The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) held its Baraza to reflect on the remarkable achievements over the past decade and discuss its strategic vision for the future.
Eng. Amayo Johnson, Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services, presented a comprehensive overview of NWSC’s performance and upcoming plans, reaffirming the Corporation’s dedication to providing clean water and sanitation services across Uganda.
Major Growth and Expansion
Since 2013, NWSC has expanded its services to 276 urban centers, increasing the total number of water connections to 951,000.
Serving over 18 million Ugandans, the Corporation has successfully grown its pipe network to 23,440 kilometers.
The organization’s financial health has also seen a significant boost, with an annual turnover of UGX 622 billion and a total asset base of UGX 4.6 trillion, demonstrating robust financial management and investment in infrastructure.
Key Projects and Infrastructure Development
Several high-impact projects have been completed between 2013 and 2024, including the Arua, Gulu, and Bushenyi Water and Sanitation projects under the Water Management Development Program (WMDP).
Additionally, major infrastructure projects such as the Katosi Water Treatment Plant, Nakivubo Wastewater Treatment Plant, and various water supply improvements in informal settlements have been critical in expanding access to clean water.
Ongoing projects, like the Karuma Water Treatment Plant and the Gulu-Karuma Transmission Mains, continue to advance, with many nearing completion.
The Corporation highlighted its efforts to integrate climate-resilient infrastructure to better serve refugees and host communities in Northern Uganda.
Challenges Facing NWSC
Despite these successes, NWSC faces significant challenges, including growing financial constraints and rising non-revenue water (NRW) due to illegal water use and an aging network.
Currently, NRW stands at 34%, which NWSC aims to reduce to 30% by 2029. Climate change and environmental degradation have also affected water supply, while outstanding arrears, exceeding Ushs.205 billion, remain a major concern.
Vision for the Future
NWSC’s strategic plan for 2024-2029 focuses on expanding services, enhancing customer satisfaction, and maintaining financial viability.
The Corporation aims to increase its customer base from 950,000 to 1.25 million and raise the population served from 19 million to 25 million.
Additionally, NWSC is committed to reducing water losses, improving service quality, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Eng. Johnson emphasized the Corporation’s dedication to aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6) and Uganda’s National Development Plans (NDPIII and NPDIV).
By leveraging technology, expanding infrastructure, and fostering partnerships, NWSC seeks to ensure universal access to water and sanitation services, positioning itself as a world-class utility.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Engagement
In line with its mission to serve Ugandans, NWSC continues to prioritize customer satisfaction and corporate social responsibility.
Recent customer satisfaction surveys indicate an overall satisfaction index of 80%, with improvements noted in service reliability and customer care.
The Corporation also continues to engage communities through various development programs, ensuring that vulnerable populations, especially in informal settlements, have access to clean water.
As NWSC looks to the future, its commitment to delivering on Uganda’s water and sanitation needs remains unwavering.
With ongoing investments in both infrastructure and digital transformation, NWSC is set to lead the sector in providing sustainable, equitable, and cost-effective services to all Ugandans.
