The Gist

27 years ago, Super Charger’s relatives virtually declared him a dead man who was just clutching at straws. Under that stunning belief, an aunt with whom he was staying in Entebbe, returned his cousin to their ancestral village, at least to be closer to his eternal resting place ahead of his looming demise and burial.

The Aunt took the decision to supposedly spare the family of a two million shillings expenditure. This figure is what it required then, to transport a body back to their Kitalaganya ancestral village, located after Nakasongola, for burial. Upon his arrival at Kitalaganya village, Super Charger’s relatives, who were convinced beyond any lingering doubt of his imminent death, went ahead and dug a grave ahead of his actual demise.

In another dramatic act of advance preparation for his looming demise and burial, the relatives procured the necessary materials required to dress up Super Charger’s body ahead of his imminent death. Thereafter, the relatives reclined and waited for his final hour on earth, ahead of meeting his creator from across the bridge.

The dramatic acts, followed the victim’s failure to regularly take his critical life-saving drugs, which saw the virus developing a stubborn resistance to that critical line of treatment, crucial to boost an HIV victim’s immune system and to suppress the fatal disease.

Frail and unable now, to take care of his fragile situation by himself, Super Charger relocated to his aunt’s residence located in Entebbe. Here, after treating him without positive results, she returned him to the village to die, convinced that his condition was irreversible. But in a miraculous reversal of his misfortunes, a former member of Parliament from Buikwe, Sarah Nyombi, who was Super Charger’s  bosom friend, fortunately, learned of his tribulations.

Immediately, Nyombi picked up the ailing man from Kitalaganya village, where he had been deposited to die. Deturmined to bankroll his required specialized medication, she brought him back to town. Nyombi’s swift intervention proved a game changer, resuscitating a man whose relatives had prematurely written off, leaving him dangerously teetering around his grave.

Nyombi’s action of compassion not only turned around a hopeless situation, but also potentially serves as an inspiration for those positively living with HIV, who may feel inclined to take their lives. Furthermore, the extremely commendable act of compassion potentially serves as an instruction to the relatives of HIV holders who may be nursing ideas of abandoning them to their devices.

Super Charger’s living experience dismantles the misguided notion that simply because someone has HIV, they are therefore as good as dead. The genesis of Super Charger’s HIV positive status, is traced to 1994. But, it was not until 1998 after his positive status was finally medically established.

That followed Super Charger getting unwell and suspected HIV to be the cause of his ill-health, based on his former reckless rounds of sex-capades. As he pondered on his next course of action, curiosity took the better of Super Charger, prompting him to go to the formerly Baumann House, premised at Uganda’s original HIV Testing and Treatment Center. His suspicion was proved spot on.

Upon disclosing to his wife, of his positive status, she unceremoniously abandoned him at Baumann House where, she had accompanied him to take the test. By way of a recap, Super Charger’s has been a story of adversity and of  triumph over adversity all at the same time.

The story is overshadowed by acts of abandonment and of rescue by people who were central to the main actor’s life and heart. Most of all, Super Charger’s is a story anchored on perseverance, hope coupled with a strong desire to live amidst adversity posed by a tragic  disease overcame by his never-say-die spirit.

As he continues to positively and graciously live, Super Charger’s fervent prayer and hope is that the much-awaited for, and still elusive cure for the virus, finds him alive and kicking. His prayer and hope is a pointer to his strong sense of hope that has kept him going since the dark days when he was written off and a grave for him dug ahead of his burial.

As the cure continues to defy top notch scientists, Super Charger, in the meantime, urges those carrying HIV to take the available treatment and life-support drugs religiously and to desist from acts that could spread the disease and those that can endanger as well as lead to premature loss of their lives.

]]> https://theinvestigatornews.com/2025/11/purity-from-the-source-the-story-of-how-national-water-and-sewerage-corporations-vigilance-at-the-tap-safeguards-the-entire-nations-health/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=purity-from-the-source-the-story-of-how-national-water-and-sewerage-corporations-vigilance-at-the-tap-safeguards-the-entire-nations-health Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:23:20 +0000 https://theinvestigatornews.com/?p=7924 In the heart of East Africa, where the sun blesses the fertile lands of Uganda, the most critical resource flows not from the sky alone, but from the taps maintained by the steadfast efforts of National Water and Sewerage Corporation.

