Government unveils Shs14.24 billion water project for Hoima ahead of AFCON 2027

24 June 2026, 10:13 am

The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has unveiled a Shs14.24 billion water project for Hoima City aimed at improving water supply ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The announcement was made yesterday by NWSC Managing Director, Dr. Silver Mugisha, during a media briefing at the corporation’s headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala. He said the project is part of the government’s strategic investment in critical infrastructure ahead of the tournament and to support the continued growth of the Albertine Region as Uganda’s oil and gas hub.

Dr. Mugisha noted that Hoima is among the cities selected to host AFCON matches, alongside Kampala and Lira, as Uganda co-hosts the continental tournament with Kenya and Tanzania from June to July 2027.

He explained that the project will draw raw water from River Kafu in Kikuube District, treat it at a new conventional water treatment plant, and transmit it to Hoima City through a bulk water transfer system.

“The project will deliver a treatment plant with a capacity of 2,000 cubic metres of water per day, about 25 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines, and a 300-cubic-metre elevated steel reservoir at Musaijamukulu Hill, along with associated pumping, electrical and storage infrastructure,” Dr. Mugisha said.

He added that the current water supply system is no longer sufficient to adequately meet the growing demand in Hoima City and surrounding areas, describing the Hoima 2 Water Supply Project as an urgent intervention to bridge the supply gap in the short to medium term.

Dr. Mugisha further revealed that the government and NWSC are finalising designs for the Hoima 3 Water Supply System, a long-term project expected to significantly expand water production, transmission and storage capacity. He said the two systems would eventually be integrated into a unified network to enhance efficiency and resilience.

“NWSC therefore appeals to government to make available the required funding for implementation of the Hoima 3 Water Supply System immediately upon completion of the designs. Timely investment in Hoima 3 will secure the long-term water future of Hoima City and support Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda,” he emphasised.

The current project is jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and NWSC and is expected to be completed within eight months. Construction works are being undertaken by Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited.

Dr. Mugisha tasked the contractor to deliver the project on schedule and within budget, warning that delays would not be tolerated.

He said the project will improve the reliability and quality of water supply in Hoima, reduce shortages in several parts of the city, support urban growth and industrialisation, and strengthen the region’s readiness to host AFCON 2027.

Representing Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited at the briefing were Managing Director Ma Yongqian and Deputy Managing Director Wang Feifei. The company pledged to complete the project within the agreed timeframe and budget while maintaining high quality standards throughout construction.

The contractor also committed to complying with local content requirements and said it would employ local manpower during implementation to enhance the economic wellbeing of communities in Hoima and surrounding areas.