Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring universal access to climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services by 2030, joining other African nations in a coordinated global effort.
The pledge follows the 2025 Sector Ministers’ Meeting in Madrid, where nearly 50 ministers convened to establish five global priorities for integrated WASH and climate action.
Globally, a $130 billion financing gap stands in the way of achieving universal WASH access.
Africa alone requires an additional $30 billion annually to strengthen climate-resilient services and reduce inequalities.
Experts stress that such investments are vital to protect public health, boost economic resilience, and safeguard the environment.
Uganda’s endorsement of the High-Level Leaders Compact on Water Security & Resilience positions the country among 29 states — over half of them African — committed to immediate and coordinated action.
Following the Madrid discussions, Uganda has highlighted several priorities essential for accelerating its national development and climate goals.
The country aims to strengthen political and institutional integration by embedding water, sanitation, and hygiene fully into climate adaptation plans, NDPIII frameworks, and district development plans to ensure coordinated governance and faster progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Uganda also seeks to advance inclusive and rights-based WASH services.
Despite progress, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face significant WASH deficits, with women, children, and rural communities disproportionately affected.
Improving data collection, transparency, and community participation will allow the country to target the most vulnerable and ensure equitable service delivery.
Building resilient systems and integrating climate-risk management are key priorities. With climate-related disasters displacing millions across East Africa, Uganda plans to incorporate climate risk assessments, city-wide water resilience planning, and nature-based solutions to protect water catchments and reduce displacement.
Sustainable and innovative financing is another focus. With only 3% of Africa’s water sector financed by private investment, Uganda aims to expand access to climate finance through public-private partnerships, green and blue bonds, and results-based financing, fostering innovation while safeguarding public value.
Strong political leadership and accountability remain critical. Fragmented systems and limited funding undermine WASH progress, and Uganda will collaborate with Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) to ensure transparent monitoring, whole-of-government coordination, and investments that reach the most vulnerable.
The Madrid Compact, endorsed by 29 countries including Burundi, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania, alongside civil society networks such as ANEW, CONIWAS, UNICEF, and other partners, aims to accelerate the implementation of these priorities.
The initiative calls for continued global collaboration to achieve sustainable water security, sanitation access, and climate resilience — essential for healthy populations, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.