KAMPALA, Uganda — The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s participation in the energy sector, positioning inclusivity as a cornerstone of Uganda’s sustainable development agenda.
Speaking at the Women in Energy Forum 2026 held on Tuesday at the UMA Multipurpose Hall, ERA Chief Executive Officer Ziria Tibalwa Waako said empowering women is no longer a matter of choice but a national imperative.
“Inclusivity is not optional; it is essential for equitable growth, empowered communities, and long-term sustainability,” she emphasized.
Eng. Tibalwa highlighted the progress of the Women in Energy Initiative, which over the past eight years has grown into a transformative national platform. The initiative has reached more than 50,000 students across 78 secondary schools, inspiring girls to pursue careers in science, technology, and energy-related fields.
However, she noted that persistent systemic barriers continue to limit female participation in the sector. These include entrenched gender stereotypes, limited exposure to STEM careers, and a lack of visible female role models.
Too often, talented young women move through the education system without the guidance or encouragement needed to enter this field,” she said, calling for deliberate and sustained interventions to bridge the gap.
ERA Board Chairperson Grania Rosette Rubomboras underscored the importance of sustained investment in skills development, particularly through the Authority’s Graduate Training Programme.
“Through deliberate investments supported annually with over Shs2 billion, we are equipping young professionals, especially women, with practical skills, industry exposure, and confidence,” she said.
Rubomboras noted that such initiatives are critical in helping graduates transition from academic training into impactful careers within the energy sector. She called for continued efforts to build a sector that reflects the full potential of the nation.
“As we look ahead, we must remain committed to an energy sector that is inclusive, forward-looking, and driven by women who are not only participants but leaders,” she added.
The forum also featured powerful testimonies from industry professionals, including Anena Jenneth Mwa, a Senior Projects Engineer at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
Sharing her journey from a curious child fascinated by mechanical work to leading major field operations, Anena described energy as more than infrastructure.
“Energy is a driver of opportunity, empowerment, and access,” she said, urging stakeholders to invest in mentorship, expand educational access, and foster inclusive workplaces.
The Women in Energy Forum continues to serve as a vital platform for strengthening capacity, inspiring the next generation, and advancing equal opportunities across Uganda’s energy landscape.
As Uganda navigates its energy transition and development goals, ERA leaders stressed that women must be placed at the center, not at the margins, of the sector’s future.