Uganda to host 2027 IWA Water and Development Congress
Uganda will host the International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in 2027, the association announced at its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland.
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) will lead Uganda’s hosting efforts on behalf of the government. The final congress dates and venue will be announced later.
The congress is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates. The previous edition, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in December 2025, drew about 1,700 delegates and 200 exhibitors. The 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, attracted nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries. In February 2025, NWSC hosted the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition in Kampala, which attracted more than 2,500 delegates, according to NWSC.
The congress is one of the international water sector’s most important gatherings. It brings together utility leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, financiers and technology companies to explore solutions to water and sanitation challenges, particularly in low and middle income countries.
Immediately after the announcement, IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan and Executive Director Professor Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy held an initial preparation meeting with an NWSC delegation. It was led by Board Chairman Prof. Eng. Henry Alinaitwe and Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha. The delegation also included Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services Dr. Rose Kaggwa and Kampala Water General Manager Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya.
Prof. Kasan expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to deliver a successful congress. He said IWA aims to build on the achievements of the Bangkok edition while expanding participation and membership across Africa. He praised the Government of Uganda for creating an enabling environment that has supported NWSC’s contribution to water utility development on the continent, and reaffirmed IWA’s commitment to supporting preparations for Kampala 2027.
Dr. Mugisha welcomed the opportunity and assured IWA leadership that Uganda is ready to deliver a high quality international event. “You will get the best Development Congress,” he told IWA officials, citing Uganda’s hospitality, conference infrastructure, technical expertise and institutional experience.
Prof. Alinaitwe pointed to Uganda’s climate, natural attractions and capacity to host major international gatherings, and expressed confidence in the country’s ability to mobilise the necessary support.
IWA leaders also proposed initiatives to encourage Ugandan and other African universities to take part, including preparing students to present research papers and creating stronger links between researchers and practitioners.
The congress is expected to support Uganda’s growing meetings and conference tourism industry through demand for accommodation, transport, hospitality, exhibition services and related businesses. It also offers a chance to promote Uganda’s tourism attractions, including the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria, national parks and mountain gorilla experiences.
Beyond technical cooperation, Kampala 2027 offers an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s voice in international water and sanitation discussions, promote innovation and build partnerships among utilities, universities, development partners and investors.
Discussions in Glasgow also covered the possibility of establishing an IWA African hub. Its location will be determined through a separate assessment process.
Preparations for Kampala 2027 will proceed through coordination between IWA, NWSC and relevant national partners.
