National Water Policy.

This National Water Policy, based on the Water Action Plan of 1995, establishes a framework for water resources management and development in Uganda so as to establish priorities in water use and to assure planning of protection and optimal use of the nation’s water resources. It also concerns supply of clean and safe water. One chapter is specifically dedicated to water use of for agricultural production. Other uses include industry, hydropower, recreation and ecosystem needs. The Policy puts forward the basic policy principles, objectives and strategies an outlines the management structure regrading water management, including management at central, district and local levels. Policy objectives include, among other things, efficient use of water in agriculture and climate-adaptation and equitable access to water resources. The Policy is divided into the following Parts: The Policy (1); Background and Rationale for Policy (2); Policy Formulation Context (3); Water Resources Management (4); Domestic Water Supply (5); Water for Agricultural Production (6); Other Water Resource Uses (7); Policy Implementation (8).
The Policy promotes a new integrated approach to manage the water resources in ways that are sustainable and most beneficial to the people of Uganda. This Policy document does: (i) provide the background and explain the approach which guided the policy formulation; (ii) put forward the basic policy objectives, principles and strategies; (iii) outline the management structure, including roles and functions at the various management levels, i.e. at central, district and local levels; (iv) outline the major issues to be addressed, and ways and means by which they will be addressed; (v) outline the strategies for provision and management of domestic water supply and sanitation services; (vi) provide overall strategy and principles for allocation of water for other purposes (industry, agriculture, power generation, etc.); and (vii) outline strategies for policy implementation.
The structure at national, district and local levels for handling the water resources management functions is outlined. It is recommended that District Councils create a District Environment and Natural Resources Committee' and a Department with the same name comprising water, environment, forestry and meteorology. Municipalities or town councils, being large stakeholders in the water supply systems, will play a leading role in partnership with the water user groups/associations/authorities to operate, maintain and manage urban supplies for domestic and industrial use. Water user groups will manage, operate and maintain point water sources. Community associations may also be formed for the purpose of managing resources such as a 'wetland area, a fishpond or an irrigation scheme when such a need arises. It has not been found necessary, at the time of drafting the Policy to create river/lake basin management authorities, catchment boards or similar bodies.
Principles of domestic water supply are drawn from the "New Delhi Statement" (1990). The strategies for implementation and management of water supply, sanitation and sewerage services are grouped under the five main headings; Technology and Service; Provision, Financing, Subsidies and Tariffs; Management and Sustainability; Private Sector Participation; Coordination and Collaboration.
The policy objective with regard to water for production is to promote development of water supply for agricultural production in order to modernise agriculture and mitigate effects of climatic variations on rain-fed agriculture through: (i) promoting proper water resource assessment and planning for agricultural production, (ii) increasing the capacity of the farmers to access and use of water for crop, fisheries· and livestock production; (iii) promoting appropriate water harvesting technologies for irrigation and livestock development, (iv) promoting the participation of farmers and the private sector in the financing, planning, development and management of irrigation and livestock water supply systems, (v) promoting and supporting, where appropriate, the development of adequate and reliable livestock water supply.