+256 312 372 165 info@ucold.org

Who We Are

About UCOLD

The Uganda Committee on Large Dams (UCOLD) is the 101st member of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). It was inaugurated on June 14, 2019, during ICOLD’s 87th Annual General Meeting and Symposium held in Ottawa, Canada. UCOLD was founded by the Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM) under the Ministry of Water and Environment, and the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL).

UCOLD is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing excellence in dam engineering and water resources management in Uganda. It provides a collaborative platform for professionals including engineers, geologists, scientists, and other stakeholders from government agencies, private sector organizations, consulting firms, academia, and construction companies to share knowledge, experience, and best practices in dam-related fields.

UCOLD envisions a future where dams in Uganda are planned, designed, constructed, operated, maintained, and rehabilitated to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and innovation.

The committee is established on principles of voluntarism, democratic centralization and self-support in terms of financial matters.
Safe Dams, Save Lives

Our Mandate

  • Facilitate knowledge exchange among dam engineers, scientists, and policymakers.
  • Advocate for international standards in dam design, construction, and maintenance.
  • Enhance public safety through emergency preparedness and risk mitigation.
  • Foster partnerships with global bodies (e.g., CHINCOLD, Canadian Dam Association).
  • Promote gender inclusion and capacity building in Uganda’s dam sector.
  • Support policy development for sustainable water resource governance.
  • Encourage research & innovation in climate-resilient dam infrastructure.
  • Strengthen community engagement to address social and environmental impacts.
150+
Professional Members
45
Registered Dams
28
Technical Publications
5
Annual Events

Our Mission

To provide a collaborative platform for professionals to share expertise, influence policy, and implement best practices in dam engineering and water resources management.

Our Vision

A future where Ugandan dams meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and innovation.

Key Focus Areas

Specialized Domains in Water Resources Management

Dam Safety

Dam Safety & Risk Management – Ensuring compliance with ICOLD safety guidelines.

Capacity Building

Training programs for Ugandan engineers and stakeholders.

Research & Innovation

Advancing sustainable dam technologies.

Stakeholder Engagement

Bridging gaps between government, private sector, and communities.

We are Trusted

Collaborating for Uganda's Water Future

ICOLD
ICOLD

UEGCL was formed in 2001 to take over generation assets from Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) under the Companies Act and Electricity Act, inheriting UEB's properties and liabilities via the Public Enterprise Reform Act.

Canadian Dam Association - CDA
Canadian Dam Association - CDA

The Canadian Dam Association (CDA) is a group of owners, operators, regulators, consultants, suppliers and academics interested in dams and reservoirs. CDA provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and experience in the field of dam safety, public safety and protection of the environment.

CHINCOLD
CHINCOLD

China applied to join the International Committee on Large Dams in December 1973; the application was officially accepted in the 42nd Executive Conference held in Athens in April, 1974.

UEGCL
UEGCL

UEGCL was formed in 2001 to take over generation assets from Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) under the Companies Act and Electricity Act, inheriting UEB's properties and liabilities via the Public Enterprise Reform Act.

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD)
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD)

Establish, promote the Development, Strategically Manage and Safeguard the Rational and Sustainable Exploitation and Utilization of Energy and Mineral Resources for Social and Economic Development