KAMPALA – The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) expanded its water network by 1,024 kilometres in the 2025/2026 financial year, more than doubling its annual target of 500 kilometres, as it steps up efforts to extend water services across Uganda.
The performance was presented by the Principal Economist at NWSC, Anna Nyadoi, during the NWSC Baraza 2026, where the Corporation reviewed progress under its Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and accounted to stakeholders on achievements and challenges in the first year of implementation.
According to Nyadoi, NWSC also installed 62,226 new water connections against a target of 60,000, further expanding access to clean water.
The Corporation’s customer base grew by approximately 6%, from 1.004 million to 1.064 million connections, while the population served increased from 19 million to 22 million, representing 105% achievement of the set target.
The results reflect continued investment in water infrastructure and expansion to urban centres across the country. NWSC has grown from serving three designated towns to now operating in 293 urban centres in different regions of Uganda.
*Turnover Hits Shs 678 Billion*
The Corporation recorded annual turnover of Shs 678 billion, representing 119% achievement of its target and a 5% increase over the baseline year.
Its infrastructure asset base also grew from approximately Shs 4.8 trillion to Shs 5 trillion, achieving 102% of the target. The growth strengthens the Corporation’s capacity to expand its network and improve service delivery.
The performance review was anchored in NWSC’s mandate to provide reliable, safe and sustainable water and sanitation services while maintaining financial and commercial viability.
Operating under the vision “Water for Health and Prosperity,” the Corporation emphasizes expanding access, protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability of water resources for present and future generations.
*Challenges Remain*
Despite the gains, NWSC fell short of its target for reducing non-revenue water (NRW), which increased from a baseline of 33.7% to 34.4%, against a target of 32%.
Non-revenue water refers to treated water that does not generate revenue due to leakages, illegal connections and metering inaccuracies. The increase highlights the need for stronger interventions to minimize losses and improve operational efficiency.
Employee engagement also requires attention. The Employee Engagement Index stood at 78.2%, achieving 98% of the target, although a reported decline of 5% points to need for continued efforts to improve staff morale.
On the customer front, the Customer Engagement Index improved from 79% to 82%, representing 103% achievement of the target, pointing to progress in strengthening customer relations.
Nyadoi noted that although most regions performed strongly in network expansion, Kampala and the Central Region experienced challenges where inadequate water supply constrained the pace of expansion.
The Corporation recognizes that laying new pipes must go hand in hand with adequate water production and distribution capacity.
As implementation of the Strategic Plan 2025–2030 continues, NWSC says it will focus on sustaining infrastructure growth, improving operational efficiency, strengthening financial viability and addressing gaps in water supply.
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