In a significant step toward addressing water management challenges in the Tooro sub-region and Uganda as a whole, the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Mountains of the Moon University is finalizing a curriculum for a Master of Water Resources Management program. The proposal is in its final stages before submission to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for approval.
The program aims to equip graduates with specialized knowledge and skills to tackle the growing water resource challenges facing the country, including water scarcity, pollution, and the impacts of climate change on water systems.
“Water resource management is becoming increasingly critical as our region faces mounting environmental pressures,” said Prof. Violet Kisakye, Lead of the Master’s program development project. “This master’s program will develop the next generation of water management professionals equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.”
Dr. John Ssekajugo, Deputy Lead of the project, added, “We’ve designed a curriculum that responds to the specific challenges of Uganda’s water systems while incorporating global best practices in sustainable water management.”
The program is being developed in partnership with the Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESSE), whose expertise in community-based environmental conservation has been instrumental in shaping the program’s practical components.
“Our partnership with JESSE brings valuable field experience and community perspectives to the curriculum,” explained Prof. Kisakye. “This collaboration ensures graduates will be prepared to implement solutions that are not only technically sound but also socially acceptable and sustainable.”
The curriculum reportedly includes courses on integrated water resource management, hydrology, water quality assessment, water governance and policy, and climate change adaptation strategies. The program will also feature practical fieldwork components in the Tooro region’s diverse water systems.
A key stakeholder consultation event held on March 5th at New Fort View Hotel in Fort Portal brought together district experts to provide input on the program. The event attracted District Forest Officers (DFOs), Production Officers, and Water Officers from across the Rwenzori Region, who contributed their expert views to strengthen the curriculum.
“This collaborative approach ensures the program addresses real-world challenges faced by practitioners in the field,” said Godwin Atwine, District Production Officer for Kyegegwa, who attended the consultation. “We’ve been struggling with water management issues for years, and having locally-trained experts will significantly boost our capacity to implement sustainable solutions.”
If approved by the NCHE, the program is expected to launch in the 2025/2026 academic year. University officials anticipate strong interest from both recent graduates and mid-career professionals in environmental management, agriculture, and public health sectors.
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s National Water Policy and the government’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals related to clean water and sanitation.