Uganda has been chosen to host the prestigious International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027. This major international event is expected to strengthen Uganda's position as a destination for global conferences, while opening up new opportunities for investment, tourism, technological innovation, and cooperation in the water and sanitation sector. The announcement was made in Glasgow, Scotland, during the IWA's 2026 Annual General Meeting.
The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), will lead preparations for the congress in collaboration with the IWA and other national and international partners. The event is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates, including water utility executives, government policymakers, researchers, development partners, financiers, technology providers, and other stakeholders committed to addressing global water and sanitation challenges.
The congress will provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing innovations, and developing practical solutions to improve access to safe water and sanitation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. NWSC will lead Uganda's hosting efforts, with the Board Chairman Professor Engineer Henry Alinaitwe and Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha playing key roles in the preparations.
Following the announcement in Glasgow, IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan and Executive Director Professor Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy held an initial preparatory meeting with a delegation from NWSC to discuss arrangements for the 2027 congress. The meeting marked an initial step towards coordinating preparations, establishing priorities, and ensuring that the event meets international standards while delivering benefits to Uganda and the wider African water sector.
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha welcomed Uganda's selection, describing the congress as an important opportunity for the country to demonstrate its capacity to organise high-quality international events and contribute to global discussions on water and sanitation. He assured the IWA leadership of Uganda's readiness to deliver a successful gathering, citing the country's hospitality, conference infrastructure, technical expertise, and institutional experience as key strengths.
Uganda's selection also builds on NWSC's experience in hosting major regional and international conferences, including the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition in Kampala in February 2025, which attracted more than 2,500 delegates. This experience is expected to provide a foundation for planning Kampala 2027, particularly in areas such as delegate coordination, exhibition management, and technical sessions.
The decision to award Uganda the 2027 congress reflects the growing importance of African cities as centres for international dialogue on water security, sanitation, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development. Hosting the congress will give Uganda an opportunity to showcase the progress made in expanding water services while engaging international partners on persistent challenges, including infrastructure financing, urban population growth, water resource protection, and equitable access to sanitation.
Key points
- Uganda to host the International Water Association's Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027
- The event expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates
- The congress to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge and showcasing innovations in water and sanitation.
