Lira, Uganda | Leaders from the Ministry of Water and Environment, development partners and community members have launched the Northern Region celebrations of the Uganda Water and Environment Week in Lira, marking the start of activities aimed at promoting sustainable water use, environmental protection and climate resilience.
The week-long event was officially launched on Sunday with sports and community engagement activities held at UTC Lira.
The celebrations form part of the ninth Uganda Water and Environment Week, an annual initiative introduced in 2018 to commemorate three global environmental observances: International Day of Forests (March 21), World Water Day (March 22) and World Meteorological Day (March 23).
Speaking during the launch, Keirudog Paskwale, the team leader for the Upper Nile Water Management Zone under the ministry’s deconcentrated structure, emphasised that water and environmental resources play a critical role in Uganda’s socio-economic development.
Paskwale said the annual event provides a platform for government institutions, private sector players, non-governmental organisations, and communities to discuss how water resources can support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
He noted that this year’s theme focuses on promoting inclusivity in water and environmental management to ensure all Ugandans benefit from sustainable development and improved livelihoods.
Paskwale added that the discussions during the week also align with Uganda’s long-term development strategy under Uganda Vision 2040, which aims to grow the country’s economy from about $50b to $500b by 2040. He observed that proper management of water resources will be essential in supporting the country’s economic transformation.
Brenda Akak, the senior communication officer at the ministry and chairperson of the 2026 Regional Water and Environment Week organising committee, said the celebrations will run until Thursday and involve various activities targeting schools, institutions and the general public.
Akak noted that water and environmental issues affect everyone, explaining that the organisers had invited all stakeholders to participate in the activities.
Among the activities planned during the week are tree planting and city greening campaigns in schools and public spaces across the city, school debates and art competitions focusing on environmental conservation, community clean-up exercises and public dialogue sessions accompanied by exhibitions by organisations working in water, sanitation and environmental conservation.
Anna Achan, a social development officer at the ministry and event coordinator, said several locations had been selected for greening initiatives. These include Children’s Park, Lira Town College, areas along Entebbe Road within the city, and Coronation Park.
Achan said 21 schools and institutions will participate in debates and innovation exhibitions focusing on water and environmental solutions. The winning school will represent the Northern Region at the national Uganda Water and Environment Week celebrations in Kampala.
The regional event has attracted support from several partners, including National Water and Sewerage Corporation, DFCU Bank, Coca-Cola, Absa Bank Uganda, and Centenary Bank.
Although the regional celebrations are not fully funded by the government, organisers said contributions from partners have enabled the activities to take place.
The launch also featured a health camp and blood donation drive supported by Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
Moses Ogwal, the executive director of Meaningful Empowerment for Change and Poverty Alleviation, welcomed the growing participation from communities and private sector partners since the initiative was introduced.
He called for stronger collaboration among organisations working in the water and environment sector through early planning and joint budgeting to ensure the initiative continues to grow.
The Northern Region celebrations will conclude on Thursday with a city clean-up exercise, exhibitions, cultural performances, and a public dialogue at Mayor’s Garden.