By Mulengera Reporters
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) recently unveiled ambitious plans to expand water access across Uganda, aiming to serve 25 million people over the next five years, up from the current 19 million.
The number of water connections is also set to increase from 1 million to 1.2 million as part of a 10-fold growth strategy aligned with the National Development Plan IV (NDPIV).
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, NWSC Managing Director, shared the plans while hosted by Simon Kaggwa Njala on NBS Television’s Breakfast Show on November 19, 2025.
He revealed that several new water treatment plants are under construction in towns including Hoima, Lira, Kakumiro, Kitgum, and Nakawuka, aimed at improving reliability and access nationwide.
In Kampala, NWSC currently produces over 400,000 liters of water daily, enough to meet demand in the metropolitan area.
The government has invested UGX 400 billion to evacuate more water from the Katosi and Ggaba plants, which is expected to significantly improve supply in the capital.
Highlighting the disparity in water access, Dr. Mugisha noted that while urban residents pay UGX 100 per jerrycan, rural residents often pay up to UGX 500 due to limited availability. “We should be more concerned about the village person who does not have access to water,” he said.
NWSC has also completed major projects in 2025, including the Kagera project supplying water from River Kagera to Mbarara City, as well as the Karuma–Gulu and Kalungu projects, enhancing supply in northern and central Uganda.
Progress is also underway in Kyankwanzi, Soroti, Mbale, and Adjumani to ensure more reliable water services.
Additionally, a DN 400 (16-inch) pipeline is set to supply water along the Entebbe corridor, including Akright and Kajjansi, while the Nakawuka water treatment plant will further strengthen supply along this busy service corridor.
Dr. Mugisha described 2025 as a record year for NWSC, with operating profit before depreciation reaching UGX 162 billion, up from UGX 140 billion the previous year.
He added that national water coverage now stands at approximately 84%, marking significant progress toward universal water access. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
