Uganda has secured €85 million (about UGX 340 billion) from the Government of France to enhance water infrastructure and urban development in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). Finance Minister Matia Kasaija signed the agreements on behalf of Uganda while AFD Regional Director Jean-François Arnal signed for France. Kasaija said the gesture highlights the Uganda-France collaboration in infrastructure development. He acknowledged the pressure on Kampala’s water supply due to rapid urbanization and industrial growth. “Water services have been under immense strain. This funding will help us bridge gaps and improve service delivery,†he said. Of the total funding, UGX 180 billion is to support the Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, expanding the supply network. This builds on prior investments, including upgrading the Ggaba treatment complex and constructing the Katosi plant. “This financing allows us to develop key areas and provide clean water to more residents in GKMA,†Kasaija added, reaffirming Uganda’s goal of universal piped water access by 2040. The remaining UGX 160 billion is to support the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program, strengthening the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in urban infrastructure projects. “This investment aligns with Uganda’s vision of growing GDP from $53 billion to $500 billion by 2040, with GKMA playing a key role,†said Kasaija. He assured development partners of strict accountability and regular progress reporting. French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, reaffirmed France’s commitment: “This project reflects the strong friendship between our nations. France is dedicated to supporting Uganda’s water supply initiatives.†AFD Regional Director Jean-François Arnal emphasized alignment with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan IV. “We are proud to sign these first AFD loans since 2021. With over €400 million in ongoing projects and €300 million in the pipeline, our partnership remains strong,†he said. Minister of State for Environment Beatrice Anywar Atim said whereas Uganda has abundant water resources, but the challenge remains getting it to those in need. “This funding will expand and restructure distribution,†she noted. Atim urged environmental protection, warning against wetland encroachment. “Water is wealth. We must protect our environment to sustain water sources,†she said. The project, financed by AFD, will increase water production to 240 million liters per day from 160 million liters. Funds will be on-granted to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). NWSC Managing Director Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha was positive about the anticipated impact: “Once Katosi, Sonde, and Naguru are complete, we can meet Kampala’s growing demand.†He revealed additional funding requests: €80 million for Kampala, €34 million for Masaka, and €44 million for Bara, pending presidential approval. The project includes 71 km of new pipelines, three reservoirs, three booster stations, and water service extensions to 20 informal settlements. Additionally, 2,600 prepaid meters will be installed in underserved areas to improve accessibility.
