The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has unveiled a Shs14.24 billion water supply project for Hoima City aimed at addressing growing demand and strengthening the city’s readiness to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The project, announced on Tuesday by NWSC Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha during a media briefing at the corporation’s headquarters in Nakasero, forms part of a broader government strategy to upgrade critical infrastructure in host cities ahead of the continental football tournament. Uganda will co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania between June and July 2027.
Hoima, one of the country’s fastest-growing urban centres due to oil and gas activities in the Albertine region, is among the Ugandan cities selected to host tournament matches, alongside Kampala and Lira.
Dr. Mugisha said the project, dubbed Hoima 2 Water Supply System, will draw raw water from River Kafu in Kikuube District before treating it at a newly constructed conventional water treatment plant. The treated water will then be transmitted to Hoima City through a bulk water transfer system.
The project will include a treatment plant capable of producing 2,000 cubic metres of water per day, approximately 25 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines, and a 300-cubic-metre elevated steel reservoir at Musaijamukulu Hill. Associated pumping stations, electrical installations and storage infrastructure will also be constructed.
According to Dr. Mugisha, the intervention has become necessary because the existing Hoima 1 Water Supply System can no longer adequately serve the city’s expanding population and growing industrial activities.
“The current system is no longer sufficient to adequately meet the water needs of Hoima City and its surrounding areas,” he said, describing Hoima 2 as an urgent intervention intended to bridge the supply gap in the short and medium term.
He added that NWSC is simultaneously finalising designs for the larger Hoima 3 Water Supply System, a long-term project expected to significantly expand water production, transmission and storage capacity in the city.
“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,” Dr. Mugisha said. “Timely investment in Hoima 3 will secure the long-term water future of Hoima City and support Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda.”
The Hoima 2 project is jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and NWSC and is expected to be completed within eight months.
Construction works have been awarded to Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited. Dr. Mugisha challenged the contractor to deliver the project on schedule and within budget.
“Time delays will not be acceptable,” he warned.
The Chinese firm, represented at the briefing by Managing Director Ma Yongqian and Deputy Managing Director Wang Feifei, pledged to complete the project within the agreed timelines while maintaining quality standards.
The contractor also committed to complying with local content requirements by employing local labour during implementation, a move expected to provide income opportunities for communities in Hoima.
Once completed, the project is expected to improve the reliability and quality of water services in Hoima City, reduce persistent shortages, support urbanisation and industrial development in the oil-rich Albertine region, and bolster Uganda’s preparedness to host one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.
