The National Water and Sewerage Corporation has signed off the Shs14.24 billion Hoima Emergency Water Supply implementation project.
The project seeks to improve water quality, increase supply reliability and strengthen water infrastructure in Hoima City and surrounding areas.
Dr Silver Mugisha, the NWSC managing director, said the project is part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Hoima is expected to receive more people during the tournament, increasing demand for water and sanitation services.
“The project forms part of government strategic investments in critical infrastructure to support the anticipated increase in population, economic activity, industrial development, and visitor numbers increase associated with AFCON 2027,” Dr Mugisha said.
Project to Support Albertine Region Growth
Dr Mugisha said the project will also support the continued growth of the Albertine region as Uganda’s oil and gas hub.
The intervention will involve the development of a new water supply system drawing raw water from River Kafu.
NWSC will construct a new conventional treatment plant to treat the water. The treated water will then be transmitted to Hoima City through a bulk water transfer system.
The project will include a new water abstraction system on River Kafu and a conventional treatment plant with a capacity of 2 million litres per day.
It will also involve construction of 25 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines.
NWSC will also build a 30,000-litre elevated steel reservoir on Musaijamukulu Hill.
The project will include associated pumping, electrical, treatment, storage and distribution infrastructure.
Hoima Water Supply to Be Expanded
Dr Mugisha said the project is expected to improve access to safe drinking water for residents, businesses, institutions and visitors in Hoima City and nearby areas.
He said the Hoima water supply system will be divided into Hoima I, Hoima II and Hoima III after completion.
He explained that the existing system has served Hoima City for several years and now needs strengthening.
Asked whether oil and gas activities in the region have affected water sources and demand, Dr Mugisha said the National Environment Management Authority has the expertise to monitor environmental risks.
“The last time I talked to NEMA, they assured me that they are fully in charge of environmental management,” he said.
NWSC Says Host Facilities Have Water Capacity
Dr Mugisha was also asked whether other stadiums lined up to host AFCON matches have enough water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
He said Namboole Stadium has sufficient water supply.
He added that Lira and other stadiums identified to host the games also have water capacity.
Namboole Stadium, he said, has “a lot of water, enough to flood the stadium.”
The Hoima project is expected to strengthen water services in one of Uganda’s fastest-growing urban areas as the country prepares for AFCON 2027 and continued development in the Albertine region.
