The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has continued to exhibit leadership capabilities not only at continental level, but also among fellow regulatory bodies within the country.
Whereas the power regulator under Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako (Chief Executive Officer) is holding the continental accolade as the best regulator in Africa for the fifth year running, the same entity has been entrusted with continued steering of newly established National Regulators’ Association of Uganda.
This association which brings together all regulatory bodies in the country, has been launched today by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at Sheraton hotel.
The regulators whose participants included board chairpersons and chief executives of the various Authorities, unanimously agreed to retain both Ziria and Wasagali in their current interim positions as Chairperson Executive Council and Chairperson Governing Council respectively of the Association.
The motion to retain both women of purpose in those offices was moved by Alinaffe Kasule, the board chairperson of Financial Intelligence Authority-FIA and unanimously seconded by all members.
Kasule said that since the two ladies are the brains behind the formation of this noble association, they needed more time to continue nurturing it until such a time when elections can be held to select a substantive leadership.
Addressing the gathering, a joyful Ziria commended chairpersons and accounting officers of all regulatory agencies for their critical contribution towards realization of the dream to have an umbrella body for Regulators.
She described the event as a significant milestone in the road towards enhancing Uganda’s Regulatory landscape.
“After 28 months of careful deliberations and strategic engagements, the interim committee finally delivers the National Regulators’ Association of Uganda to it’s formalization phase. This association is a platform where national regulatory agencies in Uganda can periodically interact to exchange ideas, knowledge, perspectives, views and experiences relating to their respective mandates with a view of supporting each other to the national Development agenda and strengthening cohesion” she said.
She described the launch of this association as a pivotal moment in their collective efforts to drive collaboration and competencies to reduce on the weight they carry when act individually.
Ziria noted that while all regulators have each got different mandates in their respective sectors and also pursue unique visions, they all share a common goal of ensuring improved welfare of the wanainchi.
Meanwhile, the interim chairperson Wasagali, described the formation of this association as a visionary step spearheaded by ERA with a goal of aligning and synergizing efforts to achieve the strategic aspirations of the government.
“The formation of this association is driven by the need for collaboration and unity among the different sectors of our economy, all working towards a common goal of improved delivery for the people of Uganda. This association is poised to provide a platform where regulatory bodies can collaborate, understand each other’s roles, leverage each other’s strengths and synergize their efforts to support Uganda’s strategic objectives” she said.
She commended President Museveni for his unwavering support for the different sectors of the economy and ambitious aspirations he sets for Regulators.
“I also congratulate the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja for doing us proud as women of Africa by (scooping) the Global Women’s award in the US. You inspire us so much. You’re full of energy and we’re proud of you” Wasagali told Nabbanja who is also the patron of the Association.
The state minister for Energy Okasai who represented sector minister Ruth Nankabirwa, noted that in today’s fast changing world, where economic development, technological advancements and environmental challenges are intricately interlinked, the role of regulators has become more critical than ever before.
“Effective regulation requires more than just individual effort but it demands collaboration and harmonization across all sectors. The need for harmonized planning is not just an ideal, but it is a necessity. As regulators, you must move from working in silos and embrace a culture of collaboration” he said.
Officiating at the launch, Premier Robinah Nabbanja noted that this association will enhance regulatory effectiveness and also help government achieve it’s national aspirations outlined in the National Development Plan, Vision 2040, NRM manifesto and Presidential Directives among others.
“The association represents a key step towards building a strong, cohesive and effective regulatory environment that will significantly contribute to Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation.
By fostering unity, this association will improve efficiency, minimize corruption, mitigate duplications and ensure regulatory frameworks are aligned with national policies, best international practices and global standards” she said.
The premier also used the occasion and directed ERA CEO Ziria to rush to Mbale Industrial Park and devise means of supplying Industrialists with cheap electricity as directed by Museveni.
She said whereas investors in this park like Paul Zhang were promised power sold at 5 US cents, he is paying 12 US cents on peak hours and 9 US cents during off peak which she said makes the cost of production very high.
“We’re making the President deceive. They (investors) look at him as a liar. This must stop. As patron of this association, I am directing Ziria that before the week ends, go to Mbale Industrial Park and see how to assist” she ordered.
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
In June 2022, an interim committee chaired by Wasagali was appointed during their inaugural breakfast meeting. The Committee comprised 10 key agencies from various sectors. It is this committee which laid the groundwork leading to the birth of the Association launched today. The interim leaders have been granted more life in the chair until the next Annual General Meeting when a substantive leadership will be elected.
