Uganda has been selected to host the International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027, with more than 3,000 delegates expected to attend.
The announcement was made in Glasgow, Scotland, during the IWA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting.
The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), will coordinate preparations for the congress, which brings together water utility managers, policymakers, researchers, development partners, financiers and technology companies to discuss water and sanitation challenges, particularly in developing countries.
Following the announcement, IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan and Executive Director Professor Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy met an NWSC delegation led by Board Chairman Professor Engineer Henry Alinaitwe and Managing Director Dr Engineer Silver Mugisha.
The delegation also included Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services Dr Rose Kaggwa and Kampala Water General Manager Engineer Mahmood Lutaaya.
Professor Kasan expressed confidence in Uganda’s preparations and said IWA intends to build on previous congresses while increasing participation from African countries.
He commended the Government of Uganda for supporting NWSC’s work in developing water utilities across the continent and pledged IWA’s support towards preparations for the Kampala meeting.
Dr Mugisha said Uganda has the facilities and experience required to host the congress.
“You will get the best Development Congress,” he told IWA officials, citing Uganda’s hospitality, conference facilities and experience in organising international events.
Professor Alinaitwe pointed to Uganda’s climate, tourism attractions and conference facilities as some of the advantages the country offers.
The previous IWA Water and Development Congress, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in December 2025, attracted approximately 1,700 delegates and 200 exhibitors. The 2023 congress in Kigali, Rwanda, drew nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries.
Uganda previously hosted the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition in Kampala in February 2025, which attracted more than 2,500 delegates, according to NWSC.
The 2027 congress is expected to generate business for hotels, transport operators, restaurants, exhibition service providers and other businesses involved in conference tourism.
It will also provide a platform for Ugandan and other African water utilities to engage international financiers, researchers and technology companies on water supply and sanitation projects.
During the Glasgow meeting, IWA officials proposed greater involvement of African universities, including opportunities for students to present research papers and interact with water sector professionals.
Discussions also covered the possibility of establishing an IWA African hub. Its location will be determined through a separate assessment process.
NWSC will work with IWA and other government agencies to prepare for the congress. The dates and venue will be announced later.
