Kampala, Uganda – Over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries have registered for the 2025 African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) Congress, set to take place in Uganda. The event, hosted by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), will serve as a key platform for discussions on water governance, financing, research, technology, and innovation.
Speaking to the media, NWSC Managing Director and AfWASA President, Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, highlighted the significance of the Congress, stating, “This event is a testament to Uganda’s commitment to advancing water and sanitation solutions across the continent. We are honored to host it and showcase our country’s progress.”
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The 2025 Congress marks the third time AfWASA is organizing such a high-profile event, following previous editions in 2010 and 2019. Uganda, through NWSC, has played an active role in the association, with the country’s involvement expanding significantly over the years. Recently, an engineer was elected as the President of the Scientific and Technology Council (STC), a body responsible for technical advancements in the sector. Previously, Dr. Rose Kawa held the second presidency of the same council.
A key highlight of the Congress will be the launch of the African Water and Sanitation Academy, an initiative aimed at fostering leadership and change management in the sector. Approved by Uganda’s Cabinet and formalized through a host agreement signed by Dr. Mugisha and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Academy will serve the entire continent with branches planned in Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa, and North Africa.
Dr. Mugisha emphasized the Congress’s economic and tourism benefits for Uganda, stating, “Beyond the discussions and knowledge exchange, this Congress will bring a financial boost from the influx of international visitors. Many attendees are drawn to Uganda’s favorable climate, natural beauty, and hospitality.”
The Congress will feature 80 sessions and an extensive exhibition, providing a platform for stakeholders to showcase cutting-edge technologies. “Some exhibitors may take interest in investing in Uganda to manufacture essential water sector components locally, which would further enhance our infrastructure development,” Dr. Mugisha added.
NWSC will also present a case study on Source Protection and Catchment Management, showcasing its ongoing efforts to safeguard water sources. “Every project we undertake incorporates catchment protection measures to ensure sustainability. We have implemented projects in Arua, Mbale, Masaka, Kampala, Gulu, and soon in Adjumani,” he explained.
Additionally, the Congress will shed light on climate change resilience and adaptation. NWSC has reinforced infrastructure in flood-prone areas, such as the Karuma-Gulu pipeline, which has been designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The organization has also elevated pipelines in Kampala to prevent disruptions due to flooding.
Dr. Mugisha further underscored Uganda’s commitment to environmental conservation, mentioning the Young Water Professionals initiative that has planted one million trees and NWSC’s collaborations with stakeholders like Rotary in wetland restoration projects. “We are actively working on River Rwizi catchment protection, among other initiatives, to ensure long-term water security,” he noted.
While NWSC leads several water conservation initiatives, Dr. Mugisha clarified that broader regional water management issues fall under the Ministry of Water and Environment’s Directorate of Water Resources Management. “We collaborate closely with the Ministry, especially on projects like Lake Victoria’s protection. However, the Ministry oversees larger-scale resource management,” he said.
The upcoming Congress promises to be a pivotal event in Africa’s water and sanitation sector, fostering collaboration, innovation, and investment. Uganda’s role as the host nation solidifies its position as a leader in water management and sustainability efforts on the continent.
