Uganda to Host 2027 Global Water Congress as NWSC Targets Better Services

October 11, 2026 in Companies by Editor

Uganda will host the IWA Water and Development Congress in 2027, as NWSC targets more reliable water supply, 1.3 million connections by 2030 and greater impact on the lives of Ugandans.

Uganda will host the International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027, bringing an expected 3,000 delegates to Kampala as the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) shifts its focus from expanding connections to measuring the impact of water and sanitation services on people’s lives.

The hosting announcement was made at the IWA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, where NWSC Managing Director Dr Engineer Silver Mugisha also outlined the corporation’s growth, infrastructure priorities and plans to improve service reliability.

Speaking on an IWA podcast on the sidelines of the World Water Congress and Exhibition in Glasgow, Mugisha said NWSC had expanded from 23 towns in 2013 to 293 towns by the end of June 2026, increasing its water connections from 300,000 to more than one million and extending services to over 22 million people.

“Before, we used to focus on how many Ugandans we serve. We now need to go further into the impact created on the ground, the lives you have changed,” he said.

Over the same period, NWSC’s annual turnover grew from UGX120 billion to UGX680 billion, while its assets increased from UGX580 billion to UGX5 trillion.

The corporation’s next challenge, Mugisha said, is to ensure that network expansion translates into more reliable water supply, particularly in towns where demand is outstripping production capacity.

“We are aggressively expanding our network whilst carrying out water stabilisation plans to stabilise water supply,” he said.

NWSC is seeking UGX650 billion for its 50 Towns Water Supply Improvement Project, which is intended to increase water production and improve supply in urban centres facing shortages. The corporation is working with the Ministry of Water and Environment to extend access to clean and safe water.

Under its 2025–2030 strategic plan, NWSC targets 1.3 million new customer connections by 2030 and a reduction in non-revenue water from 34 percent to 28 per cent. Non-revenue water refers to water produced but not billed, including losses through leaks, theft and metering or billing deficiencies.

Mugisha said the corporation was also investing in customer service, staff training and trust-building, while incorporating environmental, social and governance principles into its operations.

These priorities will form part of the broader discussions expected at the 2027 IWA Water and Development Congress and Exhibition, which will bring together water utility executives, policymakers, researchers, financiers, development partners and technology companies to examine solutions to water and sanitation challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The Government of Uganda, through NWSC, will coordinate the country’s hosting efforts. An initial planning meeting in Glasgow brought together IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan and Executive Director Professor Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy with an NWSC delegation led by board chairman Professor Engineer Henry Alinaitwe. The delegation also included Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services Dr Rose Kaggwa and Kampala Water General Manager Engineer Mahmood Lutaaya.

Kasan expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to deliver the congress, saying IWA intended to build on the previous edition in Bangkok, Thailand, while expanding participation and membership across Africa. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting preparations.

Mugisha said Uganda was ready to host the gathering, citing its conference infrastructure, hospitality, technical expertise and experience in organising international events. Alinaitwe also pointed to the country’s natural attractions and capacity to accommodate major conferences.

The event is expected to generate business for hotels, transport operators, restaurants, exhibition organisers and other service providers, while providing a platform to promote Uganda’s tourism attractions.

Uganda’s selection follows NWSC’s hosting of the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition in Kampala in February 2025, which attracted more than 2,500 delegates, according to the corporation.

The previous IWA Water and Development Congress, held in Bangkok in December 2025, attracted approximately 1,700 delegates and 200 exhibitors. The 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, drew nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries.

Beyond the commercial opportunities, Kampala 2027 is expected to strengthen cooperation among African water utilities, universities, development partners and investors. Discussions in Glasgow included proposals to encourage Ugandan and other African university students to present research papers, linking academic research more closely to practical water-sector challenges.

IWA leadership also discussed the possibility of establishing an African hub for the association, although its location will be determined through a separate assessment process.

Mugisha said NWSC’s broader purpose was to improve Ugandans’ economic wellbeing and reduce waterborne diseases through better water and sanitation services.

“Leadership is a coordination of knowledge, skills and character competences,” he said, adding that institutions must remain focused on the people they serve.

The final dates and venue for the 2027 congress have not yet been announced. Preparations will proceed through coordination between IWA, NWSC and other national partners.