Fred Kabanda, the newly appointed PAU Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has announced the appointment of Fred Kabanda as the Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.
He will assume office on 1st December 2026 following the successful conclusion of the recruitment and onboarding process.
He substantively replaces Ernest Rubondo, who exited the Petroleum Authority of Uganda after completing the maximum two terms.
Rubondo’s contract expired on August 31, 2026, after nearly a decade at the helm as the Authority’s pioneer Executive Director.
Kabanda brings extensive experience in Uganda’s petroleum sector, having served in both technical and leadership roles in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the African Development Bank over the last thirty (30) years.
Otonga Michael Ochan will continue serving as Acting Executive Director until Kabanda assumes office.
In a statement dated September 9, 2026, Lynda Biribonwa, the Chairperson, Board of Directors of PAU, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development for the guidance throughout the appointment process and looks forward to working with Kabanda as he takes on his new leadership role at the Authority.
“The Authority remains focused on delivering its mandate in supporting the sustainable development of Uganda’s petroleum resources and contributing to Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation,” she said.
Profile of Mr. Fred Kabanda
Fred Kabanda is a seasoned petroleum sector professional with more than thirty (30) years of experience in petroleum regulation, policy development, institutional leadership, and extractives governance at national, regional, and continental levels.
He currently serves as Head of the Extractives Division at the African Development Bank (AfDB), where he provides strategic leadership and policy advisory support on oil, gas, and mining development across Africa.
Kabanda is recognised as one of the architects of Uganda’s petroleum policy, legal and regulatory framework. During his service in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, he contributed to the development of Uganda’s petroleum laws and policies, including the National Oil and Gas Policy for 2008, and supported the transition of regulatory functions from the Ministry to the Authority.
Prior to joining the African Development Bank, Kabanda served in various technical and leadership positions within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, rising to the position of Assistant Commissioner and Head of the Regulatory Unit in the Petroleum Exploration and Production Department.
Over the course of his career, he has played a key role in petroleum licensing, field development, regulatory oversight, contract negotiations, and sector governance.
Kabanda holds a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geology and Chemistry from Makerere University. He has undertaken executive and professional training in leadership, petroleum management, governance, and natural resource management from internationally recognized institutions.
He brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, institutional management, and strategic leadership, positioning him to guide the Authority as Uganda progresses towards commercial oil production and the long-term sustainable development of its pe
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