Anywar directs new NWSC board to prioritize innovation, climate resilience

KAMPALA - The Minister of State for Water and Environment, Beatrice Atim Anywar, has challenged the new board of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to prioritise innovation and climate resilience to meet national development goals.

She noted that the board’s primary mission is to drive the country toward the goals set in Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals, which mandate universal access to safe water and sanitation for all Ugandans.

“You must support the government because we do not want moles to frustrate government services to the poor. We shall fish out those who frustrate us. Water should be accessible to all people regardless of status,” she emphasised.

On Friday, January 30, while inaugurating new board of directors for the NWSC at International Resource Centre (IRC) in Bugolobi, Kampala.

“The corporation must embrace new technologies and cost-effective solutions to reach more people affordably. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) government wants those in villages and hard-to-reach areas to access clean water, which has been a privilege for the rich,” she said.

Minister Anywar, who represented Water and Environment Minister Sam Cheptoris insistted that the appointments is a call to serve our nation at a critical time when access to safe water and sanitation remains central to health, economic growth, and sustainable development,” Anywar said.

She also called for a strategic focus on expanding infrastructure to underserved areas while intensifying the protection of water sources from pollution and degradation.

The Minister also highlighted the growing threat of climate change, tasking the board to champion environmental stewardship by integrating resilience and wetland protection into the corporation's infrastructure strategies.

Anywar commended the outgoing board members: Racheal Kiconco Mbabazi, Sarah Onyiru, Rtd. Col. Stephen Basaliza and George Runge for establishing a solid foundation.

“While the corporation's geographical footprint has grown significantly, the pace of urbanisation continues to outstrip current water coverage. I am directing a sharp focus on protecting water sources from pollution and encroachment while ensuring strict adherence to government financial accountability,” she stressed.

The Minister of State for Water and Environment, Betty Anywar, addressing the new board of directors of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Bweyogerere, Kampala. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Outgoing board chairman Eng. Badru Kiggundu presented a performance brief covering 2020 to 2025, detailing a period of robust expansion despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Under my tenure, the total water connections grew by 39% to reach over 1 million customers, while the number of villages served surged by 54%, increasing from 7,192 to 11,088,” he said.

“Annual revenue collections rose 59% to sh620b and profit before depreciation closing the period at sh161b.”

However, Kigundu warned that non-revenue water remains high at 34.4 % due to illegal use, vandalism, and an ageing distribution network.

NWSC Managing Director Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha revealed that the utility achieved its highest-ever operating surplus of sh162b during the 2024/25 financial year, up from sh142b the previous year.

“We completed a 70-kilometer Karuma-Gulu project that brought River Nile water to Gulu City, and the Kagera Water Project serving the cattle corridor, among many other projects,” he confirmed.

Dr. Mugisha also announced a planned sh660b investment initiative by the NWSC ang government to extend services further across the country.

The inauguration was witnessed by High Court Justice Paul Gadenya Wolimbwa.
During the event, Dr. Alfred Okot Okiidi, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Water and Environment, addressed a major hurdle regarding unpaid government water bills.

“It is unfair to see a performing organisation like NWSC grappling with unpaid government arrears,” Okiidi said, noting that the ministry has submitted recommendations to Parliament to resolve the issue.

The board chairman, Prof. Dr. Eng. Henry Alinaitwe Mwanaki, pledged to build on the existing foundation to achieve the “water for all” agenda.

Prof. Alinaitwe stated that his team will work hand in hand with management to achieve the utility's service for all agenda items, improve efficiency, and enhance customer service and staff welfare.

New Board Members included Prof. Eng. Dr. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe, Annette Akiror, Jane Aciro, Robert Wambedde, Peter Rwakifaari Kibondo, Mariam Mutalaga and Eng. John Twinomujuni.

Board members still serving included Prof. Eng Dr. Badru Kiggundu, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega and Can. Kasya Josephine.