NWSC Lands Uganda a Global Water Industry Opportunity as Kampala Prepares for 3,000 Delegates in 2027

Uganda is set to attract international attention in the water and sanitation sector after the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) announced that the country had been selected to host the 2027 International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress and Exhibition. The prestigious gathering is expected to bring more than 3,000 delegates to Uganda, creating opportunities for international partnerships, investment, tourism and knowledge exchange. NWSC announced the development on October 11, 2026, following the decision revealed during the IWA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland.

The international gathering will bring together water utility managers, government officials, researchers, technology providers, financiers and development partners from different parts of the world. Discussions will focus on solutions to water supply and sanitation challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to reliable services remains a major development priority. By hosting the event, Uganda will have an opportunity to showcase its experience in water service delivery while contributing to discussions shaping the future of the global water industry.

Shortly after Uganda’s selection was announced in Glasgow, IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan and Executive Director Professor Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy met representatives of NWSC to begin preliminary discussions on preparations. The Ugandan delegation was led by NWSC Board Chairman Professor Engineer Henry Alinaitwe and Managing Director Dr Mugisha. It also included Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services Dr Rose Kaggwa and Kampala Water General Manager Engineer Mahmood Lutaaya. The discussions focused on Uganda’s readiness and the cooperation required to deliver a successful international congress in 2027.

Professor Kasan expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to host the gathering, explaining that the IWA hoped to build on the achievements of previous editions while expanding participation from across Africa. He also emphasised the importance of growing the association’s African membership and strengthening the continent’s involvement in international water and sanitation discussions. The IWA leadership recognised the contribution NWSC has made to water utility development across Africa and pledged continued support as preparations for the Kampala event progress.
Dr Mugisha welcomed the opportunity and assured the IWA leadership that Uganda was ready to deliver a high-quality congress. He pointed to the country’s hospitality, conference infrastructure, technical expertise and experience in organising international events as important advantages. Professor Alinaitwe also highlighted Uganda’s favourable climate, tourism attractions and capacity to mobilise support for major gatherings. Their remarks reflected the expectation that Kampala 2027 will demonstrate Uganda’s ability to host international sector meetings while strengthening its relationships with global water institutions.

The selection also builds on NWSC’s previous experience hosting major water sector events. In February 2025, the corporation hosted the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition in Kampala, attracting more than 2,500 delegates. The previous IWA Water and Development Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, in December 2025 attracted approximately 1,700 delegates and 200 exhibitors, while the 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, drew nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries. Uganda’s 2027 event is expected to build on these experiences and attract a substantial international audience.
Beyond the water sector, the congress is expected to create business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport companies, tour operators and exhibition service providers.

The arrival of international delegates could also boost conference tourism and provide a platform to market Uganda’s natural attractions, including the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria, national parks and mountain gorilla destinations. The IWA and NWSC are also exploring ways to involve universities from Uganda and other African countries, encouraging students to present research and promoting collaboration between academic researchers and professionals working in the water industry.

Discussions in Glasgow also considered the possibility of establishing an IWA African hub, although its location will be decided through a separate assessment. Preparations for Kampala 2027 will continue through collaboration between the IWA, NWSC and other national partners, with the final dates and venue to be communicated later. For Uganda, the congress represents more than an international meeting: it is an opportunity to attract investment, strengthen African cooperation, showcase local expertise and contribute to solutions addressing water and sanitation challenges around the world.