President Museveni has endorsed the establishment of a prepaid water meter manufacturing plant in Uganda, marking a major step in advancing the country’s efforts to improve water access, conservation, and utility efficiency.
The president met with a delegation from Helcraw Electrical Pvt Ltd, a Zimbabwean company working in partnership with China’s Liaison Technologies.
The two firms specialize in prepaid water metering systems, which allow consumers to pay in advance for water usage—promoting fairness, conservation, and improved revenue collection for utility providers.
The delegation, led by Helcraw Director Mr. Brendon Jere, presented a proposal to set up the factory in Uganda.
Mr. Jere highlighted how the system has transformed water management in Zimbabwe, arguing that localized production would bring even greater benefits to Uganda and the broader East African region.
“This model has increased access and accountability in Zimbabwe. Uganda stands to gain even more with a factory producing meters locally,” he said.
President Museveni welcomed the initiative, calling it timely and in line with Uganda’s national development agenda.
“This is a good idea. It will help our people access clean water while also creating jobs and supporting our industrial growth,” Museveni said.
He instructed the Minister of State for Microfinance, Haruna Kasolo, to work with relevant agencies to ensure the investors receive the required licenses and access to land for the project.
The prepaid water meter factory is expected to serve both the Ugandan and East African markets, supporting sustainable water management goals while contributing to local manufacturing and job creation.
In the same meeting, President Museveni also endorsed a proposal by India’s Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Pvt Ltd to develop an integrated bulk water supply system for irrigation in the Teso sub-region.
“For me, irrigation is a top priority, and I shall support it,” the President said, emphasizing the role of water in improving agricultural productivity and food security.
These developments come at a time when Uganda is scaling up efforts to expand its industrial base, localize production, and improve delivery of essential services, particularly in the water and energy sectors.