On 24th May 2022, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB). The MOU aims to enhance cooperation and partnership between the two institutions to ensure inter-sectoral coherence and collaboration in their respective functions and activities concerning the training and Certification of Electricians in Uganda.
While signing the MoU, the ERA Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako noted that the partnership between ERA and UBTEB would support the Government of Uganda’s agenda of accelerating Access to Electricity, through the growth of the number of Certified Electricians of Permit Classes D and C from 1,300 to 3,000, for the effective implementation of the Electricity Connections Policy.
Eng. Waako added that as a result of the partnership, ERA would ensure that all Electricians eligible for Installation Permits are provided with information on application requirements and receive the necessary support from ERA through its licensees to enable them to get the required skills.
The Executive Secretary of UBTEB, CPA Onesmus Oyesigye, while signing the MoU, welcomed the partnership between ERA and UBTEB, noting that it was a crucial output of UBTEB in line with its strategic plan and fulfilment of the objectives of the NDP III Human Capital Development programs.
He added that the partnership between ERA and UBTEB was a step forward in addressing the skills gap in producing competent and dynamic Electricians in Uganda’s Electricity Supply Industry.
CPA Oyesigye highlighted the benefits of the partnership, including electrical installations graduates receiving information and guidance from ERA on the criteria for applying for permits and UBTEB receiving professional support and input in activities of assessing skills of candidates as well as real-life projects done by students pursuing the National Certificate in Electrical Installation Systems and Maintenance, Electrical Installation Part III, and the Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
Eng. Waako signed the MoU on behalf of ERA, while CPA Onesmus Oyesigye, the Executive Secretary of UBTEB, signed on behalf of UBTEB. Mr. Harold Obiga, the Director Legal Services and Ms. Jalia, Nasaza, the Manager Vocational Education, witnessed the signing ceremony for ERA and UBTEB, respectively. The signing ceremony was held at the ERA premises on Third Street, Industrial Area.