NWSC Boss Dr Mugisha Seeks Global Partnerships to Manufacture Water Pumps in Uganda, Secure Cheaper Financing

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Managing Director Dr Eng Silver Mugisha has launched fresh efforts to strengthen Uganda’s water sector by seeking international partnerships to manufacture water pumps locally, secure affordable financing and expand sanitation services across the country. Dr Mugisha made the proposals during high-level meetings with international development partners and water technology experts on the sidelines of the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland. His engagements focused on reducing dependence on imported equipment, lowering operational costs and mobilising resources to improve access to clean and safe water.

During a meeting with Danish pump manufacturer Grundfos, Dr Mugisha called for a partnership with National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) to establish local production of water pump components and spare parts. He explained that NWSC currently relies heavily on imported spare parts, a situation that can delay repairs and affect the efficiency of water supply systems. He argued that manufacturing the components in Uganda would reduce waiting times, strengthen local technical capacity and create opportunities to supply other African countries. Dr Mugisha also proposed that Grundfos establish a manufacturing and assembly facility with NEC, develop energy-efficient pumps suited to Uganda’s hydraulic systems and explore technologies such as prepaid water meters.

The NWSC chief further asked Grundfos to support the development of Ugandan engineers through competence-based training, particularly in electromechanical engineering and other specialised areas required to maintain modern water infrastructure. He also sought the company’s involvement in the African Water and Sanitation Academy, operated under the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA), to promote research, innovation and professional development across the continent. Grundfos officials expressed willingness to examine the proposals, highlighting financing arrangements through which investments in efficient pumping systems could be recovered from the savings generated. They also discussed intelligent pumping technologies capable of automatically detecting faults and pledged to work with NWSC to reduce energy consumption, operating expenses and non-revenue water. NWSC Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services Dr Rose Kaggwa separately appealed to Grundfos to become the principal sponsor of the IWA Water and Development Congress and Exhibition scheduled for Uganda in November 2027.

In discussions with the World Bank, Dr Mugisha presented NWSC’s performance record, including audited financial statements, to demonstrate the corporation’s ability to manage financing responsibly. He called for long-term loans and other affordable funding arrangements to support water infrastructure expansion, improve operational and energy efficiency, strengthen sanitation programmes and reduce water losses. Dr Mugisha said the high cost of borrowing remained a major concern and stressed the need for financing options that would allow Uganda to achieve more with available resources. He also asked the World Bank to provide flexibility in project implementation so that NWSC could undertake its own engineering designs, adopt community-based approaches and engage affordable contractors without compromising quality.

Dr Mugisha explained that affordable financing would help NWSC extend water services to more communities, reduce the distance residents travel to collect water, lower the cost of accessing safe water and help prevent waterborne diseases. He added that Uganda was also exploring domestic financing options, including bonds and resources from the National Social Security Fund, to support local development projects. World Bank officials described NWSC as a well-performing utility and said the institution could consider supporting the corporation, subject to risk assessments and due diligence. They also indicated that financing could potentially be channelled through Ugandan commercial banks. NWSC Deputy Managing Director for Finance and Corporate Strategy Francis Owot said the corporation had the capacity to manage the proposed funds in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders, urging the bank to consider arrangements that would reduce borrowing costs.

At the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Mugisha sought support for NWSC’s research and development programmes, sanitation initiatives, the 50 Towns Water Supply Improvement Project and preparations for Uganda’s hosting of the 2027 IWA congress. He said the corporation had developed a strong research and development department that could serve as an innovation hub for tackling water and sanitation challenges in Uganda and other African countries. He specifically highlighted the need to improve sludge management at NWSC facilities and strengthen research into practical solutions for sanitation challenges. Dr Mugisha noted that water demand was exceeding available supply in some towns and called for support to improve water distribution, strengthen resilience and expand on-site sanitation services in the communities targeted by the 50 Towns project.

The NWSC delegation also emphasised the importance of strengthening the African Water and Sanitation Academy, which Uganda hosts, to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address the continent’s growing water challenges. NWSC Board Chairman Prof Eng Dr Henry Alinaitwe pledged the board’s support for management as it pursues the proposed partnerships, financing arrangements and technological improvements. He noted that stronger investment in research and development could also benefit university students studying water and sanitation engineering by creating opportunities for collaboration between academia and the corporation. The engagements underscored NWSC’s intention to combine international expertise with local innovation to improve service delivery and develop technical skills within Uganda.
Gates Foundation officials welcomed the discussions and pledged support for Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 IWA Water and Development Congress and Exhibition. They said the foundation was interested in supporting initiatives capable of delivering meaningful improvements across Africa and identified utilities such as NWSC as potential partners in achieving those objectives.

The foundation also recognised NWSC’s role in advancing water and sanitation services on the continent. The proposed engagements in Glasgow could open new opportunities for Uganda to manufacture essential water infrastructure locally, attract affordable development financing and strengthen research-driven solutions, although the proposed manufacturing partnership and broader financing requests will depend on further discussions and the relevant approval processes.