KAMPALA, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni’s long-term vision for a robust, self-sufficient, and industrialized Uganda has been underscored by a chorus of praise from key government figures, highlighting the nation’s remarkable strides in the electricity sector. The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), established under Museveni’s leadership in 2000, has been lauded for its pivotal role in transforming Uganda’s power landscape, moving from a mere 6% electricity access in 1986 to a significant 40% today.
ERA’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Ziria Waako Tibaalwa, recognized as a “Uganda Development Champion” by Public Opinions, has been at the forefront of this transformation. Highlighting this progress, Public Opinions recently convened a group of 21 prominent leaders to detail the key achievements under President Museveni’s stewardship.
Key Achievements Under Museveni’s Leadership:
- Transmission Infrastructure Expansion: Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo noted the significant expansion of transmission lines, with an additional 1,418 kilometers added to the main grid since 2021. This expansion aims to bolster power supply reliability and minimize transmission losses.
- Industrial Tariff Incentives: Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Annet Among emphasized the government’s commitment to industrialization through the establishment of a competitive US 5.7 Cents per kWh tariff for industrialists, designed to lower electricity costs and enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan industries.
- Karuma-Kawanda Transmission Line: Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja highlighted the construction of the crucial 248 km Karuma-Kawanda 400kV transmission line and associated substations. This infrastructure enables the efficient evacuation of power from the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant, a flagship project significantly boosting Uganda’s generation capacity.
- Affordable Cooking Tariff: Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa pointed to the introduction of a subsidized Cooking Tariff of UGX 412 per kWh for domestic consumers. This initiative promotes clean cooking alternatives and aims to reduce the reliance on environmentally damaging biomass fuels.
- Significant Increase in Grid-Connected Customers: The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, proudly announced the dramatic increase in the legally grid-connected customer base, from approximately 180,000 in 2001 to over 2.37 million in 2025. This signifies a substantial broadening of electricity access for Ugandans.
- Consumer Protection Measures: Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, underscored the government’s commitment to consumer protection through the establishment of a dedicated Consumer Protection Center to safeguard the rights of electricity users.
- Investment in Renewable Energy: Gen Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh, Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), highlighted the strategic investments in diverse renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal power. This move aims to reduce Uganda’s dependence on fossil fuels and promote a cleaner energy mix.
- Boost in Generation Capacity: ERA CEO Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako proudly announced a significant surge in electricity generation capacity, from 1,287.5 MW in March 2021 to 2,049 MW in March 2025. This increase was significantly bolstered by the commissioning of the Karuma Hydropower Project in 2024.
- Licensing of New Renewable Technologies: NRM Secretary General Rt.Hon Richard Todwong emphasized the licensing of new wind, geothermal, and waste-to-energy technologies, further demonstrating the commitment to embracing renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
- Expanding Access in Municipalities: Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon Judith Nabakooba, detailed investments aimed at expanding electricity access to municipalities, prioritizing reliable supply and solar-powered road lighting systems through initiatives like the Electricity Access Scale-up Project.
- Promotion of Energy Efficiency: Chief of Defence Forces (UPDF) and SPA/SO, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, highlighted efforts to promote energy efficiency through the development and adoption of energy-efficient appliances and lighting solutions.
- Connecting the West Nile Region: Minister of State Privatization and Investment, Hon Evelyn Anite, celebrated the successful connection of the West Nile region to the national grid in 2024 through a substantial USD 127 Million Grid Expansion and reinforcement project (GERP).
- Reliable Power for Critical Infrastructure: Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, detailed the construction of a dedicated 11kV feed for the Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, alongside upgrades to substations and feeders in Mbale town to ensure a reliable power supply for essential services.
- Upgrading the Distribution Network: Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col Edith Nakalema, outlined the significant upgrades to the distribution network, including new substations and lines, expanding the network to an impressive 70,565 km to enhance power supply reliability.
- Connecting District Headquarters: Senior Presidential Advisor in Charge of Political Mobilization, Hon Moses Byaruhanga, reported that all district headquarters, with the exception of Buvuma District, are now connected to the national electricity grid.
- Reducing Connection Costs: Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), Hon Odrek Rwabwogo, highlighted the successful reduction in the No-Pole electricity connection cost from UGX 720,883 to UGX 470,000, making electricity more affordable for ordinary Ugandans.
- Credit Facility for Connections: Head of the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) & Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Hajjati Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, announced the establishment of a credit facility for electricity connections, enabling customers to access up to UGX 270,000 in credit to facilitate grid connection.
- Infrastructure Development Support: Founding partner of K & K Advocates, Mr Edwin Karugire, emphasized the government’s broader investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transmission lines, which are crucial for supporting economic growth and overall development.
- Decentralizing Regulatory Services: The Commissioner for National Secretariat for Patriotism, Ms Hellen Seku, highlighted the establishment of regional offices for the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), bringing regulatory services closer to electricity users across the country.
- Stimulating Economic Activity: State House Comptroller, Ms Jane Barekye, underscored the role of reliable and affordable electricity in promoting economic growth and development, leading to job creation and increased economic activity.
- Strengthening the Regulatory Framework: Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ms. Irene Bateebe, emphasized the establishment and strengthening of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) as a key step in regulating the liberalized electricity sector and promoting fair competition.
- Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy at the Forefront:
ERA’s rural electrification programs, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), have been instrumental in extending electricity access to previously underserved remote areas. These initiatives have demonstrably improved livelihoods by providing access to clean water, healthcare, and education.
Furthermore, President Museveni’s administration has actively championed the development and adoption of renewable energy sources. ERA has fostered a conducive environment for private sector investment in solar and wind power projects, contributing to a more sustainable energy future for Uganda.
Sector Reforms and Recognition:
The government, through ERA, has implemented significant reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the electricity sector. These reforms, including the unbundling of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) and the establishment of an independent regulator in ERA, have attracted increased private sector participation, improved service delivery, and strengthened consumer protection.
ERA’s remarkable achievements have garnered international recognition, including the 2023 Responsible Investment Global Certification Award for being the Best Regulatory Authority in Uganda. Furthermore, ERA’s CEO, Eng. Wako Ziria, is set to be featured on the prestigious Uganda Development Champions Who is Who Poster by Public Opinions in June, a testament to her dedication to ensuring clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for all Ugandans.
“The Electricity Regulatory Authority’s achievements under President Museveni’s leadership showcase a strong and unwavering commitment to the development of Uganda’s electricity sector,” stated Mr. Julius Wandera, Director of Corporate Affairs at ERA. “As Uganda continues on its path of growth and development, ERA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure universal access to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity.”
Public Opinions has launched a survey to identify the Best Performing Ministers of the Cabinet of the Republic of Uganda and encourages public participation through SMS or WhatsApp nominations.
