The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has briefed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on ongoing preparations to ensure reliable water supply to Hoima City, Masindi Town, and Kabalega International Airport ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The update was presented by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during a meeting with President Museveni at State House, Entebbe, on September 22, 2026. The meeting discussed preparations for the continental football tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania from June 16 to July 19, 2027.
One of the key achievements reported to the President is the completion and commissioning of an independent water supply system for Hoima City Stadium. The stadium is supplied by two boreholes located at Mparo and Kyarwiru, producing approximately 25 cubic metres and 15 cubic metres of water per hour, respectively. The two boreholes have been developed, connected to the stadium, and commissioned, giving the facility a dedicated source of water independent of Hoima City's existing water network.
NWSC is implementing a broader project to improve the reliability and capacity of Hoima City's water supply. The works are designed to add approximately 2,000 cubic metres of treated water per day to the city's network. The Hoima intervention is divided into two major components, including construction of a 2,000-cubic-metre-per-day water treatment plant at Kafu-Rwoga and installation of a 300-cubic-metre balancing reservoir.
The progress report presented to President Museveni showed that excavation and concrete blinding for the treatment plant units had been completed, while surveys of the proposed pipeline routes had also been concluded. Excavation works for the River Kafu intake were reported at 90 per cent completion, while power extension to the project sites stood at 50 per cent. Steel reinforcement and concrete works for the treatment plant were at 15 per cent.
The scope of NWSC's assignment was subsequently expanded to include Kabalega International Airport and Masindi Town. For Kabalega International Airport, NWSC proposes increasing the planned capacity of the Kafu treatment plant from 2,000 cubic metres to 3,000 cubic metres of treated water per day. The plan also includes construction of a 36-kilometre bulk water transfer main and a 200-cubic-metre reservoir at the airport.
The airport and Masindi water projects are both at five per cent progress. Nabbanja told the President that pipeline surveys for the two projects had been completed and the works had been scoped. She said the airport water works are ready for procurement once the required funds are released. The total estimated cost of the water interventions is UGX22.15 billion, with UGX6.25 billion secured so far.
A further UGX15.9 billion has been requested from the AFCON Secretariat and the President to finance the outstanding works. The additional funding will cover the airport water supply extension, expansion of the treatment plant, the Masindi water interventions, and Component B of the Hoima project. The release of the outstanding funds is expected to determine the pace at which the water projects are completed.
Key points
- The National Water and Sewerage Corporation has completed and commissioned an independent water supply system for Hoima City Stadium.
- The water supply projects for Hoima City, Masindi Town, and Kabalega International Airport are being implemented at a total estimated cost of UGX22.15 billion.
- The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted jointly by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from June 16 to July 19, 2027.