This clean and clear water is the very lifeblood of the nation, an indispensable force for survival and the cornerstone of all sustainable development. Yet, this access, which many may take for granted, remains a desperate challenge in parts of the world, leading to devastating consequences like malnutrition, severe dehydration, and in the most tragic cases, loss of life.

This is where the silent, critical role of water quality management becomes a hero’s tale. It is this rigorous process that ensures the safety and cleanliness of every drop used for drinking, cooking, and sanitation by Ugandan families.

With effective water quality management, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation acts as a powerful shield, preventing the spread of ancient water borne diseases like typhoid, dysentery and cholera among others, making water truly safe for consumption and neutralizing the high health risks posed by invisible toxins that find their way into water sources through industrial processes and poor management of toxic wastes.

The consumption of clean and safe water directly elevates the hygiene and sanitation of entire communities, guaranteeing that the water used in homes is safe. National Water has regional testing laboratories in the regions of Uganda, Mbarara (West), Gulu (North), and Mbale (East) and in the central laboratory in Bugolobi. It is a simple equation: unsafe water bridges room for diseases, while treated water builds a foundation for community health and sanitation.

This is not a passive endeavor; it is an active, ongoing mission. The process involves meticulous testing, expert treating, constant monitoring, and vigilant protecting of the precious water sources that serve the nation. It is absolutely mandatory that this regular water quality monitoring continues relentlessly. This is how the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and other institutions make informed, decisive decisions to provide clean water that meets the highest national compliance standards.

This diligence is a vital safety measure, a non-negotiable commitment to promoting the good health and perfect wellbeing of every citizen. This protection is especially crucial for the most vulnerable among us, the children, elderly, and expectant women who are most at risk and must be guarded against consuming unsafe water.

Therefore, every time a water quality test is conducted, it is an act of profound care. It is a process to identify and eliminate the pollutants that cause disease, ensuring a stronger, healthier Uganda. This unwavering commitment upholds the fundamental truth that clean and safe drinking water is not a privilege but a fundamental right for every Ugandan.

Key achievements include a sharp increase in fecal sludge management coverage from 32% in 2020 to nearly 70% in 2025, major upgrades to treatment facilities such as Nakivubo and Nalukolongo, and the rollout of modern public toilets through innovative public-private partnerships. These developments have improved access to cleaner facilities and helped reduce the spread of sanitation-related diseases.

Yet despite these gains, Kampala still faces major hurdles on its road to achieving universal sanitation. Only about 15% of the city’s population is connected to the central sewer network, leaving the majority reliant on pit latrines and septic tanks, many of which are poorly constructed and vulnerable to overflow during heavy rains.

Even with the expansion of fecal sludge management services, only 44% of collected waste is safely treated. The rest is often illegally dumped into storm drains, wetlands, and open spaces, fueling groundwater contamination, waterborne diseases, and environmental degradation. These sanitation-related challenges are estimated to cost Uganda up to 3% of its GDP annually in health and economic losses.

Wastewater management presents another critical challenge. Although the Nakivubo Wastewater Treatment Plant has a design capacity of 45 million liters per day, it currently treats only about 35% of that volume. During the rainy season, some residents open up their onsite sanitation systems, allowing untreated sewage to flow into stormwater drains that feed into wetlands and Lake Victoria, worsening pollution levels and threatening public health.

Experts say that addressing these issues requires a combination of short-term interventions and long-term infrastructure investments. Immediate priorities include expanding fecal sludge management services, enforcing regulations on private emptiers to prevent illegal dumping, and upgrading public sanitation facilities. Community-driven efforts such as the Weyonje campaign have already shown success in promoting hygiene and behavioral change, but scaling up these initiatives remains vital.

