The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has partnered with Luwero Industries Limited to enhance engineering capabilities and improve Uganda’s water supply. The collaboration aims to cut operational costs, promote self-reliance, and advance technical innovation.
Strengthening Local Engineering Capacity
NWSC Managing Director, Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, emphasized the need to optimize government-funded equipment. He noted that importing new pumps takes up to six months, creating delays in water supply improvements.
“This collaboration is critical for us,” Dr. Mugisha said. “By working with Luwero Industries, we can recondition, recalibrate, and extend the lifespan of our existing equipment, ensuring that standby pumps are always available in case of breakdowns.”
Dr. Mugisha attributed water shortages in Kampala to extreme weather conditions, which have increased demand and reduced water sources. He outlined short-term measures such as installing higher-capacity pumps and bulk rationing, while in the long term, NWSC is implementing the Kampala Water Supply Network Rationalisation and Expansion Project.
Reducing Dependence on Foreign Equipment
The partnership will allow NWSC to develop in-house troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance capacity. Dr. Mugisha noted that frequent equipment replacements have been costly, but working with Luwero Industries will shift the focus to maintenance, rehabilitation, and reuse.
“The collaboration will not only reduce redundancy and lower costs but also promote research and development, allowing Uganda to manufacture and develop its own engineering solutions,” he said.
Luwero Industries has specialized workshop machinery and precision equipment, which will help NWSC improve efficiency. The corporation operates over 1,000 pumps nationwide, and by producing some spare parts locally, it expects to shorten equipment repair times and enhance water production schedules.
Expanding Water Access Through Innovation
Dr. Mugisha stressed that, with the recently commissioned Katosi Water Plant, Kampala now has adequate water. The focus is on expanding distribution through the Kampala Network Rationalisation and Expansion Project (Package 2B), which includes laying 72 kilometers of new pipelines, constructing reservoirs, and setting up booster pumping stations.
“Through progressive research and development between NWSC and Luwero, we can build knowledge and start assembling our own pumps locally,” he added.
Luwero Industries’ Commitment
Luwero Industries General Manager, Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeeyi, reaffirmed the company’s support for NWSC’s efforts to enhance water and sanitation services.
“We are proud to partner with NWSC to address the water supply challenges facing our country,” Maj. Gen. Muzeeyi said. “This partnership will improve water supply efficiency and promote research and development, aligning with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision for homegrown solutions and self-reliance.”
He praised NWSC’s expansion of water services to regions such as Kotido, Moroto, and Matany and expressed Luwero’s commitment to ensuring clean and safe water for all Ugandans.
A Three-Year Plan for Sustainability
Eng. Andrew Muhwezi of NWSC highlighted the technical benefits of the partnership, noting that while NWSC can refurbish equipment, Luwero Industries’ precision tools will enhance efficiency.
“The partnership will enable us to extend the lifespan of our equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and improve overall efficiency,” Muhwezi said.
The agreement spans three years, focusing on manufacturing spare parts, improving wastewater management, material testing, surface treatment, and research and development.
This collaboration is expected to transform Uganda’s water sector by ensuring efficient service delivery, cost reduction, and technological innovation.