*August 8, 2024 – Kabarole District*: The Ministry of Water and Environment has officially launched an ambitious watershed management and nature-based conservation project aimed at safeguarding the Mpanga catchment area, which spans approximately 5,200 km² across the districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kitagwenda, Kamwenge, Kazo, Ibanda, Mbarara, and Kiruhura. This project is set to play a pivotal role in addressing pressing environmental challenges, including wetland encroachment, river bank degradation, and pollution, as identified in the Mpanga Catchment Management Plan (CMP) completed in 2015.

 

The CMP has been actively implemented by both government and non-government actors under the leadership of the Directorate of Water Resources Management through the Albert Water Management Zone (AWMZ) since 2015. With a fresh injection of funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Ministry is poised to intensify efforts in watershed management and nature-based water conservation activities within the Mpanga catchment.

 

The project launch, held in Fort Portal Tourism City, Kabarole District, was graced by the Director Water Resources Management, Dr Callist who represented the Minister of Water and Environment and who delivered an inspiring speech. "It is my honor and privilege to be with you today at the launch of this transformative initiative, made possible through the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation," the Minister began. "This project marks a significant milestone for sustainable water management and environmental stewardship in the Mpanga Catchment."

 

**Project Goals and Objectives**

 

The primary goal of this project is to bolster the implementation of the Mpanga Catchment Management Plan by enhancing the capacity of the AWMZ and Catchment Management Organizations (CMOs). Specific objectives include:

1. Building the capacity of catchment management organizations to improve institutional processes, planning, and management through targeted training programs.

2. Strengthening the AWMZ staff’s ability to coordinate activities through enhanced skills in work planning, monitoring, and conducting technical tests to ensure effective implementation.

3. Supporting the restoration and implementation of priority conservation measures within the catchment.

4. Positioning the AWMZ as a model for catchment-based water resources management by promoting institutional cooperation and disseminating success stories from the Mpanga catchment.

 

**Project Timeline and Funding**

 

The project is slated to run for three years, from June 2024 to June 2027, with a total budget of 1.395 million USD, generously provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The Ministry of Water and Environment will lead the project, collaborating closely with key partners such as Water for People and Join for Water, along with additional consultancy firms to be procured by the Ministry.

 

**Anticipated Benefits**

 

The project is expected to yield significant environmental and institutional benefits, including:

- Restoration of degraded landscapes through afforestation on both private and public lands.

- Restoration and demarcation of wetland systems and their buffer zones.

- Establishment of soil and water conservation structures.

- Installation of a mini weather station within the Mpanga catchment.

- Construction of a hydro-monitoring station at the Mpanga catchment outlet.

- Capacity building for the Mpanga Catchment Management Organization (CMO) to enhance its operational effectiveness.

 

The Minister highlighted the project's focus on scaling up these efforts: "Today, we embark on a journey to scale up the implementation of remedial catchment management measures in the Mpanga Catchment to safeguard our precious water and environmental resources for generations. This project will focus on data collection, wetland restoration, re-afforestation, and capacity development of the Catchment Management Organization."

 

As the project officially gets underway, it marks a significant step forward in the sustainable management of the Mpanga catchment, ensuring the protection and conservation of vital water resources for the communities and ecosystems that depend on them.

 

The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to the partners involved: "I appreciate the Water For People team working tirelessly with the Ministry staff in drafting the project proposal. I also acknowledge Join For Water for their support in the preparatory meetings."

 

The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including district chairpersons, resident district commissioners, chief administrative officers, representatives from civil society organizations, the private sector, religious institutions, and the media.

 

This ambitious project underscores the Ministry of Water and Environment's commitment to sustainable environmental management and its role in contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.