Dr. Alfred Okidi: Unlocking Uganda’s Water Investment Potential to UK Investors

Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment will present a high-level briefing on bankable water infrastructure projects at the upcoming UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025. Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, is set to lead a session inviting UK investors, DFIs, and development agencies to partner with Uganda in scaling critical investments in urban and rural water supply, sanitation, and irrigation systems.

The country’s Water and Environment Sector Investment Plan (SSIP 2018–2030) identifies a significant funding gap—estimated at over $2 billion annually—to meet its universal access goals. At the summit, Dr. Okidi is expected to spotlight live investment opportunities within strategic projects such as:

• Urban Water Supply & Sanitation Projects: Updates on the $313M Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP), co-financed by the World Bank, including implementation milestones in towns like Gulu, Busia, and Mbale.
• Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Rural Water Access: Details on the proposed Uganda Rural Water Development Project, structured as a DBFOT (Design–Build–Finance–Operate–Transfer) concession targeting underserved districts, to be co-financed with private partners.
• Climate-Resilient Irrigation Infrastructure: Insights into Uganda’s plan to scale irrigated agriculture through blended-finance models, including the World Bank-supported Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP) and future greenfield schemes.
• Urban Water Security: Opportunities tied to expansion and resilience upgrades in secondary cities, building on success cases like Kampala’s Katosi Water Treatment Plant.

Dr. Okidi will also outline the enabling frameworks in place—including Uganda’s PPP Act, water tariff reforms, and ongoing co-financing partnerships with donors like KfW, AfDB, and the UK FCDO. His session will reinforce the message that Uganda is ready to partner on impact-driven, commercially viable water solutions that improve lives and create stable, long-term returns.

Investors attending the Summit will have the opportunity to request project briefs, engage with NWSC and PPP Unit representatives, and explore tailored finance models for entry into Uganda’s high-priority water sector.