Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi Rallies Stakeholders to Turn Water and Climate Commitments into Action at UWEWK 2026
Dr. Okidi made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the Ninth Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) 2026 at the Ministry headquarters in Luzira on March 23, an event graced by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, who served as the chief guest.
KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Alfred Okot Okidi, has called on stakeholders to translate policy ambitions into tangible actions as Uganda positions itself for a water- and climate-secure future.
Dr. Okidi made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the Ninth Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) 2026 at the Ministry headquarters in Luzira on March 23, an event graced by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, who served as the chief guest.
Held under the theme “Water and Environment for an Inclusive and Prosperous Uganda,” the weeklong event has grown into the country’s flagship platform for dialogue, innovation and partnership in the water and environment sector.
Aligning National Priorities with Continental Vision
On behalf of the Minister of Water and Environment, Dr. Okidi welcomed participants and underscored that this year’s theme is “not merely a slogan, but a mandate” aligned to Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, Vision 2040, and Africa’s long-term water aspirations.
He revealed that 2026 has been designated by African Union Heads of State as the Year of Water and Sanitation, with the formal launch of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and its policy framework in February. The continental blueprint will shape Africa’s position at the 2026 UN Water Conference scheduled for December in the United Arab Emirates.
Against this backdrop, Dr. Okidi described UWEWK as a “national laboratory” to test and scale innovations needed to secure Uganda’s water, environment and climate future amid increasing pressures from climate change, rapid urbanisation and population growth.
Four Critical Subthemes to Drive Action
To provide structure to the week’s deliberations, the Permanent Secretary outlined four priority subthemes:
The role of water and environment in achieving Uganda’s 10-fold economic growth strategy. Investment in science, technology, innovation and capacity building to accelerate progress in water and environmental management. Building environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient economies and communities. Empowering women, youth and children in the delivery of water and environmental services.
He urged participants to ensure that discussions translate into measurable outcomes that can anchor a climate-resilient Uganda for generations to come.
Expanding Partnerships and Private Sector Engagement
Dr. Okidi highlighted the remarkable growth of UWEWK since its inception. From fewer than 10 partners in 2018, the platform now boasts more than 100 partners collaborating in its organization and implementation.
Ahead of this year’s event, the Ministry signed Memoranda of Understanding with four partner organisations to strengthen cooperation in water and environmental management. Among them is what he described as a landmark private-sector partnership between Water For People and the Uganda Bankers Association.
The partnership aims to advance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) financial programmes for water, sanitation and hygiene, bridging the gap between public policy and private investment. According to Dr. Okidi, the ESG framework is increasingly becoming a critical tool in aligning public service delivery with private sector financing.
Recognising Organisers and Regional Teams
The Permanent Secretary commended members of the National and Regional Organising Committees for maintaining high standards in planning the annual event. He paid special tribute to the Water Resources Institute, which he described as “the engine that keeps UWEWK moving,” as well as ministry teams in the six regional offices for mobilising stakeholders at the grassroots level.
Celebrating Youth and Community Champions
In a special acknowledgment, Dr. Okidi praised the Uganda Walkers Association for their sustained advocacy in water, environment and climate change awareness. This year, the group covered 560 kilometres in 18 days in the lead-up to the event, demonstrating what he termed “duty with a purpose.”
He also lauded youth-led initiatives such as the Miss Climate Change Awareness programme and the Youth Forum, noting that they have injected fresh energy into climate engagement efforts. He encouraged delegates to actively participate in the youth platforms, listen to their perspectives and offer guidance while drawing valuable insights from them.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
In his closing remarks, Dr. Okidi emphasized that the success of Uganda Water and Environment Week ultimately depends on collective participation and commitment.
“None of this can have any meaning without your participation,” he noted, urging both physical and online attendees to make the week productive and inspiring.
With the presence of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja underscoring the government’s commitment at the highest level, UWEWK 2026 sets the stage for Uganda to align national action with continental and global water and climate priorities, reinforcing the central role of water and environment in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.
