Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha Breaks Silence on Allegations, Defends NWSC Record and Accountability
In a detailed public statement, Dr. Eng. Mugisha said he has dedicated approximately 32 years of service to NWSC, during which the institution has worked to uphold proper administrative procedures despite acknowledging that there may have been “some gaps” along the way.
The Managing Director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, has publicly responded to what he described as ongoing attempts to drag his name and the corporation into controversial matters, insisting that the utility body has maintained a strong record of accountability, efficiency, and service delivery over the years.
In a detailed public statement, Dr. Eng. Mugisha said he has dedicated approximately 32 years of service to NWSC, during which the institution has worked to uphold proper administrative procedures despite acknowledging that there may have been “some gaps” along the way.
The long-serving technocrat, who has led the corporation for the past 12 years, highlighted what he described as remarkable growth and transformation at the national water utility under his leadership.
According to Dr. Mugisha, the corporation’s Assets Under Management (AUM) have expanded significantly from UGX 600 billion to UGX 5 trillion. During the same period, annual surplus reportedly increased from UGX 40 billion to UGX 162 billion.
He further noted that the number of people served by NWSC has grown from 4.5 million to 20 million Ugandans, while water connections increased from 300,000 to one million nationwide.
Additionally, the corporation’s pipeline network has expanded from approximately 6,000 kilometers to 24,000 kilometers, a development he attributed to deliberate investments and strategic planning aimed at improving water access across the country.
Dr. Mugisha also addressed concerns surrounding his personal wealth and property ownership, stating that both he and his wife, Hon. KAM, own what he described as “modest properties” that have all been duly declared to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).
He emphasized that his lengthy career at NWSC, much of it spent in senior management positions, should be considered when evaluating his financial standing and lifestyle.
“You may also wish to note that my predecessors also own certain properties,” he stated.
The NWSC boss further defended the corporation’s procurement and investment approach, saying the institution has deliberately pursued cost-saving strategies over the past decade.
According to him, NWSC adopted policies focused on least-cost capital investment options, including reducing reliance on expensive external information technology solutions by developing in-house systems.
He also noted that the corporation minimized dependence on engineering consultancies by utilizing internal technical capacity, while embracing force-account mechanisms and low-cost contractors to execute projects more efficiently.
Dr. Mugisha cited several projects, including those in Lyantonde, Bushenyi, Masindi, Kalungu, Sembabule, Kapeeka, Kapchorwa, Kisoro, Soroti, and Lira, where NWSC reportedly spent approximately UGX 120 billion instead of an estimated UGX 600 billion that could have been incurred using conventional methods.
He argued that such measures have enabled the corporation to save substantial public resources while expanding service delivery to more Ugandans.
In his statement, Dr. Mugisha also alleged that some of the efforts aimed at targeting him are politically motivated and linked to local political maneuvering in Bushenyi District.
He particularly thanked Hasan Basajjabalaba for what he described as efforts to restore peace amid the tensions.
“There is also an element of need for monetary incentives,” he added, suggesting that financial interests may be influencing the attacks against him.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Dr. Mugisha assured the public that NWSC remains committed to transparency and accountability.
“Our offices remain open for accountability,” he stated.
He added that the corporation is currently prioritizing improved customer experiences and service delivery, while urging critics and the public to allow the institution to focus on serving Ugandans instead of being distracted by what he termed “non-productive things.”
The statement comes at a time when public institutions in Uganda continue to face increasing scrutiny over governance, procurement, and accountability practices, particularly regarding large infrastructure projects and public investments.
Observers say Dr. Mugisha’s remarks appear aimed at defending both his personal integrity and the broader reputation of NWSC, one of Uganda’s most prominent public utility agencies.
