A powerful collaboration is making waves in Uganda’s water sector, setting the stage for a transformative new chapter. Vitens Evides International (VEI) and National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), working hand in hand with the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), are deepening their commitment to supporting the vital transition of Uganda’s Umbrella Authorities. This ongoing partnership under the EU Water Operators Partnership (WOP) is now poised for an ambitious expansion.
The momentum is building. Key stakeholders from VEI, NWSC, and the South Western Umbrella of Water and Sanitation (SWUWS) convened to craft a compelling proposal for Phase 2 of the impactful EU WOP Project. This next phase aims to significantly boost the capabilities of both MWE and SWUWS, with a sharp focus on enhancing asset management, customer relations, and billing systems.
The meeting served as a springboard, launching from a foundation of remarkable achievement. The first phase, concluded in March, delivered results that far exceeded expectations. In a stunning feat of asset management, 48 water schemes were successfully mapped using mapkit technology, shattering an initial target of just five. A fully operational Centralized Management System (CMS) is now in place and continuously being refined, while ten smart bulk meters have been installed and are actively monitored.
Progress flowed into customer engagement as well. A functional customer charter and clear service standards were established, bringing new clarity and accountability.
A modern call center now stands ready, complete with newly procured equipment and a trained staff ready to serve the community. Behind the scenes, infrastructure and digitization received a major boost with the acquisition of essential tools like new servers, staff computers, and GPS handhelds, all designed to streamline operations and ease the workload.
This journey provided invaluable lessons. Participants emphasized that collaboration, continuous improvement, and building institutional capacity are the bedrock of success. The need for adaptability to the local context and robust data management was also highlighted, alongside the ongoing challenge of ensuring staff seamlessly adapt to new systems, pointing to a continued need for intensive training.
Looking ahead, the vision for Phase 2 is both broad and strategic. Nine exciting thematic areas were presented for development, spanning from digitalization and commercial operations to climate resilience and pro-poor water access. To ensure a concentrated and powerful impact, the proposal will consolidate these into a maximum of five key areas, perfectly aligned with the goals of the next phase.
With the proven success of the first phase and a clear, ambitious roadmap for the future, the partnership is flowing stronger than ever. Phase 2 of this transformative EU WOP project is expected to commence this November, promising a new tide of innovation and sustainable development for Uganda’s water and sanitation sector.
The meeting was attended by key figures including Joep Vonk, Project Manager in Uganda; Zainab Mpakiraba, Manager External Services; Eng. Allan Kaford, Principal Engineer External Services; and a dedicated team from the Ministry of Water and Environment.
