BY OUN JASPHER
KAMPALA: As stakeholders gathered in fulfillment of a statutory mandate under the Electricity Act, CAP 157, Eng. Grania Rosette Rubomboras, the Chairperson of the Electricity Regulator Authority paid tribute to her predecessor, Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi.
During the public hearing for the 2026 annual tariff review She stated: “Since my appointment as chairperson of the Electricity Regulator Authority in October 2025, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the appointing authority for the trust bestowed upon me and the new board to oversee this vital sector. I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, for the solid foundation she established during her tenure.”
She said this is the opportunity to interrogate the applications and ask the relevant questions, such as the proposed costs prudent? Do they reflect value for money? And most importantly. How will they impact service delivery and benefit the final consumer.
Under her leadership, the ERA has been committed to transparency and inclusivity in all aspects of regulation.
Eng. Rubomboras stated that “regulation must be participatory and transparent.” a belief, as the electricity tariff is not just a bill – it has a significant impact on industries, households, job creation, and the overall socioeconomic transformation of Uganda.
In order to ensure fair and reasonable tariff prices, the ERA follows a transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based process.
The recent public hearing for the 2026 base tariffs was a prime example of this, where stakeholders were given the opportunity to scrutinize and give their opinions on the applications submitted by UEDCL and others.
According to Rubomboras, with the end of Umeme Limited’s concession in March 2025, this year is unique as it marks a transition period.
As she stated, “the applications you will hear today reflect a shift in operational responsibility.” This includes provisions to ensure the readiness of UEDCL to assume its distribution mandate.
Rubomboras said rest assured, the ERA is diligently managing this transition while taking into account the concerns of stakeholders.
According to her, the core of this transition is the continuity and reliability of service, as well as price stability.
“These are the top priorities for the ERA during this period, as they work tirelessly to ensure that the change of guard in distribution business results in efficiency gains” she explained.
Rubomboras confirmed that the proces will support the industrialization of Uganda and contribute to the country’s overall economic transformation.
”As a regulator, the ERA’s role is often described as a balancing act. On one side, they must ensure the sustainability of the electricity supply industry, while also considering the interests of consumers and other stakeholders” she added.
Eng. Rubomboras and her team have been able to navigate this balancing act with great skill and diligence, paving the way for a brighter and more efficient future for the electricity sector in Uganda.
The public hearing for the 2026 annual tariff review was attended by partners like; Uganda Electricity Generation Company, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company led by Paul Mwesigwa, World Bank led by Joel Kapiika- World Bank Energy Specialist, Kira Motors among others.
