With effective integration and proper management of resources, refugees benefit host nations by bringing diverse skills and experiences, starting new businesses, contributing to the economy through consumption and labor, enriching cultural diversity, and revitalizing communities.
Their presence can therefore increase local demand for goods and services, expand the tax base, and create new markets. As seen above and aware of the impact, the Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has signed a Grant and Project Implementation Agreement for a five-year project designed to improve water, sanitation, and urban infrastructure for refugees and host communities in Northern Uganda.
The €22.6 million project (Over UGX92 Billion), titled “Climate Resilience and Water Infrastructure for Refugees and Host Communities in Northern Uganda,” is co-financed by the German Government through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) Development Bank and the European Union, with additional contributions from the Government of Uganda and NWSC.
Targeting Arua City and the surrounding districts of Maracha and Terego, the project will focus on rehabilitating and expanding water supply systems, sanitation networks, and boreholes, while also addressing other urban infrastructure needs such as storm water and solid waste management.
As they signed the agreement in Kampala, NWSC Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha hailed Uganda government’s commitment to supporting both refugee settlements and the host communities that share resources with them through such initiatives.
“The Government of Uganda, working through NWSC, is implementing this project to support refugee settlements and the surrounding host communities,” Dr. Mugisha noted. “Our approach of working closely with Arua City Council authorities and the Ministry of Water and Environment is key to achieving collective success.” He expressed gratitude to the Government of Germany, the European Union, and other partners for backing Uganda’s water and sanitation for all agenda.
“We have implemented a number of projects with NWSC and reiterate our unwavering support towards Uganda’s water and sanitation for all agenda,” she said, adding that refugee communities in Arua remain a priority. “It is for this reason that KfW has unwaveringly supported this initiative to improve the livelihoods of the people of Arua and the surrounding areas.”
The financing structure of the project includes a €9 million grant from the German Government through KfW, €13.6 million from the European Union, and an additional €1.385 million contributed jointly by the Government of Uganda and NWSC.
In terms of scope, the project will prioritize improvements in water supply by rehabilitating and expanding the capacity of the existing water treatment plant and pumping mains. About 70 kilometers of new supply lines will also be laid to extend access to safe water. Alongside this, sanitation infrastructure will be strengthened through the rehabilitation and expansion of sewer networks and lifting stations, ensuring that waste management keeps pace with the growing population in Arua and surrounding areas.
The initiative also tackles urban infrastructure challenges beyond water and sanitation. Storm water management and solid waste management are integral components, with the development of physical plans for Arua City expected to support long-term climate resilience and orderly urban growth. Authorities at NWSC revealed to this website that the procurement process for a consultant to oversee the design and construction has already begun a clear signal of the transition from planning to implementation.
Author Profile
- Mr. Daniels N. Tatya is an affluent Sports Writer, Commentator and Editor. His over 15 years of covering almost major sporting events makes him a revered and an authority on investigative Sports journalism in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected] +256(0)758268315
Latest entries
BusinessSeptember 29, 2025Destined For Jail: For His Craftsmanship and Harmfulness, Usual Land Grabbing Suspect and Broker Muhammad Kamoga`s Days for Jail Are Around the Corner
BusinessSeptember 29, 2025Quenching The Refugees Thirst: NWSC Sign €22.6m Grant Agreement with Germany and EU to Improve Water and Sanitation in Refugee Host Arua
BusinessAugust 25, 2025Drink Not Too Much Please: Premier Distilleries Limited Advocates for Responsible Alcohol Consumption at the Wobulenzi Market in Luweero
BusinessAugust 20, 2025Here Is to The Poor: NWSC’s Urban Pro-Poor Branch Deliver Gains in Water Access, Revenue Growth, and Community Trust Amongst Downtowners
