Uganda to host African water, sanitation academy

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The government of Uganda and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) have signed a historic host agreement for the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA), solidifying Uganda's position as a hub for water and sanitation management in Africa.

The agreement was signed by foreign affairs minister Gen. Abubakar Jeje Odongo and AfWASA president Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha at a ceremony held at the ministry's offices in Kampala.

Odongo expressed pride in hosting the AWASA academy, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), noting that it aligns with Uganda's commitment to improving water and sanitation services.

The government of Uganda and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) have signed a historic host agreement for the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA). (Courtesy photo)

"Hosting the AWASA academy is a pride for Uganda," Odongo said, adding: "We have closely followed AfWASA's activities, objectives and mission, and we are grateful for NWSC's managing director's leadership as AfWASA president."

Odongo commended NWSC for spearheading this initiative, recognising its reputation as a benchmark for many other utilities. He emphasized the importance of AWASA's benefits extending beyond academics and politicians to local communities.

Confident in the Ministry of Water and Environment's ability to provide strategic guidance, Odongo believes this partnership will contribute significantly to AWASA's success.

He reiterated Uganda's commitment to supporting AWASA's objectives.

Mugisha, who is also NWSC managing director, commended Cabinet and the government of Uganda for supporting the proposal to host the AWASA in Kampala.

"We appreciate the Government's approval and commitment to hosting AWASA," Mugisha said, adding: "This partnership demonstrates Uganda's dedication to enhancing capacity building in the water and sanitation sector in Africa."

The Government's support was instrumental in bringing the academy to fruition, following Cabinet's approval of the proposal and the subsequent drafting of the Host Country Agreement.

Mugisha emphasized that AWASA's primary focus would be on grooming leaders and promoting change management in the water and sanitation sector. 

"The sector's growth is not solely dependent on knowledge, but rather on the skill set, mindset change and attitude of leaders," he said.

The government of Uganda and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) have signed a historic host agreement for the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA). (Courtesy photo)

"AWASA will improve the skill set and mindset of leaders, aligning with Africa's goal to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6)," the MD added.

“According to him, it will work as the academy's headquarters, managed largely from the secretariat of African Water Association in Côte d'Ivoire and the project office in the same place. He described it as a centre of excellence, providing training and capacity-building programmes for water and sanitation professionals across Africa.

President to launch academy

The academy is expected  to be launched by President Yoweri Museveni during the upcoming African Water and Sanitation Association Congress and Exhibition in 2025, which is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates and exhibitors worldwide.

AWASA is an institution of the African Water Association, established to provide training and capacity-building programmes for water and sanitation professionals across Africa. With over 40 years of existence, the association has been working towards establishing a continental training facility.

Mugisha said Uganda was selected as the ideal host country due to its strategic location and expertise in water and sanitation management.

The NWSC will host the co-ordination hub of AWASA at its International Resource Center in Kampala.

Major breakthrough

AfWASA executive director Oliver Gosso, who joined the signing ceremony virtually, hailed the historic agreement between the Government and AfWASA as a "major breakthrough" that will revolutionise Africa's water and sanitation sector. 

Gosso emphasized that the agreement demonstrates "strong co-operation and a shared commitment to sustainable development and improving living conditions in Africa." He praised President Museveni's leadership, acknowledging his "strong Pan-African leadership and commitment to ensuring improved access to water and sanitation for all African citizens."

He echoed Mugisha's sentiments, emphasizing that AWASA will focus on capacity building and competency development for professionals in the water and sanitation sector. This, he said aligns perfectly with AfWASA's overarching mission to enhance the performance of African water and sanitation service providers, ultimately leading to improved access to safe and sustainable water services.

The government of Uganda and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) have signed a historic host agreement for the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA). (Courtesy photo)

AWASA's key objectives include building capacity and competencies of water and sanitation sector professionals, improving performance of African water and sanitation service providers, and promoting sustainable development and better living conditions in Africa.

The host agreement outlines the rights and obligations of the parties involved, following Cabinet's approval of the proposal for Uganda to host AWASA.

Cabinet directed the foreign affairs ministry to draft the Host Country Agreement, which was finalised after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The signing of the host agreement marks the beginning of a new era in African water and sanitation management, with Uganda at the forefront.