Silver Mugisha medal recognition made headlines during the 2025 Labour Day celebrations. President Museveni personally awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal to the NWSC managing director at Nakale Grounds in Nakapiripirit District.
The Golden Jubilee Medal is one of Uganda’s highest civilian honors. Established in 2012 to mark 50 years of independence, it recognizes individuals whose service creates lasting national impact.
Dr Silver Mugisha has led the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) since August 2013. Under his leadership, the corporation has seen tremendous growth in service delivery, financial strength, and efficiency.
Since his appointment, water connections rose from 270,000 to over 650,000. Revenue increased from Shs150 billion to more than Shs445 billion.
Born in Bushenyi in 1968, Mugisha joined NWSC in 1994. He steadily advanced through the ranks. He holds a PhD in Engineering and Economics from Makerere University, with research support from the University of Florida. His work focused on productivity and performance monitoring, tools he applied to reform NWSC.
Under his leadership, NWSC expanded its water network from 6,500 to over 18,000 kilometers. Towns served grew from 58 to more than 270. Annual pipe installation increased from 80 kilometers to over 2,000 kilometers.
NWSC’s reinvestment surplus rose from Shs38 billion to Shs96 billion, while its asset base surged to Shs3.1 trillion. Service coverage now reaches 84% in municipalities and 74% across urban areas.
Mugisha’s influence goes beyond NWSC. He served as Chairman Emeritus of both the Federation of Uganda Employers and the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board. He sits on the NSSF board and is a member of the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers and the Engineers Registration Board.
Internationally, he served as Vice President of the International Water Association between 2014 and 2018. In 2024, the association gave him its highest award. He is also President Emeritus of the African Water and Sanitation Association.
This year’s Labour Day theme—“Consolidating the Gains of the Parish Development Model for Increased Productivity and Inclusive Job Creation”—focused on public service improvement.
The Silver Mugisha medal acknowledges the role of competent leadership in national development. His success at NWSC demonstrates what effective management can achieve in public institutions.
