ERA applauds UMEME’s role in Uganda’s power sector transition

31 December 2024, 1:31 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Ms. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, has applauded UMEME Limited for its commendable work. She made these remarks during the handover ceremony held at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

“The year 2024 has been transformative for the Electricity Regulatory Authority and the electricity sub-sector at large, marked by significant achievements across the value chain,” she stated.

According to the CEO, power generation has grown to 2,049MW, boosted by the commissioning of the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant and other smaller plants. “Tariffs have been reduced across all consumer categories, with targeted incentives implemented to foster economic growth, enhance societal well-being, and increase access to electricity. While the Authority, working with distribution companies, has made deliberate efforts to ensure customers access reliable and quality power, this has been affected by vandalism and theft of electricity equipment in different parts of the country,” she added.

This transition aligns with the Government of Uganda’s decision not to renew expiring electricity distribution concessions and licenses, marking a significant milestone in the sector’s evolution. “The Electricity Regulatory Authority acknowledges the critical importance of this transition in shaping Uganda’s electricity sub-sector, representing a pivotal step towards advancing the country’s energy goals, improving service delivery, and ensuring a sustainable electricity supply for all Ugandans,” Waako said.

As part of this transition, all staff will receive new terms of employment aligned with the approved framework for operations post-March 2025. These terms, according to the CEO, are designed to leverage existing workflows, personal development strategies, and operational systems to ensure minimal disruption.

The ERA also appreciates the unwavering dedication and professionalism of UMEME Limited staff in serving electricity consumers across the country. Their expertise has been instrumental in supporting the sector’s success since the reforms that introduced private sector participation and established Uganda’s globally admired electricity supply industry. “I take this opportunity to thank the Government of Uganda, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, and the ERA Board, which have enabled us to achieve the progress reported,” she said.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, also expressed gratitude to UMEME Limited for its service to the country. She emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited to ensure smooth operations. “I want to thank UMEME Limited for doing a great job. The government, however, will not tolerate any indiscipline. I want to assure all the workers that they should not worry about anything but should continue doing their work,” Nankabirwa said.