The government has pledged to prioritise issues affecting water and environment services in the nation as part of its efforts to reduce climate change.
This was announced by Rebecca Kadaga (1st Deputy Prime minister and Minister for East African Affairs), who officiated at the closing ceremony at the 5th Edition of the Water Week held at the ministry Water and Environment.
Kadaga pointed out that water and environment resources are connectors, catalysts, and are a key resource for socio-economic growth either as primary input or secondary. Additionally, water and environment resources are essential for peace at the local, national, and international levels.
She noted, however, that Uganda has faced challenges in recent years related to COVID-19 and climate change.
The rapid expansion and use of biomass fuel for cooking/combustion, along with other drivers such as rapid urbanization and expansion of agricultural land have caused a lot of pressure to water and environment resources. Kadaga stated that conservation of water resources and the provision of education for communities is essential.
She did reveal that the government has created a 10-year plan for environment restoration to address the current environmental challenges. This plan is intended to restore the environment to its former glory.
She said, “I ask you all Ugandans support the implementation of this plan once it has been approved by Cabinet.”
Kadaga stated that safe drinking water, good sanitation, and hygiene are the pillars for human health and well-being.
Beatrice Anywar, state minister for environment, spoke at the same event and stated that it was time for Uganda to develop and manage water and environmental resources for the benefit and future of all Ugandans.
Anywar stated that funding for water programs and environmental programs is still very low relative to the needs. If Uganda is to meet its goals and provide the services it needs, the sector will need to receive nine times its current allocation.
Kadaga was asked by her to lobby for additional resources from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and from other sources.
We specifically request that at least 50% of the environment levies collected at source be retained to help strengthen resilience and protect the environment, including the hiring of environment enforcement officers.
Anywar called for the incentivizing of the private sector to attract investment in water and environment beyond corporate social responsibilities through innovative financing.
The closing of the Water Week under the theme Water and Environment for Peace and Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation of Uganda had a number of activities such as a panel of discussionants on water and the environment, exhibitions, award giving to best performers, and an exhibition.
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