Uganda is poised to host one of the largest events in the water and sanitation sector as over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries are expected to meet at the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association International Congress and Exhibition (AfWASA ICE2025). The seven-day conference will take place in Kampala from Sunday, February 16, to Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo. It is Uganda’s third time hosting the prestigious congress after 2010 and 2020. Dr. Silver Mugisha, AfWASA President and National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Managing Director, made the exciting revelation during a press briefing on Thursday, February 13, 2025. He was ecstatic about the event, calling it monumental as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovations, and best practices in the water and sanitation sector. “This gives Uganda a great platform to promote its achievements and learn from global innovations in the provision of water and sanitation,” Dr. Mugisha added.

There will be 80 sessions spread over different themes, including water governance, financing, research, technology, and innovation. The representatives will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, workshops, and get to know the newest solutions to some of the industry’s most pressing issues. Dr. Mugisha emphasized that this is not just a conference but a learning center where the participants will gain something beneficial to trigger developments in their own nations.

One of the principal highlights of the congress is to be NWSC’s presentation of a case study on Source Protection and Catchment Management. It will illustrate Uganda’s endeavor at safeguarding the water sources and attaining a sustainable supply of water. “Each project that we implement contains catchment protection measures for purposes of ensuring that it becomes sustainable,” said Dr. Mugisha. He further stated that NWSC has initiated projects in Arua, Mbale, Masaka, Kampala, Gulu, and in the pipeline in Adjumani, all aimed at protecting water sources and increasing access to clean water.

Adaptation to and resilience to climate change will be a theme at the centre of the congress. NWSC has also taken proactive steps to fortify infrastructure such as the flood-plain of the Karuma-Gulu pipeline, which was built weather-proofed specifically. Pipelines on the Gaba-Kampala corridor have been elevated in an attempt to evade disruption brought about by floods. The efforts depict Uganda’s willingness to tackle the impacts of climate change on water resources.

Among the key achievements of the congress will be the creation of the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA) in Uganda. The academy will be dedicated to providing change management and leadership development training to Africa’s water professionals. In September 2024, the government of Uganda and AfWASA signed a historic host agreement for AWASA, solidifying Uganda’s position as a regional water and sanitation management hub. Dr. Mugisha described this as a landmark achievement for Uganda, considering the country’s growing reputation in the sector.

The congress will be numerous benefits for Uganda both financially and societally. Dr. Mugisha stressed that the arrival of international visitors will provide the country with an economic stimulus, particularly from the hospitality and tourism sectors. “A number of delegates attend Uganda due to its climate, landscape, and welcoming people,” he explained. The conference will also feature a vibrant exhibition where various technologies and innovations in the water sector will be showcased. Dr. Mugisha was hopeful that some of the exhibitors could be willing to invest in Uganda to manufacture critical water sector equipment within the country, further enhancing the infrastructure of the nation.

NWSC will use the congress as an avenue to exhibit its own innovations, including the Water for All agenda and its innovative technologies used. Dr. Mugisha called on Ugandans interested in participating in the event to visit the official site to get registration details. “It is a ticketed event, and there is an arrangement to register and pay at the venue,” he added.

Beyond the congress, Dr. Mugisha also highlighted Uganda’s overall commitment to environmental conservation. He mentioned the Young Water Professionals program that has planted a million trees, and NWSC’s collaborations with stakeholders like Rotary in wetland rehabilitation. “We are actively working on River Rwizi catchment protection, among others, to ensure long-term water security,” he said. These are some of the initiatives that reflect Uganda’s dedication to preserving its natural resources and achieving sustainable development.

In conclusion, the 22nd AfWASA International Congress and Exhibition will be a milestone event for Uganda, showcasing Uganda’s achievement in the water and sanitation industry while providing a platform for international learning and collaboration. With over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries expected to attend, the congress will not only enhance Uganda’s position as a water management champion but also guarantee that economic development and environmental sustainability in the country are advanced. With the February 2025 countdown initiated, Uganda stands ready to open its arms to the world and demonstrate its determination to give water to all.