The Electricity Regulatory Authority Board has started the process of recruiting a new chief executive officer to replace Ms Ziria Tibalwa Waako, whose second five-year term ends in March 2027.
However, the search has already attracted claims of opaqueness and favouritism. Some insiders allege that the process is “merely a ritual” because a section of senior management has reportedly backed one of the directors for the top job.
The CEO position has so far been advertised internally.
The claims have also been linked to the treatment of another internal candidate. Insiders describe the candidate as suitable to help reform an agency that has faced repeated allegations of abuse of office, board capture, management self-interest, cliques, and favouritism.
However, that candidate’s own position, whose contract is also expiring, was advertised externally.
ERA Defends Internal Recruitment Process
ERA management rejected suggestions of foul play. The authority said advertising the CEO job internally was a normal human resource practice intended “to give internal competencies a chance.”
“If the Board doesn’t get enough internal competition or required competencies, then the job is advertised externally. This happens to all jobs. Healthy organisations such as ERA tend to do both. They build strong internal talent pipelines while remaining open to external expertise when strategic needs demand it,” the authority said.
ERA also defended the decision to advertise externally the position held by the other internal candidate.
“In leadership and human resource management, this is sometimes referred to as balancing organisational continuity with organisational renewal,” ERA said.
According to the CEO job advert, the deadline for applications is July 15.
Requirements for the ERA CEO Job
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Administration, Engineering, Economics, Finance, Law, Management, or Environment.
They must also belong to at least one nationally or internationally recognised professional body.
The advert further requires candidates to be registered with the Engineers Registration Board of Uganda. They must also have strong knowledge of the Electricity Supply Industry.
Candidates are expected to have at least 15 years of work experience. Seven of those years must have been served at senior management level in a credible company.
The next CEO will work with senior management and staff to implement ERA’s mandate. The successful candidate will also develop and recommend strategies and objectives for the authority.
The role further involves leading the formulation, implementation, and periodic review of ERA’s strategic plan. The CEO must ensure alignment with national energy policies, Vision 2040, and the fourth National Development Plan.
Ziria Tibalwa Waako’s Tenure Nears End
Ms Tibalwa built her career in the electricity sector through the Operations and Planning department of the former Uganda Electricity Board.
She later joined Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited as principal planning engineer. She then moved to ERA, where she served as director for technical regulation.
She succeeded Dr Benon Mutambi after President Museveni appointed him Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in November 2016.
ERA’s Role in Uganda’s Power Sector
ERA was created after the first power sector reforms of 1999. The reforms led to the unbundling of the former vertically integrated Uganda Electricity Board.
Other agencies created from the reforms include Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited, Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited, and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited.
The reforms aimed to make the electricity sector financially viable, expand electricity demand and coverage, and attract private capital investment.
ERA’s core responsibilities include licensing firms in the electricity supply industry, setting industry standards, and enforcing compliance.
The regulator also monitors the sector and approves electricity tariffs for supply and use in the market.
Distribution Sector Turmoil Puts ERA Under Scrutiny
The recruitment process comes at a difficult time for the electricity sector.
In recent months, the distribution side of the business has faced serious disruptions. The situation led to the forced leave of UEDCL Managing Director Mr Paul Mwesigwa on April 30.
The action followed an increase in power losses from 15 percent to 19 percent. It also came amid persistent reports of power outages across the country.
In several audit reports, UEDCL management under Mr Mwesigwa accused ERA of failing to properly supervise the sector during the 20 years when Umeme Ltd operated the electricity distribution infrastructure.
UEDCL also issued a network status report that put defects and related network issues at about $85 million, equivalent to Shs315 billion.
The report further estimated the cost of spare parts and urgent repairs at about $60 million, equivalent to Shs223 billion.
Meanwhile, UEDCL remains stuck on Mr Mwesigwa’s fate. There is no fixed duration for forced leave under the Employment Act.
The company could also face a hefty payout if the new management takes any illogical action.
Seven senior managers who were also sent on forced leave for one month have since received letters extending their stay out of office for another month.