22nd AfWASA ICE2025 kicks off in Kampala as AfWASA’s leadership efforts are applauded with a call for a renewed collaboration to close Africa’s water access gap
Drake Nyamugabwa
The weeklong 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association International Congress & Exhibition (AfWASA ICE2025) is underway in Kampala, Uganda to run from Feb 16-20 2025 with over 1,000 delegates from over 40 countries, to explore water governance, financing, climate resilience & innovation at Speke Resort Munyonyo
Water professionals and other delegates attending the congress have emphasized the position of AFWASA as a role model in water & sanitation management in Africa various participants, companies, and stakeholders take part in the congress and the exhibition at the venue showcasing modern technologies crucial for achieving SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation.
In President Museveni’s speech read by The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama, he urged African leaders to demonstrate stronger commitment and enhance efforts aimed at clean water and sanitation.
“Uganda is proud to host this important event for the 3rd time, there is need for sustainable water & sanitation solutions. Africa has abundant resources, and I encourage you to visit the source of the Nile in Jinja. African leaders must enhance efforts aimed at ensuring clean water and sanitation for their citizens, Thank you to AfWASA for choosing Uganda as the host for this Academy" he said ”
The AfWASA President & The Managing Director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Eng. Dr Silver Mugisha, while welcoming the delegates to Kampala expressed gratitude to H.E. the President, represented by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, for officiating the Congress opening and highlighted Uganda’s strides in expanding water access, noting that NWSC has grown from serving 4.5M people in 2012 to 19M in 2024, with a target of 26M by 2030.
The exhibition area
The theme of the congress is: "Water and Sanitation for All: A Secure Future for Africa"
Dr Mugisha commended AfWASA’s efforts in leadership development, partnerships, and the newly established African Water & Sanitation Academy (AWASA). He called for continued collaboration to close Africa’s water access gap.
He also thanked the Government of Uganda & Ministry of Water and Environment for enabling Uganda to host AfWASA three times in 15 years while recognizing the Congress Programme & Local Organizing Committees, led by Eng. Johnson Amayo & Dr. Rose Kaggwa, for their dedication.
In the congress meeting
The Congress covers six key areas: Integrated Water Resources Management, Water & Sanitation Management, Capacity Development, Communication & Partnerships, Governance & Financing, Research, Technology & Innovation among others.
"The conference will address the critical water and sanitation issues facing the continent and explore sustainable solutions. Water supply is a far greater concern in most rural areas than in cities," he said
Uganda’s water network now spans 23,500 km, up from 650 km in 2012, demonstrating the impact of government support and strong leadership.
The Young Water Professionals forum was held under the theme "A Secure Water Future for Africa through YWP – Led Innovative and Sustainable Solutions" discussing the critical role of Young People in figuring out African solutions to African problems.
Young Water Professionals
