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UGANDA Optimizing distribution of drinking water in the Greater Kampala region

Project

This project is carried out with the support of the European Union

AFD is supporting Uganda’s investments in the water and sanitation sector.
© Jjumba Martin
Project start date
Project end date
Project duration
5 years
AFD financing amount
270 000 000 €
Country and region
Uganda
Location
Kampala
Type of financing
Loan
Beneficiaries
Government of Uganda
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The content of this project information sheet falls under the sole responsibility of the AFD and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the European Union.

AFD is supporting Uganda’s investments in the water and sanitation sector. This project will improve access to drinking water for more than 3 million inhabitants in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), improving their health and living conditions.

Context

With a population growth of over 3% per annum, combined with rural to urban exodus, Uganda’s capital, is facing rapid urban growth with 4 million inhabitants in 2024.

By 2040, Kampala’s population will reach 15 million people, with half of the inhabitants mainly residing in densely populated shantytowns.  

To cope with the growing population’s water and sanitation needs, the Government of Uganda has been collaborating with European donors, including AFD, the European Union, European Investment Bank (EIB) and KfW, since 2010.

Description

AFD has granted three successive sovereign loans to finance the WATSAN project, aimed at upgrading water and sanitation infrastructures in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA): EUR 75 in 2010, EUR 150M in 2017 and EUR 45M in 2022.

The initial phase focused on urgent measures such as the preparation of the master plans, and upgrading the treatment capacity of the Gbaba water treatment plant from 150,000 m³/d to 230,000 m³/d.

The second phase consisted of the construction of Katosi Water Treatment Plant, inaugurated in 2021 with a production capacity of 160,000 m3/day and a 51 Km transmission main to Kampala.

The current phase consists of the extension of the water distribution network in new urban areas in the north and west of the GKMA.

Additionally, 1,500 prepaid Public Stand Posts (PSPs) fitted with prepayment devices will be installed in informal areas.

 

Impacts

Cumulatively, the WATSAN project has led to:

  • A safe drinking water supply, capable of meeting the water demand for 3 million people in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area until 2030, with the distribution network covering all the new districts of the city.
  • A pro-poor water utility system, supplying 450,000 people living in informal settlements, who will benefit from new standpipes, school and public toilets, thus relieving water stress.
  • Construction of the new Nalukolongo Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, which will improve sanitation and environmental protection.