Over 250 skilled in solving complex water, sanitation challenges

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A total of 259 graduates have received hands-on skills that will enable them to not only lead effectively but also solve complex and multi-disciplinary challenges in the water and sanitation sector.

Of these, 198 were male and 61 were female.

To strengthen technical and operational capacity, under the Practically Acquired Skills (PAS) programme, the National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has trained a total of 4,800 staff across the country, with technicians accounting for nearly half of this workforce training since 2013.

The PAS programme equips its staff with practical skills that directly impact operational efficiency, service reliability, and customer satisfaction.

“We have skilled staff with extensive practical experience. Our staff practising technical traits different from their original academic qualifications have gained competence through operational exposure,” senior NWSC director of business & scientific services Dr Rose Christine Kaggwa said.

Beyond certification, Kaggwa said this initiative is helping the corporation better access technical competency levels, identify skill gaps that require further retooling, strengthen professionalism, and improve operational effectiveness across the utility.

Dr Silver Mugisha, NWSC Managing Director, Engineer Badru Kiggundu, NWSC board chairman, Allen Kagina, TVET Council Chairperson, Onesmus Oyesigye, UVTAB executive secretary pose for a photo with other delegates. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

She made the remarks during the 6th graduation ceremony of the Workers Practical Acquired skills (PAS) programme, and full Occupation Qualification framework held at Ggaba Vocational skills Development facility on May 7, 2026.

This year’s graduation ceremony was held under the theme: Building a Skilled, Performance-Driven Workforce for Operational Excellence and Superior Customer Service.

Full Occupation Qualification and the Worker's Practically Acquired Skills Framework is implemented by Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board, (UVTAB), under the auspices of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and supported by the education ministry.

The PAS programme, according to NWSC, equips their staff with practical skills that directly impact operational efficiency, service reliability, and customer satisfaction.

“I am pleased to note that this cohort, 107 graduands, who are 41.3%, are graduating with two occupation qualifications in Customer Service Advisor Level 3, Electromechanical Technician, Water Treatment Plant Operations, and Water Quality Control Technician,” Kaggwa said.

 “While the 152, (58.6%) are graduating under the Workers Practical Acquired Skills, we will also push them to move to Level iii. To expand the technical capacity and expertise of the Corporation, we have moved our assessment packages from four in 2017 to eleven in 2025.”

Focus on skills 

Addressing the congregation, she commended President Yoweri Museveni and the Government for the visionary leadership and placing skilling, vocational education, and human capital development at the centre of the National Transformation Agenda.

“This delivery focus on skills continues to empower institutions such as NWSC to grow a competent, productive, and future-ready workforce capable of driving sustainable service delivery and socio-economic development,” Kaggwa said.

Growing pool

NWSC managing director Dr Silver Mugisha said the 6th cohort of graduates represents a growing pool of skilled professionals who are better prepared to address the challenges evolving in the water and sanitation sector.

From network operations to maintenance, customer service, and technical support, Mugisha underscored that the competencies acquired will strengthen their ability to meet increasing demand and improve service coverage across their areas of operation.

“As we move forward, we will continue to prioritise skills development, innovation, and performance excellence as the key pillars of our strategic intent. The future of NWSC depends on a workforce that is competent, motivated, and aligned to our mission goal of providing sustainable water and sewerage services.” Mugisha stated.

Apply professionalism

During the graduation ceremony, TVET Council chairperson Allen Kagina urged graduates to maintain a good character and apply their knowledge with professionalism, integrity and dedication.

Painento Mukwaya, a senior mechanical engineer in charge of corrective maintenance at Gaba Plant, said being part of the Vocational Skills Development Facility (VSDF) Level IV Electromechanical Class of 2022 has been a transformative milestone in his professional journey.

As a Mechanical engineering and manufacturing graduate, Mukwaya said: “I already had a strong theoretical foundation, but this programme significantly strengthened my practical, hands-on capabilities, particularly in electrical systems and civil/plumbing works. In my current role, I have directly experienced the value of this multidisciplinary training.”

“The electromechanical skills I acquired have given me a distinct advantage in diagnosing and resolving faults, as well as effectively managing teams composed of diverse technical expertise. This integrated skill set has not only improved efficiency in troubleshooting but also enhanced coordination across mechanical, electrical, and civil functions, making maintenance operations smoother and more responsive,” Mukwaya said.