Electricity Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako says Uganda is blessed to host the Independent Regulatory Board (IRB) secretariat as it would among other things improve the country’s image, provide training and employment opportunities to Ugandans. She adds that hosting this secretariat also presents the country and the East African region at large with an opportunity to boost economic activity.
Eng. Ziria made the remarks as she; alongside Foreign affairs minister Gen. Abubaker Jeje Odongo signed the Country Hosting Agreement for the Independent Regulatory Board (IRB) of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) on February 7 2024 at the ministry headquarters in Kampala.
The Country Hosting Agreement represents the Government’s commitment to host the IRB Secretariat in Kampala and grant it diplomatic status and tax exemption.
Eng. Ziria also informed the minister that hosting the IRB Secretariat, among other benefits, provides Uganda with an opportunity to contribute to the development of an effective Regional Electricity market which will ensure supply security, improve sector efficiencies, improve reliability and spur economic development.
Meanwhile, Gen. Jeje who is also the MP for Orungo county, thanked the Technical Teams for spearheading the hosting of the IRB Secretariat.
He emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensure the country’s development by investing in the necessary Energy infrastructure.
The East Africa Power Pool (EAPP) as a specialized institution of COMESA was created in 2006 by the Eleventh Summit of the Heads of State. It has grown to over 13 (Thirteen) member countries that signed the Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding (IGMOU).
In Uganda, Cabinet on May 8 2023 approved to host the Secretariat of the IRB in Kampala.
The IRB is mandated to provide fair and effective regulatory services to facilitate the development and efficient operation of the regional Electricity market in Eastern Africa and to ensure a conducive environment for Regional infrastructure investments.
