Issue Paper 1 : overview of the water sector, reform swap and financial issues : paper for the Joint GOU/Donor Review for the Water and Sanitation Sector 24-26th September 2002, Kampala

In 2002 Uganda initiated a sector reform programme involving decentralization and liberalization, and a general move from projects to programmes [1]. With these changes, the roles of the Central Government changed to include policy formulation, setting standards, regulations, developing capacities of local governments to deliver services and formulation of guidelines. The roles of districts have also changed to focusing on planning and budgeting. The Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment has conducted studies on reform in rural water and sanitation, urban water and sanitation and water for production. A water resources management study is still to be commissioned. The Ministry has also developed a Strategic Investment Plan 2000-2015 for rural water supply and a five-year operational plan for rural water and sanitation (2002-2007). Despite decentralization and increased private sector involvement, NGOs remain the most active players in the planning process at district level, identifying areas and types of interventions for which they have received donor funding. They must continue to support local participation, skills development and sensitization to ensure the sustainability and affordability of water and sanitation initiatives.