Africa-Press – Uganda. The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has opened a new regional office in Mbarara, becoming the third branch outside Kampala after Gulu and Mbale.
The office aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve electricity service delivery across western Uganda.
ERA Chief Executive Ziria Tibalwa Waako said the move will bring the Authority’s services closer to the people, enabling faster responses to customer concerns, better data collection, and increased transparency.
“We are excited to open the Mbarara regional office. It will enable us to respond quickly to the concerns on the ground and strengthen our regulatory role, especially in fostering transparency, accountability, and customer protection,” she said at the launch.
Eng Tibalwa added that through ERA’s partnership with the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), the new office will support localised implementation of power policies, improving supply reliability through data-driven interventions.
The launch comes amid mounting public frustration in the region over frequent power outages, slow responses from service providers, and rising cases of infrastructure vandalism. Local leaders used the occasion to voice these concerns.
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Kakyebezi welcomed the new office but said the region continues to suffer from unreliable electricity and poor response from UEDCL.
“We are grateful for this office, but I must say the community has faced persistent outages. Complaints have been lodged, but UEDCL’s response is slow. Our people are frustrated,” Kakyebezi said.
He also raised alarm over vandalism, suggesting it may involve insiders.
“These are not just ordinary vandals — they’re skilled people. There could be collusion between some staff and locals,” he warned.
Mbarara City North MP Robert Rukaari underscored the city’s strategic location and potential for regional trade, stressing that reliable electricity is critical to turning Mbarara into an industrial hub.
“Mbarara connects to Rwanda, Tanzania, and DR Congo. With quality electricity, we can expand factories and link to regional markets. ERA is key to making this happen,” Rukaari said.
As the Mbarara office begins operations, expectations are high that it will serve as a shock absorber for customer complaints and a catalyst for improved service.
Whether it can ease long-standing electricity challenges in the region, however, remains to be seen.
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