French Government Supports NWSC’s $200 Million Infrastructure Project

The French Ambassador to Uganda, Virginie Leroy, has praised the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) for its efficient service delivery and technical expertise. The ambassador made the remarks during a high-level visit to the NWSC headquarters in Nakasero, where she met with Managing Director Silver Mugisha to discuss ongoing infrastructure projects supported by the French government.

Dr. Mugisha presented the $200 million Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project, which aims to improve water and sanitation systems in 35 towns across Uganda. These towns include Apac, Bugiri, Buhweju, Bukedea, Buikwe, Bushenyi, Buwama, Entebbe, Bweyale, Kiryandongo, and Kigumba, among others. The initiative will run for five years, with completion slated for 2028.

Many of the targeted towns still rely on infrastructure over 50 years old, which is now outdated and prone to frequent failures. The rapid urbanisation of these areas, combined with the impact of climate change, has further strained the existing systems. As a result, some areas face reduced borehole yields and flooding that affects water sources. The new project will focus on upgrading water treatment plants, expanding pipe networks, and implementing climate-resilient measures, such as relocating intake structures to less flood-prone areas.

“We are working on various innovations to reduce project costs and aim to serve more people with clean and safe water,” Dr. Mugisha said. “We are focused on providing value for money in all our projects.”

Ambassador Leroy expressed her appreciation for the NWSC’s work, commending the corporation’s high operational standards. She also emphasised the French government’s continued commitment to Uganda, noting that the partnership with NWSC serves as a model for successful infrastructure collaboration. The French Development Agency (AFD) has played a significant role in supporting various NWSC projects, including the Katosi Water Works and the Ggaba Water Treatment Complex.

The partnership has also supported pro-poor initiatives such as the rollout of 1,400 prepaid public standpipes and 64 sanitation facilities in informal settlements, benefiting around 450,000 residents. These efforts have been critical in extending water services to underserved communities.

Since Dr. Mugisha took over leadership in 2013, NWSC has expanded its services from 23 towns to over 280 urban centres. The corporation’s asset base has grown from 650 billion shillings to over 5 trillion shillings, while customer connections have surpassed 1 million, serving a population of 22 million.

Looking ahead, NWSC plans to further its digital transformation and climate stewardship through its 2024-2027 corporate plan. A key milestone will be increasing production at the Katosi plant to its full capacity of 240 million litres per day to meet the growing demand from Uganda’s expanding urban population.