaterAid Uganda (WAU) will coordinate the day-to-day implementation of project activities on the ground.
WAU will work closely with the Kyoga Water Management Zone (KWMZ), Uganda Women Network (UWONET), Water Resources Institute (WRI), Regional Centre of Rural Water and Sanitation 3 (RC-RWS3), Eastern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation (EUWS), and Water and Sanitation Development Facility-East (WSDF-E).
What Does The Climate Change Adaptation Project Aim To Achieve ?
Over the next four and a half years, the project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity for planning, designing, implementing, and monitoring integrated Flood Early Warning systems and climate-smart WASH technologies.
Additionally, the project will facilitate communities in undertaking adaptation actions to reinforce the resilience of populations and ecosystems against floods and landslides.
What Projects Has WaterAid Uganda Implemented ?
WaterAid Uganda has successfully implemented several projects over the past 40 years, focusing on WASH in public health and climate resilience.
Notable projects include the “SMART CITY” project in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda, which aims to improve access to and governance of WASH services for the urban poor. The experience and lessons learned from these projects will be applied to ensure the success and sustainability of the CARFEWW project.