KAMPALA/GLASGOW – Uganda has been selected to host the International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027, marking a significant achievement for the country and creating opportunities for international cooperation, investment, tourism and economic development.
The announcement was made in Glasgow, Scotland, during the IWA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting.
The Government of Uganda, through National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), will lead hosting efforts, building on its experience in organising major international water and sanitation conferences.
The congress is one of the water sector’s most important gatherings, bringing together utility leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, financiers and technology companies to explore solutions to water and sanitation challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It is anticipated to attract over 3,000 delegates.
Immediately after the announcement, IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan and Executive Director Professor Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy held a preparation meeting with 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 ability to deliver a successful congress and outlined IWA’s ambition to build on the achievements of the previous edition in Bangkok, Thailand, while expanding participation across Africa. He praised the Government of Uganda for creating an enabling environment for NWSC’s contribution to water utility development on the continent.
Dr Mugisha welcomed the opportunity and assured IWA of Uganda’s readiness. “You will get the best Development Congress,” he said, citing Uganda’s hospitality, conference infrastructure and technical expertise.
Professor Alinaitwe highlighted Uganda’s favourable climate, natural attractions and capacity to host major international gatherings.
The previous Congress in Bangkok in December 2025 attracted about 1,700 delegates and 200 exhibitors, while the 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, attracted nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries.
Uganda’s selection follows NWSC’s successful hosting of the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition in Kampala in February 2025, which attracted more than 2,500 delegates.
Beyond technical cooperation, Kampala 2027 offers an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s influence in water and sanitation discussions and support Uganda’s meetings and conference tourism through demand for accommodation, transport and hospitality, while showcasing attractions like the Source of the Nile, Lake Victoria, national parks and mountain gorillas.
IWA leadership also proposed initiatives to encourage Ugandan and African universities to participate, including preparing students to present research papers.
Preparations will proceed through coordination between IWA, NWSC and national partners. Final dates and venue will be announced later
END.
