KAMPALA, UGANDA – The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has entered a strategic partnership with Luwero Industries Limited to enhance water supply efficiency and strengthen Uganda’s engineering capabilities.
The collaboration, formalized in Kampala, is set to reduce operational costs, foster technical innovation, and promote self-reliance in maintaining water infrastructure. NWSC Managing Director Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha highlighted the importance of optimizing government-funded equipment to tackle water supply challenges.
“This collaboration is critical for us,” Dr. Mugisha said. “We are in the process of replacing pumps to increase capacity at Ggaba and other installations, but importing new pumps takes up to six months. By working with Luwero Industries, we can recondition, recalibrate, and extend the lifespan of our existing equipment, ensuring standby pumps are always available in case of breakdowns.”
Addressing Kampala’s Water Supply Challenges
Dr. Mugisha attributed water shortages in Kampala to extreme weather conditions, which have heightened demand while simultaneously drying up water sources. As a short-term solution, NWSC is installing higher-capacity pumps and implementing bulk rationing to address water-stressed areas. In the long term, the Kampala Water Supply Network Rationalisation and Expansion Project is underway to improve distribution.
The newly commissioned Katosi Water Plant has significantly increased water production, but efficient distribution remains a priority. Under the Package 2B expansion project, NWSC plans to construct 72 kilometers of new pipe networks, reservoirs, and booster pumping stations to improve access.
Building Local Capacity for Water Infrastructure Maintenance
The partnership with Luwero Industries will allow NWSC to develop in-house troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance capabilities, reducing dependency on imported spare parts and avoiding long procurement delays.
“We have previously been forced to buy and replace equipment frequently,” Dr. Mugisha noted. “Now, with Luwero’s support, we will focus on maintenance, rehabilitation, and reuse—lowering costs and improving efficiency.”
Luwero Industries’ specialized workshop machinery and precision equipment will enable NWSC to locally manufacture spare parts, streamlining repairs for the corporation’s more than 1,000 pumps nationwide.
Dr. Mugisha also emphasized that the partnership will promote research and development (R&D), fostering homegrown engineering solutions for Uganda’s water infrastructure. “Through progressive research, we can start assembling our own pumps locally,” he added.
Commitment to Innovation and Self-Reliance
Luwero Industries General Manager Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeeyi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting NWSC’s mission to enhance water and sanitation services.
“We are proud to partner with NWSC to address Uganda’s water supply challenges,” Maj. Gen. Muzeeyi said. “This partnership aligns with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision for homegrown solutions and self-reliance in critical sectors.”
He praised NWSC’s progress in expanding water services to underserved regions, including Kotido, Moroto, and Matany, and commended Dr. Mugisha’s collaborative approach.
NWSC’s Eng. Andrew Muhwezi echoed these sentiments, noting that while NWSC has experience refurbishing equipment, Luwero Industries’ advanced workshop capabilities will significantly enhance efficiency.
“The partnership will extend the lifespan of our equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and improve overall efficiency,” Muhwezi said.
The agreement, initially set for three years, will focus on manufacturing spare parts, improving wastewater management, conducting material testing, and advancing R&D in heat and surface treatment services.
With this partnership, Uganda takes a step closer to achieving a sustainable and self-sufficient water supply system, ensuring clean and safe water for more communities.
