President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed optimism that the newly launched African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA) will enhance Africa’s efforts to achieve universal access to clean water, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six.
AWASA, launched on February 17 during the ongoing 22nd African Water and Sanitation Congress (AfWASA 2025) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, aims to improve the performance of the water and sanitation sector across the continent. The academy, headquartered at the NWSC International Resource Centre in Bugolobi, Kampala, will serve as a model institution for research, innovation, and capacity building in water and sanitation management.
In a speech delivered by Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, President Museveni commended AfWASA for establishing the academy. “It is clear that a diversity of challenges has plagued the water and sanitation sector in Africa—shaping the way it should be managed,” he said.
He urged AWASA to foster self-reliance among African water utilities and emphasized the need for homegrown solutions to address the continent’s water and sanitation challenges. “Utility managers and experts need to devise homegrown solutions to address African water and sanitation challenges. This calls for continued research and development, and competence-based skills development building leadership capacity,” he added.
Addressing Africa’s Water Crisis
According to AfWASA officials, AWASA’s primary objective is to build the capacity of water and sanitation managers, utility companies, and policymakers across Africa. The academy will integrate scientific, technical, and governance aspects to drive innovation and improve service delivery in the sector.
President Museveni highlighted rapid population growth, urbanization, environmental degradation, climate change, and depletion of water resources as major obstacles to clean water access in Africa. With only five years left to meet SDG Six, Africa faces a challenge, as an estimated 440 million people lack access to clean water, while 779 million lack basic sanitation services.
Uganda’s government approved AWASA’s establishment to support research and skills development, ensuring African nations can independently address their water and sanitation challenges. “I would like to applaud and thank AfWASA for choosing Uganda as the host for this academy,” Museveni stated.
The academy will collaborate with regional centers across Africa, equipping professionals with the skills needed to drive sustainable water and sanitation solutions for the continent’s growing population.
