Eng Ziria Waako Tibalwa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), has been honored with the prestigious 2026 Uganda Affordable and Reliable Electricity Champion Accolade. This recognition highlights her significant contributions alongside 11 other distinguished leaders who have played pivotal roles in aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Eng Ziria’s unwavering commitment to realizing the promises outlined in the NRM manifesto within the electricity sector has been a driving force in her career, showcasing her dedication to enhancing Uganda’s energy landscape.
In addition to her professional achievements, Eng Ziria is celebrated for her loyalty as a patriotic cadre of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), effectively executing directives from H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda. Her integrity and allegiance to her political supervisors in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development have further solidified her reputation. Eng Ziria has actively engaged in promoting President Museveni’s accomplishments within the electricity subsector, even disseminating informative posters that highlight these achievements, thereby reinforcing her role as a committed leader in Uganda’s journey towards reliable and affordable electricity for all.
As of April 2026, the NRM government reported significant achievements in the electricity sector, claiming 88% implementation of its 2021–2026 manifesto promises. Key achievements focusing on infrastructure development and expanding access.
The progress in the electricity sub-sector is nothing short of extraordinary. Since 2021, Uganda’s total installed generation capacity has surged from 1,362 megawatts (MW) to an impressive 2,049 MW as of October 9, 2025. This increase of 687 MW reflects the government’s commitment to meeting the growing energy demands of the nation and ensuring that households and businesses alike can access reliable electricity.
In tandem with this increase in generation capacity, the total transmission grid length has expanded from 3,431 kilometers (KM) to 5,140 KM. This remarkable growth in infrastructure underscores the government’s dedication to improving the delivery of electricity across the country. Additionally, the total network length has increased from 56,092 KM to an impressive 71,346 KM, further enhancing connectivity for Uganda’s citizens.
In tandem with this increase in generation capacity, the total transmission grid length has expanded from 3,431 kilometers (KM) to 5,140 KM. This remarkable growth in infrastructure underscores the government’s dedication to improving the delivery of electricity across the country. Additionally, the total network length has increased from 56,092 KM to an impressive 71,346 KM, further enhancing connectivity for Uganda’s citizens.
As part of the government’s efforts to ensure electricity reaches every corner of the nation, the number of grid-connected households has seen a significant rise, jumping from 1,687,267 to 2,327,898. This achievement, attributed to the relentless work of President Museveni and Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister for Energy and Minerals Development, demonstrates a commitment to electrifying rural and urban areas.
With a focus on expanding access to electricity, Uganda has witnessed a remarkable increase in new connections. The number of new connections has surged from 1,782,085 to 2,430,489, empowering more households to benefit from electricity services. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and effort of the Electricity Regulatory Authority and its partners in ensuring that no Ugandan is left in the dark.
Moreover, the ERA has successfully decreased energy losses from 19.1% to 16.9%, showcasing its commitment to improving efficiency and reliability within the electricity supply chain. These achievements are a direct result of the ERA’s proactive measures and regulatory oversight, which have made it one of the most effective regulatory bodies in the nation.
Under the leadership of Eng. Ziria Waako, the Electricity Regulatory Authority has been instrumental in disseminating information about the government’s achievements in the electricity sector. To date, ERA has distributed around 1 million posters detailing the milestones reached under President Museveni’s leadership. This outreach effort underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the sector, allowing Ugandans to appreciate the progress made.
The Electricity Regulatory Authority operates under a comprehensive mandate established by the Electricity Act, CAP 157, which includes licensing, tariff setting, consumer protection, and the promotion of renewable energy. By enforcing technical and safety standards, approving contracts, and ensuring fair practices in the market, the ERA plays a crucial role in maintaining a sustainable electricity supply industry.
As Uganda celebrates its independence and reflects on its journey, the ERA’s accomplishments in the electricity sub-sector stand as a beacon of hope and progress. The continued support of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government and industry partners has been vital in driving these initiatives forward, ensuring that the dream of a sustainable energy future becomes a reality for all Ugandans.
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