Uganda has secured \u20ac85 million (approximately UGX 340 billion) in development aid from France to enhance water infrastructure and support urban development in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The funding agreement, signed on March 12, 2025, by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and AFD Regional Director Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Arnal at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, marks a significant step in addressing Kampala\u2019s growing infrastructure needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The partnership between Uganda and the French Development Agency (AFD) aims to improve critical infrastructure in the rapidly expanding capital region, where urbanisation and industrial growth have strained water services and urban facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of the total funding, \u20ac45 million (approximately UGX 180 billion) will support the second phase of the Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project. This phase will expand the water supply network, building on previous efforts to upgrade the Ggaba water treatment complex and establish a new treatment plant at Katosi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis funding will allow us to extend the water supply network, improve downstream infrastructure, and enhance access to safe water for residents of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area,\u201d Minister Kasaija stated. He reaffirmed Uganda\u2019s commitment to achieving 100% piped water access by 2040.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u20ac45 million soft loan will specifically fund the rehabilitation and extension of the water distribution network in North Kampala, benefiting an additional one million people. It will also include the installation of 2,600 prepaid meters in informal settlements to improve water accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The remaining \u20ac40 million (approximately UGX 160 billion) will fund the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program. This initiative aims to strengthen the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs and the Kampala Capital City Authority, enhancing their capacity to deliver coordinated infrastructure and services. The program will address broader urban development needs beyond water infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Kasaija emphasized that this financing aligns with Uganda\u2019s long-term economic ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis funding is timely and aligns with our vision of expanding Uganda\u2019s economy tenfold, from the current GDP of $53 billion to $500 billion by 2040,\u201d he said. He also assured full accountability, pledging that the funds would be used strictly for designated projects, with regular progress reports submitted to development partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beatrice Anywar Atim, Minister of State for Environment, highlighted the importance of ensuring water reaches end-users while protecting water sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have water, but how do we ensure it reaches those who need it?\u201d she asked. She also urged Ugandans to refrain from activities that contaminate or degrade water sources, stressing the need to protect vital resources like Lake Victoria. \u201cOur water sources are national assets that must be safeguarded by all Ugandans,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the Ugandan government has requested an additional \u20ac150 million to extend clean water services to other regions, including Masaka and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, reaffirmed France\u2019s dedication to strengthening Uganda\u2019s water infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis project is a testament to the enduring and strong friendship between our two countries,\u201d he said, emphasizing France\u2019s commitment to improving Uganda\u2019s water supply through strategic investments and technical expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AFD Regional Director Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Arnal highlighted the importance of climate-resilient urban infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGiven Uganda\u2019s geographical position, climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense rainfall, often leading to flooding. The \u20ac40 million co-financing from AFD prioritizes infrastructure investments that will strengthen urban resilience,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project will increase water production capacity from 160 million litres per day to 240 million litres. The loan will be on-granted to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), which will oversee implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NWSC Managing Director Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha outlined future expansion plans, pending presidential approval \u20ac80 million for Kampala, \u20ac34 million for Masaka and \u20ac44 million for Bara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stressed that the project would address water supply challenges, particularly in underserved areas like Kawempe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis project will ensure that everyone\u2014especially residents in the northeastern parts of Kampala\u2014has sufficient water,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Uganda has secured \u20ac85 million (approximately UGX 340 billion) in development aid from France to enhance water infrastructure and support urban development in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). The funding agreement, signed on March 12, 2025, by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and AFD Regional Director Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Arnal at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3568,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","category-government"],"yoast_head":"\n