NWSC Reaffirms its pledge to affordable, safe water as MD Mugisha tackles pricing, regulation, and infrastructure
Dr. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has once again underscored the organization’s dedication to widening access to clean, safe water across Uganda while addressing the main hurdles around pricing, regulatory oversight, and the development of essential infrastructure.
Speaking on Spotlight Uganda, a program hosted by NBS Television with the theme “Access to Clean and Safe Water,” Mugisha highlighted that NWSC operates under rigorous government supervision. He explained that the corporation is regulated by the Ministry in charge of Water and Environment and runs under a formal performance contract featuring clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
“We are regulated by the Ministry, and we have a performance contract with them. Our KPIs are regularly monitored to ensure efficiency, accountability, and effective service delivery,” Mugisha stated.
He clarified that NWSC provides water at a heavily subsidized rate, noting that a jerrican costs Shs 25 at official water points. Yet, he warned about the practice of middlemen who buy water from NWSC at that price and resell it to consumers at exorbitant rates.
“The challenge comes when someone buys water from us at Shs 25 per jerrican and then sells it to the public at Shs 500,” Mugisha remarked, urging closer collaboration with local authorities to curb the practice and protect customers.
On infrastructure progress, Mugisha announced the completion of the Kiruddu Water Treatment Plant, calling it a significant milestone for water quality and sanitation. He said the plant produces potable water and has substantially relieved pressure on the Kiruddu sewerage system, addressing long-standing sanitation issues.
“The water from Kiruddu meets drinking standards, and the project has resolved a major problem within the Kiruddu sewerage system,” he noted.
Looking forward, Mugisha revealed that NWSC is advancing plans to source water from Lake Victoria to boost supply to Masaka City, a move expected to enhance reliability and meet the city’s growing water demand.
“We intend to abstract water from Lake Victoria so we can supply Masaka City adequately and sustainably,” he said.
Mugisha reaffirmed NWSC’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s socio-economic development through reliable water and sanitation services and urged all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure equitable access to clean and safe water for every Ugandan.
