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ERA boss Ziria Tibalwa Waako awarded Uganda Development Champions Award by Public Opinions

Kampala, (UG):- The Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako has been recognized with the prestigious Uganda Development Champions Award 2024 by Public Opinions.

This award is a testament to her outstanding contributions to promoting and implementing Uganda’s electricity sector development.

The Top 100 list recognizes Uganda Development Champions and Leaders for their exceptional contributions to achieving Uganda Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).

Buyinza Adam Luzizndana CEO of Public Opinions and the brain behind this certified list says the 100 recognized leaders have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to realizing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision of socio-economic transformation of Uganda’s economy.

“The Uganda Development Champions Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Uganda’s development. Eng. Waako’s recognition is a testament to her hard work and dedication to promoting Uganda’s electricity sector development,” Buyinza Adam pointed out.

“Her achievement serves as a motivation to others to follow in her footsteps and contribute to Uganda’s development,” the Public Opinions Team Leader adds.

Why Eng Waako deserved the award

Under Eng Waako’s leadership, ERA has achieved remarkable milestones in transforming Uganda’s electricity sector. Electricity access has increased from 6% in 1986 to 51% today, exceeding initial targets of 40%. Strategic investments in grid extension, rural electrification programs, and off-grid solutions have driven this growth.

Eng. Waako has been instrumental in promoting and implementing the directives of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda. Her commitment to achieving the President’s vision for Uganda’s development has been evident in her work.

“She has supported initiatives designed to create awareness of the achievements of the NRM Government and reformed the Electricity Regulatory Authority to be the most effective regulatory authority in Uganda since 2022,” Hajat Hadijah Namyalo the Head of the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) said of the ERA boss.

Posters on President Museveni achievements in the electricity sectors are being distributed in the presidential wealth creation tours as part of creating awareness on NRM Manifesto achievements.

As CEO of ERA, Eng. Waako has provided strategic direction to the organization, ensuring that it effectively delivers on its mandate efficiently. She has also promoted regional and international cooperation making ERA the most visible Electricity Regulatory Authority in East and Central Africa.

With over 30 years of work experience in Uganda’s electricity sector, 15 of which have been at senior management level, Eng. Waako possesses vast knowledge and expertise in the field. She holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University, and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership from Walden University, USA.

Eng. Waako is a registered engineer with the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers and the National Engineers Registration Board. She is also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) of New York.

Recognizable achievements

The Government of Uganda under the dedicated leadership of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has achieved remarkable milestones in transforming the country’s electricity sector.

Through the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), electricity access has skyrocketed from 6% in 1986 to 51% today, exceeding initial targets of 40%. Strategic investments in grid extension, rural electrification programs, and off-grid solutions have driven this growth.

Notable hydropower projects like Karuma Dam and Isimba Dam have significantly increased electricity generation capacity. ERA’s efforts have reduced energy losses from 30% to 16% and expanded the grid-connected customer base from 180,000 to 1,643,288, including off-grid customers.

Nine licensed electricity distribution companies now serve previously underserved rural communities, demonstrating Museveni’s commitment to developing Uganda’s electricity sector, promoting economic growth, and improving Ugandans’ quality of life.

In addition to her work at ERA, Eng. Waako has also served as the Director of the Technical Regulation Department at ERA. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing policies and regulations that have driven growth in the electricity sector.

Eng. Waako’s recognition with the Uganda Development Champions Award is a well-deserved honor, considering her exceptional contributions to Uganda’s development. Her commitment to promoting and implementing Uganda’s electricity sector development has not gone unnoticed, and she continues to be a shining example of leadership and dedication in the sector.

The recognition of Eng. Waako and other development champions is a significant milestone in Uganda’s development journey. It highlights the importance of collective efforts in achieving the country’s vision of transforming into a competitive upper-middle-income country by 2040.

Full list of the 2024 TOP 100 Certified Uganda Development Champions by Public Opinions Int’l.

