Gov't Launches Shs694 Billion Water Project to Benefit Over 1 Million People in Wakiso, Mpigi

KAMPALA — The Government of Uganda has launched a major Shs694 billion water and sanitation project aimed at transforming access to clean and reliable water for more than one million people in rapidly growing communities across Wakiso and Mpigi districts.

The ambitious Wakiso West Water and Sanitation Project, being implemented through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), will draw water from Lake Victoria at Bwerenga and supply communities including Kyengera, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Kasanje, Kiringente, Wakiso Town Council and Mpigi Town Council.

The project is expected to address persistent water shortages affecting thousands of households, particularly in rapidly expanding urban communities where residents have often been forced to rely on rationed supplies, private water vendors and alternative sources.

Speaking about the initiative, NWSC Managing Director Dr Silver Mugisha said the project would significantly improve access to safe and reliable drinking water.

"Upon completion, the project is expected to provide over 1 million people with uninterrupted access to safe, reliable drinking water," Dr Mugisha said.

Major investment in water infrastructure

The project will involve the construction of a modern water treatment plant at Bwerenga with a treatment capacity of 62.5 million litres per day, while its intake infrastructure will be capable of drawing up to 200 million litres daily.

The water distribution system will comprise 94.2 kilometres of transmission pipelines and 78.5 kilometres of secondary pipelines, alongside five reservoirs at Kaga, Nsangi, Nanziga, Mpigi and Bukasa.

The reservoirs will have a combined storage capacity exceeding 15.25 million litres.

Additional pumping stations will be constructed at Buloba, Katende, Maya and Ssekiwunga, while the distribution network will cover approximately 4,300 hectares.

The infrastructure is designed to strengthen water supply in communities that have experienced increasing pressure on existing networks due to rapid population growth and urbanisation.

Affordable water for informal settlements

A major highlight of the project is its focus on extending services to underserved communities and informal settlements, where access to affordable clean water remains a significant challenge.

NWSC plans to install 941 community water dispensers and yard taps fitted with electronic prepaid meters across several parishes, including Kimbejja, Katereke, Kisozi/Kitemu, Nsangi, Kasenge, Kikajjo, Kitende, Namulanda, Ssisa and Wamala, among others.

Dr Mugisha said the interventions were intended to ensure that vulnerable communities also benefit from the country's expanding water infrastructure.

"Recognising the importance of inclusive access to essential services, the project will establish 941 community water dispensers in informal settlements," he said.

The prepaid system is expected to improve convenience, affordability and access while reducing the burden on households that currently travel long distances in search of water.

Improved sanitation and environmental protection

Beyond providing clean water, the Wakiso West project will also strengthen sanitation infrastructure through the construction of a faecal sludge treatment plant along Ssekiwunga Road in Kajjansi.

The facility will have the capacity to process at least 400,000 litres of faecal sludge daily, helping address challenges associated with unsafe disposal of waste and contamination of water sources.

Solar installations generating at least 2,945 kilowatts will also be established at selected project sites to support sustainable operations and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

According to Dr Mugisha, the sanitation facility will help reduce environmental pollution and public health risks arising from inadequate waste management.

International and local engineering expertise

As part of the implementation arrangements, NWSC has signed a consultancy contract worth approximately Shs47.5 billion with a joint venture comprising Denmark's NIRAS A/S and Germany's Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG, working alongside Ugandan firms M&E Associates Ltd and Alliance Consultants Ltd as sub-consultants.

The consultants will undertake detailed engineering designs, prepare tender documents and supervise construction works.

The consultancy will be implemented in two phases, with the first focusing on detailed designs and procurement documentation, supported by a grant from Impact Fund Denmark.

The second phase will cover construction supervision and the defects liability period, supported through concessional financing with a 50 per cent grant component.

Part of wider efforts to improve Kampala's water supply

The Wakiso West project forms part of broader government investments aimed at expanding water infrastructure across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.

Other ongoing initiatives include the expansion of the Katosi water treatment plant and the construction of major transmission pipelines and reservoirs under Package 2B.

These investments are expected to improve water supply to additional communities in Kira, Kasangati, Gayaza, Kawempe, Nansana, Matugga and surrounding areas.

NWSC has also continued expanding access to public water points and sanitation facilities in informal settlements across the metropolitan area.

Nationally, the corporation currently serves an estimated 22 million people through more than one million connections in 287 towns, reflecting the expansion of its operations over the past decade.

Its 2025–2030 strategic plan targets increasing the number of people served to 26 million by 2030.

Government commitment to improved public services

The Wakiso West Water and Sanitation Project represents a major investment in public infrastructure, with anticipated benefits extending beyond household water access to public health, environmental protection, economic activity and improved living standards.

For communities in Kyengera, Kajjansi, Nsangi, Wakiso and Mpigi, the project offers renewed hope of ending persistent water shortages and securing a more dependable supply as population and commercial activity continue to grow.

Dr Mugisha said the investment demonstrates NWSC's commitment to supporting government efforts to expand essential services and promote sustainable development.

"Through this investment, NWSC continues to support the Government of Uganda's efforts to expand access to essential water and sanitation services, protect public health and promote sustainable development," he said.