By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
Uganda’s water sector has made remarkable progress, but without the right mindset and approach, the journey ahead will be tough. This was the central message from Dr. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), on friday, March 21, as he addressed the National Water and Environment Week 2025 at the Ministry of Water and Environment headquarters in Luzira.
Under the theme Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Income and Livelihoods, Dr. Mugisha called for a shift in thinking, emphasizing that knowledge alone is not enough, but attitude, skills, and a thirst for impact are just as important.
“Knowledge without skills is like rain falling on a rock, it doesn’t yield much,” he remarked, urging young professionals to move beyond academic qualifications and embrace competence, efficiency, and innovation. He warned against the growing tendency to rely on external expertise and funding, saying that dependency will slow progress. “If we do not sharpen our skills and work with diligence, we will always wait for others to show us the way,” he said.
He also pointed out that Uganda’s low tax-to-GDP ratio should be of concern to everyone, as national income directly affects investment in water and environmental sustainability. “A country that does not strengthen its own financial muscle will always struggle to stand tall,” he added.
Dr. Mugisha highlighted NWSC’s steady expansion, growing from 23 towns in 2013 to 276 in 2024, with a target of 350 by 2030. Water production capacity has jumped from 294,681 cubic meters per day in 2013 to 730,933 in 2024, aiming for 850,000 by 2030.
Water connections have more than tripled, from 296,000 to 930,000, with the goal of reaching 1.25 million in the next six years. The population served has quadrupled, from 4.5 million to 19 million, and is expected to reach 26 million by 2030. “Our journey proves that with focus and determination, even the smallest streams can grow into mighty rivers,” he said, emphasizing that operational efficiency and financial independence will be key to sustaining this momentum.
He urged Ugandans to stop fearing change and embrace new ways of improving productivity. Quoting author Nicky Verd, he warned, “Those who are not willing to disrupt and move with the times should prepare themselves for extinction.” His message was clear, that Uganda’s water future depends on bold action, self-belief, and a willingness to adapt. “Let us believe in our expertise, work smarter, and secure a better future for generations to come,” he concluded.
With a firm commitment to sustainability, NWSC is not just laying pipelines but building a resilient and water-secure Uganda.
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