  1. The Rt Hon Moses Kigongo
    1stVice Chairman, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  2. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga
    The 2nd National Vice-chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  3. Rt Hon Richard Todwong
    Secretary General, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  4. H.E Jessica Alupo
    Vice President of Uganda
  5. The Rt Hon Anita Annet Among
    Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda
  6. The Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa
    Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda
  7. The Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja
    Prime Minister of Uganda
  8. Hon Janet Kataha Museveni
    First Lady of Uganda, Minister of Sports and Education
  9. Dr Daina Atwiine
    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
  10. The Rt Hon Amama Mbabazi
    Former Prime Minister of Uganda
  11. Dr Sudhir Ruparelia
    Chairman-Ruparelia Group
  12. H.E Hon Barbara Nekesa Lumolo
    National Treasurer, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  13. Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso
    Senior Presidential Advisor on Security
  14. Mrs.Anyine Janet
    Deputy Director General-External Security Organization (ESO)
  15. Hajat Hadijah Namyalo
    The Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC).
  16. M.Gloria Asio Omaswa
    Principal Private Secretary to the President
  17. Ms Hellen Seku
    The Commissioner in charge of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps
  18. Mr.Mathias Magoola
    Managing Director- Dei BioPharma Ltd
  19. Mrs.Jane Barekye
    The State House Comptroller
  20. Hon Evelyn Anite
    Minister of State for Investment and Privatization
  21. Mr.Lawrence Muganga
    Vice Chancellor-Victoria University
  22. Dr Pius Bigirimana
    Secretary to the Judiciary
  23. Charles Ssentongo
    Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  24. Brig Gen Michael Kabango
    Chief of Staff – Land Force (CoS – LF)
  25. Lieutenant Colonel Edith Nakalema
    Head-State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU)
  26. The Rt Hon Ruhakana Rugunda
    Former Prime Minister of Uganda
  27. Hon Dr Fred Mukasa Mbidde
    Vice President-Democratic Party
  28. Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh
    Chief Coordinator – Operation Wealth Creation (OWC)
  29. Haji Faruk Kirunda
    Special Presidential Assistant-Press and Mobilization-Deputy Press Secretary
  30. Mr Lawrence Ssemakula
    Accountant General, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MFPED)
  31. Pastor Aloysius Bugingo
    Managing Director of Salt Media Group of Companies, Head of House of Prayer Ministries
  32. Aggrey Wuunyi
    Undersecretary-Uganda Police Force
  33. Hon. Judith Nabakooba
    Minister-Ministry of Lands,Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD)
  34. Dr. Johnson Byabashaija
    Commissioner General of Prisons
  35. H.E Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi
    Former Vice President
  36. Dr Dithan Kiragga
    Executive Director of Baylor Foundation Uganda.
  37. Dr Sarah Wasagali
    Chairperson Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
  38. AIGP Brig Christopher Ddamulira
    Director, Directorate of Crime Intelligence Uganda Police Force
  39. Dr Luisa Napolitano
    Medical Coordinator-The Children’s Surgical Hospital, Entebbe
  40. Gen.Gowa Kasita
    Director for Citizenship and Immigration Control
  41. Hajjat Aisha Lubega
    Deputy Chairperson
  42. Hon Nyombi Thembo
    Executive Director-Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
  43. Hon Rose Namayanja
    Deputy Secretary General
  44. Mr. Charles Oluka
    Director General-Internal Security Organisation (ISO)
  45. Counsel Simon Peter Musangala
    Managing Partner-Musangala Advocates and Solicitors
  46. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga
    Commander Land Force (CLF)
  47. Ms Carol Bainamaryo
    Member-Electoral Commission
  48. Gen Jack Agonza Bakasumba,
    Chief Joint Staff (CJS)-Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF)
  49. Hon Dr Tanga Odoi
    Chairman, NRM Electoral Commission (EC)
  50. Mr. Edwin Karugire
    Partner- K & K Advocates
  51. Col Emmy Katabazi
    Deputy Director General-Internal Security Organisation (ISO)
  52. Gen. David Muhoozi
    Minister of State for Internal Affairs
  53. Haji Erias Kiyemba
    Board Member-Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
  54. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire
    Minister for Internal Affairs
  55. Mr. Sandor Walusimbi
    Senior Press Secretary to H.E the President of Uganda.
