The collaboration was discussed during a technical planning meeting held on February 26th 2026, bringing together NWSC’s External Services team, technical experts and representatives from the Japanese institutions to assess Sudan’s operational challenges and design targeted capacity-building interventions.

Officials said the initiative will draw on NWSC’s experience in utility reform, performance management and regional training to support Sudan’s efforts to improve water supply operations.

Opening the discussions, Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Manager of External Services at NWSC, said strengthening utilities requires more than infrastructure investment. She noted that sustainable service delivery depends on leadership, institutional reform and strong management systems “Strengthening utilities goes beyond infrastructure. It requires leadership transformation, accountability and a shift toward efficient and customer-focused service delivery,” she said.

Eng. Allan Kaford, Principal Engineer External Services, emphasized the importance of benchmarking and performance monitoring, saying utilities must understand and analyze operational data to improve efficiency. He added that training programmes must combine technical theory with practical field experience to ensure effective skills transfer and long-term improvement in operations.

On the financial side, Ms. Alice Busingye, Manager Finance External Services, highlighted the need for stronger financial systems within utilities, including cost recovery mechanisms that enable sustainable operations. A presentation by Mr. Toshiki Horei, consultant with Japan Techno Co., Ltd., outlined several challenges affecting Sudan’s urban water utilities, including limited centralized administrative coordination, declining financial performance and weak operational data systems.

Technical issues such as high turbidity levels in water sources, aging infrastructure, widespread leakages and limited use of flow meters were also identified as major constraints affecting water production monitoring and non-revenue water management. Flat tariff structures and weak billing mechanisms have further undermined financial sustainability and reduced incentives for water conservation, the meeting heard.

NWSC was identified as a key technical partner in the initiative due to its strong track record in utility performance improvement and capacity development across Africa. The proposed programme will focus on training in change management, non-revenue water reduction, financial management, customer care and infrastructure management.

Practical vocational training for technicians, plumbers and water quality personnel will also be included to ensure hands-on skills transfer. Eng. Allan Kakwezi, Principal Engineer Planning and Capacity Development, attended the meeting and is expected to serve as one of the lecturers in the upcoming training programme.

Participants also discussed practical training areas such as HDPE pipe repair, emergency leak response, monitoring systems and utility performance indicators. Mr. Mayusumi Masanobu of JICA reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Sudan’s water sector through technical cooperation and institutional strengthening.

Through its External Services programmes, NWSC has increasingly positioned itself as a regional training hub, sharing Uganda’s experience in improving utility performance and strengthening water service delivery across the continent.

Centenary Bank, in partnership with the Good Forests Foundation and the Kasese District Local Government, yesterday, November 26th, launched a greening initiative aimed at growing 5,000 fruit and timber trees within Kasese District.

The initiative reinforces Centenary Bank’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

The joint effort aims to enhance the resilience of the local environment, improve air quality, and strengthen collaboration between the private sector and the community.

Speaking at the launch, Emmanuel Otuko, Manager Sustainability at Centenary Bank, emphasised the Bank’s broader commitment to climate action.

“At Centenary Bank, our core mission has always been deeply rooted in serving and empowering the community. This commitment extends beyond financial inclusion it embraces the long-term well-being of the environment we all share. We firmly believe that sustainable development is not possible without responsible environmental stewardship. Our planet is our most valuable asset, and preserving it is an investment for future generations. This is why sustainability forms a critical pillar of our operations and strategy.”

This greening initiative is a vital component of the bank’s sustainability agenda. Centenary Bank is on a mission to achieve its institutional target of planting at least 70,000 trees across Uganda in 2025, with 60,000 trees already planted in different parts of the country.

Earlier this year, the Bank committed shs60 million to the restoration of 20 hectares of degraded Masindi Central Forest Reserve in partnership with the National Forestry Authority.

According to Uganda’s Third Voluntary National Review Report (2024), the country has made progress in increasing forest cover from 9.5% in 2015 to 13.3%. However, more work remains to achieve the 15% forest cover target by 2026. The report warns that this recovery is fragile, and continued deforestation could reverse hard-won gains highlighting the urgency of interventions like this initiative.

Mr. James Thembo, Director of Good Forests Foundation, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to ensuring the success of the project.

