BY INNOCENT KIIZA
In a landmark move towards sustainable cooperation, the Nile Basin Development Network (NBD) and the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) have joined forces to uplift millions from poverty.
The 31st Annual Nile Council of Ministers’ Meeting at the Speke Resort in Kampala, Uganda,on 14 oct commitments from key stakeholders, emphasized the importance of comprehensive development in the Nile Basin states.
In her opening speech, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Robina Nabanja, underscored Uganda’s long-standing commitment to Nile cooperation, dating back to pre-colonial times.
She recognized the inherent rights of each member state on the Nile, emphasizing the importance of cooperative management.
The Prime Minister commended the continued support of the member states to the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), established in 1999 as a vehicle for cooperative development.
Highlighting the achievements of NBI in promoting cooperation and major regional water infrastructural developments, adding that resources are be seen as for development not for conflict”Our water resources can be an asset for cooperation and development and not a curse and source of conflict as previously wrongly believed.”Hon. Nabanja said.
She called for a reaffirmation and/or ratification of the agreement by all member states, providing institutional and financial support for the full realization of cooperative objectives.
Hon. Nabanja expressed Uganda’s commitment to international law principles on shared water resources and participation in basin-wide cooperative programs.
Ms. Verdiane Nyiramana, Chairperson of Nile Basin Development, expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit, highlighting NBD’s essential role since its establishment in 2003.
Serving as a bridge between communities and policymakers, NBD enriches policies, strategies, and projects by incorporating local insights.
The commitment to localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on gender equality (SDG 5) and youth engagement was particularly significant.
The partnership between NBD and NBI in the Nile Cooperation for Climate Resilience Project demonstrates joint efforts in building awareness and collecting essential citizen data on climate impacts.
Ms. Nyiramana also called for continued support from ministers, directors, and development partners to expand NBD’s reach and maximize positive impacts.
“The commitment to collaboration, encapsulated in the phrase “One-Nile One-Family,” resonated with the audience, fostering optimism for sustained progress and equitable development in the Nile Basin region” Nyiramana said.
H.E the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of Uganda, representing Dr. Jean d’Arc MUJAWAMARIYA, the Minister of Environment of Rwanda, emphasized sustainable socio-economic development through equitable Nile basin water resource utilization.
The Ambassador commended the collaborative efforts among Nile Basin riparian countries and urged for strengthened cooperation at both technical and political levels.
Acknowledging the achievements of NBI and the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), the Ambassador highlighted the need to expedite pipeline projects, especially the Akanyaru Water Resources Development project.
“The commitment of the Government of Rwanda to Nile cooperation and support for the NELSAP Coordination Unit showcased Rwanda’s dedication to the shared vision of the Nile Basin”Dr Mujawamariya said.
Meanwhile,Hon. Pal Mai Deng, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation and Nile-COM Member of the Republic of South Sudan, expressed gratitude for hosting the significant gathering and acknowledged the tireless efforts of NBI in organizing the meetings. Despite facing economic challenges and the impacts of war and climate change, Hon. Deng reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to its obligations within the NBI.
The commitment and resilience demonstrated by South Sudan garnered positive attention, portraying a narrative of determination and hope in the face of adversity.
H.E. Dr. Eng. Habtamu Itefa, Minister for Water and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of genuine cooperation for achieving developmental goals in the Nile River Basin.
Ambassador Etsegenet Bezabih conveyed Ethiopia’s commitment to the goals and aspirations of the Nile Basin Initiative, portraying the country as a champion for regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Nile River Basin.
In the same development the Prime Minister acknowledged the outgoing Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM) chair, Hon. Jumaa Hamidu Aweso of Tanzania, for his commendable leadership over the past year.
She welcomed Hon. Sam Cheptoris, Minister of Water and Environment in Uganda, as the incoming chair, expressing confidence in his ability to lead NBI forward.
“I wish to welcome Hon. Sam Cheptoris, Minister of Water and Environment in the Republic of Uganda and wish him a successful one year of service to the Nile Basin states and their people.”
