From MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi , Kenya
NAIROBI, (CAJ News) – UGANDA’S Fred Kabagambe-Kaliisa and Azeb Asnake of Ethiopia have been recognised for their sterling contributions to the industry at the just-ended East African Power Industry Awards in Kenya.
Special Recognition Award winner, Kabagambe-Kaliisa, Permanent Secretary of Uganda Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, has held the position since 1997 and has worked for the government of for over 38 years.
He has played a central role in the reform of Uganda’s electricity industry focusing on industry regulation and private sector participation.
The team he led has since 2007 repackaged the development of Bujagali Hydropower project (250MW) which reached commercial operation in 2012, the development of several renewable energy generation projects, and other important public-private partnerships in power distribution, rural electrification and renewable energy development.
These efforts have resulted into Foreign Direct Investment of US$1,5 billion over the last seven years in the power sector and stabilisation of supply in the country.
Outstanding Woman in Power, Asnake was appointed CEO of the Ethiopian Electric Power Company after the former Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation split into two entities in 2013.
She commenced her carrier at the Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority from junior expert to the Directorate of Engineering Directorate.
Asnake was transferred to the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation in 2006, to lead the Gibe III Hydro Power Project, which is expected to generate 1875 MW’s of electricity.
She is the first woman engineer to lead the project at the capacity of a Project Manager and is well known for her management skills and has also served as a focal person of UN Habitat Water for Africa Cities Programme.
Meanwhile, Uganda scored a double victory at the awards by scooping up the Award for Excellence in Power Transmission or Distribution for the second year in a row.
Umeme Limited, Uganda’s main electricity distribution company, won the accolade.
Other winners at the event held in Nairobi were Mobisol (Outstanding Clean Power Project-(under 5MW), Africa Biogas Partnership Programme (Community Development Programme of the Year Award), Ethiopian Electric Power (Award for Excellence in Power Generation) and Kenya’s Faith Chege, Chief Financial Officer, Barefoot Power Africa Ltd (Future Energy Leader Award).
– CAJ News