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