The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is expanding water and sanitation infrastructure in Kampala and the wider metropolitan area as rapid population and economic growth continues to increase demand for services.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement, Kampala Water General Manager Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya outlined ongoing and planned projects aimed at improving water supply, strengthening infrastructure and addressing areas experiencing supply challenges.

Eng. Lutaaya said several major projects have been implemented in Kampala over the past two decades. These investments include improvements to water treatment and transmission infrastructure, increased reservoir capacity, prepaid metering and sanitation facilities.

He added that short-term measures, including mini water systems and boreholes, have also been introduced in areas experiencing water supply challenges while larger infrastructure projects are being implemented.

One of the major ongoing investments is Package 2B of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Water Supply Network Project.

The project involves laying nearly 70 kilometres of water pipelines, as well as constructing reservoirs and booster stations. It commenced last year and is expected to be completed in August 2027.

According to Eng. Lutaaya, some sections are expected to be completed before the overall project deadline. One section designed to convey water from the Bombo area towards Kassanda is expected to be completed and commissioned by December.

He said most of the pipes required for the first phase have already been delivered and construction is progressing according to schedule.

However, implementation continues to face challenges, particularly traffic congestion and the difficulties of carrying out construction works along busy roads.

Eng. Lutaaya said the network project is important because it targets areas currently experiencing pressure on water supply.

Once completed, the new infrastructure is expected to improve the reliability of water services in the affected areas.

He also said NWSC plans to upgrade water infrastructure in rapidly developing parts of Kampala. Growth in the city, particularly within the Central Business District, has increased demand and placed additional pressure on existing smaller distribution pipes.

Additional projects are planned for areas experiencing intermittent water supply, including parts of southern Kampala and other rapidly developing areas.

The corporation is also planning to increase water production capacity at Katosi.

Eng. Lutaaya said the planned expansion is expected to add approximately 80,000 cubic metres of water per day to the existing capacity.

The additional production capacity is intended to support continued growth in water demand across the Kampala metropolitan area.

Alongside water supply investments, NWSC is implementing projects aimed at improving sanitation and sewerage infrastructure.

According to Eng. Lutaaya, the projects include upgrades to sewer networks and treatment facilities in different catchment areas.

The investments are intended to ensure that water and sanitation infrastructure keeps pace with Kampala's rapid population and economic growth.

Eng. Lutaaya emphasised that the combination of major infrastructure projects, targeted short-term interventions and planned system upgrades will help strengthen the reliability and sustainability of water and sanitation services across Kampala and the wider metropolitan area.