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) are leading several transformative initiatives — from upgrading wastewater treatment plants and digitizing pit-emptying services to advancing CWIS programs that target underserved communities. NWSC is also exploring biogas production and resource recovery solutions to make sanitation more sustainable.

Still, authorities emphasize that progress depends not only on institutions but also on citizens. Kampala residents are urged to use licensed pit-emptying services, maintain household sanitation facilities, connect to nearby sewer systems where possible, and take part in community clean-up campaigns. Simple actions like responsible waste disposal and regular handwashing can significantly cut health risks.

Kampala’s sanitation journey is on a promising trajectory, but the path ahead requires collective action. As policymakers work to strengthen regulation and financing, and residents embrace their role in maintaining a cleaner environment, the city edges closer to a vision of a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Senior Human Resources Officer, Mr. Julius Oyet, explained that overhead cranes, whether fixed or mobile, fall under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (2006), and stressed that safe handling of such equipment is not just a legal requirement but also a safeguard against operational disruptions that could affect water supply.  “When our teams operate safely, the entire service chain, right up to the customer’s tap, remains secure,” he said.

The sessions were conducted in phases to ensure full participation from all shifts, with each overseer taking charge of their team. Shift A was led by Mr. Bagenda Thomas, Shift B by Mr. Bright Godfrey, Shift C by Mr. Akandwanaho Daniel, and Shift D by Acting Senior Shift Overseer Mr. Kato Richard. All overseers, who also serve on the Katosi Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committee, carry the responsibility of enforcing safe practices across the plant.

The training followed recommendations from the Water Production Directorate’s OHS audit report, which emphasized the importance of equipping staff with specialized knowledge for lifting operations. “Workplace safety is a shared responsibility and must be embedded in everything we do,” said Mr. Oyet.

Beyond protecting staff, the refresher course covered NWSC’s mandate to safeguard plant efficiency and ensure uninterrupted service delivery. With their skills refreshed, Katosi teams are now better equipped to manage operations safely, maintaining the reliability of a facility that supplies millions of Ugandans with clean water every day

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.

Prudently, the businessman’s life had all along been sustained by use of medical oxygen administered to him by a team of his private health minders from inside his Kololo residence. Regrettably, on that black day mentioned on the outset of this article, Bagalaaliwo’s oxygen cylinder apparently ran low on his lifeline, prompting his health minders to request a family member to provide funds required to procure more oxygen.

Bagalaaliwo’s health minder prudently moved the family member aside and the two spoke in confidence. This stance, especially because the patience’s health minder did not want his client to learn about the predicament afoot in order not to cause him unnecessary tension and unnecessary raise to his pressure bad situation.

Having painstakingly explained to the family member the urgency of the matter at hand, most especially since it was running late, the health minder left it to the former to arrange the required funds and procure the required lifeline.

Inappropriately, the family member who had just been cautioned by the health minder about the grave consequences of doing so, strangely, moved up to where the patience was seated and irresponsibly whispered in his ear that his lifeline was running low.

Henceforth, Mzee Bagalaaliwo desperately and regrettably fell off from his seat and ultimately collapsed into a heap. An ambulance was quickly arranged and he was delivered to hospital where the family was categorically informed his survival would be a miracle going forward. Watch this space for more developments…Thank you for your company and long.

Hosted by the Government of Malawi and the Lilongwe Water Board, the four-day congress ran under the theme “Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa.” With climate pressures mounting and service gaps widening, the forum placed a spotlight on practical solutions that shape a more water-secure future, led, designed, and funded by Africans themselves.

Opening the conference, Malawi’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Sidik Mia, called for urgent and coordinated action. “Africa’s water challenges transcend borders,” she said. “Let this be a Launchpad for African-led action.” She urged delegates to rethink financing approaches, recommending green bonds, public-private partnerships, and climate adaptation funds as tools for closing investment gaps. She also hinted on the importance of women’s leadership in shaping water infrastructure that responds to real community needs.

Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya, Chairperson of the STC, announced a calculated rebranding of the council’s identity and focus. Formerly the Scientific and Technical Council, it will now be known as the Strategic and Technological Council, a shift he described as necessary to reflect the evolving demands of the water sector, where integrated leadership, policy influence, and innovation must work hand in hand. “Our continent is fertile with ideas,” Eng. Lutaaya said. “We must now harvest results.”

He challenged delegates to move beyond passive roles and step into the design and delivery of the continent’s water future. “This conference must become a laboratory of breakthrough ideas, not for debate but for real implementation.” Silli Mbewe, Managing Director of the Lilongwe Water Board and Vice President of AfWASA, highlighted Malawi’s commitment to regional water cooperation and knowledge exchange. As he highlighted, Silli Mbewe noted the urgent need for increased engagement from Southern Africa and encouraged more technical professionals to join AfWASA platforms.

His remarks also emphasized the role of youth, gender equity, and innovation in driving institutional transformation. Eng. François Olivier Gosso, Executive Director of AfWASA, offered a sobering reminder of the need to ground ambition in local reality. “Transformation will not come from outside,” he said. “Africa must design, fund, and implement its water future.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Elias Chimulambe, Principal Secretary at Malawi’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation, endorsed Malawi’s readiness to domesticate resolutions from the conference, and pointed to the country’s own development framework and regional climate resilience strategy as entry points for aligning political will with action.

The conference delivered a strong discourse with clear calls to shift from promises to policies, and from policies to progress. From financing and governance to youth entrepreneurship and solar-powered rural schemes, the sessions voiced Africa’s commitment to accelerate service delivery while staying rooted in its own strengths. A more water solution delivery declarations with actionable commitments, reinforced partnerships, an agenda that speaks to the urgency of the moment and the capabilities of the continent were all handled through the conference.

Uganda’s water supply is becoming increasingly strained. Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and a rapidly expanding population have put significant strain on the country’s water resources. While many countries face similar challenges, NWSC is actively pursuing innovative solutions to ensure that clean water is accessible to all Ugandans, even as the environmental and social landscape changes for the worst.

NWSC’s approach is based heavily on innovation. The corporation promotes rainwater harvesting as a key strategy for reducing pressure on traditional water sources. With this, NWSC hopes to reduce reliance on groundwater and surface water, making better use of this natural resource in an increasingly uncertain climate.

In addition, NWSC is investing heavily in wastewater reuse technologies. Recognising the value of treated wastewater, the corporation is converting what was once discarded into a valuable resource for agricultural irrigation and industrial use. This move to reclaim and repurposing water not only addresses water scarcity, but also opens up new opportunities for economic development and sustainable resource management.

The corporation has also considered implementation of smart water management systems which has also had a significant impact. Using advanced technologies such as real-time data analytics, sensors, and smart meters, the NWSC can now better monitor water usage, detect leaks, and manage water distribution. These innovations enable NWSC to optimise its operations, prevent water loss, and ensure efficient supply allocation to areas of greatest need.

NWSC is further taking a multifaceted approach to securing water resources by looking into alternative water sources, such as groundwater and surface water reservoirs, at a minimal reliance of course, to reduce the country’s reliance on a single supply. This strategy strengthens Uganda’s resilience to climate-related disruptions by ensuring water availability even during drought or erratic rainfall patterns.

While technological advancements are at the heart of NWSC’s efforts, the corporation recognizes that true sustainability demands collaboration and strategic planning. In that regard, NWSC has formed partnerships with government agencies, local communities, and international organizations to create comprehensive water management strategies. These plans address not only current needs but also future challenges, preparing Uganda to navigate an increasingly complex global water environment.

On the other hand, public engagement is an important part of NWSC’s overall strategy. The corporation has carried out extensive public education campaigns to promote water conservation, hygiene, and sanitation practices. This way, NWSC is promoting a national conservation culture that will be critical to long-term water security by empowering Ugandans to adopt sustainable water usage practices.

These initiatives are already having an impact. For instance, new rainwater harvesting systems are being installed all over the country, wastewater treatment facilities are being upgraded, and smart water technologies are improving the efficiency of water distribution networks. These efforts are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and secure water supply system capable of meeting the changing demands of a global community.

