Uganda Petroleum Regulator Gets New Leader as Rubondo Steps Down

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has a new acting leader following the departure of Ernest Rubondo, who led the regulator for a decade. According to the Daily Monitor, Otonga has taken over the role in an interim capacity.

Rubondo’s exit was confirmed on Friday, September 4, 2026, with the Daily Monitor reporting that Otonga now holds the position. The transition comes amid broader uncertainty over the agency’s permanent leadership, with separate reports from outlets including redpepper.co.ug and The Independent Uganda indicating that a successor has yet to be publicly named.

Energy Minister Musenero has said a new executive director has been chosen to replace Rubondo but has declined to identify the individual, according to redpepper.co.ug. In the meantime, Ochan has been installed as an interim boss, a move that has reportedly sparked internal friction over the succession process.

Other Ugandan media have floated potential candidates for the top job. PML Daily reports that Kabanda, who lost out to Rubondo for the same role in 2016, is being tipped for the position. ChimpReports similarly suggests that Otonga’s interim appointment may be a temporary arrangement while Kabanda is considered for the permanent post.

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The Independent Uganda notes that the PAU is expected to formally announce its next executive director in due course. The regulator oversees the country’s oil and gas sector, including licensing and monitoring of upstream activities as Uganda moves toward first oil production.

What to watch next: Whether the minister will publicly name the permanent pick and how the reported internal tensions over the handover are resolved.