This agreement designates Uganda as the permanent headquarters for the Academy, positioning the country as a leader in tackling Africa's water and sanitation challenges. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gen. Odongo expressed optimism about the Academy’s potential to address water and sanitation needs across the continent. He highlighted Uganda’s progress in expanding water and sanitation services through its National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) but acknowledged that more needs to be done to achieve universal access.
In a significant move to strengthen water and sanitation management across Africa, Uganda has signed a Host Country Agreement with the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) to establish the African Water and Sanitation Academy. The agreement was signed by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala on Tuesday.
The agreement was signed by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar
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“The African Water and Sanitation Academy will play a key role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all. The Academy will serve as a centre for leadership, skills development, and professional growth for water professionals, fostering a much-needed shift in mindset and practices,” the Minister remarked.
Model academy
Dr. Silver Mugisha, President of AfWASA, expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government for its support and underscored the Academy’s importance in addressing low water and sanitation coverage levels in Africa. He explained that the Academy will serve as a model institution for similar initiatives across the continent, equipping water professionals with the expertise necessary to improve livelihoods and tackle Africa’s pressing water challenges.
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“This Academy is a game-changer. It will spearhead the training of water professionals and offer leadership development, which will directly contribute to improved water services and sanitation across the continent,” Dr. Mugisha said.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Water and Environment will collaborate to ensure the Academy’s success. The establishment of the Academy is expected to bring significant benefits to Uganda and the entire continent, contributing to the enhancement of essential services and the realisation of SDG 6 goals across Africa.
