During the ongoing Water and Environment Week, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation seized the spotlight, captivating audiences with a compelling call to action as he ignited a fervent dialogue during his keynote speech, emphasizing the imperative for collective effort and inventive approaches in confronting Uganda’s pressing water and environmental dilemmas.
With unwavering resolve, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha voiced a sentiment echoed by many, “The time for rhetoric has passed; action is now paramount.” He dispelled any notion of novelty in his discourse, acknowledging that the information he shared was not exclusive but rather a reflection of a widespread acknowledgment, particularly within academic circles, of the gravity of these challenges.
Identifying ten critical focal points, Dr. Eng. Mugisha outlined a roadmap for progress, touching upon the perennial hindrance of financial limitations, the urgency of diversifying funding streams, and the necessity of tailoring solutions to suit Uganda’s unique context, rather than adhering blindly to templates borrowed from abroad.
Central to his address was a plea for a paradigm shift, urging a departure from conventional approaches towards a more sustainable code. He stressed the symbiotic relationship between engineers and economists, advocating for synergy to ensure that interventions are not only effective but also economically viable. Dr. Mugisha also hinted on the indispensable role of emotional intelligence in swaying policymakers towards investing in water infrastructure, a significant contribution to national advancement.
In a cautionary tone, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha urged foresightedness in the adoption of technology, emphasizing the importance of aligning innovation with local demands, and he warned against the danger of hasty implementation without due consideration for suitability and sustainability within the Ugandan context.
As his address drew to a close, Dr. Eng. Mugisha did indeed leave a permanent impression, echoing the urgency of concerted action and resourcefulness in confronting Uganda’s environmental plight. His parting words implored stakeholders to unite in purpose before the window of opportunity narrows irreversibly.