NWSC’s Managing Director, Dr. Silver Mugisha, has often articulated the corporation’s long-term vision and mission: “We are committed to ensuring that every Ugandan has access to clean and safe water, not just today, but for future generations. Our approach combines innovation, infrastructure investment, and community empowerment to ensure our country’s long-term water security.”

NWSC’s approach to water and wastewater management is a model not only for Uganda, but for other countries facing similar challenges. In an era of climate uncertainty and limited resources, NWSC is demonstrating that a secure and sustainable water future is possible through innovation, strategic partnerships, and community involvement.

The project’s focus lies on enhancing piped water and sanitation infrastructure in three key cities: Fort Portal, Hoima, and Lira. NWSC Managing Director, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, unveiled the ambitious plan during a press briefing at the corporation’s headquarters in Nakasero. Outlined within the comprehensive project are four pivotal components:

Construction of a conventional water treatment plant and associated infrastructure. Rehabilitation, upgrading, and expansion of existing sewer networks. Refurbishment and expansion of sewage treatment plants. Expansion and enhancement of water supply and sanitation services, particularly targeting underserved urban communities.

Dr. Mugisha highlighted existing challenges faced by these cities, including hydraulic bottlenecks, outdated equipment, and deficient plant designs, resulting in water supply systems operating below capacity. Despite attaining city status, Fort Portal, Hoima, and Lira grapple with inadequate sewer network coverage and aged infrastructure.

Fort Portal’s primary water source, River Mpanga, has suffered environmental degradation due to improper land use practices within its catchment area. Conversely, Hoima relies on groundwater, which proves unreliable and insufficient to meet the city’s escalating water demands, particularly with its burgeoning oil industry.

Upon successful implementation, over 1,050,000 residents across Fort Portal, Hoima, and Lira stand to benefit from improved water and sanitation services by the year 2040. This ambitious undertaking aligns with Uganda’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those pertaining to water and sanitation access.

With funding secured and plans underway, the project signals a promising stride towards ensuring sustainable and equitable access to clean water and sanitation facilities for the burgeoning urban populations of these vital Ugandan cities.

Speaking to groups from the departments of Water Production and Supply at the NWSC headquarters in Nakasero, Dr. Mugisha set out to motivate engineers by encouraging them to register themselves in order to go beyond the usual bureaucratic procedures and open the door to greater understanding and validation of their professional skills.

Dr. Mugisha distinguished himself from the ordinary by emphasizing that professional registration is an essential step in remaining competitive and relevant in the rapidly changing engineering field, not just a checkbox. His call to action for engineers to register transformed into a powerful plea for revolutionary change that instilled in the NWSC engineering community a culture of professional excellence and ongoing improvement.

Keeping a close watch on the power of cooperation, Dr. Mugisha emphasized the critical importance of teamwork, saying that a cohesive team not only generates creative ideas but also develops and prospers as a unit. He gave the assignment to the Senior Director of Engineering Services, Eng. Alex Gisagara, and charged him with delivering innovative and useful engineering solutions to boost individual output.

Additionally, Dr. Mugisha asked Eng. Gisagara to promote a comprehensive approach to professional growth by sharing insights about good managerial skills. Finally, in a moving speech, Dr. Mugisha offered some insightful counsel characterized by; promoting peaceful cooperation, being the first to ask for help when faced with difficult circumstances, being creative, responding quickly to client concerns, and maintaining the company’s stellar reputation.

The General Manager of Kampala Water, Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya, and Engineer Gisagara both made resolute commitments to guaranteeing first-rate service delivery, promoting professional development, and strengthening overall performance in the Kampala Water region.

The meeting allowed for open dialogue by discussing the difficulties engineers have on a daily basis and by accepting solutions for management to take into account. After the meeting, engineers felt inspired, energized, and determined to continue meeting the requirements of their customers and upholding NWSC’s prestigious standing as the top government utility in service delivery.