Kampala’s city dwellers therefore have reason to celebrate as the Authority unveils eight modern toilets. These new facilities were constructed under the Kampala Water-Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project (KW-LVWATSAN), implemented by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).

The project that was promised in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) 2021-2026 manifesto, is aimed at addressing the pressing need for better sanitation infrastructure. Funded by the government of Uganda with support from development partners KfW and the French Development Agency (AFD), the project aims to construct a total of 64 toilets targeting public school, markets and informal settlements across Kampala.

Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of NWSC, officially handed over the toilets to Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director of KCCA, during an event held at Kiswa Primary School. In her remarks Kisaka expressed her gratitude for the completion of these crucial facilities. “The project answers a critical need in our markets, schools, and other public spaces for good sanitation and also answers our clarion call of a Smart city,” Kisaka stated.

These facilities are not only designed to improve sanitation but also to alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure and enhance overall hygiene standards. Dr. Eng. Mugisha, highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing that it would provide safe water and sanitation and ensure improved sanitation services.

“This project underscores our commitment to ensuring access to quality sanitation services for all residents,” Mugisha remarked. One notable aspect of the project is the multi-story design of the toilets, which includes upper floors capable of accommodating businesses such as restaurants and cafeterias.

This innovative approach not only serves practical needs but also contributes to economic development within the city. Jan Alber, Director of KfW Office Kampala, praised the collaborative efforts between KCCA and NWSC, citing it as a key factor in the project’s success..

“This is outstanding work, and we look forward to seeing very supportive innovative structures,” Alber remarked. The sanitation facilities that have been handed over to KCCA include, Kasanga Primary School, Mbuya COU Primary School, St Paul Primary School, Police Children School, Mutundwe Primary School, Lubiri Primary School, Kiswa Market and Centenary Park.

Local area leaders including the Nakawa East Member of Parliament Hon Nsubuga Balimwezo and the Nakawa Division Mayor Paul Mugambe among others attended the event. The collaborative efforts between government entities, development partners, and local authorities demonstrate a unified commitment to enhancing sanitation and hygiene standards, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

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.

A delegation of ten prominent figures from LWB, consisting of government officials and key executives, embarked on this enlightening journey. The primary objective was to gain insights into urban sewerage management, with a specific focus on NWSC’s practices and their partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

Dr. Rose C. Kaggwa, the Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services at NWSC, led the delegation in an engaging introductory session. She underscored the significance of forging partnerships in the business world and encouraged a spirit of mutual learning. The visit was seen as an opportunity for both parties to share experiences, unearth potential areas for enhancement, and fortify their collaboration.

The agenda covered a range of topics vital to modern sewerage management, including the Policy and Technical Aspects of City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) from a utility standpoint, the decentralized operations of KCCA in Sanitation and Environment Management, and the pivotal role of NWSC in sanitation services within Kampala.

Throughout the visit, the LWB delegation delved into NWSC’s rich 50-year history, gaining insights into the challenges they faced in water supply and sewerage networks. NWSC’s innovative solutions were showcased, including the involvement of development partners, technological advancements like automatic meter reading, harnessing solar energy, groundwater developments, and the integration of biogas for sewerage systems.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on these utilities was not overlooked. The delegation engaged in discussions that emphasized the obstacles the pandemic presented, as well as the avenues it opened for innovation and collaborative solutions. Eng. Johnson Amayo, NWSC’s Deputy Managing Director, provided valuable insights during an interactive session, shedding light on utility operations, financing strategies, tariff considerations, and the vital roles various stakeholders play in the sector.

The delegation also interacted with KCCA officials, who shared their experiences in implementing a City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation approach in Kampala. This entailed discussions on diverse aspects, ranging from sanitation infrastructure enhancements in households, schools, and public spaces to private sector-driven service delivery and sanitation marketing.

The visit was a comprehensive journey that allowed the LWB delegation to tour several key facilities, including the NWSC Contact Center, KCCA Fecal Sludge Management services, the Kisenyi pro-poor Water & Sanitation Services, the Nakivubo Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Kinawataka pumping station, and the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo.

The benchmarking visit concluded with a courtesy call to NWSC’s Managing Director, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and shared goals between the two entities. As the LWB officials bid farewell and returned to Malawi, the outcomes of this collaborative effort promise to catalyze growth and innovation in urban sewerage management and sanitation services for both nations.

Ultimately, the benchmarking visit proved to be a resounding success, fostering mutual learning, strengthening partnerships, and laying the foundation for a more effective and sustainable approach to urban sewerage management on both sides of the border