“Our role is to ensure that these 5,000 trees thrive. This project involves carefully selected fruit and timber tree species that will restore local biodiversity and provide long-term benefits to the Kasese ecosystem. We are proud to partner with Centenary Bank, whose commitment ensures the scale and impact of this critical restoration work.” Centenary Bank’s sustainability efforts extend beyond tree planting. The bank has transitioned six branches to renewable solar energy to reduce dependence on non-renewable power sources.It has also introduced specialized Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Loans, green loans, solar loans, and power connection loans to support environmentally friendly community-level projects.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Kasese District, Mr. Henry Kabiriri, commended the collaborative spirit behind the initiative and urged the partners to engage more stakeholders for broader impact.

“We are grateful to Centenary Bank and the Good Forests Foundation for bringing this crucial initiative to Kasese. We also appreciate the various Corporate Social Responsibility activities the Bank supports here and beyond. Environmental sustainability requires collective action, and this partnership provides a significant boost to our local conservation efforts,” he said.

These resolutions target various aspects of the climate change challenge. Accelerating the clean energy transition will be a central focus. Imagine a world powered by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. Resolutions might push for ambitious national targets for renewable energy deployment, streamlining permitting processes to expedite clean energy projects, and attracting green investments to make this vision a reality. But transitioning away from fossil fuels isn’t enough. Boosting energy efficiency is equally important. Resolutions might address improving energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and transportation sectors. This could involve promoting energy-efficient appliances, building codes that prioritize sustainability, and investments in public transport infrastructure to reduce our reliance on private vehicles. The world is already experiencing the devastating consequences of climate change. UNEA-6 recognizes this urgency. Resolutions might focus on strengthening early warning systems for extreme weather events, supporting adaptation measures in vulnerable communities on the frontlines of climate change, and building climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand the coming storms.

Combatting pollution, in its various forms, is another crucial battleground. Plastic waste has reached a crisis point. Resolutions could explore bans on single-use plastics, a move that would significantly reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and landfills. But plastic isn’t the only culprit. The safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and waste pose a significant threat. Resolutions might address stricter regulations on the use and disposal of hazardous chemicals, promoting cleaner production methods that minimize waste generation, and supporting developing countries in managing hazardous waste effectively. Sand and dust storms create a range of environmental and health problems. Resolutions could target sustainable land management practices to reduce soil erosion that contributes to dust storms, as well as promoting research and development of dust storm mitigation technologies.

Protecting biodiversity is intricately linked to tackling climate change and pollution. UNEA-6 resolutions might focus on expanding protected areas, creating safe havens for endangered species and preserving critical ecosystems. But protected areas alone aren’t enough. Sustainable land-use practices are essential. Resolutions could encourage sustainable farming methods that minimize environmental impact, promote land restoration initiatives to reverse past damage, and combat deforestation through responsible forestry management and economic incentives for local communities. Land degradation is another major threat, impacting biodiversity, food security, and human well-being. Resolutions might focus on promoting sustainable land management practices like crop rotation and cover cropping, restoring degraded lands through reforestation and soil conservation techniques, and combating desertification through improved water management and techniques to prevent soil erosion.

The success of these resolutions hinges on effective implementation. UNEA-6 recognized the importance of multilateralism, a united front where various stakeholders come together. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in raising awareness, mobilizing action, and ensuring accountability. UNEA-6’s inclusivity serves as a platform for their vital contributions. The voices of youth activists are critical in demanding action and shaping a sustainable future. UNEA-6’s engagement with youth activists sends a powerful message of hope and inclusivity. Businesses have a significant role to play in adopting sustainable practices and developing innovative solutions. Collaboration with the private sector is essential for translating environmental commitments into concrete action.

The resolutions adopted at UNEA-6 offer a roadmap for action, but the journey towards a sustainable future has just begun. Key challenges remain. Developing robust implementation plans with specific targets, timelines, and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation will be crucial. Holding countries accountable for their environmental pledges is essential. Establishing clear reporting mechanisms and robust enforcement will be vital. Securing adequate resources is another hurdle. Developed nations need to fulfill their commitments to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, ensuring a united global effort to overcome the triple planetary crisis.