Code-named Women in Energy, the ERA Corporate Social Responsibility Project has been making significant strides since its inception in 2019. This year, the project has once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering women in the Energy Sector as well as inspiring other females to take up the available opportunities in the Energy sector.

This year's edition kicked off with an X-space, on the theme: The Need to Increase the Participation of Women at Strategic Level in the Energy Sector.

During the X-space discussion, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, emphasized the need for women in the Energy sector to be knowledgeable and to serve diligently with excellence in the various offices they hold. This call to action is significant as women must be equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive in a male-dominated sector.

The ERA Chairperson, Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, accentuated the Authority's introduction of the Cooking Tariff to enable women to benefit from clean cooking. Having said that, Dr. Wasagali highlighted that such efforts were aimed at mitigating the health hazards that come with cooking using biomass. She articulated that this initiative was critical for promoting women's health and well-being, as clean cooking methods are essential for reducing indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases that result from traditional cooking methods.  

In the thick of the discussion, Eng. Mildred Nanono, the Technical Manager of the Nalubaale-Kiira Generation Complex expressed appreciation for the support system that she received through her education. Eng Nanono implored women to deliver selflessly and excellently in the different roles that they are assigned. She highlighted that by excelling in their work, women can build confidence in other women to take on more challenging roles and break barriers in male-dominated spaces.

On 13th March, 2024, the Authority hosted the Second Edition of the Women in Energy Forum and Dinner, under the theme: A Working Strategy to Address Gender Disparities in the Energy Sector. The ceremony was graced by Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu as the Chief Guest. While delivering her remarks, Hon. Nankabirwa urged school administrators to support the learners in establishing networks as well as interacting with their mentors.

The Keynote Speaker at the Forum, Mr. Joseph Kapika, a Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank Group, highlighted the importance of uplifting women to accelerate progress in the sector. Mr. Kapika stressed that when women are empowered to lead, everyone benefits.

The Forum featured Four (4) panel discussions. The first panel consisting of students from Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga, Mengo SS, and Kibuli SS shed light on the Challenges female students face in the pursuit of science-related careers, and what can be done differently.

For the second panel, female Engineering students from Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, and Busitema University also shared insights on the Challenges female students face in the pursuit of science-related careers, and what can be done differently.

The third panel featured representatives from UBTEB, UNCHE, Makerere University, and Nakawa Vocational Institute.  Its discussion revolved around identifying and addressing Gaps in Career Guidance in Academic institutions.

The final panel composed of ladies who serve in the Energy Sector, with representation from ERA, Frontier Energy, Umeme Limited, and the Women in Energy and Extractives Network discussed a Working Strategy to address Gender Disparities in the Energy Sector.

During the Forum, Women who have served the Energy Sector exceptionally over the years were awarded; namely: Ms. Florence Nsubuga - the Chief Executive Officer at Berkeley Energy, Ms. Annicent Busingye - the Chief Executive Officer at Frontier Energy, Ms. Thozama Gangi – the former Managing Director of Eskom Uganda Limited, and Ms. Josephine Okui Ossiya - the Chief Executive Officer at Capital Markets Authority. The ERA Chairperson decorated students with the Women in Energy badge, as a token of appreciation for their active engagement and participation in the discussion.

The Forum also attracted the participation of various institutions such as Ndejje University, Uganda Martyrs University, West Nile Rural Electrification Company Limited, Kilembe Investments Limited, among others.