Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has reinforced its commitment to sustainable water stewardship and environmental protection during a catchment management experience-sharing session led by the Ministry of Water and Environment in Luzira.
This was held in honor of the 9th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEW) as part of World Water Day activities. The event brought together government institutions, development partners, climate activists, and private sector players to share solutions on water security and environmental sustainability.
During the session, UBL, in partnership with AidEnvironment highlighted progress under the Elgon Pamoja Partnership, a long-term initiative focused on restoring the Sipi sub-catchment across Kapchorwa, Bukwo, Kween, and Bulambuli districts.
Pamela Bayenda, Sustainability Manager UBL, emphasized the importance of private sector participation in environmental conservation efforts.
“Water is a critical resource for both communities and industry, and its sustainability requires deliberate, long-term investment. Through the Elgon Pamoja partnership, we are working with local communities, government and development partners to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen water security. What makes this initiative impactful is its focus on practical, community-driven solutions that can be sustained over time.”
Since 2024, UBL has invested over UGX 1 billion into the Elgon Pamoja programme, supporting soil conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management practices aimed at improving water retention, reducing erosion, and strengthening agricultural productivity.
The Mt Elgon catchment remains a critical water source for surrounding communities and industries, but continues to face pressure from deforestation, land degradation, and climate change. Through the Elgon Pamoja project, UBL and its partners are working to address these challenges while building long-term resilience within local communities.
“Damage to catchment areas threatens not just nature, but also the people and industries that rely on them. By investing in protecting these areas, UBL is helping secure water for the future and supporting farming systems that benefit both its supply chain and farmers on a large scale,” Evelyne Busingye, Team Lead at Aid Environment said.
While many initiatives within the sector are traditionally driven by both government and non-governmental organisations, UBL’s involvement highlights how private sector investment can accelerate impact at scale.
Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water and Environment commended the role of partnerships in advancing Uganda’s environmental agenda.
“We celebrate the Elgon Pamoja partnership. The direct funding from UBL for collective action in investing in nature to realize impact private-public partnership in action. Critically, these restoration efforts are our strongest defense against climate change.”
The session also provided a platform to call for broader collaboration, inviting more stakeholders to support and scale interventions within the Mt Elgon ecosystem, particularly as the programme enters its next phase over the coming three years.
In addition to the Elgon Pamoja initiative, the event showcased other innovative programmes including the SACRiAC Impact Model, which connects policy frameworks to community-level action, and the CBIT Project, which supports Uganda’s climate reporting and transparency commitments at a global level.
