NWSC partners with Luwero Industries to boost water supply efficiency

KAMPALA, UGANDA – The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has partnered with Luwero Industries Limited to enhance engineering capabilities and improve water supply efficiency in Uganda.

The strategic partnership, formalized in Kampala, aims to reduce operational costs, promote self-reliance, and foster technical innovation.

NWSC Managing Director Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha emphasized the importance of the partnership — citing the need to optimize government-funded equipment.

“This collaboration is critical for us. We are currently in the process of replacing pumps to increase capacity at Ggaba and other installations, but importing a new pump takes up to six months,” Dr. Mugisha said. “By working with Luwero Industries, we can recondition, recalibrate and extend the lifespan of our existing equipment, ensuring that standby pumps are always available in case of breakdowns.”

Dr. Mugisha attributed water supply challenges in Kampala to extreme weather conditions that have heightened demand while also drying up water sources.

“As a short-term solution, we are installing higher-capacity pumps and implementing bulk rationing to serve water-stressed areas. In the long run, the Kampala Water Supply Network rationalization and expansion project is being implemented to further improve distribution.”

He noted that the partnership will enable NWSC to build in-house troubleshooting, repair and maintenance capacity, reducing dependency on foreign spare parts and avoiding long procurement delays.

“We have previously been forced to buy and replace equipment frequently, but now, with Luwero’s support, we will focus on maintenance, rehabilitation, and reuse,” Dr. Mugisha said.

“The collaboration will not only reduce redundancy and lower costs but also promote research and development, allowing Uganda to manufacture and develop its own engineering solutions.”

Dr. Mugisha highlighted the technical advantages of the partnership, noting that Luwero Industries possesses specialized workshop machinery and precision equipment that will significantly improve efficiency.

“We have over 1,000 pumps across our network, and by building capacity to locally produce some of the spare parts, we will be able to improve our water production schedules and reduce the time it takes to restore broken-down equipment,” Dr. Mugisha explained.

He further emphasized the role of research and development in the partnership, stating that the collaboration will allow for the exchange and realization of innovative ideas that can enhance Uganda’s engineering capabilities.

“In Kampala, thanks to the recently commissioned Katosi Water Plant, we now have enough water. Our focus is on evacuating it to reach more people through the Kampala Network Rationalisation and Expansion Project Package 2B) project.”

This project signed in January 2025, will see work on 72kms of pipe network of different capacities, construction of reservoirs and booster pumping stations.

Through progressive research and development between NWSC and Luwero, we can build knowledge and start assembling our own pumps locally,” Dr. Mugisha added.

Luwero Industries General Manager Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeeyi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting NWSC in its efforts to enhance water and sanitation services.

“We are proud to partner with NWSC to address the water supply challenges facing our country,” Maj. Gen. Muzeeyi said.

“We believe that this partnership will not only improve water supply efficiency but also promote research and development, allowing Uganda to manufacture and develop its own engineering solutions.” This is in line with the vision of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for homegrown solutions for self-reliance.

Maj. Gen. Muzeeyi commended Dr. Mugisha’s collaborative approach in addressing challenges and praised his prioritization of water access for all Ugandans.

“NWSC has made significant strides in extending water services to many parts of the country, including Kotido, Moroto, and Matany,” Maj. Gen. Muzeeyi said.

“We are committed to supporting NWSC in its efforts to provide safe and clean water to all Ugandans.”

Eng. Andrew Muhwezi of NWSC highlighted the technical advantages of the collaboration, noting that while NWSC has the capacity to refurbish equipment, Luwero Industries possesses specialized workshop machinery and precision equipment that will significantly improve efficiency.

“The partnership will enable us to extend the lifespan of our equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and improve overall efficiency,” Muhwezi said.

The collaborative framework is structured for an initial duration of three years, during which both institutions will focus on manufacturing spare parts, improving municipal wastewater management, conducting material testing, and enhancing heat and surface treatment services, capacity development and research and development.