The 22nd African Water & Sanitation International Congress & Exhibition launched
Drake Nyamugabwa
The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), in association with several local partners and the AfWASA Executive Office, has been selected to host the African Water & Sanitation (AfWASA) International Congress & Exhibition in February 2025. The congress will take place in Kampala, from 16th to 20th Feb 2025.
Under the theme “Water and Sanitation for All: A Secure Future for Africa” the event will attract over 5,000 delegates from all around the world.
While launching the AfWASA International Congress & Exhibition on Tuesday 26th March 2024 at the IREC Water Resource Center,
Minister Sam Cheptoris
The Minister of Water and Environment, Sam Cheptoris said that Uganda has made strides in enhancing clean water & sanitation which he said the country is proud of, but mentioned that more has to be done to meet the SDG targets.
“I express gratitude to AFWASA for choosing Uganda as the host, and I assure you that we will ensure the success of this event. I warmly welcome everyone to Uganda, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa. Our aim for holding the 22nd AfASA 2025 is to accelerate the attainment of SDG 6 & ensure a safer future for Africa.”
The Managing Director, NWSC Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, expresses concern about the gap between the political leadership and water resources, urging the Gov’t to prioritize the water sector with increased budget allocation and policy attention, emphasizing water as a fundamental human right.
He added that during the AfWASA G2025 Congress, a new institute known as the African Water & Sanitation Academy will be established based in Kampala.
“During the 22nd AFWASA 2025 we shall establish the African Water & Sanitation Academy, a nodal institution that will be based in Kampala but with branches in other countries. We will mainly discuss issues affecting the water sector, Lagging behind in clean water & sanitation, Climate change & Environmental degradation, and their causes: Inadequate Financing, leadership & government misalignment, Distance in thinking between our water & sanitation practitioners & political space” he said
Dr Eng Silver Mugisha
Meanwhile Dr. Emmanuel Otaala Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament of Uganda said "Uganda is proud of NWSC MD and President of the African Water and Sanitation Association, Eng Silver Mugisha, we have a National Asset, over 5,000 guests descending on our country means a bonanza of opportunities. We should be ready to reap. Count on our support. AFWASA is an important platform for Africa to learn about water & sanitation”
Background.
The AfWA came to the agreement of Uganda hosting the congress during its Annual General Boarding Meeting held on Saturday 18 February 2023, at Sofitel Hotel Abidjan, Ivory Coast when the National Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (NWSC) Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha was also reelected as the President of the African Water Association (AfWA) after completing his maiden two-year term 2020-2023 making him the first Ugandan to steer the congress for two terms in a row.
The objectives of the the 22nd African Water & Sanitation Association International Congress & Exhibition include to: Bring together practitioners, Sharing best practices, Reflect on progress, Bridge research & practice, Educate the next generation, fostering partnerships & make commitments to accelerate access to safe water & sanitation in Africa among others.
The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is a professional association of establishments, enterprises, and utilities operating in the areas of drinking water, sanitation, and environment.
