France Grants €85M to Bolster Water Access and Urban Development in Greater Kampala
Long-term financing aims to extend clean water, improve services in informal settlements, expand organizational capacity of city authorities.
Amid mounting pressures from rapid urban growth, Kampala and its metropolitan area have secured €85 million in development aid from France. The funds, announced by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, are earmarked for water infrastructure improvement and broader urban development across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).
What the Funding Covers
Water & sanitation expansion: €45 million will support the next phase of the Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, expanding water supply networks, constructing reservoirs and booster stations, and extending services into informal settlements.
Urban development and governance: The other €40 million will support institutional capacity, coordination among city and metropolitan authorities, and delivery of services.
Impact on People
Informal areas (often underserved) are expected to benefit via new water connections, more public stand pipes, and prepaid meters.
Better water infrastructure helps reduce disease, improve hygiene, and reduce time people spend fetching water.
More reliable water means growth—businesses, schools, clinics, etc., all depend on steady supply.
Potential Hurdles
Ensuring extension of water to remote or informal zones can be technically & financially challenging.
Managing operations & maintenance long-term without breakdowns or leakages.
Ensuring transparency, avoiding cost inflation, abuse of funds.
This investment is very timely. As Kampala continues expanding, water services and urban governance are increasingly under stress. With this funding, there’s a chance to make big improvements—not just in infrastructure, but in how urban life works for ordinary residents. How well the authorities deliver will decide whether this becomes a model or just another promise.
