Technology 12 October 2026 Nile Post

Uganda eyes local water pump manufacturing hub with Danish partnership

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is proposing a collaboration with Danish firm Grundfos and Uganda's National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) to locally manufacture water pump components. This initiative aims to reduce import dependencies, speed up repairs, and potentially position Uganda as a key supplier for water utilities across Africa. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/377344/inside-ugandas-bid-to-build-a-local-water-pump-industry

Uganda is exploring the establishment of a domestic water pump manufacturing industry through a potential partnership between the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Danish company Grundfos, and the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC).

NWSC Managing Director Dr. Silver Mugisha presented this proposal to Grundfos executives, highlighting the benefits of local production and assembly. Such an arrangement would significantly cut down on the lengthy waits currently experienced for imported spare parts, thereby improving the efficiency of water supply operations.

The proposal envisions Grundfos collaborating with NEC to manufacture and assemble pump components within Uganda. Dr. Mugisha expressed optimism that this could evolve into a regional supply network, catering to the needs of water utilities across the African continent.

Beyond immediate operational improvements, the initiative could foster local technical expertise, stimulate industrial investment, create skilled employment, and contribute to the growth of Uganda’s engineering sector. Discussions also touched upon energy-efficient pump development tailored for East Africa, automatic fault detection systems, and training for Ugandan engineers.

While the manufacturing partnership remains a proposal without a concrete timeline or confirmed investment, NWSC is actively seeking to enhance its capabilities and financial standing. Dr. Mugisha also engaged with the World Bank regarding affordable, long-term financing for water and sanitation infrastructure, emphasizing the need for flexible arrangements to reduce project costs and enhance community involvement.

Furthermore, NWSC is seeking support from the Gates Foundation for its research and development programs, sanitation initiatives, and water supply improvement projects. The utility aims to become an incubator for African water and sanitation solutions and bolster technical capacity through institutions like the African Water and Sanitation Academy.

These multifaceted discussions underscore NWSC’s commitment to operational efficiency, technological advancement, and securing sustainable financing to meet the growing demand for water and sanitation services. The potential for local pump component production represents a significant step towards self-sufficiency and regional influence, contingent on successful negotiations and future investments.