By Chris Mugasha
KAMPALA, Uganda: Uganda has been selected to host the prestigious International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027, a major milestone expected to boost the country’s international profile, water and sanitation sector, conference tourism, investment and economic development.
The announcement was made recently in Glasgow, Scotland, during the IWA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, where Uganda’s delegation was led by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Board Chairman Professor Engineer Henry Alinaitwe and Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha.
Other members of the delegation included NWSC Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services Dr. Rose Kaggwa and Kampala Water General Manager Engineer Mahmood Lutaaya.
The Government of Uganda, through NWSC, will spearhead preparations for the international congress, building on the corporation’s experience in hosting major water and sanitation conferences.
IWA Water and Development Congress 2027 to Attract Over 3,000 Delegates
The IWA Water and Development Congress and Exhibition is one of the international water sector’s major gatherings. It brings together water utility leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, financiers and technology companies to explore practical solutions to water and sanitation challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The 2027 congress is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates, creating opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, investment and tourism.
IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to successfully host the event. He said the association intends to build on the achievements of the previous edition in Bangkok, Thailand, while expanding participation and membership across Africa.
Professor Kasan commended Uganda for creating an enabling environment that has supported NWSC’s contribution to water utility development across the continent. He also reaffirmed the IWA’s commitment to supporting preparations for the Kampala 2027 congress.
NWSC Assures IWA of Uganda’s Readiness to Host
NWSC Board Chairman Professor Engineer Henry Alinaitwe highlighted Uganda’s favourable climate, natural attractions and experience in hosting major international gatherings, expressing confidence in the country’s ability to mobilise the support required for a successful event.
NWSC Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha welcomed the opportunity and assured the IWA leadership that Uganda was ready to deliver a high-quality international congress.
“You will get the best Development Congress,” Mugisha told IWA officials, citing Uganda’s hospitality, conference infrastructure, technical expertise and institutional experience.
Uganda’s selection follows NWSC’s successful hosting of the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition in Kampala in February 2025. According to NWSC, the event attracted more than 2,500 delegates.
The previous IWA Water and Development Congress, held in Bangkok in December 2025, attracted approximately 1,700 delegates and 200 exhibitors. The 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, drew nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries.
Kampala 2027 to Boost Uganda’s Conference Tourism and Investment
Beyond the water and sanitation sector, the IWA Water and Development Congress 2027 is expected to provide a significant boost to Uganda’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism industry.
The anticipated arrival of thousands of international delegates could increase demand for hotels, transport, restaurants, hospitality services, exhibition facilities and other businesses, creating economic opportunities for local enterprises.
The congress will also provide Uganda with a platform to showcase its tourism attractions, including the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria, national parks and mountain gorilla experiences.
Organisers and national partners will have an opportunity to connect the international conference with Uganda’s broader tourism and investment promotion efforts.
IWA Seeks Stronger African Participation in Water Research
The discussions in Glasgow also highlighted the importance of increasing African participation in international water and sanitation research, innovation and policy development.
IWA leadership proposed initiatives to encourage Ugandan and other African universities to participate in the congress. These could include preparing students to present research papers and strengthening links between academic researchers and water sector practitioners.
Such collaboration is expected to promote knowledge sharing, support innovation and encourage the development of practical solutions to water supply, sanitation and water resource management challenges across Africa.
Discussions also addressed the possibility of establishing an IWA African hub. However, the location of the proposed hub will be determined through a separate assessment process.
Uganda’s Growing Role in Africa’s Water and Sanitation Sector
Hosting the IWA Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in Kampala in 2027 will provide Uganda with an opportunity to strengthen its position in international water and sanitation discussions.
The event is expected to encourage partnerships among water utilities, universities, technology providers, development agencies and investors, while promoting innovative approaches to expanding access to safe water and improved sanitation.
Preparations will proceed through coordination between the IWA, NWSC and relevant national partners. According to NWSC, the final dates and venue for the congress will be announced later.
The Kampala 2027 congress represents an opportunity for Uganda not only to showcase its achievements in water utility development and conference hosting, but also to strengthen Africa’s voice in shaping practical and sustainable solutions to global water and sanitation challenges.
END
