The East African Business Council Director Oscar Kamukama has called for the integration of water resource management into Uganda’s trade and industrialisation agenda, arguing that sustainable water systems are critical to unlocking the country’s export potential.

Speaking during the 9th Uganda Water and Environment Week 2026 at the Ministry of Water and Environment headquarters in Luzira, Mr Kamukama said water must be treated not only as a social service but also as a key driver of economic growth and regional trade.

The five-day event, held from March 23 to 27 under the theme “Water and Environment for an inclusive and prosperous Uganda,” brought together policymakers, development partners and private sector leaders to discuss investment opportunities in water, sanitation and climate resilience.

Mr Kamukama noted that reliable and affordable water supply remains a fundamental requirement for sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing and fisheries, which Uganda is banking on to drive export-led growth.

“Without sustainable water systems, industries cannot operate efficiently, and this directly affects Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and international markets,” he said.

He added that climate-resilient water infrastructure is equally important in safeguarding businesses against disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions, which have increasingly affected production cycles and supply chains across East Africa.

The discussions were attended by State Minister for Trade David Bahati, who held engagements with private sector players, including representatives of the East African Business Council, in a move seen as aligning trade policy with infrastructure development.

Mr Bahati said government is prioritising investments that support industrial growth, noting that access to reliable water is central to lowering production costs and improving product quality for export markets.

“We are looking at water as a strategic enabler for industrialisation and trade. Our policies must support sectors that depend on it if we are to achieve sustainable economic transformation,” he said.

Officials at the meeting emphasised that improved water systems could attract more investors into Uganda’s industrial parks and strengthen regional value chains within the East African Community.

Ahead of the forum, the Ministry of Water and Environment signed a number of partnership agreements with financial institutions, non-governmental organisations and private sector players aimed at mobilising financing for water and sanitation projects.

The partnerships are expected to expand opportunities for public-private collaboration, particularly in water supply and climate adaptation initiatives, while also unlocking new funding streams tied to environmental, social and governance standards.

Experts at the conference observed that Uganda’s growing urban population and expanding industrial base are placing increased pressure on existing water infrastructure, necessitating urgent and coordinated investment.

They pointed to ongoing efforts by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation to scale up service delivery as part of a broader strategy to meet rising demand and support economic activity.

As deliberations concluded, stakeholders agreed that aligning water investments with trade and industrial policy will be critical in positioning Uganda as a competitive player in the East African market.

The meeting highlighted a shared view among government and the private sector that water is no longer just a public utility, but a foundational pillar for industry, trade and regional integration.