The 2024 IWA YWP Uganda Chapter Conference, held on December 16, was a transformative event aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and leadership among Uganda’s emerging water professionals. Over 230 young professionals, industry experts, and other stakeholders gathered to address Uganda’s water challenges and explore solutions for a sustainable and water-wise future.
The conference discussions centred on leadership development, bridging generational gaps in expertise, prioritising strategic work practices, and ensuring environmental sustainability. A powerful message emerged: young water professionals are poised to lead the charge in shaping Uganda’s water management future. By focusing on resilience, innovative solutions, and continuous professional growth, they are positioned to tackle the nation’s water-related challenges.
Engaging Sessions on Professional Growth
Several sessions provided valuable insights for young water professionals:
- Prioritising Smart Work over Hard Work: This session emphasised optimising resources and leveraging technology to enhance productivity, encouraging attendees to adopt smarter strategies for greater impact.
- Achieving Work-Life Balance: The importance of balancing professional and personal growth was highlighted, emphasising a holistic approach to career success and well-being.
- Bridging Generational Gaps: This session underscored the power of collaboration between experienced professionals and younger innovators. Combining wisdom and creativity is key to solving challenges in the water sector.
Empowering Young Professionals as Agents of Change
Chairperson Ms. Evelyn Mukajusi emphasised the importance of young water professionals as change agents. She highlighted the creativity and ingenuity young professionals bring to the table, enabling them to address complex water challenges effectively.
A key part of the discussions revolved around the role of mentorship in leadership continuity. YWPs were encouraged to seek out mentorship opportunities to gain valuable insights, develop leadership skills, and ensure that the water sector remains in capable hands for generations to come.
Global Collaboration and Support for Professional Ambition
Eng. Chelsea Hayward, representing the IWA YWP Steering Committee, shared insights on global support for young professionals. She highlighted IWA’s commitment to facilitating international collaboration, training, and capacity-building for YWPs. Young professionals were encouraged to engage in global networks for mentorship, knowledge exchange, and career advancement. Hayward also stressed the importance of contributing to global discussions and initiatives.
Addressing Uganda’s Water Challenges
Dr. Rose Christine Kaggwa, IWA Senior Vice President, and Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya, Patron of YWPs Uganda, addressed Uganda’s pressing water challenges, such as water scarcity and climate change. They emphasised the urgent need for innovative, equitable solutions to ensure universal access to clean water and stressed the importance of proactive engagement and action-oriented thinking for sustainable development. Dr. Kaggwa also urged young professionals to build strong foundations, remain humble, and pursue excellence through continuous learning.
Key Leadership Qualities for YWPs
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha – AfWASA President and Managing Director NWSC.
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, AfWASA President and Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), shared his insights on leadership. He stressed the importance of self-confidence, agility in overcoming challenges, and simplicity in streamlining processes. He urged future leaders to focus on key areas like water management, sanitation, and environmental protection while demonstrating emotional intelligence and purpose-driven leadership.
Conclusion: A Launchpad for Future Water Leaders
The 2024 YWP Uganda Chapter Conference was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone in empowering the next generation of leaders in Uganda’s water sector. It offered young professionals a platform to connect, share knowledge, and reflect on their role in shaping the future of water management. One key outcome was the growing interest among Ugandan YWPs in joining the International Water Association (IWA), signalling their eagerness to engage with the global water community.
With a focus on resilience, collaboration, mentorship, and professional development, Uganda’s young water professionals are ready to lead the charge toward a more sustainable and equitable future. As the conference concluded, attendees left the event with renewed energy, armed with insights, strategies, and networks to navigate Uganda’s evolving water sector. The YWP Uganda Chapter is set to play a pivotal role in this journey, laying a strong foundation for future water leadership in the country.
National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), shared his insights on leadership. He stressed the importance of self-confidence, agility in overcoming challenges, and simplicity in streamlining processes. He urged future leaders to focus on key areas like water management, sanitation, and environmental protection while demonstrating emotional intelligence and purpose-driven leadership.
By Mukajusi Evelyn
Branch Manager, Urban Pro Poor Branch – National Water and Sewerage Corporation (2015 – Present)
Results-driven and visionary leader with expertise in water and sewerage services management. Currently spearheading the Urban Pro Poor Branch at National Water and Sewerage Corporation, serving marginalized communities in Kampala. Also serving as the Chair of the Young Water Professionals (YWP) Uganda Chapter.
