The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has appointed Michael Ochan Otonga, its Director of Finance and Corporate Services, as Acting Executive Director following the conclusion of Ernest Rubondo’s second term at the Authority.
In a statement issued by PAU Board Chairperson Lynda Biribonwa, the authority said Rubondo’s second term officially ended on August 31, 2026, marking the conclusion of his tenure at the institution.
The Board commended Rubondo for his leadership and contribution to the growth of PAU and Uganda’s petroleum sector during his time at the Authority.
“On behalf of the Board, I sincerely appreciate Mr. Rubondo for his exemplary leadership and distinguished service, which contributed significantly to the institutional growth of the Authority and the advancement of Uganda’s petroleum sector,” Biribonwa said.
Following the conclusion of Rubondo’s tenure, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development approved the appointment of a new Executive Director for PAU.
The Authority said details of the Executive Director-designate will be communicated in due course.
In the interim, the Minister appointed Otonga as Acting Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026. He will serve in the position until the Executive Director-designate assumes office.
The Board said the interim arrangement is intended to ensure continuity in PAU’s operations and prevent disruptions to service delivery.
“During this period, the Authority’s operations, management structures and reporting lines remain unchanged,” Biribonwa said.
She reassured stakeholders, petroleum industry players and the general public that PAU remains committed to executing its mandate and ensuring the effective and efficient management of Uganda’s petroleum resources.
According to the Board, efforts are underway to finalise the onboarding process for the incoming Executive Director while maintaining business continuity and uninterrupted service delivery.
PAU is responsible for regulating and monitoring Uganda’s petroleum sector, including ensuring that the country’s petroleum resources are managed efficiently and sustainably for national development.
The Authority said the leadership transition will not affect its ongoing operations or its commitment to the development of Uganda’s petroleum industry.
