Uganda is set to receive a sum of US $93M to support the Kampala Water and Infrastructure Development Project. The funding package from the French government is being provided through development aid and is aimed at addressing the growing demand for essential services in Kampala, which is experiencing rapid urban and industrial expansion.
The agreement was officially signed by Uganda’s Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, and Jean-Francois Arnal, the Regional Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), at the Ministry of Finance headquarters.
Minister Kasaija highlighted that Kampala’s existing water supply systems are under increasing pressure due to the city’s swift growth. Despite ongoing challenges, he acknowledged that progress is being made through partnerships such as the one with France. He noted that this new round of funding would go a long way in scaling up current interventions and improving the reliability and reach of water services, especially in underserved areas.
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Increase in water supply coverage
Out of the total funding, US $50M will be allocated to the second phase of the Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project. This portion of the investment will focus on expanding the city’s water supply infrastructure, including enhancements to the Ggaba water treatment complex and continued development of the new Katosi water treatment plant. These upgrades are intended to increase water supply coverage, particularly in densely populated and growing urban zones.
The remaining US $43M will be directed toward the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program. This initiative aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, working in collaboration with the Kampala Capital City Authority. The funding will support better coordination and delivery of infrastructure services, covering not just water but other essential urban development needs. The project is expected to benefit nearly one million people and includes the installation of 2,600 prepaid water meters in informal settlements to improve access to clean and affordable water.
