Written By | BK Mugizi
Dr Mugisha presented a framework centred on institutional sustainability, saying it depends on equitable opportunity
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KAMPALA
Dr Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has launched the Empower Her Mentorship and Leadership Programme, outlining five strategic pillars aimed at elevating women into senior roles within the water and sanitation sector.
The initiative, spearheaded by Professional Women for Water and Sanitation (P4WATSAN), seeks to move beyond basic representation to a model of leadership grounded in technical competence and organisational influence.
While officiating at the launch on Wednesday in Kampala, Dr Mugisha presented a framework centred on institutional sustainability, saying it depends on equitable opportunity.
“Leadership must be anchored in equity,” he said. “Equity goes beyond equal treatment. It is about intentionally creating pathways for capable individuals to thrive.”
He noted that when institutions create equitable environments, they unlock potential that strengthens performance and sustainability.
Dr Mugisha described effective leadership as a process of multiplication, emphasising that the ability to mentor and prepare the next generation is a prerequisite for authority.
“If you cannot be a mentor, you cannot be a leader,” he said. “The Empower Her programme is designed to produce a cycle of mentorship that expands impact across the utility’s teams.”
He also stressed the importance of a people-centred management approach, arguing that productivity is directly linked to how valued employees feel.
“When people trust their leaders, they perform at their best,” Dr Mugisha said, urging supervisors to invest time in meaningful engagement with staff.
On the moral dimension of leadership, he encouraged participants to maintain a strong spiritual foundation to foster humility and purpose in public service.
He further challenged women professionals to aggressively pursue digital literacy and innovation.
“Do what makes you a capable leader. Competence will always open doors,” he said.
P4WATSAN patron and NWSC Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services, Rose Kaggwa, described the programme as a platform for transformational change.
“Our network exists to ensure that every member has the tools to pursue excellence at all levels of responsibility,” Kaggwa said.
NWSC Senior Director of Finance and Corporate Strategy, Charles Okuonzi, called for a shift from mere participation to influential decision-making among women in the sector.
Similarly, Mahmood Lutaaya, General Manager of Kampala Water, urged male leaders to actively support the network.
“We must move from inclusion in numbers to inclusion in influence,” Lutaaya said. “Male colleagues in leadership should deliberately create opportunities for women who are ready to take on greater responsibility.”
Internal Audit Director Proscovia Akech noted that although more women are entering top management, the trend requires structured institutional backing and practical tools to remain sustainable.
“The progress we are seeing must be supported by systems that ensure continuity and growth,” Akech said.
Torch Media Africa
