This collaboration will not only enhance NBD’s media reach at local, national, and regional levels but also ensure that the implementation of Subcomponent 1B benefits from the robust storytelling, visibility, and public engagement expertise that InfoNile brings.

Nile Basin Discourse (NBD) hosted and held fruitful discussions with Mr Aijuka Andrew, the Office Manager/Media for InfoNile in Uganda. The discussions centered on forging a partnership under the Nile Civil Society for Climate Resilience (NCSCR) project’s Subcomponent 1B, which focuses on community engagement on transboundary development strategies and projects. Specifically, the dialogue explored opportunities for collaboration on establishing partnerships with Nile Media Networks at the regional level.

InfoNile, a subsidiary of Water Journalists Africa, is a vibrant network of science journalists reporting primarily on water and environmental issues. Since its establishment in 2020, InfoNile has played a vital role in spotlighting under-reported water challenges in the Nile Basin region. Beyond reporting, the platform has excelled in training and mentoring journalists, and through its NileWell platform, it has successfully paired more than 500 science journalists with 250 research scientists to transform scientific knowledge into accessible, impactful stories.

With flagship programs such as #EverydayNile, Environmental Activists, NileWell Science Wednesdays, the Scientists–Journalists Co-production Fellowship, and a wide array of story grants, training, and mentorship opportunities, InfoNile has become a hub for amplifying voices and insights on critical Nile Basin issues.

Given its expansive network of experienced journalists across Nile Basin countries and its established track record in reporting on transboundary water and development matters, InfoNile stands out as a natural partner for NBD. This collaboration will not only enhance NBD’s media reach at local, national, and regional levels but also ensure that the implementation of Subcomponent 1B benefits from the robust storytelling, visibility, and public engagement expertise that InfoNile brings.

The meeting with Mr. Aijuka reinforced shared aspirations: strengthening media linkages, broadening knowledge sharing, and increasing visibility for the Nile Basin’s development and climate resilience initiatives.

The MAR Groundwater Project, implemented by NBI with support from GEF and UNDP, will provide access to safe water to over 300 people at each of the five pilot sites. Recognizing NBD’s unique mandate and extensive grassroots networks across the Nile Basin, the project partners have tasked NBD to spearhead community sensitization and awareness-raising at the project sites in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Last week, the Nile Basin Discourse (NBD) took part in the official handover of project sites by the Government of Uganda (GoU) to the contractor for the implementation of the Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Groundwater Project. The handovers took place on 16th September 2025 in Kakukuru Town Council, Ntungamo District, and on 19th September 2025 in Bunabiro Village, Bwikhonge Sub-County, Bulambuli District.

In Kakukuru, NBD was represented by Eng. Sylvester A. Matemu, Regional Manager; and Ms. Agness Namusiitwa, NBD Board Treasurer and Chairperson of UNDF while in Bunabiro, NBD’s delegation included Ms. Jennifer Kurubeija, Regional Programme Administrator; and Ms. Faith Namansa, NBD Board Member.

The handover ceremonies were presided over by the Uganda Ministry of Water and Environment, represented by Mr. Wycliffe Tumwebaze (Assistant Commissioner), and the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), represented by Dr. Maha Abdelraheem Ismail (Groundwater specialist and Project Team Lead). The events brought together Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), LC 5 Chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Town Clerks, LC 1 leaders, landowners, and members of the beneficiary communities.

The MAR Groundwater Project: “Enhancing conjunctive management of surface and groundwater resources in selected Transboundary aquifers: Case study for selected shared groundwater bodies in the Nile Basin” is jointly executed by NBI, GEF, and UNDP. Once completed, each site is projected to provide safe water access to more than 300 people.

Recognizing NBD’s unique mandate and extensive grassroots networks across the Nile Basin, the project partners have tasked NBD to spearhead community sensitization and awareness-raising in the four participating countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

The Kakukuru site in Ntungamo and Bunabiro site in Bulambuli are part of the five pilot locations under the project, two in Uganda and one each in Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda where site handovers are scheduled to follow in the coming weeks.