In a shocking turn of events, these government entities have defaulted on a staggering UGX 43.3 billion in water bills, forcing the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to take drastic action. On August 13th, the NWSC, in a move that has sent shockwaves through the country, cut off water supply to Luzira Prison, Uganda’s largest incarceration facility.

They proceeded to the Naguru-based Police Barracks and did the same. Luzira Prison alone is grappling with a massive UGX 19.4 billion debt, while the Police Barracks is drowning in arrears of UGX 23.8 billion. The implications of this disconnection are dire, with thousands of inmates and police personnel facing the harsh reality of life without water—a basic necessity.

“The Uganda Prisons Service is currently utilizing water bowsers to mitigate the water crisis. Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing between the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Ministry of Internal Affairs, UPS, and NWSC to restore the water situation to normal,” Frank Baine, the Uganda Prisons spokesperson, said.

The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development had released UGX 2.3 billion in the first quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year, just a fraction of the UGX 79 billion allocated to NWSC. However, despite this disbursement, the arrears remain unresolved, leaving the facilities in a precarious position.

“This situation is a matter of national concern,” emphasized Frank Baine, Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Deputy Director CCA/Service Spokesperson, in a statement that underscores the gravity of the crisis. The lack of water has raised significant concerns about hygiene and safety within these facilities, with the potential for disease outbreaks looming large.

The crisis in Uganda’s water supply extends beyond the defaulting institutions, reaching the courts where a sensational case involving the NWSC is unraveling. On July 23rd, 2024, the case of Uganda vs. Kato Umar, also known as Mutebi, began to unfold, drawing a direct link between electronic fraud, unauthorized access, and theft involving the NWSC.

In a dramatic courtroom revelation, state prosecutor Judith N. laid out a compelling case against Umar, detailing a sophisticated operation that not only siphoned off NWSC resources but also undermined the entire water supply infrastructure. Evidence presented in court included tokens, a vending machine, and key documents, painting a picture of a meticulously planned heist that exploited the vulnerabilities within the NWSC’s system.

As the country grapples with this multifaceted crisis, the stakes have never been higher. The disconnection of water services to two of Uganda’s most critical facilities, coupled with a high-profile court case exposing the cracks in the nation’s water management, has left citizens and authorities alike on edge.

The question now is whether the government can stem the tide before the situation spirals further out of control, threatening not just the security of its institutions, but the health and well-being of those who depend on them. Uganda watches with bated breath, as the story of water—a life-giving resource turned harbinger of crisis—continues to unfold.

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.

The team of delegates from Sudan included Mr. Ahmed Osman Mohamed Ahmed – Governor Khartoum State, Mr. Mohamed Ali Ahmed Sharif – Executive Director Khartoum Stated, Mr. Mukhtar Omer Sabir Mansour – Director Roads and Bridges Authority, Mr. Montasir Mamoun Mustafa Hassanein – Director Sewerage and Sanitation Authority together with staff from the Embassy of the republic of Sudan, headed by the Ambassador, H.E Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed.

The DMD-Finance, Dr. Sylvia Arinaitwe gladly received and welcomed the guests before the Senior Manager, Sewerage Services-Eng. James Maiteki elaborately gave them a tour of the treatment plant. During which he explained the sewerage treatment process from the alpha to the omega of the procedures therein.

The knowledge hungry delegates inquisitively appreciated the state-of-the-art facility in Bugolobi, especially the innovation of Biogas generation as a way to harness energy to produce electricity within the plant and as well manure production. The delegates were appreciated with gift packages from National Water and Sewerage Corporation. The Lord Mayor’s lead role in the tour cements the cordial working relationship between KCCA and NWSC that continues to flourish and blossom.

The awards, which are organized by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), strive to uplift the quality of Financial and Sustainability reporting by various sectors in Uganda.

While receiving the award, the NWSC Managing Director, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha said the Corporation’s business approach aims at providing quality services to the people of Uganda, today and in the future.

Deputy Managing Director Finance and Corporate Strategy, Ms. Sylvia Arinaitwe applauded NWSC staff for their professionalism and commitment towards the achievement of socio-economic transformation of Uganda and the NDPIII objectives.

NWSC also scooped the second position in the Public Sector Category, in all aspects of total financial reporting. The corporation remains committed to Water for all.