The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has launched a water project worth 14.24 billion shillings for Hoima City, aimed at improving supply in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
During a media briefing at the corporation’s headquarters in Nakasero, NWSC Managing Director Dr. Mugisha announced the commissioning of project works. He stated that this initiative is part of the government’s strategic investment in critical infrastructure, which is aimed at preparing for the upcoming tournament and supporting the continued growth of the Albertine Region as Uganda’s hub for oil and gas.
Hoima is among the Ugandan cities selected to host tournament matches, alongside Kampala and Lira, as the country co-hosts the continental showpiece with Kenya and Tanzania from June to July 2027.
The project will draw raw water from the River Kafu in Kikuube District, treat it at a new conventional water treatment plant, and transmit it to Hoima City through a bulk water transfer system, Dr. Mugisha said. It will deliver a treatment plant with capacity to produce 2,000 cubic meters of water daily, about 25 kilometers of transmission and distribution pipelines, and a 300-cubic-meter elevated steel reservoir at Musaijamukulu hill, along with associated pumping, electrical and storage infrastructure.
Dr. Mugisha mentioned that the project will consist of three phases: Hoima 1, Hoima 2, and Hoima 3 systems. The Hoima 2 system is designed to supplement the existing Hoima 1 system, which has been serving the city for many years. However, it is no longer able to meet the increasing demand due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and rising industrial activity associated with the oil and gas sector.
“The existing system no longer meets the water needs of Hoima City and its surrounding areas,” he stated, emphasizing that Hoima 2 is an urgent intervention to address the supply gap in the short to medium term.
Dr. Mugisha communicated that the government of Uganda and the NWSC are finalizing designs for the Hoima 3 Water Supply System. This system is expected to significantly expand water production, transmission, and storage capacity. Furthermore, both the Hoima 3 system and the existing water supply systems will eventually be integrated into a unified network to enhance efficiency and resilience.
“NWSC, therefore, appeals to government to make available the required funding for implementation of the Hoima 3 Water Supply System immediately upon completion of the designs,” Dr. Mugisha said. “Timely investment in Hoima 3 will secure the long-term water future of Hoima City and support Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda.”
The Hoima 2 project is funded by the Government of Uganda and NWSC, and it is expected to be completed in eight months. The construction work is being carried out by Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited.
Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited was represented at the press briefing by Managing Director Ma Yongqian and Deputy Managing Director Wang Feifei. The contractor committed to completing the project on time and within budget, while also pledging to uphold quality standards throughout the construction process.
The firm committed to working closely with local content requirements and stated that it would utilize local manpower during implementation to enhance the economic wellbeing of communities in Hoima.
