Uganda to Host International Water and Development Congress in 2027, Targeting 3,000 Delegates

Uganda has been selected to host the prestigious International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027, a major international milestone expected to strengthen the country's position as a destination for global conferences while opening new opportunities for investment, tourism, technological innovation and cooperation in the water and sanitation sector.

The announcement was made in Glasgow, Scotland, during the IWA's 2026 Annual General Meeting, where Uganda emerged as the host of one of the international water sector's leading gatherings.

The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), will lead preparations for the congress in collaboration with the IWA and other national and international partners.

The event is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates, including water utility executives, government policymakers, researchers, development partners, financiers, technology providers and other stakeholders committed to addressing global water and sanitation challenges.

The congress will provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing innovations and developing practical solutions to improve access to safe water and sanitation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 

NWSC to Lead Uganda's Hosting Efforts

Following the announcement in Glasgow, IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan and Executive Director Professor Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy held an initial preparatory meeting with a delegation from NWSC to discuss arrangements for the 2027 congress.

The Ugandan delegation was led by NWSC Board Chairman Professor Engineer Henry Alinaitwe and Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha.

Other members included NWSC Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services Dr. Rose Kaggwa and Kampala Water General Manager Engineer Mahmood Lutaaya.

The meeting marked an initial step towards coordinating preparations, establishing priorities and ensuring that the event meets international standards while delivering benefits to Uganda and the wider African water sector.

Professor Kasan expressed confidence in Uganda's capacity to host a successful congress, noting the ambition to build on the achievements of the previous edition in Bangkok, Thailand, while expanding participation and strengthening IWA membership across Africa.

He also commended the Government of Uganda for creating an enabling environment that has supported NWSC's contribution to the development of water utilities across the continent.

The IWA leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda as preparations for Kampala 2027 get underway.

Mugisha Assures IWA of Uganda's Readiness

Dr. Mugisha welcomed Uganda's selection, describing the congress as an important opportunity for the country to demonstrate its capacity to organise high-quality international events and contribute to global discussions on water and sanitation.

Assuring the IWA leadership of Uganda's readiness, Mugisha said the country was prepared to deliver a successful gathering.

"You will get the best Development Congress," he told the IWA officials.

He cited Uganda's hospitality, conference infrastructure, technical expertise and institutional experience as key strengths that would support the organisation of the event.

Uganda's selection also builds on NWSC's experience in hosting major regional and international conferences, including events that bring together policymakers, researchers, utility managers and development partners to discuss sustainable water service delivery.

Professor Alinaitwe similarly highlighted Uganda's favourable climate, natural attractions and experience in hosting major international gatherings.

He expressed confidence that the country would mobilise the necessary institutional and stakeholder support to ensure the success of the congress.

Uganda Builds on Success of Kampala Water and Sanitation Congress

The decision to award Uganda the 2027 congress follows NWSC's successful hosting of the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition in Kampala in February 2025.

According to NWSC, the event attracted more than 2,500 delegates, demonstrating Uganda's capacity to accommodate large gatherings of water and sanitation professionals and international stakeholders. 

The experience is expected to provide a foundation for planning Kampala 2027, particularly in areas such as delegate coordination, exhibition management, technical sessions, accommodation, transport and engagement with government institutions and private-sector partners.

Uganda's selection also reflects the growing importance of African cities as centres for international dialogue on water security, sanitation, climate resilience and sustainable urban development.

Hosting the congress will give Uganda an opportunity to showcase the progress made in expanding water services while engaging international partners on persistent challenges, including infrastructure financing, urban population growth, water resource protection and equitable access to sanitation.

Kampala 2027 Expected to Attract More Than 3,000 Delegates

The anticipated attendance of more than 3,000 delegates is expected to make the congress a significant gathering for Uganda's meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector.

Previous editions have demonstrated the growing international interest in water and development issues.

The IWA Water and Development Congress held in Bangkok in December 2025 attracted approximately 1,700 delegates and 200 exhibitors.

The 2023 edition, hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, attracted nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries.

Uganda's expected attendance target of more than 3,000 delegates would provide an opportunity to expand participation further and strengthen connections between African water institutions and the global water community.

Beyond the formal conference sessions, the exhibition component is expected to bring together companies and organisations showcasing technologies, equipment, research and services designed to improve water supply, sanitation and wastewater management.

Such engagements could create opportunities for Ugandan institutions and businesses to establish partnerships, explore new markets and attract investment into water-related infrastructure and services.

Conference Tourism Expected to Benefit Businesses

The congress is also expected to provide a boost to Uganda's tourism and hospitality industries, with delegates requiring accommodation, transport, restaurants, conference facilities and other services during their stay.

Hotels, tour operators, transport providers, event organisers, exhibition contractors and small businesses could benefit from the increased demand associated with the international gathering.

