The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has entered into a three-year partnership with Luweero Industries Limited (LIL) to manufacture and repair water pumps, reducing reliance on costly imports.

Luweero Industries, a subsidiary of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) the commercial wing of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) signed the agreement with NWSC on March 4 in Kampala. The pact will see the two government entities collaborate in equipment manufacturing, research, and innovation exchange.

Under this agreement, LIL will be responsible for the production and maintenance of NWSC’s electro-mechanical equipment, including water pumps. The company will also contribute to the development of wastewater treatment systems, foundry operations, and the production of spare parts, among other initiatives.

Previously, NWSC sourced most of these components from international suppliers, a process that was both expensive and time-consuming. Speaking at the signing ceremony, NWSC Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, including cost reduction, improved efficiency, and faster turnaround times for equipment repairs and replacements.

“This partnership will significantly cut down the waiting period for pump repairs and replacements from several months to just 21 days, ensuring timely service delivery,” Mugisha noted.

Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeeyi, General Manager of Luweero Industries, emphasized the role of research and development in the partnership. He stated that LIL engineers would work on improving water pump technology, contributing to the country’s import substitution strategy and strengthening Uganda’s local manufacturing capacity.

By leveraging domestic expertise, the partnership is expected to enhance service delivery in the water sector while fostering industrial growth in Uganda.