The Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, engaged with the staff of the Sewerage Services Department. The session covered a range of critical issues, emphasizing the corporation’s commitment to employee welfare, growth, and the significant role of the Sewerage Services Department.
In his concise opening remarks, Eng. James Miro Maiteki, the Senior Manager-Sewerage Services D, expressed gratitude to the Managing Director for graciously taking time out of his hectic schedule to engage with the Sewerage Services Department (SSD) staff. He began by introducing the dedicated members of his team, highlighting the various section heads, and commended them for their commendable efforts. Eng. Maiteki extended his thanks to the team for the outstanding work they consistently perform and the resilience they demonstrate in executing their day-to-day responsibilities, all of which contribute significantly to the growth and development of the corporation.
Subsequently, Eng. Maiteki provided an overview of the overall performance of the Sewerage Services Department, presenting key achievements and milestones to the Managing Director for his consideration and feedback. This briefing aimed to provide Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha with a comprehensive understanding of the department’s contributions and successes, fostering an open and collaborative dialogue during the engagement.
One of the key topics addressed was the efficiency of contract renewals. Dr. Mugisha expressed concern over delays in renewing contracts, asserting that renewals should be a seamless process. He emphasized the importance of timely renewals, ensuring that staff contracts do not expire without due consideration, except in cases where performance issues are identified.
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Mugisha called for unity and support among the SSD staff, envisioning a strong, supportive work family that would propel the department to greater heights. He pledged continued support to the SSD team, expressing confidence in their ability to maintain the high standards set by NWSC.
The issue of promotions and salary increments also took center stage during the meeting. Dr. Mugisha revealed a new policy for the Kampala Water region, declaring that staff with over 20 years of service and an average score of B+ would be promoted to a higher scale. Additionally, those on scales seven and eight with a graduate qualification would undergo appraisal, with those achieving a B+ and above being promoted to scale six. Dr. Mugisha announced the rewarding of 40 sewerage staff with a B+ and above by granting them two salary notches, recognizing the critical nature of their role in the corporation.
Addressing the broader context of NWSC’s growth, Dr. Mugisha highlighted the remarkable progress made over the past decade. From being present in 23 towns, NWSC has expanded its reach to 273 towns, with further plans to extend to over 300 towns in the next five years. The corporation’s annual turnover has seen substantial growth from 150 billion to 550 billion, accompanied by an increase in assets from 650 billion to an impressive 4.2 trillion Ugandan shillings.
Expressing appreciation for the union leadership’s focus on strategic issues, Dr. Mugisha acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Sewerage Services Department in the corporation’s success. He applauded the staff for their dedication and highlighted the importance of sewage services in maintaining the brand completeness of NWSC. Dr. Mugisha reassured the employees that their privileges were well-deserved, given the department’s crucial contribution to the corporation’s overall mission.
The MD underscored the interconnectedness of financial growth and staff welfare, stating that as the corporation’s revenue expands, it will positively impact the well-being of its workforce. He urged the Chief Manager of HR to ensure that staff fully understand the appraisal mechanisms and have access to effective appeal processes.
Turning his attention to career development, Dr. Mugisha encouraged the Sewerage Services Department staff to focus on enhancing their education, skills, and competence. He emphasized the importance of being well-equipped to assume positions of higher responsibility within the corporation.
