By Ben Musanje
A high-stakes diplomatic visit has ignited fresh excitement in Uganda’s water sector after Her Excellency Valerie Leroy, the French Ambassador to Uganda, stormed the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) headquarters in Nakasero on Friday for crucial talks with Managing Director Dr. Silver Mugisha.
The meeting, charged with ambition and urgency, brought together top minds determined to transform water access across the country. At the center of the discussions was Marc Trouyet, the AFD Country Director for Uganda, who unveiled bold plans to back NWSC’s aggressive push to reach the poorest communities.
Trouyet signaled strong support for sanitation projects, the rollout of the corporation’s Gender Action Plan, and a broader mission to accelerate service delivery nationwide. His message was clear: no community should be left behind as Uganda races to modernize its water systems.
The impact is already being felt. NWSC has expanded water access to a staggering four million people, a milestone that has drawn international attention. But officials are not slowing down. Trouyet pushed for even bigger moves, calling on the French government to fund a new water supply project targeting 35 towns and to deepen technical collaboration between NWSC and French companies.
Ambassador Leroy, visibly impressed, applauded NWSC’s technical strength and discipline. She noted that the corporation has built a reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget, a rare achievement that has made it a standout utility in the region.
Dr. Silver Mugisha, Managing Director of NWSC, welcomed the growing partnership, praising the French government and AFD for their continued investment and confidence in Uganda’s water future.
Behind the scenes, this visit signals more than just diplomacy. It marks a powerful alliance that could redefine access to clean water for millions more Ugandans. With new funding on the horizon and technical expertise flowing in, the stage is set for a dramatic expansion of life-changing services.
As the dust settles on this landmark meeting, one thing is certain: Uganda’s water sector is entering a bold new chapter, and the ripple effects could be felt for generations.
