The Church of Uganda (COU) and the Ministry of Water and Environment have signed a twelve-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote climate resilience, restore wetland ecosystems and improve household incomes through sustainable aquaculture initiatives across the country.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Ministry of Water and Environment headquarters in Luzira, Kampala, by Permanent Secretary Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi on behalf of the Government of Uganda and the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, representing the Registered Trustees of the Church of Uganda.
The partnership is part of the government project, Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda, which seeks to strengthen climate adaptation while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Water and Environment will install and operationalise fish feed pelleting machines at selected Church of Uganda facilities in 24 project districts.
The Church of Uganda will provide suitable premises for the equipment and work with government in managing and implementing the project.
The initiative will also support cooperative groups through technical training, start-up capital, market linkages and operational support aimed at ensuring the sustainability of fish feed production enterprises.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi said the partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in delivering climate-resilient development interventions that improve livelihoods while protecting Uganda’s natural resources.
“The Church of Uganda has an extensive presence within communities across the country. This partnership will help bring climate-smart livelihood interventions closer to the people while promoting sustainable management of wetlands and associated catchments,” he said.
Rev. Canon William Ongeng welcomed the partnership, describing it as a reflection of the Church’s holistic ministry that focuses on both spiritual and socio-economic transformation.
“By hosting these fish feed production facilities, we are creating opportunities for employment, household income generation and food security while supporting environmental conservation. This is holistic ministry,” he said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, including commissioners, alongside representatives from the Church of Uganda’s Directorate of Household and Community Transformation led by Director Rev. Andrew Agaba.
