KAMPALA
The Government, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has launched a Shs14.24 billion water supply expansion project for Hoima City to enhance water access ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The project was unveiled yesterday at the NWSC headquarters in Nakasero as part of Uganda's infrastructure preparations for the continental tournament and the continued development of the Albertine Region.
Hoima is among the Ugandan cities selected to host AFCON 2027 matches alongside Kampala and Lira when Uganda co-hosts the tournament with Kenya and Tanzania from June to July 2027.
Expanding Water Supply
According to NWSC Managing Director Dr Silver Mugisha, the new water system, dubbed Hoima 2, will abstract raw water from River Kafu in Kikuube District before treating it at a conventional water treatment plant for distribution to Hoima City.
The project will include the construction of a treatment plant with a production capacity of 2,000 cubic metres of treated water per day, the installation of approximately 25 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines, and the construction of a 300-cubic-metre elevated steel reservoir at Musaijamukulu Hill.
Additional works will include pumping stations, storage facilities, and electrical infrastructure.
Dr Mugisha said the investment is intended to strengthen the existing Hoima 1 water supply system, which is under increasing pressure due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and rising industrial demand associated with oil and gas developments in the Albertine Graben.
"The current system can no longer adequately meet the growing water demand in Hoima City and the surrounding areas," Dr Mugisha said.
Long-Term Expansion Plans
Dr Mugisha revealed that NWSC is also finalising designs for Hoima 3, a larger and long-term water supply expansion project.
Once completed, Hoima 2 and Hoima 3 will operate as an integrated network to significantly improve water production, transmission, and storage capacity across the city.
"NWSC is requesting the Government to release funding for Hoima 3 immediately after completion of the designs," Dr Mugisha said.
He added that timely investment in the project would guarantee sustainable water supply and support Uganda's broader economic transformation agenda.
Eight-Month Construction Timeline
The Shs14.24 billion project is jointly financed by the Government of Uganda and NWSC and is expected to be completed within eight months.
Construction works have been awarded to Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited.
Dr Mugisha urged the contractor to adhere to the agreed timelines and budget, warning that delays would not be tolerated.
Representing the contractor, Managing Director Ma Yongqian and Deputy Managing Director Wang Feifei pledged to deliver the project on schedule while maintaining high construction standards.
The company also committed to prioritising local employment opportunities during the implementation phase.
NWSC said the project will improve the reliability and quality of water supply, reduce water shortages in Hoima City, and support the area's rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion.
The corporation added that the investment will strengthen Hoima's readiness to host AFCON 2027 while meeting the increasing water demand generated by Uganda's growing oil and gas industry.
