By Mulengera Reporters
The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), is in the final stages of a major expansion project that will connect millions of residents to the Katosi water supply.
The French-funded Package 2B project aims to ensure that the massive water production at Katosi translates into reliable supply for households across North and West Kampala. The project, which began in February 2025, involves the installation of 70 kilometers of primary pipelines and the construction of major new reservoirs at Kanyanya, Kabulengwa, and Mutungo.
During a tour of the project on Friday, Valérie Leroy, AFD’s representative in Uganda, described the expansion as a “strategic investment” and praised NWSC for its focus on efficiency and value for money. She emphasized that the initiative is inclusive, designed to reach even the most vulnerable residents.
Once complete, the project will serve rapidly growing neighborhoods, including Kira, Kasangati, Gayaza, Matugga, Kawempe, Nansana, and Wakiso. Pipe-laying is already underway in the Mpererwe-Kawempe-Nansana section, with full completion of the network scheduled for August 2027.
“This partnership between France and Uganda is built for the long term, aligned with the objectives of Vision 2040, and aims to develop sustainable infrastructure that improves daily life,” Leroy said. She added that the €480 million investment by France represents a significant commitment to Uganda’s water and sanitation sector.
Project inspections included SOGEA’s works at the Kungu pumping station and Kanyanya reservoir, where foundation and excavation works are already complete. Alex Gisagara, senior adviser for engineering services at NWSC, described the project as the “missing link” ensuring that Katosi’s water reaches households.
Following the success of initial funding, the AFD board approved additional resources in December 2025 to increase Katosi’s plant capacity by 80,000 cubic meters per day and extend the network by another 50 kilometers. The initiative also receives support from the European Union, European Investment Bank, and KfW.
The expansion coincides with a period of rapid growth for NWSC. Since 2013, under the leadership of the Managing Director, the utility has expanded from 23 towns to 287 towns across Uganda, increasing its asset base from UGX 650 billion to UGX 5 trillion, and now managing over 1 million water connections serving approximately 22 million people.
Under its current 2024-2027 Corporate Plan, NWSC aims to reach 1.1 million connections and serve 24 million people, reinforcing its commitment to universal water coverage across the country. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
