As the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) ushered in a new Board of Directors, Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha used the occasion to focus attention on one of the Corporation’s most pressing priorities increasing water production to meet the demands of Uganda’s rapidly growing population.
Speaking during the Board handover ceremony, Dr. Mugisha noted that while demand for water services has continued to rise over the years, investment in water production infrastructure has not always kept pace. The result, he explained, is a widening gap between water demand and available production capacity, placing increasing pressure on existing systems across several parts of the country.
He observed that addressing this challenge will require sustained investment in new water production facilities, expansion of existing infrastructure and continued support from Government to ensure that projects are implemented in line with the country’s growing water needs.
Dr. Mugisha highlighted a number of ongoing interventions aimed at strengthening production capacity, including investments in new water production systems in Gulu and Kitgum, as well as plans for a new production facility in Arua, where existing boreholes and treatment infrastructure are no longer sufficient to meet current demand. As an interim measure, he noted, water production in Arua has already been increased while preparations continue for a long-term solution that will provide adequate capacity for the area’s future growth.
The Managing Director also pointed to improvements in the Corporation’s financial position, attributing part of the progress to Government’s increased consistency in settling outstanding water bills. He expressed optimism that continued timely settlement of domestic arrears would strengthen NWSC’s capacity to finance critical infrastructure projects and accelerate investments aimed at closing the gap between water supply and demand.
While acknowledging that financing remains central to the Corporation’s long-term plans, Dr. Mugisha emphasized that every investment in water production, treatment and distribution brings NWSC closer to delivering reliable services to more communities across Uganda. He expressed confidence that closer collaboration with Government would further strengthen the Corporation’s ability to expand infrastructure and respond to the country’s growing demand for safe water.
Reflecting on the leadership transition, Dr. Mugisha paid tribute to the outgoing Board, led by Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu, for its strategic guidance and support over the past six years, which he credited with contributing to the Corporation’s continued growth and transformation. He also welcomed the incoming Board chaired by Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe, reaffirming the commitment of Management to work closely with the new leadership in advancing NWSC’s strategic objectives.
As a new Board assumes office, the Corporation enters its next chapter with a renewed focus on expanding water production, strengthening infrastructure and mobilising the resources needed to deliver reliable, sustainable water and sewerage services to a growing nation.
