1. Water policy development in Uganda
Dr. Callist Tindimugaya
Commissioner, Water Resources Regulation
Ministry of Water and Environment
Presentation made during the Water is Life project workshop,
3rd November 2010, Makerere University, Kampala

2. Legal and policy framework for the water sector in Uganda
Constitution (1995)- Government recognizes the role of water in the development of Uganda
National Water Policy (1999)- Water is considered as a social and economic good
Water Act (1995)- the rational management and use of the waters of Uganda
Environmental Act (1995)- Sustainable environmental management
Relevant regulations (1998)

3. National Water Policy Developed under 2 distinct categories
Water Resources Management (covering policy objectives, principles and strategies for monitoring, assessment, allocation and protection of the resource and management framework)
Water Development and use (covering policy objectives, principles and strategies for the development and use of water for domestic water supply, water for agricultural production, and other water uses including industry, hydropower, recreation and ecosystem needs)

4. National Water Policy provides for:
Separation of regulatory powers from user interests
Integrated and sustainable development, management and use of water resources with full participation of all stakeholders
Regulated use of all water other than for domestic use
Sustainable provision of clean safe water
Development and efficient use of water in agriculture
Improved collaboration and coordination among stakeholders
Equitable access and use of the Nile waters (transboundary water resource)

5. NWP (cont.)
Promotion of awareness of water management and development issues and capacity building
Promotion of rational, optimal and wise use of the resource for all Ugandans and all sectors
Promotion of measures for control of pollution of water resources
Promotion of the gathering and maintenance of reliable water resources information and databases
Promotion of viable management options for the resource management and provision of water supply and sanitation services

6. NWP objective for WRM
To manage and develop the water resources of Uganda in an integrated and sustainable manner, so as to secure and provide water of adequate quantity and quality for all social and economic needs of the present and future generations with the full participation of the stakeholders

7. Strategies for WRM Establishment of an enabling environment
Development of appropriate institutional framework
Planning and prioritization of water use (policy making, planning and coordination of water resources use; regulation of water abstraction and waste water discharge; enforcement of water legislation and policy; mediation in water conflicts)
Data collection and data dissemination (water resources monitoring; assessment; forecasting)
Capacity building

8. NWP objective for domestic water supply
Sustainable provision of safe water within easy reach and hygienic sanitation facilities, based on management responsibility and ownership by the users, to 75% of the population in rural areas and 100% of the urban population the year 2015 with an 80%-90% effective use and functionality of facilities

9. Strategies for domestic water supply
Identification of appropriate low cost technologies and provision of services
Identification of appropriate financing mechanisms and promotion of investment subsidies and tarrifs
Promotion of management and sustainability aspects
Promotion of private sector participation
Promotion of coordination and collaboration among stakeholders

10. Relevance of Water is Life Project to the National Water Policy
Project contributes to implementation of various strategies under the NWP
Contributes to promotion of management and sustainability aspects as well as improving water resources management planning and regulatory framework (ref: adaptation of water management to CC, gender and WRM, conflict and cooperation on water governance)
Contributes to identification of appropriate low cost technologies and provision of water and sanitation services (ref: sourcing of sustainable groundwater supplies, sustainable pump technologies, solar disinfection of drinking water)
Contributes to capacity building for the sector

11. Conclusions Water policy development in Uganda is an ongoing process
Water policy is currently undergoing review to make it responsive to emerging issues and challenges
Water is Life project is directly relevant to the Water policy in Uganda
Results of the project will be useful in influencing further policy development in the sector
Dialogue between the project and the sector should continue in order to ensure that the project results are addressed as appropriate