France just gave Uganda a huge amount of money—€85 million, which equals about 340 billion Ugandan shillings. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija shared this news on Wednesday. The cash will help fix water systems and build better cities around Kampala. Mr. Kasaija signed papers with Jean-François Arnal from the French Development Agency at the Finance Ministry building.
Kampala has big water problems because many people keep moving there, and factories keep opening. The city struggles to give everyone clean water. France wants to help fix this. They have already worked together to improve water plants at places called Ggaba and Katosi.
Almost half the money—€45 million or 180 billion shillings—goes toward phase two of the Kampala Water Lake Victoria project. This project expands pipes and helps more people access clean water. Mr. Kasaija believes everyone should have clean water. The country plans for all citizens to have piped water by 2040.
The other €40 million, about 160 billion shillings, makes Kampala and nearby towns work better together. This money helps the city government build roads, manage trash, and create public spaces. Mr. Kasaija promised every penny would go where it should. He said regular reports would track all spending.
Beatrice Anywar Atim, who leads environmental matters, stressed that water must reach actual homes. She thanked international friends for their help. Uganda asked for another 150 million euros to spread clean water even further. She urged Ugandans to protect lakes and rivers by staying out of wetlands.
The French Ambassador Xavier Sticker called this deal proof of friendship between both countries. Jean-François Arnal mentioned over €400 million already funding projects across Uganda. The new urban improvements focus on preventing flood damage as climate change brings heavier rains.
When everything finishes, water production will jump from 160 million liters daily to 240 million. Dr. Silver Mugisha from National Water explained that they need three water projects completed: Katosi, Sonde, and Naguru. He mentioned more money coming soon for the Kampala, Masaka, and Bara regions.
Workers will add 71 kilometers of new pipes, build three water tanks, and construct three pump stations. The project will bring water to 20 poor neighborhoods through 2,500 prepaid meters and 1,450 public water taps. A French company named Sogea Satom started construction on February 1st, 2025. Everything should finish by August 1st, 2027, helping over 3 million people.
Kampala has big water problems because many people keep moving there, and factories keep opening. The city struggles to give everyone clean water. France wants to help fix this. They have already worked together to improve water plants at places called Ggaba and Katosi.
Almost half the money—€45 million or 180 billion shillings—goes toward phase two of the Kampala Water Lake Victoria project. This project expands pipes and helps more people access clean water. Mr. Kasaija believes everyone should have clean water. The country plans for all citizens to have piped water by 2040.
The other €40 million, about 160 billion shillings, makes Kampala and nearby towns work better together. This money helps the city government build roads, manage trash, and create public spaces. Mr. Kasaija promised every penny would go where it should. He said regular reports would track all spending.
Beatrice Anywar Atim, who leads environmental matters, stressed that water must reach actual homes. She thanked international friends for their help. Uganda asked for another 150 million euros to spread clean water even further. She urged Ugandans to protect lakes and rivers by staying out of wetlands.
The French Ambassador Xavier Sticker called this deal proof of friendship between both countries. Jean-François Arnal mentioned over €400 million already funding projects across Uganda. The new urban improvements focus on preventing flood damage as climate change brings heavier rains.
When everything finishes, water production will jump from 160 million liters daily to 240 million. Dr. Silver Mugisha from National Water explained that they need three water projects completed: Katosi, Sonde, and Naguru. He mentioned more money coming soon for the Kampala, Masaka, and Bara regions.
Workers will add 71 kilometers of new pipes, build three water tanks, and construct three pump stations. The project will bring water to 20 poor neighborhoods through 2,500 prepaid meters and 1,450 public water taps. A French company named Sogea Satom started construction on February 1st, 2025. Everything should finish by August 1st, 2027, helping over 3 million people.
