Kampala, Uganda | ENTEBBENEWS.NET | The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has announced a leadership transition following the conclusion of Ernest Rubondo’s second term as Executive Director on August 31, 2026.
The PAU Board of Directors said the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development has approved the appointment of a new Executive Director to succeed Rubondo.
The name of the incoming Executive Director will be communicated in due course as the Minister and the Board finalise the onboarding process, a media statement released by the authority on Spt.3 reads in part.
In the interim, Michael Ochan Otonga, the PAU Director of Finance and Corporate Services, has been appointed Acting Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026. He will serve in the position until the Executive Director-designate assumes office.
The statement adds that PAU Board Chairperson Lynda Biribonwa commended Rubondo for his leadership and contribution to the growth of the Authority and Uganda’s petroleum sector.
“The Board takes this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to Mr. Rubondo for his exemplary leadership and distinguished service,” Biribonwa said.
Rubondo has led PAU during a critical period in Uganda’s petroleum industry, including the advancement of the country’s oil and gas projects towards first oil and the development of regulatory and institutional frameworks for the sector.
The Board said the leadership transition will not affect the Authority’s operations, management structures or reporting lines.
“During this period, the Authority’s operations, management structures, and reporting lines remain unchanged,” the statement said.
PAU said it will continue to exercise its mandate of regulating and monitoring Uganda’s petroleum industry while ensuring effective coordination, uninterrupted service delivery and business continuity.
The Authority also reassured stakeholders, industry players and the public of its continued commitment to the efficient and effective management of Uganda’s petroleum resources for sustainable national development.
The leadership change comes as Uganda’s petroleum sector enters a crucial phase, with major oil developments progressing towards production and increasing expectations for the sector to contribute to economic growth, government revenues, investment and employment.
PAU is responsible for monitoring and regulating petroleum activities in Uganda, including exploration, development, production, transportation, refining and other midstream and downstream activities.
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