The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, officially launched the National Regulators Association of Uganda (NRAU) on October 23, 2024, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. This new association aims to coordinate and enhance regulatory efforts across Uganda’s sectors, contributing to the government's strategic goals and improving service delivery nationwide. As the Patron of the association, Prime Minister Nabbanja highlighted that NRAU will be pivotal in advancing Uganda’s national goals as outlined in the National Development Plan III, Vision 2040, the NRM Manifesto, and Presidential directives, thereby driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

During her address, the Prime Minister called on regulatory bodies to actively engage in the association, promote knowledge sharing, and work collaboratively to strengthen regulatory frameworks for the country’s benefit. The NRAU, established in June 2022, serves as a platform for Uganda’s regulatory agencies to periodically exchange ideas and insights related to their mandates, fostering mutual support toward the national development agenda.

Representing the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development at the event, State Minister Hon. Sidronius Okaasai Opolot encouraged the regulatory bodies present to leverage NRAU’s collective expertise, collaborate actively, and work together to deliver impactful results for Uganda.

Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, Chairperson of the NRAU’s interim Governing Council and Board Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), expressed gratitude to His Excellency the President for his continued support of Uganda’s regulatory sectors. Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Chief Executive Officer of ERA and Chairperson of the NRAU Interim Executive Committee, also commended the association's members for their dedication in establishing the NRAU and supporting its mission.

The launch was attended by regulatory leaders from diverse sectors, including the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), Dairy Development Authority (DDA), Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE), Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and the Electricity Regulatory Authority.

At the conclusion of the event, the regulators unanimously endorsed Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi and Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako to continue as Chairpersons of the Governing Council and Executive Council, respectively, recognizing their leadership in guiding the NRAU toward its goals.

The NRAU launch marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s regulatory landscape, as regulatory bodies unite to optimize service delivery, ensure alignment with national goals, and ultimately foster sustainable growth and development across the country.