The Church of Uganda and the Ministry of Water and Environment have signed a 12-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening climate resilience, restoring wetland ecosystems and improving household incomes through sustainable aquaculture across the country.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Ministry of Water and Environment Headquarters in Luzira, Kampala, by the Ministry’s 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, on behalf of the Registered Trustees of the Church of Uganda.
The partnership is part of the Government’s “Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda” project, which seeks to promote climate adaptation while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities.
Under the agreement, the Ministry will install and operationalise fish feed pelleting machines at designated Church of Uganda premises in 24 project districts, while the Church will provide suitable housing facilities and collaborate in the management and implementation of the project.
The initiative will also support cooperative groups through technical training, start-up capital, market linkages and operational support to ensure the sustainability of fish feed production enterprises.
Dr Okot Okidi said the partnership demonstrates the importance of strategic collaboration in implementing climate-resilient development interventions that improve livelihoods while protecting Uganda’s natural resources.
“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,” Dr Okidi said.
Rev Canon Ongeng commended the Government for the partnership, describing it as a practical demonstration of the Church’s holistic ministry, which addresses 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,” Rev Canon Ongeng said.
Officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, including commissioners, and representatives of the Church of Uganda’s Directorate of Household and Community Transformation, led by Director Rev Agaba Andrew, witnessed the signing ceremony.
