Kampala,Uganda – Since taking office in August 2013, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha has transformed the National Water and Sewerage Corporation from a struggling utility into one of Uganda’s most efficient public institutions and a model for Africa’s water sector.
Born in Kantunda, Bushenyi, Dr. Mugisha brought to NWSC a rare mix of technical and economic expertise: a BSc in Civil Engineering from Makerere University, an MSc in Sanitary Engineering from IHE Delft in the Netherlands, and a PhD in Engineering and Economics from Makerere, with research alongside the University of Florida, USA.
Under his leadership, NWSC’s footprint has expanded dramatically. Connections have grown from about 785,000 to over 974,000 by FY 2023/24, serving 350 towns with a target of 1.2 million by 2030. The corporation has fast-tracked new water treatment plants, reservoirs, and production wells, while upgrades at Lubigi Sewage Treatment Plant are turning waste into energy and agricultural byproducts.
Financial reforms have pushed NWSC toward self-sufficiency through digital billing, cost-reflective tariffs, and “waste-to-wealth” revenue models. According to the FY 2023/24 Integrated Annual Report, the asset base grew from UGX 3.5 trillion to UGX 4.5 trillion. Non-Revenue Water fell from 36% to 34%, customer satisfaction held above 70%, and revenue has grown at an average of 20% annually. Service now reaches over 250 towns, up from fewer than 50 a decade ago.
The results have earned Dr. Mugisha top honors. On 1st May 2025, President Museveni awarded him the Golden Jubilee Medal, Uganda’s highest civilian honor, for transformative leadership. In 2024, he received the IWA Outstanding Contribution to Water Management & Science Award for making NWSC a global model. He is also the first African to receive the Global Sanitation Graduate School Ambassador Award, and Rotary International has recognized his commitment to the SDG agenda.
His influence extends internationally as President of the African Water and Sanitation Association, Fellow of the International Water Association, and Advisory Board Member for the MSc Program at IHE Delft.
Looking ahead, NWSC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, approved by the National Planning Authority, targets growing assets from UGX 5 trillion to UGX 6.2 trillion, achieving 100% water coverage in operational areas, and scaling sewerage and energy-neutral plants.
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha’s tenure proves that with vision, discipline, and technical depth, public institutions can deliver world-class service. His leadership at NWSC is now a national asset and a blueprint for utility reform across the continent.
Author: Teacher Jonathan Agumeneitwe
(Journalist and Activist)
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