The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has appointed Michael Ochan Otonga as acting executive director after Ernest Rubondo’s second term at the regulator ended on Aug. 31, placing a finance and corporate services specialist at the helm as Uganda moves toward oil production.
Otonga, who has been PAU’s Director of Finance and Corporate Services, assumed the acting role on Sept. 1 following approval by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
PAU Board Chairperson Lynda Biribonwa said Otonga would remain in the position until the newly appointed executive director takes office.
Rubondo, who had led PAU through a critical phase of Uganda’s petroleum development, completed his second term after years overseeing the regulator as the country advanced major oil projects, including the Tilenga and Kingfisher developments and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
The Board thanked Rubondo for his contribution to the growth of the Authority and Uganda’s petroleum sector.
“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.
Who is Michael Ochan Otonga?
Otonga is a senior PAU executive whose portfolio has covered finance and corporate services, placing him at the centre of the Authority’s financial management, administration and institutional support functions.
His appointment gives him temporary responsibility for overseeing the regulator at a crucial stage for Uganda’s oil industry, while the government completes the transition to Rubondo’s successor.
The Energy Ministry has already approved the appointment of a new substantive executive director, but PAU said the identity of the appointee will be announced in due course.
The Board said the interim leadership arrangement is designed to ensure that PAU’s work continues without disruption.
“During this period, the Authority’s operations, management structures and reporting lines remain unchanged,” Biribonwa said.
PAU regulates and monitors Uganda’s petroleum sector, including exploration, development and production activities, with responsibility for ensuring that the country’s petroleum resources are managed efficiently and sustainably.
The leadership change comes as Uganda approaches a decisive phase in its oil development, with the country preparing for first oil and the associated expansion of petroleum-sector infrastructure and commercial activity.
PAU said the transition would not affect ongoing operations and reassured petroleum companies and other stakeholders that its regulatory mandate would continue uninterrupted.
