NWSC Customer Base Surges to 1.46 Million as Network Expands to 25,000 Kilometres

What the report says

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) says its customer base has grown sharply over the past decade as it expanded infrastructure, technology and in-house technical capacity. In remarks to journalists and stakeholders, Managing Director Eng. Silver Mugisha said the utility’s water network has increased from about 6,000 kilometres to 25,000 kilometres, while customer connections have risen from roughly 300,000 to 1.46 million.

According to the Nile Post report, NWSC says the number of people served has climbed from about 4.5 million to 22 million, and its operational reach has expanded from 23 towns to around 290. The corporation also said its asset base has grown from about Shs580 billion to nearly Shs5 trillion. Mugisha linked the gains to digital transformation, improved efficiency, stronger internal engineering teams and greater reliance on force-account construction, where NWSC uses its own technical staff for more projects.

The utility said it is now aiming for a 30,000-kilometre network and 25 million people served within five years. It also highlighted internal reforms, including a locally developed financial management system under testing, stronger audits and tighter oversight of contractors. Mugisha said these steps are intended to improve accountability, protect public resources and strengthen service delivery.

The report also noted NWSC’s experience with a 2023 cyberattack, which the corporation says underscored the value of its technical capacity and prompted further cybersecurity investment. More broadly, the expansion reflects Uganda’s growing demand for water services and the challenge of sustaining infrastructure across a wider service area.