The private sector has a critical role in promoting sustainable water usage and mitigating the effects of climate change. This was emphasized by officials from Stanbic Bank Uganda and Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) during a panel discussion organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment in commemoration of National Water and Environment Week 2025.
The panel included among others; Cathy Adengo, the Head of Sustainability at Stanbic Bank, Anthony Alozie, the UBL Director, Supply Chain, and Dr Calist Tindimugaya, Ag. Director, Water Resources Management at the Ministry of Water.
Adengo noted during the discussion that the engagement of the private sector is crucial in this campaign noting that financial institutions have a huge role to play when it comes to water catchment management.
“Stanbic Bank Uganda plays a key role in co-creating solutions that address environment action with private sector partners and providing affordable financing products that promote environmental sustainability,” Adengo told the panel.
“As a long-term partner, Stanbic would like to congratulate Uganda Breweries Limited on the launch of the Elgon Pamoja Program that aims to utilize nature-based solutions to preserve and restore natural water sources and towers and maintain long-term water availability for both people and ecosystems.”
Adengo was speaking about UBL’s new campaign dubbed Elgon Pamoja Program aimed at involving the private sector in water management programs, which the company is already rolling out.
Anthony Alozie, the UBL Director, of Supply Chain, who unveiled the Elgon Pamoja Program, said that UBL uses a multi-pronged approach to water catchment and management, which enables the company to operate optimally and efficiently.
“UBL’s approach to water stewardship is multifaceted. We start inside the factory – with water efficiency where we have more than halved the water, we use per litre of beer produced in the last 5 years and our state-of-the-art Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) that treats our wastewater before we dispose of it back into L. Victoria,” Alozie explained to the panel, adding;
The second phase is in our communities, known as water replenishment, which involves giving access to water in water-stressed communities.”
About the newly unveiled Elgon Pamoja Program, Alozie said that; “This is the third phase, where we are focusing on water catchment areas and partnering with other stakeholders because if we don’t conserve these catchment areas, then all the water that we need for both domestic and industry uses is under threat. We believe catchment management is the right thing to do.”
He noted that this is good for the people in communities where they operate because it secures water, yields and incomes for farmers.
“It is also good for the planet because it promotes environmental sustainability,” he noted, adding; “It is also good for the profitability of our business because it reduces risks such as access to water, climate change, and secures agricultural raw materials for the production of our iconic brands.”
Importance of Sustainable Water Usage
Sustainable water usage is essential for mitigating the effects of climate change. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, leading to droughts and floods, which can have devastating impacts on communities and ecosystems. By promoting sustainable water usage, the private sector can help reduce the risks associated with climate change.
Benefits of Private Sector Engagement
Private sector engagement in sustainable water usage can have numerous benefits, including:
Reduced Risks
By promoting sustainable water usage, companies can reduce the risks associated with climate change, such as droughts and floods.
Improved Brand Reputation
Companies that engage in sustainable water usage can enhance their brand reputation and demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Cost Savings
Companies can also realize cost savings by implementing water-saving measures and reducing water usage.
Private sector action in water catchment management is thus critical for mitigating the effects of climate change.
By engaging in sustainable water usage, companies can reduce risks, improve their brand reputation, and realize cost savings.