The event will also give Uganda an opportunity to promote its tourism attractions to delegates attending from different parts of the world.

These include the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria, national parks, mountain gorilla experiences and other natural and cultural attractions that make Uganda a destination for leisure and adventure tourism.

By combining a major international conference with opportunities to experience the country's attractions, Uganda could encourage delegates to extend their visits, potentially increasing tourism spending beyond the duration of the congress.

However, the extent of the economic benefits will depend on effective planning, promotion and coordination among government agencies, tourism operators, the private sector and other stakeholders.

The event therefore presents an opportunity to link conference tourism with the broader national objective of attracting international visitors, promoting local enterprises and strengthening Uganda's profile as a regional business and investment destination.

Strengthening African Participation in Global Water Discussions

In addition to the economic opportunities, Kampala 2027 is expected to contribute to efforts to strengthen Africa's voice in international discussions on water and sanitation.

Many African countries continue to face challenges related to access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, climate change and limited financing for water projects.

The congress will provide a platform for African utilities, governments, universities, development partners and private-sector institutions to share experiences and explore approaches suited to the continent's needs.

The discussions are expected to cover practical solutions that can improve service delivery, enhance the sustainability of water utilities and support the development of resilient water and sanitation systems.

For Uganda, hosting the gathering will provide an opportunity to showcase the country's experience in water service management while learning from international institutions and exploring partnerships to address remaining service delivery gaps.

The congress could also encourage stronger collaboration between African water utilities and international technology providers, financiers and research institutions.

Such partnerships are particularly important as countries seek to expand water infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and ensure that water and sanitation services keep pace with growing populations and economic development.

 Universities and Researchers to Be Encouraged to Participate

The initial discussions in Glasgow also highlighted the importance of increasing the participation of universities and young researchers in the congress.

IWA leadership proposed initiatives to encourage Ugandan and other African universities to take part, including preparing students to present research papers and strengthening links between academic researchers and practitioners in the water sector.

The proposed approach could give students and early-career researchers an opportunity to present their findings to an international audience, engage with established professionals and develop networks that support future research and innovation.

Closer collaboration between universities and water utilities could also help translate scientific findings into practical solutions for challenges affecting communities, service providers and policymakers.

For Uganda's academic institutions, the congress could create opportunities to strengthen research partnerships, identify areas for joint projects and expose students to emerging technologies and international best practices.

Greater involvement of African universities would also help ensure that solutions discussed at the congress reflect the continent's local conditions, development priorities and technological capabilities.

IWA African Hub Also Discussed

The Glasgow meeting additionally addressed the possibility of establishing an African hub for the International Water Association.

The proposed hub could potentially strengthen the association's engagement with African water professionals, utilities, universities and other institutions.

However, its location will be determined through a separate assessment process, and no final decision on where it would be established was announced.

If pursued, the initiative could provide an additional avenue for expanding professional networks, promoting research collaboration and supporting the exchange of knowledge and expertise across the continent.

The discussions reflect the wider ambition to increase African participation in the international water sector and strengthen cooperation between regional institutions and global organisations.

Preparations for Kampala 2027

Preparations for the congress will proceed through coordination between the IWA, NWSC and relevant national partners.

The final dates and venue for the 2027 congress have not yet been announced.

The coming preparations will be important in determining the scale of the exhibition, the participation of international institutions, the involvement of local businesses and the opportunities available to Ugandan researchers and water professionals.

Effective coordination will also be necessary to ensure that the congress delivers benefits beyond the event itself, including stronger professional networks, new partnerships, knowledge transfer and opportunities for investment in the water and sanitation sector.

Uganda's experience in hosting the AfWASA congress in 2025 provides a useful foundation, while the anticipated attendance of more than 3,000 delegates will require careful planning and cooperation among all participating institutions.

A Strategic Opportunity for Uganda

Uganda's selection to host the IWA Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027 represents more than an opportunity to organise another international conference.

It offers the country a platform to showcase its institutional capacity, promote conference tourism, attract potential investors and strengthen its contribution to global efforts to improve access to safe water and sanitation.

For NWSC, the event provides an opportunity to deepen relationships with international water utilities, researchers, technology companies and development partners while showcasing Uganda's experience in water service delivery.

For the wider country, Kampala 2027 could generate opportunities for businesses, academic institutions, tourism operators and young professionals to engage with international networks and benefit from the knowledge and partnerships emerging from the gathering.

As preparations move forward, the success of the congress will depend not only on the number of delegates attracted but also on the quality of the discussions, the partnerships established and the practical outcomes that follow.

With the final venue and dates yet to be announced, attention will now turn to preparations for an event expected to bring together thousands of water and sanitation stakeholders in Uganda in 2027.

The congress presents an opportunity for Uganda to showcase its achievements, strengthen Africa's role in global water discussions and contribute to the search for sustainable solutions to some of the world's most pressing water and sanitation challenges.