New bill to ensure mandatory harvest, storage of rainwater

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Parliament granted the MP leave to go and draft a bill that would ensure that this is achieved.

According to documents Pulse Uganda has gotten hold of, the draft bill will provide for mandatory harvesting and storage of rainwater to conserve, establish, maintain, and manage rainwater harvesting systems and facilities in Uganda.

In his justification, Yeri said that there is need to put in place appropriate mechanisms to address the issue of drought and flooding, especially by taking advantage of the rainy seasons when the water is plentiful.

“During the rainy season, rainwater causes flooding, especially in urban areas where the drainage systems are not well maintained,” he said.

He added that harvesting and storing rainwater will augment the water needs of the people of Uganda while at the same time minimising flooding.

“Climate projections indicate that conditions will become even more severe in the future and will continue to pose threats to Uganda amidst the growing population, economy, and increasing urbanisation."

The draft law will introduce a building committee whose function is to ensure that all developers make provisions for rainwater harvesting and storage.

“Water is a scarce commodity; for instance, it has just rained now, but instead of harvesting the water, families instead move to collect water from the well. That is time wastage,” said Yeri.

The Mitooma District Woman MP, Juliet Agasha, seconded the motion to introduce the bill, saying that harvesting and storing water will protect the rights and wellbeing of women and young girls from exposure to sexual harassment.

“They usually trek long distances when they go to look for water. The bill also promotes the president’s agenda on solar-powered irrigation pumps. When rainwater is well trapped and harvested, it will help ease the irrigation process, thus helping people in rural areas,” she said.

Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, referred the bill to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources but guided that the committee liaise with that of physical infrastructure, saying that Yeri’s proposals could be incorporated in the Building Control Act.

“In the end, it can even be an amendment by Hon. Ofwono [Yeri] instead of a stand-alone bill. These are the issues we should look at when it comes to first reading, in case it is cleared. It is just a proposal, and it is still a draft; I cannot comment much about it,” Tayebwa said.

He added that while it is encouraged to make new laws, some issues can be included in the existing laws to strengthen them.