Uganda will develop a national water investment programme to support the implementation of the AIP which aims to leverage an additional US$30 billion per year by 2030 towards water security and sustainable sanitation in Africa.
Uganda’s Minister of Water, Hon. Sam Mangusho Cheptoris made the announcement during the special session on Mobilizing Political Commitment for Accelerating Climate Resilient Water Investments in Africa, at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, on 21 May 2024. The session was convened by the International High-level Panel on Water Investments for Africa and African Union Commission.
“Once developed, the Uganda Water Investment Programme will help us to mobilize financing and develop a concrete pipeline of projects that can be leveraged to help improve water security and bridge the investment gap in the country,” he stated.
“The High-Level Panel’s landmark report, Africa’s Rising Investment Tide, has defined pathways and specific actions needed to mobilize additional finance towards water security and sustainable sanitation in Africa,” said Minister Cheptoris.
Africa’s Rising Investment Tide, published by the African Union Commission with support from the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa discusses how investment partnerships can mobilize an additional US$30 billion/year to achieve water security and sustainable sanitation in Africa.
For the past two years, Uganda has been holding dialogues focused on financing water and sanitation, addressing the limited funding available to achieve its targets.
Climate resilient investments
In a significant move to bolster climate resilient investments, Uganda has established a Climate Finance Unit within the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. This unit aims to secure the necessary funds to support climate adaptation and resilience projects.
Additionally, the Ministry of Water and Environment has been accredited by both the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund. Despite these advancements, the minister noted the challenges in securing adequate funding.
“A few projects have been supported under the climate funding windows, but the funds received are just a drop in the ocean. A lot more therefore still needs to be done to mobilize adequate funds,” Hon. Cheptoris remarked.
Collaborative efforts and future prospects
Mr. Alex Simalabwi, AIP CEO and Executive Secretary of Global Water Partnership-Africa Coordination, welcomed the announcement and said that the AIP Secretariat and partners would work with the Government of Uganda to support the development of the programme under the leadership of the African Union.
The Uganda Water Investment Program is expected to consolidate ongoing efforts and accelerate access to necessary financing for water and sanitation. Hon. Cheptoris emphasized the importance of international cooperation, stating, “we shall therefore be happy to work with all of you to realise our dream.”
Hon. Cheptoris’ address underscored Uganda’s proactive steps towards enhancing water and sanitation infrastructure. By developing comprehensive investment programmes and mobilizing climate finance, Uganda aims to ensure a sustainable and secure water future for its citizens.
African Union Adviser on Water, Climate and Related Natural Environment, Ahmed Eldaw, urged all African Union Member States to develop national water investment programme following the example of Uganda. The Governments of Zambia, Botswana, Zanzibar, and Tanzania have developed national water investment programmes to date.