By Spy Uganda
Uganda’s ambition to grow its exports and strengthen industrialisation is increasingly being tied to one critical resource: water. This was the central message at the 9th Uganda Water and Environment Week 2026, where government officials, private sector leaders and development partners converged to chart a path toward sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the five-day event held at the Ministry of Water and Environment headquarters in Luzira, Oscar Kamukama, Director at the East African Business Council, urged policymakers to integrate water resource management into Uganda’s trade and industrialisation strategy.
Kamukama emphasised that water should no longer be viewed solely as a social service, but as a powerful economic driver capable of unlocking Uganda’s export potential.
“Without sustainable water systems, industries cannot operate efficiently, and this directly affects Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and international markets,” he noted.
Held under the theme “Water and Environment for an inclusive and prosperous Uganda,” the forum brought together a wide range of stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in water, sanitation and climate resilience. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of reliable and affordable water supply for key sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing and fisheries—industries seen as central to Uganda’s export-led growth agenda.
The State Minister for Trade, David Bahati, who attended the engagements, reaffirmed government’s commitment to aligning infrastructure development with trade policy. He noted that access to dependable water systems is essential in lowering production costs and improving the quality of goods destined for export markets.
“We are looking at water as a strategic enabler for industrialisation and trade. Our policies must support sectors that depend on it if we are to achieve sustainable economic transformation,” Bahati said.
Participants also stressed the importance of investing in climate-resilient water infrastructure to shield businesses from disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions, which continue to affect production cycles and supply chains across the region.
Ahead of the conference, the Ministry of Water and Environment signed several partnership agreements with financial institutions, non-governmental organisations and private sector players. These partnerships are expected to mobilise financing for water and sanitation projects, while opening up new avenues for public-private collaboration and attracting investment aligned with environmental, social and governance standards.
Experts further warned that Uganda’s rapidly growing urban population and expanding industrial base are placing increasing pressure on existing water infrastructure, underscoring the need for urgent and coordinated investment.
Efforts by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation to scale up service delivery were highlighted as part of a broader strategy to meet rising demand and support economic activity.
As the forum concluded, stakeholders reached a shared consensus: positioning water at the centre of trade and industrial policy will be key to enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness within the East African Community.
The deliberations ultimately reinforced a shifting perspective water is no longer just a public utility, but a foundational pillar for industry, trade and regional integration.
