On 10th April 2025, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), received global recognition at the Global Power Women Awards held in London. This prestigious award celebrates the strength, influence, and transformative impact of female leadership under the theme: “Celebrating the Strength of Female Leadership, Honouring Her Power, Role Modelling Excellence & Inspiring Change.”
Among her many achievements Eng. Tibalwa was recognized for her outstanding contributions to Uganda’s electricity sector and broader economic development. Electricity access in Uganda has reached an impressive 51%, significantly improving the livelihoods of millions.
Under her leadership, Eng. Tibalwa has contributed to the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Karuma and Isimba hydropower dams, which have significantly enhanced Uganda’s installed generation capacity.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Under her leadership, ERA was recognized for five consecutive years (2018–2022) by the African Development Bank as having the best regulatory framework in Africa, based on the Electricity Regulatory Index studies conducted by the Bank.
In addition to international accolades, Eng. Tibalwa has received several national honors. On Labour Day in 2023, she was awarded the Crested Crane Medal by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for outstanding performance in Uganda’s electricity supply industry. In May 2024, she received the Abeto Peace Award for her reconciliatory leadership approach and commitment to peace and tolerance in public service.
One of her most impactful initiatives is the Women in Energy Project, launched in 2019. This program aims to empower young girls to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by equipping them with essential knowledge, skills, and mentorship. The project has so far reached 65 schools across Uganda’s Central, Eastern, Northern, West Nile, and Western regions, impacting thousands of students with career guidance and technical training.
A trailblazer in both education and energy, Eng. Tibalwa is a strong advocate for women’s advancement within the energy sector. She actively supports professional development through mentorship, capacity-building programs, and initiatives that improve women’s access to capital and leadership opportunities.
Her visionary leadership continues to inspire a new generation of women and girls across heart of Uganda to the far reaches of Africa and across the Globe. By breaking barriers and championing gender equity, Eng. Tibalwa is shaping a more inclusive and empowered future in energy and STEM-related fields.