About Us

Our Background

The Water Resources Institute (WRI) was established as part of implementation of the Water Sector Reforms (2003-2005) in response to wide consultations that pointed out the need to address water resources related issues such as pollution, climate variability, and reduction in water availability, and to balance water needs for agriculture, energy, industry and households in the country.

The study recognized that the professional staff of Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) come from different backgrounds and levels of expertise due to the specialized nature of courses offered by universities and colleges.

The study thus recommended the implementation of tailor made training courses, post graduate training, induction training for officers joining the Directorates and later local governments and continuous capacity building at an Institute to be established.

Such an Institute would also cater for research in water related issues and the dissemination of research results through outreach activities.

Niche

"The Institute bridges the gap between theory and practice. It profiles the central position of water resources in national development."

Vision

"ensuring that Uganda’s water resources are optimally utilized for all uses."

Mission

"being a center of excellence that provides cutting edge applied research & training; a neutral place for dialogue and outreach; for professional skills development across all levels on water resources management and development to influence practice and policy for sustainable social economic development in the country. “
The Institute was launched on the 21st March 2018 by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda during the first ever Uganda Water and Environment Week in 2018.
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Our Introduction

Water resources are finite and vary in quantity and quality across the country. Coupled with the multiple use and demands from an increasing population, this situation calls for better planning, efficient use, and protection and management of water resources for sustainability. Competition for water resources is increasing amidst climatic change.

There is a need for a neutral forum in which the various stakeholders can interface and engage on these issues, ranging from the water and energy nexus, water and food security nexus, water and agriculture, etc. The Uganda water and environment sector is rich in terms of experience, however; much of this experience is not adequately documented and shared. There is also minimal dissemination of applied research findings to the end users for application.

Water resources related issues that are addressed by the Institute

  • Water scarcity and utilization
  • Climate change
  • Increasing population;
  • Technological advances that continue to affect water availability, supply, distribution, quality etc
  • Information for addressing land and water resources issues.
  • Catchment based planning
  • Stakeholder engagements and partnerships in water resources development and management
  • Public-private partnerships
  • Planning, development, operation and maintenance of water and sanitation systems
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Our Objectives

Contribute to achievement of sustainable development and growth in Uganda through positioning water resources as a catalyst for transformational development and growth;

Guide the development and management of water resources while navigating its complexity; including enhancement and preservation of ecological integrity, social wellbeing, and water security;

Facilitate the creation of multi-dimensional thinking on the interdependencies among natural, social, and economic systems in the use of water resources.

Our Values
 

The World Resources Institute (WRI) is guided by core values that underpin its mission and actions.

  • Professionalism, 
  • Innovation, 
  • Collaboration, 
  • Client focused, 
  • Stewardship and Diversity
Professionals Trained
Short Courses
Papers Presented
UWEWKs Organised
Our Testimonials

What Others say About us.

Ms. Jane N. Mulumba

Country Director IRC

The WRI has provided a neutral platform for non-state actors to engage with government and to contribute towards enhancing capacities, generating evidence and creating opportunities for dialogue and learning. This has increased participation of CSOs and ensured focus on delivery of Water and Environment services for all

Ms. Brenda Achiro

Country Director Water for People
The Water Resources Institute has created a platform were all sector players including private sector, academia, Civil Society Organizations and practitioners to dialogue, engage and discuss Water and Environment issues to inform policy and practice for better results.


Prof. Kiggundu Nicholas

Ass Prof. Makerere University

The Water Resources Institute (WRI) of the ministry of Water and Environment has created a platform that allows for the sector professionals, private sector, Civil Society Organizations and academic communities to present papers, exchange knowledge, and build partnerships, collaborations and networks annually, during the Uganda Water and Environment Week. Water Resources Institute organizes write-shops with the purpose of building the capacity of the professionals and specifically the early career professionals to effectively communicate their work using posters, presentation and illustrative art under the three (3) major categories: science, practice, and policy.

Ayeni Geoffrey

Team Leader Walkers Association of Uganda

The Water Resources Institute is a key organisation to strengthen national and sub-national capacities, awareness and knowledge on catchment-based management of water resources across sectors and stakeholders. The UWEWK provides an excellent platform for knowledge exchange, creating shared visions and innovations in support of Uganda's National Development Plan. SIWI works closely with the Institute to develop capacity development curriculum and courses that promote implementation of coordinated approaches to water resources management both at national level and in the WMZs.”.