The UGX 200 Billion Kagera Water project at 85% completion to quench the growing demand in Southwestern Uganda.

Residents, schools, markets, churches among other beneficiaries of Ruyanga Sub-County, in Isingiro district will soon enjoy improved water access as the Kagera Water project nears completion under the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) water supply expansion initiatives.

The project, now at 85% complete, according to the Managing Director of NWSC Eng. Silver Mugisha begun constructing a new water intake on the River Kagera in Nshungezi, Kikagati Sub-County, Isingiro District, which he said will address the growing demand for clean water in the Southwestern regions.

While inspecting the project said that the project, is valued at Shs200 billion and aims to improve water supply and sanitation systems in Isingiro district, Mbarara City, Lyantonde, and parts of Kiruhura districts

He emphasized the need for patriotism and collaboration to ensure timely completion by June highlighting challenges faced by the project, including difficulties in obtaining permission to lay pipelines through Katete Road and delays in installing a 1km section in Isingiro.

"We have faced some challenges, particularly with getting clearance for the pipeline through Katete Road and some delays in Isingiro," Dr. Mugisha said. "However, we are determined to complete this project, which will significantly improve water supply and living standards.".

The 68-million-euro project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), features a drinking water treatment plant, irrigation water production capacity, dual water intake, and 60km of pipelines.

Stakeholder engagement for the project has already been conducted to ensure smooth implementation and Electrical and mechanical works, as well as pump testing, have been completed.

Dr. Mugisha urged the project team to proactively address challenges and emphasized the need for quality and stakeholder engagement. "Continuous stakeholder engagement is vital for smooth execution," he said. "Be proactive in solving challenges through effective communication and collaboration."

NWSC Senior Director of Projects and Capital Development, Eng. Paddy Twesigye, noted the project's benefits for rural and urban communities. "We are nearing completion, with ongoing testing of equipment and verification of minimum water flows," Twesigye said.

River Kagera is the largest tributary flowing into Lake Victoria, formed by the confluence of the Ruvubu and Nyabarongo rivers, which originate in the highlands of Burundi and Rwanda. In Uganda, the river passes through six districts: Kabale, Ntungamo, Isingiro, Kiruhura, and Rakai.

The proposed Kagera intake facility will be located in Rubizi Parish, Ruyanga Sub-County, Isingiro District, near Uganda’s border with Tanzania.

The site, situated in an open area with minimal vegetation, is close to the planned water treatment plant. Agriculture and livestock farming are the dominant activities in the region, while local communities navigate upstream using small boats.

The NWSC’s project is part of a broader effort to expand Uganda’s water infrastructure, ensuring that more communities gain access to clean and reliable water supplies