Dr Alfred Okot Okidi, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Water and Environment, has been recognized for his distinguished service and outstanding contribution toward the transformation and sustainable development of the Lake Victoria basin.
Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, the Tanzanian prime minister, presented the accolade to Dr Okidi last week during the commemoration of the maiden Regional Lake Victoria day held at the Nane Nane grounds in Mwanza.
The recognition highlights Dr Okidi’s tireless efforts in steering regional dialogue and advocating for the collective preservation of Africa’s largest freshwater body. As the technocrat leading Uganda’s water and environment docket, Dr Okidi has been instrumental in shifting the East African Community (EAC) from isolated country-specific campaigns toward highly coordinated, cross- border resource management frameworks.
“For Uganda, a compromised Lake Victoria would mean not only environmental degradation, but also energy insecurity and economic disruption,” Dr Okidi warned in his address to regional leaders.
Uganda oversees approximately 45% of the lake’s surface area, which acts as the sole feeder for the River Nile at Jinja. Dr Okidi’s administration has consistently protected this vital resource, which powers the country’s sequential dams, including Nalubaale, Kiira, Bujagali, Isimba, and Karuma; collectively generating more than 90% of the electricity running Uganda’s national grid.
The other awardees from Uganda included Edith Mwanje, the permanent secretary in the ministry of East African Community Affairs, and Dr Tom Okurut, the first executive secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, who was honoured posthumously in recognition of his outstanding contribution to regional cooperation and the sustainable management of the Victoria basin.