Grapevine

Uganda to host high-level summit, launch Nile River Basin Commission in October

Uganda will in October this year host 10 heads of state and government in from the Nile Basin countries, which officials say will help to deepen cooperation around the River Nile and launch the Nile River Basin Commission.

The Nile Basin Initiative text of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) outlines principles, rights and obligations for cooperative management and development of the Nile Basin water resources.

The treaty rather than quantifying 'equitable rights' or water use allocations, intends to establish a framework to "promote integrated management, sustainable development, and harmonious utilization of the water resources of the Basin, as well as their conservation and protection for the benefit of present and future generations".

“For this purpose, the Treaty envisages the establishment of a permanent institutional mechanism, the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC). The Commission would serve to promote and facilitate the implementation of the CFA and to facilitate cooperation among the Nile Basin States in the conservation, management and development of the Nile River Basin and its waters,” a document from the NBI says.

Dr Florence Grace Adongo, the Executive Director of NBI said the new Commission will replace the Nile Basin Initiative after the recent ratification/accession of the Nile River Basin Cooperation Framework.