The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has unveiled a Shs14.24 billion water project for Hoima City aimed at boosting water supply ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
NWSC Managing Director Dr. Mugisha announced the project on Tuesday during a media briefing at the corporation’s headquarters in Nakasero, saying it forms part of government’s strategic investment in critical infrastructure ahead of the tournament and to support the continued growth of the Albertine Region as Uganda’s oil and gas hub.
Hoima is among the Ugandan cities selected to host tournament matches, alongside Kampala and Lira, as the country co-hosts the continental showpiece with Kenya and Tanzania from June to July 2027.
The project, designated Hoima 2, will draw raw water from the River Kafu in Kikuube District, treat it at a new conventional water treatment plant and transmit it to Hoima City through a bulk water transfer system.
According to Dr. Mugisha, the project will include a treatment plant with capacity to produce 2,000 cubic metres of water daily, about 25 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines, and a 300-cubic-metre elevated steel reservoir at Musaijamukulu Hill, in addition to associated pumping, electrical and storage infrastructure.
Dr. Mugisha said Hoima 2 is intended to augment the existing Hoima 1 system, which has served the city for years but can no longer meet demand due to rapid urbanisation, population growth and increasing 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, describing Hoima 2 as an urgent intervention to bridge the supply gap in the short to medium term.
He added that government and NWSC are finalising designs for the longer-term Hoima 3 Water Supply System, which will substantially expand water production, transmission and storage capacity. The two systems are expected to eventually operate as a unified network for greater efficiency and resilience.
“NWSC, therefore, appeals to government to make available the required funding for implementation of the Hoima 3 Water Supply System immediately upon completion of the designs,” Dr. Mugisha said. “Timely investment in Hoima 3 will secure the long-term water future of Hoima City and support Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda.”
The current project is jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and NWSC and is expected to take eight months to complete.
The works are being undertaken by Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited. Dr. Mugisha tasked the contractor to deliver the project on time and within budget, warning that delays would not be tolerated.
“Time delays will not be acceptable,” he said.
The company was represented at the briefing by Managing Director Ma Yongqian and Deputy Managing Director Wang Feifei. The contractor committed to delivering the project within cost and time while maintaining quality standards throughout construction.
The firm also pledged to comply with local content requirements by employing local manpower during implementation, a move expected to boost the economic wellbeing of communities in Hoima.
Dr. Mugisha said the project will improve the reliability and quality of Hoima’s water supply, reduce shortages in parts of the city, support urban growth and industrialisation, and strengthen the region’s readiness for AFCON 2027.
