Petroleum Authority begins leadership transition as Ochan takes acting ED role replacing Rubondo

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has entered a new leadership phase following the appointment of Otonga Michael Ochan, the Authority’s Director of Finance and Corporate Services, as Acting Executive Director.

Ochan assumed the role on September 1, 2026, following the conclusion of Ernest Rubondo’s second term as Executive Director on August 31. His appointment is an interim arrangement pending the assumption of office by a new Executive Director whose appointment has already been approved by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.

The PAU Board, in a statement issued on September 3, said the Minister had communicated the approval of the appointment of the Executive Director-designate, but that details of the incoming substantive head would be communicated in due course. The Minister and the Board are currently finalising the onboarding process.

Ochan’s elevation places a finance and corporate-services executive at the helm of the petroleum regulator at a particularly important stage in Uganda’s petroleum industry, as the country moves deeper into the development and commercialisation of its oil resources.

From Finance to the Top Office

Before taking over as Acting Executive Director, Ochan served as Director Finance and Corporate Services at PAU, a position that placed him at the centre of the Authority’s financial and corporate administration.

His appointment provides continuity within an institution responsible for regulating Uganda’s petroleum sector while the transition to the incoming Executive Director is completed.

The Board has emphasised that the leadership change will not alter the Authority’s existing operations. Its management structures and reporting lines remain unchanged, with the regulator expected to continue exercising its full mandate during the transition.

For Uganda’s petroleum industry, continuity at the regulator is significant. PAU plays a central role in overseeing activities across the country’s petroleum value chain and ensuring that industry operations comply with the country’s regulatory framework.

Leadership Change as Oil Industry Advances

The transition comes as Uganda’s oil and gas industry moves towards a new phase of development, increasing the importance of effective regulation, institutional coordination and continuity.

The Board said PAU remains committed to ensuring effective coordination, uninterrupted service delivery and business continuity during the leadership transition.

It also reassured industry players, stakeholders and the public that the Authority remains committed to the efficient and effective management of Uganda’s petroleum resources for sustainable national development.

The leadership change also marks the end of Rubondo’s tenure at the helm of PAU. The Board praised the outgoing Executive Director for what it described as exemplary leadership and distinguished service, crediting him with contributing to the institutional growth of the Authority and the advancement of Uganda’s petroleum sector.

Awaiting the New Executive Director

While Ochan will oversee the Authority on an acting basis, attention is now turning to the incoming substantive Executive Director.

The Board has not yet publicly identified the Executive Director-designate, saying the details will be communicated after the ongoing onboarding arrangements are finalised.

Until then, Ochan is expected to provide leadership continuity at PAU while the Authority maintains its existing structures and operations.

The transition therefore represents both a change of leadership and a test of institutional continuity for Uganda’s petroleum regulator as the country seeks to translate its oil resources into sustainable economic development.