PROF. ALINAITWE TAKES CHARGE AT NWSC! New Chairman Promises Continuity And Innovation As Water Utility Faces Rising Demand, Ageing Infrastructure And Non-Revenue Water

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has ushered in a new chapter of leadership following the official handover from the outgoing Board of Directors to a new Board led by Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe, who assumes the role of Chairman with a commitment to building on the Corporation’s strong foundation while addressing the challenges shaping the future of Uganda’s water and sewerage services.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Prof. Alinaitwe described his appointment as both an honour and a profound responsibility, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Board of one of the country’s most important public utilities. He also paid tribute to the Corporation’s Management and staff for their dedication over the years and congratulated the outgoing Board, led by Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu, for the significant progress achieved during its six-year tenure.

Looking ahead, the new Chairman acknowledged that while NWSC has made remarkable strides in expanding access to water and sanitation services, several critical challenges will require continued strategic attention. Among these, he identified non-revenue water, driven largely by pipeline vandalism and illegal water use, as one of the Corporation’s key operational priorities.

Prof. Alinaitwe also highlighted the increasing pressure created by rapid urbanisation and population growth, noting that demand for water services continues to rise faster than the expansion of existing infrastructure. He observed that parts of Kampala’s water network have now served for more than five decades, underscoring the need for sustained investment in rehabilitation and network expansion. He further pointed to the rising costs of electricity and water treatment chemicals, together with the need to expand sewerage coverage, as issues that will continue to shape the Corporation’s investment priorities in the years ahead.

Despite these challenges, the incoming Chairman expressed confidence in NWSC’s ability to deliver on its mandate, citing the Corporation’s extensive national footprint, strong technical expertise, committed workforce and sound governance systems as key strengths that provide a solid platform for continued growth. He also commended the Corporation’s customer-focused culture and the quality of water services it continues to provide across the country.

Prof. Alinaitwe reaffirmed his commitment to building on the achievements of the outgoing Board, emphasizing that the next phase of the Corporation’s journey will be guided by continuity, innovation and a shared commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable water and sewerage services for all Ugandans.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for members of the outgoing Board to reflect on their six years of service. Delivering the vote of thanks, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega described his tenure on the Board as both rewarding and transformative, expressing appreciation to NWSC’s Management and staff for the collaboration, trust and professional support they extended throughout the Board’s term. He noted that the Corporation’s deliberate investment in strengthening corporate governance had equipped Board members with valuable leadership experience and contributed significantly to the institution’s success.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the incoming leadership formally signed the SCALE Area Performance Contracts, reaffirming their commitment to accountability and improved service delivery under the Corporation’s new performance management framework. The event concluded with an awards ceremony in recognition of the outgoing Board’s dedicated service, marking the end of one successful chapter and the beginning of another as NWSC continues its journey towards delivering safe, reliable and sustainable water and sewerage services across Uganda.