President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been a driving force behind Uganda’s progress toward achieving affordable, clean, and reliable electricity. His visionary leadership is rooted in a broader ambition to transform Uganda into a self-sustaining, industrial, and economically independent nation.
A cornerstone of this transformation was the establishment of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) in 2000. Created under President Museveni’s guidance, ERA was tasked with overseeing and regulating Uganda’s electricity sector. Since its inception, the Authority has made significant strides, ensuring that Ugandans increasingly benefit from clean, affordable, and reliable electricity.
At the helm of ERA is Eng. Ziria Waako Tibalwa, the Chief Executive Officer, who has been recognized by Public Opinions as a Uganda Development Champion. She is widely praised by government officials as a dedicated leader committed to advancing Uganda’s electricity sector.
Under President Museveni’s leadership, access to electricity in Uganda has grown remarkably from just 6% in 1986 to over 40% today. This transformation has been made possible through strategic investments in national grid extension, rural electrification programs, and innovative off-grid solutions.
The government has also heavily invested in hydropower generation, launching key projects such as the Karuma Dam and Isimba Dam, which have significantly increased the country’s electricity generation capacity. ERA has worked closely with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to ensure the efficient operation, regulation, and maintenance of these infrastructure projects.
In addition to regulatory and operational efforts, ERA has remained committed to raising public awareness about the milestones achieved in the electricity sector under President Museveni’s leadership.
Recognizing these efforts, Public Opinions recently honored 21 individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the transformation of Uganda’s electricity sector under the stewardship of President Museveni.
As compiled by Public Opinions, this is how carefully selected and approved key Leaders explain the key achievements of President Museveni in the sensitive electricity sub-sector.
1. H.E Jessica Alupo
Vice President
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has expanded transmission infrastructure, adding 1,418 km of transmission lines since 2021 to the main grid, to improve power supply reliability and reduce transmission losses.
2. Rt Hon Anita Annet Among
Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has promoted industrialization by establishing a US 5.7 Cents per kWh Tariff for industrialists, to reduce the cost of electricity and increase competitiveness.
3. Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja
Prime Minister of Uganda
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has constructed the 248 km Karuma-Kawanda 400kV transmission line and associated substations, enabling evacuation of power from the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant.
4. Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa
Deputy Speaker of Parliament
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has introduced a Cooking Tariff of UGX 412 per kWh for domestic consumers, to promote clean cooking and reduce reliance on biomass fuels.
5. Hon.Janet Kataaha Museveni
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has increased the legally Grid-Connected Customer Base from approximately 180,000 Customers in 2001 to 2,376,008 in 2025 and promoted access to electricity for all Ugandans.
6. Hon.Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu
Minister Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has promoted consumer protection through the establishment of a Consumer Protection Center to protect the rights of electricity consumers.
7. Gen Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh
Chief Coordinator, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC)
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has invested in the development of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
8. Eng.Ziria Tibalwa Waako
CEO Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has increased generation capacity from 1,287.5 MW in March 2021 to 2,049 MW in March 2025, with the commissioning of the Karuma Hydropower Project in 2024.
9. Rt.Hon Richard Todwong
NRM Secretary General
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has licensed new Wind, Geothermal, and Waste-to-Energy technologies to promote the use of renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.
10. Hon Judith Nabakooba
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development
The NRM Government under the visionary Leadership of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has invested in expanding electricity access to municipalities, prioritizing reliable electricity supply and solar-powered road lighting systems. Through initiatives like the Electricity Access Scale-up Project, the government aims to enhance energy access, boost economic opportunities, and drive socio-economic transformation nationwide.
11. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba
Chief of Defence Forces (UPDF) and SPA/SO
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has promoted energy efficiency through the development of energy-efficient appliances and lighting to reduce energy consumption.
12. Hon Evelyn Anite
Minister of State Privatization and Investment
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni successfully connected the West Nile to the National Grid in 2024 through a USD 127 Million Grid Expansion and reinforcement project (GERP); Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission line.
13. Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi
Chairperson Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has constructed a dedicated 11kV feed for the Mbale Regional referral Hospital to guarantee reliable power supply, Mbale Ring 1 11kV feeder was also split to improve reliability in Mbale town; the Mbale 33/11kV Substation was also upgraded from 20 to 40MVA to provide adequate power supply for Mbale and its neighborhood.
14. Col Edith Nakalema
Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU)
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has upgraded the distribution network, including the construction of new substations and distribution lines, to improve power supply reliability. The network currently stretches 70,565 km.
15. Hon Moses Byaruhanga
Senior Presidential Advisor in Charge of Political Mobilization
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has connected all district headquarters to the National electricity grid except Buvuma District and promoted access to electricity for all Ugandans.
16. Hon Odrek Rwabwogo
Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID)
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has reduced the No-Pole electricity connection cost from UGX 720,883 to UGX 470,000, to make electricity connections more affordable for Ugandans.
17. Hajjati Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye
Head of the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) & Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has established a credit facility for electricity connections, allowing customers to access a credit facility of up to UGX 270,000, and promoting access to electricity for all Ugandans.
18. Mr Edwin Karugire
Founding partner K & K Advocates
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has invested in the development of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transmission lines, to support economic growth and development.
19. Ms Hellen Seku
The Commissioner for National Secretariat for Patriotism
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has established regional offices for the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) to bring regulatory services closer to electricity users, and promote access to electricity for all Ugandans.
20. Ms Jane Barekye
State House Comptroller
The NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni has promoted economic growth and development through the provision of reliable and affordable electricity, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
21. Ms. Irene Bateebe
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
The NRM Government, under the leadership of President Museveni, established and strengthened the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) to regulate and oversee the liberalized electricity sector and promote fair competition.
Rural Electrification Transforms lives:
ERA’s rural electrification programs, such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) now in ministry of Energy, have extended electricity access to remote areas, promoting economic development and improving livelihoods. These initiatives have transformed the lives of thousands of Ugandans, providing them with access to clean water, healthcare, and education.
Renewable Energy Promotion:
President Museveni’s administration has encouraged the development and use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. ERA has created an enabling environment for private sector investment in renewable energy, leading to the development of several solar and wind power projects.
Electricity Sector Reforms:
The government through ERA has implemented reforms to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the electricity sector including the unbundling of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) and the establishment of independent regulators like ERA. These reforms have led to increased private sector participation, improved service delivery, and enhanced consumer protection.
Generation Capacity Increases:
President Museveni’s government has added new generation capacity to the grid, reducing power shortages and improving reliability, with a focus on sustainable and renewable energy sources. ERA has worked closely with generation companies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and international standards.
Transmission and Distribution Upgrades:
The government has invested in upgrading and expanding the transmission and distribution infrastructure, reducing power losses and improving the overall efficiency of the electricity supply system. ERA has monitored these investments to ensure that they meet the required standards and regulations.
Awards and Recognition:
ERA’s outstanding achievements have earned it the 2023 Responsible Investment Global Certification Award as the Best Regulatory Authority in Uganda. Its CEO, Eng. Wako Ziria, was nominated to feature on the Uganda Development Champions Who is Who Poster by Public Opinions to be out in June this year in appreciation of her unwavering dedication towards ensuring clean, reliable, and affordable electricity in Uganda.
“The Electricity Regulatory Authority’s achievements under President Museveni’s leadership demonstrate a clear commitment to developing Uganda’s electricity sector, promoting economic growth, and improving the quality of life for Ugandans. As the country continues to grow and develop, ERA remains dedicated to ensuring that all Ugandans have access to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity”. Julius Wandera Director of Corporate Affairs at ERA stated.
