ERA Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Uganda Petroleum Institute, Kigumba (UPIK)

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) on 14^th December 2023, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uganda Petroleum Institute, Kigumba (UPIK), aimed at enhancing Cooperation and Partnership between the two organizations to ensure inter-sectoral coherence and collaboration in their respective functions and activities concerning growing the number of Certified Electricians in Uganda.

Under this MoU, ERA Commits to the following:

1. Ensuring that there is Sensitization of all electricians trained by the institute.
2. Ensuring that all electricians eligible for the award of Installation Permits are provided with the necessary information and support.
3. Conducting interviews for all applicants including Trainers and Trainees, and issuing Permits at all levels of eligibility.
4. Participating in the review of policies, plans, programs, and projects of UPIK that relate to the activities regulated by ERA.
5. Sharing information with UPIK on ERA's collaborative activities relating to Certified Electricians within the Electricity Sub-Sector.
6. Sharing with UPIK any relevant correspondences between ERA and its Licensed Companies concerning aspects of Electrical installations.
7. Facilitating a collaborative environment between UPIK and other stakeholders in the Electricity Supply Industry such as the ERA-Licensed Companies.

With the signing of this MOU, the Authority expects growth in the number of certified Electricians of Permit Classes D and C from 3,411 to 5,000 by the year 2024; and increased public awareness about the need to use Certified Electricians for electrical installation works to ensure safe handling and consumption of Electricity.

Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the ERA Chief Executive Officer, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of ERA, while Mr. Ongodia Bernard, the Principal of UPIK signed on behalf of the Institute.

Mr. Ongodia commended ERA for the initiative of ensuring that the country gets professionals in the energy sector and pledged that UPIK would abide by the MoU to ensure that people benefit from the collaboration.

The signing ceremony took place at the New ERA House, Plot 5C - 1, Industrial Area Lugogo.