Over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries have registered for the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association International Congress and Exhibition (AfWASA ICE2025), according to Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, AfWASA President and Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
The weeklong congress will take place in Kampala, Uganda, from Sunday, February 16, to Thursday, February 20, 2025. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Dr. Mugisha said the congress, which is being hosted in Uganda for the third time, will feature 80 sessions covering various themes on water governance, financing, research, technology, and innovation.
“This is the third AfWASA Congress in Uganda. The first was held in 2010, the second in 2020, and now we are hosting another one in Uganda at the Speke Resort Convention Centre at Munyonyo,” he noted. “I have personally visited the Congress site, and the setup is excellent.”
AfWASA is an organization in which Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), is an active member. Currently, Eng. Dr. Mugisha serves as the President of the association.
He said the Congress provides a platform for learning about global advancements in water supply and innovations. “Through such networks, we have learned valuable lessons that have contributed to our growth,” he noted.
NWSC will also present a case study on Source Protection and Catchment Management, showcasing its ongoing efforts to safeguard water sources. “Every project we undertake incorporates catchment protection measures to ensure sustainability. We have implemented projects in Arua, Mbale, Masaka, Kampala, Gulu, and soon in Adjumani,” he explained.
He said the Congress will shed light on climate change resilience and adaptation. NWSC has reinforced infrastructure in flood-prone areas, such as the Karuma-Gulu pipeline, which has been designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The organization has also elevated pipelines in the Gaba-Kampala route to prevent disruptions due to flooding.
One of the key initiatives to be launched during the Congress is the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA), which will be hosted in Uganda. The academy aims to provide leadership development and change management training for water professionals across Africa.
The government of Uganda and AfWASA signed a historic host agreement for AWASA in September 2024, solidifying Uganda’s position as a hub for water and sanitation management in Africa. AWASA is an institution of the African Water Association, established to provide training and capacity-building programs for water and sanitation professionals across Africa.
Dr. Mugisha explained that the Congress holds great value for Uganda. “Besides the financial boost from international visitors, it will also enhance Uganda’s tourism potential. Many attendees are drawn to Uganda for its climate, natural beauty, and hospitality,” he explained. “The Congress will also feature a vibrant exhibition where various technologies will be showcased.”
“Some exhibitors may take interest in investing in Uganda to manufacture essential water sector components locally, which would further enhance our infrastructure development,” Dr. Mugisha added.
During the congress, NWSC will exhibit its innovations, including the Water for All agenda and the advanced technologies the Ugandan utility employs. He encouraged all Ugandans interested in attending to visit the event’s website. “It is a paid event, and there is an option to register and pay on-site,” he said.
Dr. Mugisha further underscored Uganda’s commitment to environmental conservation, mentioning the Young Water Professionals initiative that has planted one million trees and NWSC’s collaborations with stakeholders like Rotary in wetland restoration projects. NWSC has also collaborated with stakeholders on wetland restoration efforts, including work on the River Rwizi catchment. “We are actively working on River Rwizi catchment protection, among other initiatives, to ensure long-term water security,” he noted.
