Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Services

Strengthening Urban Water and Sanitation Services

Department Mandate

Water Development

Department Functions
a) Setting National policies and standards for Water and Sanitation in the Urban areas
(Cities, Municipalities, town councils and town boards)
b) Water Supply Systems development in Urban areas
c) Development of Sewerage/Sanitation systems in Urban areas
d) Management, operation and maintenance of Water Supply and Sewerage / Sanitation
Systems in urban areas.

The Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Services Department (UWSSSD), under the Ministry of Water and Environment, is spearheading several initiatives aimed at increasing water supply and sanitation service coverage in Uganda’s urban areas. These efforts are being carried out in alignment with the 2016 NRM Election Manifesto, targeting over 170 towns. A key mechanism driving these improvements is the Water and Sanitation Development Facilities (WSDFs) — de-concentrated regional branches established to enhance efficiency in delivering services across the country. There are currently four WSDFs operating in the South-Western (WSDF-SW), Northern (WSDF-N), Eastern (WSDF-E), and Central (WSDF-C) regions. These facilities play a critical role in planning, implementing, and supporting water and sanitation infrastructure projects, particularly in small and medium towns. Through collaboration with local authorities, donors, and the private sector, the department is implementing projects that include the construction of piped water systems, public sanitation facilities, and sewerage networks.