KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has launched the Elgon Pamoja Partnership, a landmark Collective Action on Water program aimed at protecting the Mt. Elgon catchment area and promoting long-term water security in Uganda.
The program, launched during the 2025 Water and Environment Week, has received a commitment of UGX 1 billion from UBL, spread over three years, to support water conservation and livelihood enhancement initiatives in the Sipi Sub-Catchment of the Mt. Elgon area.
UBL’s Managing Director, Andrew Kilonzo, emphasized the importance of protecting Uganda’s water resources, citing the Mt. Elgon region as a crucial source of barley and sorghum, key ingredients for the brewery.
“Water is our most important ingredient,” Kilonzo said. “We understand how important and precious this resource is, and because of that, we want to protect and sustain it for generations to come.”
“The Mt. Elgon region is not only an important catchment area but also a crucial source of barley and sorghum, which are our raw materials. The project interventions will also improve the yields and incomes for farmers,” he added.
Dr. Alfred Okidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water & Environment, applauded UBL’s commitment to environmental stewardship, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect Uganda’s water resources.
“I would want to commend Uganda Breweries for committing UGX 1 billion monetary contribution. I hope these funds will go a long way in environmental conservation in the Mt. Elgon Water Catchment,” Okidi said.
“I am glad to hear that Uganda Breweries is leading by example and is playing a critical role in mobilizing industry peers to amplify this initiative,” he added.
James W. Kisekka, Director of AidEnvironment, emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to solving environmental problems.
“Solutions to environmental problems require a multi-sectoral approach to solve, and this program is an indicator that the private sector, civil society, and government are willing to work together to protect our environment,” Kisekka said.
Recent reports have highlighted the alarming rate of environmental degradation in Uganda, with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) reporting an average loss of 791 km2 of wetlands per year.
The Elgon Pamoja Initiative is expected to yield measurable improvements in water security, livelihoods, and environmental health, while positioning Uganda as a leader in sustainability-focused public-private collaboration.
