President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has approved the establishment of a prepaid water meter manufacturing plant in Uganda, a move expected to boost water access, job creation, and utility efficiency across the country.
The President made the endorsement on August 1, 2025, during a meeting with a delegation from Helcraw Electrical Pvt Ltd, a Zimbabwean company, and its Chinese partner, Liaison Technologies. The firms specialize in prepaid water metering systems and propose to set up a production facility in Uganda.
“This is a good idea. It will help our people access clean water while also creating jobs and supporting our industrial growth,” said President Museveni, applauding the initiative’s alignment with Uganda’s goals of industrialization, increased service delivery, and rural development.
Leading the delegation, Brendon Jere, Director of Helcraw Electrical, explained that the prepaid water metering model had already proven successful in Zimbabwe. He noted the technology improves revenue collection for utility providers while promoting responsible water use.
“The same model has worked in Zimbabwe and significantly improved access to water. We believe Uganda will benefit even more with localized production,” Jere said.
To fast-track the project, President Museveni directed Haruna Kasolo, Minister of State for Microfinance, to coordinate with relevant government bodies to facilitate licensing and land acquisition for the factory.
The planned factory is expected to serve not only Uganda but the broader East African region, positioning the country as a regional hub for smart water technology. Prepaid water meters allow consumers to pay only for the water they use, encouraging conservation and fairness in billing.
In the same meeting, President Museveni endorsed another proposal by Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Pvt Ltd to develop an integrated bulk water supply system for irrigation in the Teso region. Highlighting its importance to food security and productivity, Museveni said, “For me, irrigation is a top priority, and I shall support it.”
The new prepaid meter factory and irrigation system initiatives reflect Uganda’s broader strategy to localize manufacturing, increase agricultural resilience, and meet Sustainable Development Goals.