Business

NWSC’s Kaziru water plant to improve safe water access across Greater Masaka

By Wassaja Carlos

Posted on January 12, 2026

MASAKA; The construction of a modern water treatment and supply plant at Kaziru landing site in Bukakata sub-county is expected to significantly transform access to safe and reliable water across Masaka city and neighbouring districts, as the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) moves to modernise its infrastructure and curb long-standing challenges in the region.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement at the NWSC regional offices in Masaka on January 12, 2026, regional general manager Eng. Emmanuel Mujuni said the new facility will be a game changer in improving water quality, boosting supply capacity and supporting the rapidly growing population in the Greater Masaka area.

Once completed, the Kaziru plant will draw at least 28 million litres of water daily from Lake Victoria, treat it to modern standards and distribute it to more than 500,000 households. The expanded network will stretch beyond Masaka city to cover Kalungu, Lwengo, Kyotera, Ssembabule and Bukomansimbi districts.

The project was initiated after it became clear that the existing water treatment plant at Nabajuzi, built in 1955, could no longer adequately meet demand. NWSC officials say the ageing facility is overstretched, costly to operate and increasingly affected by pollution from urban activities within Masaka city.

“Treating water from the Nabajuzi swamp has become both expensive and technically challenging due to contamination and the age of the infrastructure,” Eng. Mujuni noted, adding that the new Bukakata plant will offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative.

Officials also pointed out that improved water supply from the modern facility will help reduce system losses and illegal connections, which have previously cost NWSC significant revenue in the region. In 2025 alone, the corporation lost an estimated Shs300 million due to water theft, with Nyendo suburb in Masaka city singled out as a major hotspot.

Masaka city has since strengthened enforcement, including operationalising a city court to prosecute cases of illegal water tapping and vandalism of pipelines, according to city enforcement officer John Muwanguzi.

Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja welcomed the investment, saying demand for clean water has continued to rise following population growth and the annexation of new parishes into the city. She said the Kaziru plant will play a critical role in supporting urban expansion, public health and economic activity.

The stakeholders’ meeting brought together city leaders, members of the City Development Forum and contractors, all of whom underscored the importance of protecting water infrastructure and maximising the benefits of the new treatment plant once it comes online.