The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and South Africa's Rand Water have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at improving water security and utility capacity across Africa.
The non-binding, five-year agreement, signed at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, sets up a framework for collaboration in research, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Sipho Mosai, Group CEO of Rand Water, and Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, Managing Director of NWSC, signed the MOU on behalf of their respective utilities.
Dr. Mugisha highlighted the partnership as a vital step toward enhancing peer-to-peer learning and strengthening the capacity of African water utilities.
"This is the right direction for African utilities in developing a ‘do it yourself’ approach. We can’t wait for foreigners to come and solve our own problems. Utilities need to build staff capacity and foster resilience and innovation to handle complex challenges," Dr. Mugisha said.
He added that the MOU would address key issues such as water loss, climate change resilience, and efficient service delivery. The agreement also creates a path for future legally binding agreements on joint projects.
Under the agreement, NWSC will lead research and development, while Rand Water will work together on joint proposals for innovative water solutions. The partnership will also involve technology transfer to implement modern smart water management systems.
Plans for joint training programs, technical workshops, and staff exchange initiatives will strengthen both workforces, helping them manage the evolving water sector.
The two organizations will also benchmark financial management and water demand practices to ensure sustainable, commercial operations. They aim to collaborate on policy advocacy to encourage government reforms and investment in the sector.
Dr. Rose Kaggwa, Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services at NWSC, responsible for implementing the agreement, called the signing ceremony a crucial step towards addressing Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.
"NWSC has supported many utilities over the years, and this MOU will provide a platform for us to learn from Rand Water, which has developed advanced expertise in utility management," Dr. Kaggwa said.
She added that the MOU would create opportunities for capacity building, research, innovation, technology transfer, climate resilience, and peer learning.
Dr. Kaggwa reassured NWSC customers that the knowledge exchange would ensure smarter, quicker, and higher-quality services.
Celebrating 20 years of water and sanitation knowledge transfer to over 40 utilities, the MOU is timely as NWSC prepares to establish the African Water and Sanitation Academy, a regional learning hub for utilities, hosted by the Government of Uganda.
