The AfWA Executive Board, which met on July 19 in Kampala, Uganda, following the 79th meeting of the Scientific and Technical Council decided that the 20th Congress of the African Water Association will be held in Uganda. For this decision to be made, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation responded to an invitation to tender by the African Water Association, according to the procedures in force. Afterwards, it was necessary to give a presentation which outlined the country’s capacities but also infrastructure and know-how to host such an event. The Organizing Committee performed this brilliantly both at the opening of the STC’s work, and during the closing gala dinner and finally before the members of the Executive Board who had the final decision.

MAHMOOD LUTAAYA, spokesperson of the NWSC described in a poetic language, the beauty of Uganda, “the pearl of Africa”. He also presented the city of Kampala, where the event will take place as well as the actions already taken as part of the preparations for this conference: “We have the best city and the best hotels. We have already identified the venue for the congress of 2020. This will be held at the Kampala Conference Center which has a capacity of 3,000 places. The Center also has a 5-star hotel, where delegates can stay. Nearby, there are other equally comfortable hotels, etc. We have got many experiences in organizing the 2010 congress, as well as the 30th Anniversary of AfWA. We have already discussed the theme of the congress, and we have started to get in touch with potential partners and some have given us positive answers for financing the meeting. ... The Ugandan government will be involved in the organization.”

Following MAHMOOD LUTAAYA’s presentation, a round of applause was given, which thus translated the validation by the Executive Board of NWSC's nomination for organizing the 20th Congress of AfWA in February 2020.

However, many comments and suggestions for improvement were made. The Executive Board urged the organizers to use past experience to give more visibility and scope to the congress and to make it profitable.