Petroleum Authority of Uganda begins leadership transition

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has entered a leadership transition following the departure of Executive Director Ernest Rubondo. Rubondo, who served as the authority’s pioneer leader for nearly a decade, concluded his second and final term on August 31, 2026.

While the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has approved the appointment of a new Executive Director, the specific individual has not yet been named. In the interim, the Minister has appointed Otonga Michael Ochan, the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, to serve as Acting Executive Director effective September 1, 2026.

Ochan brings extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning, having previously served as a Commissioner at the Uganda Revenue Authority. This transition occurs as Uganda prepares for commercial crude oil production from the Albertine Graben, recently branded as ‘Pearl Sweet’.