By KT Reporter
National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has launched a prepaid water meter system in Gulu City, aimed at eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair, affordable access to clean water for underserved communities.
The new system, described as a “water ATM,” allows customers to draw water directly from automated hubs using a token card, without the need for a third-party vendor. Each 20-litre jerry can is dispensed at a flat rate of 25 shillings.
Previously, we had PSPs (Public Stand Posts) operated by vendors, but we realised there was a lot of exploitation. With prepaid water, the customer gets water directly, no negotiation, no middleman,” said Proscovia Nimungu, Acting Area Manager, National Water Gulu.
So far, 140 prepaid water hubs have been installed across the city, with the capacity to serve 7,280 customers, and registration is ongoing in areas such as Kasubi Central, Layibi, Limu, Bus Park A & B, Holy Rosary, and others.
To register, residents are required to present a photocopy of a national Ia D, passport-size photo, and an LC1 letter. Upon registration, they receive a free token card that allows access to water from any hub, not just within Gulu but even in Kampala.
“If you’re in Layibi today and Limu tomorrow, your token will still work. It gives customers flexibility and control,” Nimungu explained.
The smart system is also programmed to refund unused credits automatically. For instance, if a child draws only 10 litres instead of 20, the system calculates and returns the balance.
Installed for 750,000 shillings per hub, the prepaid water system is a pilot program intended to improve water access in informal settlements and reduce loss due to illegal connections, theft, and leakage.
According to Nimungu, over 30% of Gulu’s water is lost monthly, often due to vandalism or broken pipes.
“We encourage community members to report any cases of vandalism. This water is not just for National Water, it is for the people,” Nimungu urged.
Local leaders welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to address long-standing water challenges.
“This project is going to improve water access, especially for underserved communities. We’re proud that Gulu is the first pilot city outside Kampala,” said Christine Olok, Secretary for Works and Technical Services.
The system is expected to: Reduce household water costs, encourage water conservation, curb illegal water connections, and increase revenue collection for improved service delivery.
“Water is life. With this innovation, people now have ownership, choice, and dignity in how they access water,” said Olok.
Caroline Rose Adong, Gulu City’s Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, urged NWSC to improve local council involvement, especially LCI.
“We visited a site where the LC1 was not informed about the hub in their area. That shows a gap in sensitisation. For successful implementation, our grassroots leaders must be fully involved,” she said.
She called for a full list of all hub locations, mapped to cells and LC1 leaders, to allow the council to monitor, mobilise and offer feedback.
As the rollout continues, National Water has pledged continued community engagement, education, and technical support, as the project is expected to be expanded to reach 21,000 households-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
