Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako Highlights ERA's Transformative Milestones and Transition to UEDCL

By John Kusolo

Kampala, Uganda – Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), delivered a comprehensive address at the press briefing at the Uganda Media Center marking the award of licenses for the distribution and sale of electricity to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). Her remarks underscored the transformative milestones achieved in Uganda's electricity sub-sector throughout 2024, while laying a strong foundation for the upcoming transition from Umeme Limited to UEDCL.

Milestones Achieved in 2024

Eng. Waako outlined several key achievements of the electricity sub-sector during the year:

Growth in Power Generation:

Uganda's generation capacity reached a historic 2,049 MW, largely attributed to the commissioning of the 600 MW Karuma Hydropower Plant and other smaller plants. This significant growth positions Uganda to meet the rising demand for electricity and support industrialization.

Tariff Reductions:

ERA implemented progressive electricity tariff reductions across all consumer categories, fostering economic growth and enhancing societal well-being.

Increased Electricity Access:

Through initiatives such as the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), the Rebate Framework, and grid extension and reinforcement programs, ERA ensured that more Ugandans gained access to reliable electricity.

Enhanced Reliability of Supply:

The connection of West Nile to the national grid, coupled with infrastructure development, improved power reliability in the West Nile and Northern regions.

Technological Advancements:

ERA facilitated the upgrade of prepaid metering technology across distribution companies, aligning Uganda’s electricity sector with international standards.

Regional Presence:

The opening of ERA’s regional offices in Gulu and Mbale districts extended the Authority’s reach and improved stakeholder engagement.

Hosting the Independent Regulatory Board Secretariat:

ERA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, secured Kampala as the host city for the Secretariat of the Independent Regulatory Board (IRB) of the Eastern Africa Power Pool. This move is expected to strengthen Uganda's role in developing a regional electricity market.

Eng. Waako provided detailed insights into the upcoming retransfer of the electricity distribution network from Umeme Limited to UEDCL, scheduled for March 2025. She emphasized that this transition marks a pivotal milestone in Uganda’s energy sector, aligning with the government’s decision not to renew expiring electricity distribution concessions.

Preparation for the Transition:

ERA has worked closely with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy, Umeme Limited, and UEDCL, to ensure a seamless and transparent process. A key focus has been safeguarding staff positions, welfare, and professional growth.

Employee Retention and Integration:

Eng. Waako assured staff from both Umeme Limited and UEDCL that their roles are secure, citing past transitions where over 98% of staff were retained. New terms of employment will align with the operational framework post-March 2025 to ensure minimal disruption.

Operational Continuity:

The transition will leverage proven workflows, personnel deployment strategies, and operational systems. ERA is committed to maintaining uninterrupted service delivery while integrating skilled personnel from both entities into a formidable team.

Opportunities for Growth:

The transition offers opportunities for institutional knowledge retention, culture preservation, and fostering a stronger distribution segment for the benefit of electricity consumers.

Eng. Waako highlighted the persistent challenge of vandalism and theft of electrical equipment, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. She called for collective efforts to protect Uganda’s electricity infrastructure.

In her remarks, Eng. Waako commended Umeme Limited for its 20 years of dedicated service, which transformed Uganda's electricity distribution segment. She acknowledged the professionalism and expertise of Umeme staff, whose efforts contributed significantly to the sector’s progress since the introduction of private sector participation.

Looking ahead, ERA remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a sustainable and self-sufficient electricity sub-sector. Eng. Waako emphasized that the transition to UEDCL is a strategic step toward achieving Uganda’s energy goals, improving service delivery, and ensuring a reliable electricity supply for all Ugandans.

She concluded by expressing gratitude to the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Energy, the ERA Board, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support in advancing the country’s energy sector. She also thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for prioritizing the energy sector and providing the necessary support for its growth.

Eng. Waako’s remarks encapsulate a year of remarkable achievements and set the stage for a transformative transition in Uganda’s electricity sub-sector. The award of licenses to UEDCL marks a new chapter in the sector’s evolution, promising improved efficiency, reliability, and service delivery to meet the growing energy needs of Uganda.