Water Resources Institute


• Introduction

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 Institute bridges the gap between theory and practice. It profiles the central position of water resources in national development with a vision of “ensuring that Uganda’s water resources are optimally utilized for all uses” and a

mission of “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.


• Background

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.

1  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.

Functions of the WRI
  • Develop policy, legal, social, technological, and scientific expertise in the water resources sector
  • Plan, facilitate, and conduct research responsive to national and regional needs
  • Promote technology transfer and the dissemination and application of research results to appropriate users;
  • Provide for education and training of scientists, engineers, and students as water resources professionals;
  • Assist public and private interests in the planning, regulation, conservation, development, and utilization of water resources through outreach program; and
  • Provide opportunities for research grants to be awarded by organizations under national, bilateral, multilateral, and international arrangements.