  56. Haji Gadaffi Nassur
    Chairperson, youth league), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  57. Hon. Hashim Magongo
    President-Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)
  58. Hon. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa
    Permanent Secretary-Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  59. Gen. Francis Takirwa
    Acting Deputy Commander Land Force (D/CLF)
  60. Prof Pamela Mbabazi
    Chairperson -National Planning Authority (NPA)
  61. Mrs Rose Byengoma
    Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defense
  62. Hon.Dominic Mafabi Gidudu
    Chairperson, Elders’ League), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  63. Dr Tom Magambo
    Director- Directorate of Criminal Investigations ,Uganda Police Force
  64. Moses Byaruhanga
    Senior Presidential Advisor Political Affairs
  65. Eng Ziria Waako
    Chief Executive Officer-Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
  66. Hon.Adolf Mwesigye
    Clerk to Parliament of Uganda
  67. Gen.Charles Okidi
    Commander Air Force (CAF)-Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF)
  68. Hon.James Tweheyo
    Chairperson, Workers’ League), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  69. Gen. Samuel Okiding
    Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector of Defence Forces (DCDF/IG)
  70. H.E Godfrey Kirumira
    Honorary Consul of Namibia to Uganda
  71. Hon.Mwesigwa Rukari
    Chairperson, Entrepreneurs’ League),National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  72. Hon.Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama
    Chairperson-Electoral Commission
  73. Lady Judge Jane Frances Abodo
    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of Uganda
  74. Hon Gen Jim Muhwezi
    Chairperson, Veteran’s League), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  75. Professor Paul Waako
    Vice Chancellor-Busitema University
  76. Hon.Gabriel Kato
    Chairperson, PWDs League),National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  77. AIGP John Ngaruye Ndungutse
    Former Director East Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization Counter Terrorism Centre of Excellence
  78. Hon.Capt. Mike Mukula
    National Vice Chairman (Eastern), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  79. Brig.Felix Kulaigye
    Spokesman of Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF)
  80. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi
    National Vice Chairman (Western), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  81. Hon Godfrey. Kiwanda Ssuubi
    National Vice Chairman (Central), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  82. Hon.Singh Katongole
    National Vice Chairman (Kampala), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  83. Hon.Obua Denis Hamson
    Chairperson of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus/Government Chief Whip
  84. Hon.Jacqueline Kyatuhaire
    Deputy National Treasurer,National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  85. Hajat Madina Naham
    Director for Finance and AdministratioN, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  86. Mr.Toyota Michael Nuwagira
    Vice Chairman Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU)
  87. Hon.Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde
    Director Mobilization, Cadre identification, Recruitment and Placement
    National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  88. Haji Yunus Kakande
    Secretary, Office of the President
  89. Counsel Enoch Barata
    Director Legal Affairs, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  90. Dr Kayunga Sallie Simba
    Commissioner-Electoral Commission
  91. Mr.Joseph Ocwet
    Director General-External Security Organization (ESO)
  92. Hon.Kiryowa Kiwanuka
    Attorney General
  93. IGP Abbas Byakagaba
    Inspector General of Uganda Police Force
  94. Maj Gen David Mugisha
    Commander -Special Forces Command (SFC)
  95. Mr.Juma Witonze
    Aspiring for Member of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and Community Development Promoter in Buganda Region
  96. Maj Gen James Birungi
    Chief of Military Intelligence
  97. Muhoozi Kainerugaba
    Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF)
  98. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi
    Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs
  99. Odrek Rwabwogo
    Chairperson- The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID)
  100. Ramathan Ggoobi
    Permanent Secretary / Secretary to the Treasury – Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MFPED).

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