By Reuben Olita, Busia
Kenya and Uganda have signed a bilateral agreement for the joint implementation of the Angololo Multipurpose Water Resources Development Project (AMWRDP).
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, by Uganda’s Minister for Water and Environment, Beatrice Atim, and Kenya’s Minister for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eric Mureithi.
The Angololo project is a transboundary investment between Kenya and Uganda under NELSAP, which operates across 10 countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DR Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
The implementing agencies include the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program Coordination Unit (NELSAP-CU) based in Kigali, Rwanda, Kenya’s Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, and Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment.
Speaking at a joint press conference at a Busia hotel, NELSAP-CU Regional Coordinator Dr. Isaac Alukwe said the agreement followed a one-day workshop for delegates from both countries to assess progress on the project.
The Angololo project is a transboundary investment between Kenya and Uganda under NELSAP, which operates across 10 countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DR Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Identified in 2010, the project aims to enhance food security, water availability, energy access, and regional cooperation and trade.
“As NELSAP, we are ready. Our sleeves are already rolled up. The only thing that may delay implementation is documentation from the countries. We need these to seek funding from development partners including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa,” said Dr. Alukwe, a former Busia County CECM for Water and Environment (2018–2021).
Dr. Alukwe noted that the water supply component of the project is expected to serve 270,000 people — 135,000 from each country.
“Beyond water supply, job creation, corporate social responsibility, and value addition, we are also considering establishing a One-Stop Border Post at the dam site to enhance trade between the partner states,” he added.
He highlighted that the project supports three or four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and includes the irrigation of 4,000 hectares — approximately 1,800 hectares on the Kenyan side and slightly over 2,000 hectares on the Ugandan side.
“With irrigation, we’re building climate resilience. The reservoir will help us cope with droughts, ensuring food security,” he said.
The project will also support the formation of farmer cooperatives and value addition services. Each country will establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to ensure the project’s sustainability and generate long-term benefits.
Dr. Alukwe emphasized that the local community was involved in identifying suitable crops for irrigation, with rice and horticultural crops topping the list due to their profitability.
“This project is not just about infrastructure. It’s about people. It will empower communities, unlock economic potential, and build resilience in the face of climate and development challenges,” he said.
Kenya’s Water Minister, Eric Mureithi, pointed out that flooding has affected the Sio-Malaba-Malakisi River Basin Management Project and stressed the importance of restoring 447 square kilometers of the catchment area.
“We should harness every drop of water to promote aquaculture and boost food security. Political goodwill from both national and county governments is key for sustainable catchment management,” said Mureithi.
Uganda’s Minister Beatrice Atim said the project would benefit communities in both countries and strengthen bilateral relations.
“Fisheries will be key. We should never underestimate the power of political will. We are in motion. Africa is blessed — we must protect our riverbanks to sustain this project,” she urged.
Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera hailed the agreement as a major milestone, recalling efforts to push for the project since his tenure as Teso North MP in 2015.
“We have lobbied for this project for years. Now, we urge both governments to move swiftly to implement it so our communities can enjoy its benefits,” said Odera.
Teso North MP Hon. Oku Kaunya noted that the KSh18 billion project will significantly improve food security and address power shortages in the region.
