Shs340bn French Funding to Boost Kampala Water Supply, Infrastructure

Of the total financing, €45 million (Shs180 billion) will support the Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, expanding the supply network beyond previous phases, which saw upgrades at Ggaba and the construction of a new treatment plant at Katosi.

Uganda has secured €85 million (about Shs340 billion) in development aid from France to enhance water infrastructure and urban development in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), Finance Minister Matia Kasaija announced on Wednesday.

Signed between Minister Kasaija and AFD Regional Director Jean-François Arnal, the loans reinforce Uganda’s partnership with France in addressing the pressures of rapid urbanisation on essential services.

Kasaija highlighted the strain on Kampala’s water supply, emphasising that the funding would help expand distribution and ensure access to safe water for residents.

Of the total financing, €45 million (Shs180 billion) will support the Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, expanding the supply network beyond previous phases, which saw upgrades at Ggaba and the construction of a new treatment plant at Katosi.

The project aims to increase water production to 240 million litres per day, up from 160 million litres, benefiting over three million people.

The remaining €40 million (Shs160 billion) will strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs and the Kampala Capital City Authority to improve urban infrastructure and services.

Beatrice Anywar Atim, Minister of State for Environment, stressed the need for efficient water distribution and urged Ugandans to protect water sources.

“I direct Ugandans to vacate wetlands… Our water source is wealth that must be protected,” she said.

French Ambassador Xavier Sticker described the funding as a testament to the strong cooperation between the two nations, while AFD’s Jean-François Arnal reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and climate-resilient urban development.

NWSC Managing Director Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha outlined plans for further funding, including €80 million for Kampala and €34 million for Masaka, pending presidential approval. He assured that areas facing shortages, especially in north-eastern Kampala, would benefit.

The project, executed by Sogea Satom and supervised by Artelia and Gauff Consultants Uganda Limited, began on February 1, 2025, and is expected to be completed by August 1, 2027.