Corporate Sustainability
At the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), sustainability is a core pillar of our service delivery model. We are firmly committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable water and sewerage services in a manner that promotes long-term economic, environmental, and social resilience across all our operational areas.
Guided by our mission and aligned with Uganda’s national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our sustainability framework ensures that we meet today’s service needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
NWSC promotes sustainable water use and ecosystem conservation through programs that go beyond compliance with environmental laws. We implement a range of proactive environmental protection initiatives, including water source protection, catchment restoration, tree planting, and climate risk mitigation in partnership with local communities, schools, and regulatory agencies.
Tree Planting:
The Corporation is currently implementing the “Treevolution Program” aimed at planting 10,000,000 trees in partnership with National Forestry Authority (NFA), Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF), School Water and Sanitation Clubs (SWAS), Young Water Professionals (YWPs) – Uganda Chapter and the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE).
Over the past four years, the Corporation has planted a total of 5,863,511 trees in various Operational Areas across the Country. The trees have been planted at various Institutions like schools, religious institutions, government institutions, NWSC installations, and water sources.
Sensitization Programmes:
i)School Water and Sanitation Clubs (SWAS):
This entails the Corporation sensitizing school going children on the value of the environment and hygiene, and its impact on water for the current and future generations. This is implemented through drama, skits, poems, quizzes and exhibitions among others.
ii)Water Community Sensitization Program (WACOSE):
The Corporation continues to interface with different stakeholders through various platforms such as radio, television, community meetings and social media. These platforms to create avenues for awareness about NWSC services, sanitation and the environment. The communities are key because they are affected by our actions, they keep an eye on our assets, and assist in implementation of our projects.
iii)Project Catchment Protection Initiatives:
The Corporation has incorporated catchment protection as a component under its Projects. This has been implemented under some of the projects including IWMDP Arua, Mbale, Gulu and Bushenyi. Some of the Key undertakings include;
- Demarcation of the River Banks to prevent continuous degradation.
- Restoration of the buffer zones of Rivers; Planting of suitable tree and grass species.
- Community sensitization (within the catchment areas).
- Stabilization of the collapsing River Banks by construction gabions.
- Promotion for rainwater harvesting to avoid misuse of water in homesteads.
- Trainings for stakeholders in catchment management.
- Sensitization of local communities.
As of May 2025, project works for the Areas of Mbale, Gulu, and Arua had commenced.
In addition, the Corporation signed a consultancy services contract with World Wide Fund for Nature to oversee the environmental conservation measures for Kitagata River in Bushenyi and the Katosi-Bay; the catchment management plans are being reviewed with funding from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Commercial Viability and Financial Stewardship:
In accordance with the NWSC Act, the Corporation operates on a commercially viable model that promotes sound financial management and long-term value creation. Over the last five years, NWSC has achieved a 34% growth in revenue from UGX 463 billion to UGX 622 billion largely driven by service expansion and the diversification of income sources, including consultancy services, laboratory testing, and training programs.
During the same period, operating profits rose by 32%, increasing from UGX 103 billion to UGX 142 billion. These profits have been strategically reinvested into infrastructure development—spanning water supply extensions, treatment plant upgrades, and enhancements in customer service delivery.
Additionally, NWSC has contributed UGX 104 billion in taxes to the National Treasury over the five-year period, underscoring its role in national economic development.
Strengthening Industrialization through Strategic Utility Support:
NWSC is a key enabler of Uganda’s industrialization agenda through the development and operation of dedicated water supply systems for the established industrial parks across the country. To further support industrial growth, the Corporation offers a subsidized tariff of UGX 2,500/m³ – 46% lower than the standard commercial rate – to industries that use water as a major input in their production processes. This initiative is designed to lower production costs and enhance industrial competitiveness. Currently, water supply systems have been established for 10 well developed industrial parks and 228 industries benefit from this industrial tariff regime.
Empowering Local Enterprises:
The Corporation engaged over 450 suppliers to provide a wide range of inputs, both locally and internationally sourced. In alignment with the Government’s “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” policy, we remain committed to supporting domestic production. A significant portion of the water and sewerage infrastructure materials—including pipes and fittings—are procured from local manufacturers such as Roofings, Multiple Industries, Gentex, Sky Pipes, and Crestanks Uganda Ltd, among others.
Collectively, these efforts stimulate local economies, enhance income generation, and reinforce the Corporation’s role as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and national development.
Our approach to sustainability is people-centered. This is demonstrated through inclusive service provision, employment generation, gender equity, and community empowerment.
Employment Opportunities and Socio-Economic Contribution:
As a major employer in Uganda’s public utility sector, NWSC provides direct employment to 4,600 staff, alongside 678 casual laborers and 660 local security personnel—bringing the total directly engaged workforce to 6,765. In addition, the Corporation facilitates indirect employment through partnerships with over 450 local suppliers and contractors, thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of families across the country.
Gender Equity:
Gender equity and inclusiveness remain central to NWSC’s human resource strategy. Women account for 34% of the workforce and 40% of management roles. The Corporation has updated its Human Resource Manual to institutionalize gender responsiveness and foster a culture of diversity and equal opportunity—affirming its alignment with national gender mainstreaming objectives and its leadership in inclusive workplace practices.
Inclusive Service Provision: To advance equitable service delivery, NWSC continues to roll out the SCAP 100 Project, targeting underserved communities through the installation of public standpipes and subsidized pro-poor connections. This initiative contributes to the goal of universal access to safe water, enhances public health, and narrows the rural-urban service gap.
Capacity Development:
NWSC invests in institutional strengthening through targeted capacity development programs in technical operations, customer service, and leadership. These interventions are designed to enhance service quality, build operational resilience, and secure the long-term sustainability of its services.
Through these integrated efforts, NWSC continues to play a pivotal role not only as a service provider, but also as a driver of inclusive development and socio-economic transformation in Uganda.