Executive Order: Museveni Ends Turf War Between Water and Agriculture Ministries Over Irrigation

President Yoweri Museveni has issued an Executive Order clarifying responsibilities between the Ministry of Water and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) over water resource development for irrigation and agricultural production.

The order, issued on September 19, 2026 under Article 99 (1) and (4) of the Constitution, seeks to end long-standing confusion between the two ministries which government says has slowed commercial agriculture and agro-industrialization.

Museveni noted that while the mandate for water resource management, regulation, planning, allocation and development is predominantly domiciled under the Ministry of Water and Environment, overlap with MAAIF over irrigation and water for production had created institutional confusion.

The Executive Order establishes clear roles for each ministry.

Under the new arrangement, MAAIF will lead and be accountable for implementation of irrigation and water for agricultural production interventions.

The ministry will determine agricultural water demand for various sub-regions guided by science and, where necessary, collaborate with the Ministry of Water and Environment to ensure adequate water resources and systems are available and allocated in line with existing laws.

MAAIF will also develop and manage last-mile conveyance and distribution infrastructure on-farm from bulk-water delivery or storage points, or nearby sources including lakes, rivers, swamps and reservoirs. This includes irrigation networks and complete on-farm water application systems for crops, livestock, aquaculture and other agricultural uses.

In addition, MAAIF will lead operation, maintenance and management oversight of all agricultural and irrigation schemes, including water-user organizations, cooperatives, service standards and performance reporting.

The Ministry of Water and Environment will remain the national authority for water-resource monitoring, water quantity and quality assessment, water allocation among competing users, and regulation of water use through permits while ensuring environmental flow requirements are adhered to.

MWE will lead protection and management of water catchments, natural water bodies and wetlands, and ensure water source-protection requirements are adhered to.

It will be responsible for provision of multipurpose water storage and bulk water infrastructure from rivers, lakes, dams and reservoirs, and conveying or transferring bulk water to closer utilization points to avail water for domestic use, industry, mining, tourism and wildlife.

The ministry will also protect and develop springs, wells and boreholes and transfer water through larger pipes or networks to points of utilization while regulating and conserving water resources and the environment.

It will develop and manage all water infrastructure for human consumption, industrial use, mining, tourism and wildlife in collaboration with relevant sectors and stakeholders.

Museveni has directed the Attorney General to work with MAAIF, MWE and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to harmonize all existing laws and policies on water resources management and irrigation development to reflect the new strategic direction.

The Ministry of Finance has been directed to follow the guidance while approving funding for different projects.

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