Written By | BK Mugizi
Mugisha said the corporation had expanded significantly over the years but was now prioritising reliable water supply, improved sanitation and better livelihoods.
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By Bruno Mugizi
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is shifting its focus from the number of people it serves to the impact of its water and sanitation services on their lives, managing director Dr Eng Silver Mugisha has said.
Mugisha said the corporation had expanded significantly over the years but was now prioritising reliable water supply, improved sanitation and better livelihoods.
He made the remarks during an International Water Association (IWA) podcast on the sidelines of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition, held in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 4 to 8, 2026.
Held under the theme Water Action: The Path to Resilience and Prosperity, the congress brought together water professionals, policymakers, researchers and utility managers to discuss global water challenges, climate resilience, sustainable water management, and innovations in water and sanitation services.
Mugisha said NWSC's water connections had increased from 300,000 to more than one million, while the number of towns under its management had grown from 23 in 2013 to 293 by the end of June 2026.
The corporation now serves more than 22 million people.
"Before, we used to focus on how many Ugandans we serve. We now need to go further and look at the impact created on the ground and the lives we have changed," Mugisha said.
Turnover grows to Shs680b
Mugisha said NWSC's annual turnover had increased from Shs120b to Shs680b, while its asset base had grown from Shs580b to Shs5 trillion.
He said the corporation was investing in infrastructure to extend access to clean and safe water and improve the reliability of supply.
"We are aggressively expanding our network whilst carrying out water stabilisation plans to stabilise water supply," he said.
He added that expanding access alone was not enough unless the investments translated into tangible improvements in people's lives.
NWSC seeks Shs650b
NWSC is seeking Shs650b for the 50 Towns Water Supply Improvement Project, which aims to increase water production and improve supply in towns where demand has outstripped available capacity.
Mugisha said the corporation was working with the Ministry of Water and Environment to extend access to clean and safe water.
He added that NWSC was prioritising customer satisfaction through staff training and improved service delivery.
Under its 2025–2030 strategic plan, the corporation aims to increase customer connections to 1.3 million by 2030 and reduce non-revenue water from 34% to 28%.
Non-revenue water refers to water that is produced but does not generate revenue because it is lost through leakages, apparent losses such as metering inaccuracies, or other causes, including unauthorised consumption.
Embraces environmental protection
Mugisha said NWSC had embraced environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles to strengthen environmental protection, social responsibility and institutional accountability.
He said the corporation worked with institutions responsible for environmental conservation to support sustainable water and sanitation services.
The approach reflects concerns discussed at the Glasgow congress, including the need to strengthen water security, protect water resources and build resilience to climate-related challenges.
Wins international recognition
NWSC has received several continental and international awards in recognition of its performance.
It was named Africa's Best Water Utility for 2013/14 and won the African Utility of the Year award for 2015/16 at Africa Utility Week in Cape Town, South Africa.
The corporation also received the Water Leaders distinction at the Global Water Awards in 2019 in recognition of its achievements in the water sector.
Leadership should serve people
Mugisha said effective leaders needed to understand their purpose and the needs of the people and institutions they served.
"Leadership is a coordination of knowledge, skills and character competences," he said.
He said NWSC's mission went beyond supplying water to improving Ugandans' economic well-being and reducing waterborne diseases.
"Our purpose is to create a difference among Ugandans with more water and sanitation, improve their economic well-being and also reduce waterborne diseases," Mugisha said.
He added: "No institution is bigger than its people."
