The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), is moving ahead with the construction of the Hoima Water Supply Improvement Project, a major investment aimed at improving access to reliable and safe water in Hoima City and the wider Albertine Region.
The project comes at a time when Hoima is experiencing rapid growth driven by urbanisation, population increase and expanding economic activities, particularly those linked to Uganda’s oil and gas sector. The government sees improved water infrastructure as an important part of preparing the region for its growing role as the country’s oil and gas hub.
The project will source water from River Kafu in Kikuube District. The water will be taken to a newly constructed conventional treatment plant, where it will be treated before being transported to Hoima City through a bulk water transfer system.
The new treatment plant will have the capacity to produce 2 million litres of water every day. The project will also involve the construction of about 25 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines, which will help move treated water to different areas of the city.
A 300-cubic-metre elevated steel reservoir will also be constructed at Musaijamukulu Hill. The reservoir, together with pumping, electrical and storage facilities, will form part of the infrastructure needed to strengthen the reliability of water supply across Hoima.
The Hoima 2 project is expected to add capacity to the existing Hoima 1 water supply system, which has served the city for many years. However, the increasing demand for water has placed pressure on the existing system, making additional infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of a growing population and expanding industries.
The investment is also expected to support preparations for AFCON and other major developments in the region. As Hoima continues to attract investment and new businesses, a dependable water supply will be essential for both residents and economic activities.
Beyond the current project, NWSC and the Government of Uganda are finalising designs for the Hoima 3 Water Supply System. The planned system will further increase water production, transmission and storage capacity, with Hoima 2, Hoima 3 and the existing infrastructure eventually expected to operate as one integrated network.
The combined investment is expected to give Hoima a stronger and more resilient water system capable of meeting the city’s needs as it expands. It also signals the government’s wider effort to ensure that infrastructure development keeps pace with the transformation of the Albertine Region.
