Residents of Gulu City excited about the new NWSC Prepaid Water project

Gulu residents are optimistic that the new prepaid water project launched by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) will boost access to clean and affordable water.

In a transformative move to address water inequality and service inefficiencies the new project in the northern city  is aimed at improving access to clean to the city’s low-income households who will benefit from the smart water distribution system.

NWSC installed over 140 prepaid water hubs across the city for residents to purchase water using digital tokens, eliminating middlemen, ensuring transparency, and lowering costs in the areas of Gulu central, Laroo, Onyama and Kro Abili.

The 140 digital water vending hubs — locally referred to as “ATMs” — have been installed in key areas including Gulu Main, Laroo, Onyama, and Koro Abili.

During the stakeholders’ meeting held at the Gulu City Health Boardroom, Nyamungu Proscovia, Senior Commercial Officer at NWSC Gulu, said the system would transform how communities’ access and pay for water.

“Each hub allows residents to draw water directly using a token. There’s no operator involved, and users can load as little as UGX 100 through mobile money. It’s safe, affordable, and available anytime,” she said.

Gulu City currently uses 6 million litres of water per day, mainly for households connected to the piped or post-paid water system. However, with the new innovation, daily water consumption is expected to rise to 20 million litres.

Mr. Opio Anthony Vincent, Deputy Town Clerk in charge of Laroo-Pece city Division said “We are very happy about this innovation. Water is life, and it is God’s intention that every human being should access it. This new prepaid system helps us reach even the poorest of the poor,”

Torach Nobert, a resident of Holy Rosary Cell in Laroo-Pece City Division, expressed gratitude for being enrolled to the Prepaid Water Meter (PPM) system.

“For years, we have been relying on a shallow water well near the lagoon in the city,” he said. “This innovation will save us from the burden of contracting waterborne diseases. I am very happy and grateful for this development.”

For each 20-litre jerrycan of water from the PPM hubs, it costs only UGX 25, and users receive free tokens during registration, which only requires a passport photo, LC1 letter, and valid ID.

The system is designed to cut out inflated kiosk charges, which often exceeded the official rate. Instead of paying 100–500 shillings at traditional kiosks, residents now pay the exact regulated price.

“When you fetch less than 20 litres, the balance is automatically refunded to your token,” Nyamungu explained. “There’s no cheating, no wastage, and no intermediaries.”

Caroline Rose Adong, Gulu City Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration—who also serves as the councilor representing persons with disabilities—urged NWSC to ensure that the prepaid water innovation is inclusive, particularly by making it accessible and user-friendly for people with hearing impairments.

Opio Anthony Vincent, Deputy Town Clerk of Laroo-Pece Division welcomed the innovation but called for greater involvement of political leaders in selecting PPM locations.

“We our councilors know exactly where water is needed the most. Involving them in placement will ensure equity and success,” Opio said. “But overall, we are happy and grateful for this innovation.”

He also questioned whether the water was safe for drinking straight from the tap, noting that many urban residents still suffer from waterborne illnesses like typhoid. NWSC representative affirmed that the water meets national safety standards.

Ambrose Onoria, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Gulu, commended NWSC for bringing essential services closer to the people but warned residents against vandalizing the prepaid water hubs.

“We are aware that NWSC has the mandate to remove hubs from areas where they’re being mismanaged,” she cautioned. “Let us embrace all government programs and protect this infrastructure. It is for our own benefit.”