Museveni endorses prepaid water meter factory in Uganda

2 August 2025, 11:47 am

By Edwin Okurmu Kisa

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has endorsed the establishment of a prepaid water meter manufacturing plant in Uganda, marking a major step toward improving water access, conservation, and utility efficiency across the country.

The President met with a delegation from Helcraw Electrical Pvt Ltd, a Zimbabwean company working in partnership with Liaison Technologies, a Chinese firm specialising in prepaid water metering systems. The delegation was led by Mr. Brendon Jere, Director of Helcraw Electrical, who presented the proposal to set up a local factory to manufacture prepaid water meters in Uganda.

Mr. Jere noted that the model has already made a strong impact in Zimbabwe by enhancing utility companies’ revenue collection while promoting responsible water usage. He emphasised that prepaid water meters allow consumers to pay only for the water they use encouraging accountability, fairness, and conservation.

“The same model has worked in Zimbabwe and significantly improved access to water. We believe Uganda will benefit even more with localised production,” Mr. Jere said.

President Museveni welcomed the initiative, calling it timely and in line with Uganda’s national goals of industrialisation, job creation, and improved service delivery. He noted that the project could significantly improve livelihoods in both urban and rural communities through access to clean, affordable water.

“This is a good idea. It will help our people access clean water while also creating jobs and supporting our industrial growth,” the President said.

To accelerate the implementation of the project, President Museveni directed Hon. Haruna Kasolo, Minister of State for Microfinance, to collaborate with the relevant authorities to ensure the investors are granted the necessary licenses and allocated suitable land for the factory.

The development comes as Uganda seeks to expand its manufacturing capacity, enhance local content, and improve service delivery in critical sectors such as water and energy. Prepaid water metering is increasingly seen as a game-changing solution for ensuring water efficiency, boosting utility revenue, and promoting equitable water access.

During the same meeting, President Museveni also backed a proposal by Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Pvt Ltd to develop an integrated bulk water supply system for irrigation in the Teso region. He highlighted the importance of irrigation for agricultural productivity and water security.

“For me, irrigation is a top priority, and I shall support it,” he said.

The prepaid water meter factory is expected to serve not only Uganda but also the broader East African region, positioning the country as a regional hub for smart water management technologies and contributing to sustainable development goals