NWSC unveils 2030 expansion plan to boost water access across 350 towns
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has unveiled an ambitious 2025 to 2030 strategic plan aimed at expanding water access to 350 towns nationwide, increasing total connections to 1.2 million, and growing its asset base to Shs6.2 trillion.
Managing Director Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha announced the plan following approval by the National Planning Authority as he concluded the first leg of a nationwide performance assessment tour of regional service areas in Bukedea, Kumi, Soroti, Kaberamaido, Apac, and Lira.
The five-year roadmap targets growth in NWSC’s asset base from Shs5 trillion to Shs6.2 trillion, while raising customer connections from one million to 1.2 million. The increase represents a 20 percent expansion intended to accelerate progress toward universal water coverage.
Infrastructure push to address supply gaps
During inspections in eastern Uganda, Dr. Mugisha emphasized the need for urgent infrastructure upgrades to address persistent supply shortages in several towns.
In Kaberamaido, where residents have faced recurring water deficits, he directed managers to adopt a more business-driven service model and fast-track plans for a new water treatment plant, intake system, and reservoir. Lake profiling and route surveys for the intake have been completed, with engineering designs and land acquisition now underway.
The project builds on improvements completed in 2024, including a production well in Otuboi and a 1.6-kilometer transmission line that reduced the district’s dependence on water piped from Soroti.
In Soroti City, NWSC is upgrading the Awoja Water Treatment Plant to increase daily output from 7,500 cubic meters to 10,000 cubic meters. Works include installation of a 2.5 million-liter clarifier to improve water purification, a new flocculator, and high-lift pumps to strengthen distribution pressure. A 13.5-kilometer transmission main linking Awoja to the Opiyayi Rock Reservoir is undergoing pressure testing.
Lango sub-region projects advance
In the Lango sub-region, NWSC reported that the Apac service area has achieved 83 percent water coverage. A new water supply project for Apac Ibuje is set to begin, while long-term plans include drawing raw water from the River Nile to ensure sustainable supply.
In Lira City, Dr. Mugisha inspected the Water Supply Improvement Project at Kachung, which has boosted daily production to 10 million liters. He also toured the newly established NWSC Northern and Eastern Training Facility, designed to strengthen staff capacity and professional development in the region.
Eastern Towns Face 35 Percent Supply Deficit
Despite ongoing investments, demand continues to outstrip supply in some areas. In Bukedea and Kumi, officials reported that current demand exceeds supply by approximately 35 percent.
To close the gap, Dr. Mugisha directed technical teams to fast-track the Agu Atutur water supply project, which is expected to improve service delivery in Ngora and Bukedea districts.
Stronger oversight measures
To ensure timely delivery of projects under the 2030 strategy, the managing director announced tighter oversight measures. Unannounced inspection teams from his office will conduct spot checks at service areas, and area managers will be required to submit weekly, task-oriented performance reports.
“Leadership is by multiplication,” Dr. Mugisha said during the tour, urging managers to mentor their teams and drive measurable improvements in service delivery.
The nationwide assessment exercise will continue next week as NWSC leadership visits additional regional stations, positioning the five-year strategy as a blueprint for delivering more reliable and sustainable water services to millions of Ugandans by 2030.
