Rubondo Departs PAU After Decade, Otonga Steps In as Acting ED

Ernest Rubondo, the inaugural Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), has officially stepped down after a decade of service. His term, which began in 2016, concluded on August 31, 2026.

The PAU Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Mr. Otonga Michael Ochan, formerly the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, as the Acting Executive Director. Mr. Ochan assumed his new responsibilities on September 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has approved the appointment of a new substantive Executive Director, with the selection process currently underway. The Board expressed gratitude to Mr. Rubondo for his “exemplary leadership and distinguished service,” attributing significant institutional growth and advancements in Uganda’s petroleum sector to his tenure.

Rubondo, who holds an MSc in Petroleum Reservoir Geology from Imperial College London, was instrumental in establishing the PAU. Prior to his leadership role, he had a distinguished career within Uganda’s Ministry of Energy, where he played a key part in promoting the nation’s petroleum potential and negotiating production sharing agreements. He also served as commissioner for the Petroleum Exploration and Production Department.

Mr. Otonga brings over 21 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and corporate governance, holding qualifications including Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School.

The PAU has assured stakeholders that operations, management structures, and service delivery will remain uninterrupted during this transition period, reaffirming its commitment to the effective management of Uganda’s petroleum resources. Details of the incoming Executive Director will be communicated in due course.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)