In a momentous celebration of two decades of transformative impact, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) External Services Department marked its 20th anniversary during the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition (ICE). The event, held at the prestigious Speke Resort Munyonyo, was a vibrant gathering of water and sanitation stakeholders from across the continent, reflecting on NWSC’s remarkable journey and its unwavering commitment to improving water and sanitation services in Africa.
The celebration was graced by distinguished leaders, including Dr. Rose Kaggwa, Dr. Silver Mugisha, Dr. Muhairwe, and incoming AfWASA President Dr. Blaise, who all shared inspiring remarks on the department’s achievements and future aspirations.
Dr. Rose Kaggwa, in her opening remarks, highlighted the department’s incredible evolution over the past 20 years. “What began as a modest initiative to support a few utilities in Africa has grown into a continental powerhouse, impacting over 100 utilities across 35 countries,” she said. She emphasized the department’s role in fostering innovation, sharing best practices, and driving capacity development to ensure sustainable water and sanitation solutions for all.
Dr. Kaggwa also underscored the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer, stating, “As our workforce ages, it is crucial to pass on our successes and strengths to the younger generation. This is how we secure a brighter future for Africa’s water sector.”
Dr. Muhairwe, one of the founding architects of the External Services Department, expressed immense pride in the department’s achievements. “We are proud of what you have made National Water today. I am who I am because of what you made me,” he said, reflecting on the department’s humble beginnings and its exponential growth. He commended the team for continuing to dream bigger and for creating opportunities that benefit not only NWSC but the entire continent.
Dr. Silver Mugisha, NWSC’s Managing Director, took attendees on a nostalgic journey, recounting the department’s early challenges and triumphs. “It has been a long journey of 20 years, but the concept of South-South cooperation has been deeply entrenched in our work,” he said. He credited the department’s success to the unwavering support of development partners such as the World Bank, UN-Habitat, and the African Development Bank, as well as the collaborative efforts of various boards and stakeholders.
Incoming AfWASA President Dr. Blaise praised NWSC for its leadership and innovation in the water sector. “I have learned so much from Dr. Mugisha and the NWSC team over the past two years,” he said. He called for continued collaboration and the adoption of integrated African approaches to water utility management, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving universal access to water and sanitation.
NWSC Board Chairman Prof. Dr. Badru Kiggundu echoed these sentiments, celebrating the strong bonds of collaboration that have been forged over the years. “We are all brothers and sisters, irrespective of color, because we have worked together for the common good of Africa,” he said. He expressed his desire to see even greater cooperation and knowledge-sharing in the years to come.
The event culminated in a joyous celebration, with attendees toasting to the department’s past achievements and future aspirations. As Dr. Kaggwa aptly put it, “Our future is bright, and we are excited to continue our journey of growth and innovation.”
The 20th anniversary of NWSC’s External Services Department is not just a celebration of milestones achieved but a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared vision. As the department looks ahead, its commitment to improving water and sanitation services across Africa remains stronger than ever. Here’s to the next 20 years of excellence, impact, and transformation.