Decision support systems for water resources management in Uganda: the need

Water is a major factor in the socio-economic fabric of Ugandan society and a major determinant of the development potential of the country. However, management of water resources is a complex problem that typically involves a variety of stakeholder interests and environmental uncertainties. The plurality of concerns establishes a pressing need for improved planning and management capabilities, and in this respect it has been noted that decision-making related to water resource management would benefit from engineering expertise combined with suitable use of informatics. In spite of rapidly advancing computer technology and the proliferation of software for decision support, relatively few Decision Support Systems have been developed, implemented, and evaluated in the field of water resources management in Uganda. Such tools need to be structured to fit in with existing policy frameworks in Uganda’s water sector, and should be tailored to the local conditions prevailing in the country.