The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has unveiled a Shs14.24 billion water supply project for Hoima City aimed at boosting water access ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

NWSC Managing Director Dr. Silver Mugisha announced the project on Tuesday during a media briefing at the corporation's headquarters in Nakasero. He said the investment is part of government's efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure ahead of the continental football tournament and support the continued growth of the Albertine Region as Uganda's oil and gas hub.

Hoima is among the Ugandan cities selected to host AFCON 2027 matches, alongside Kampala and Lira. Uganda will co-host the tournament with Kenya and Tanzania from June to July 2027.

According to Dr. Mugisha, the project, known as the Hoima 2 Water Supply System, will draw raw water from River Kafu in Kikuube District. The water will be treated at a new conventional treatment plant before being transmitted to Hoima City through a bulk water transfer system.

The project will include a treatment plant with the capacity to produce 2,000 cubic meters of water per day, approximately 25 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines, and a 300-cubic-meter elevated steel reservoir at Musaijamukulu Hill. Additional pumping, electrical and storage infrastructure will also be constructed.

Dr. Mugisha said the Hoima 2 project is intended to supplement the existing Hoima 1 Water Supply System, which has struggled to keep pace with increasing demand resulting from rapid urbanisation, population growth and expanding industrial activity linked to the oil and gas sector.

"The current system is no longer sufficient to adequately meet the water needs of Hoima City and its surrounding areas," he said.

He added that NWSC is finalising designs for the proposed Hoima 3 Water Supply System, a long-term project expected to significantly increase water production, transmission and storage capacity. The future system is expected to be integrated with existing infrastructure to improve efficiency and reliability.

Dr. Mugisha called on government to provide funding for the Hoima 3 project immediately after completion of the design phase to secure the city's long-term water needs and support Uganda's economic transformation agenda.

The Hoima 2 Water Supply Project is jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and NWSC and is expected to be completed within eight months.

Construction works have been awarded to Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited. Dr. Mugisha urged the contractor to complete the project on time and within budget, stressing that delays would not be tolerated.

Representatives of the contractor, including Managing Director Ma Yongqian and Deputy Managing Director Wang Feifei, pledged to deliver the project according to schedule while maintaining quality standards. The company also committed to utilizing local manpower during implementation to support economic opportunities for communities in Hoima.

Once completed, the project is expected to improve the reliability and quality of water supply in Hoima City, reduce shortages in several areas, support urban growth and industrial development, and enhance the region's preparedness for AFCON 2027.