Ernest Rubondo.
The search for a new Executive Director at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) is officially underway, signaling that the tenure of the current Executive Director, Ernest Rubondo, could be coming to a close.
Rubondo, who has led the Authority since its inception in 2016, has been the institution’s founding Executive Director and a central figure in Uganda’s oil and gas regulatory framework. His term now appears to be winding down following a public job advert issued on Tuesday calling for applications to fill the top position.
The vacancy notice, published in local newspapers, invites qualified Ugandans to apply for the role of Executive Director, a position defined by statute under Section 9 of the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Act, Cap. 161.
PAU’s Mandate
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda is a statutory regulatory body responsible for monitoring and regulating the exploration, development, production, refining, conversion, transportation, and storage of petroleum in Uganda. The Authority ensures that petroleum operations align with national laws, sector guidelines, and global best practices.
Executive Director Role
According to the advert, the Executive Director (ED) serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and is answerable to the Board of Directors. Key responsibilities include:
• Implementing policies and programmes of the PAU
• Managing staff and institutional property
• Developing operational plans and driving institutional performance
• Coordinating with government agencies and sector stakeholders
• Providing expert advice on petroleum governance
• Ensuring compliance, transparency, and accountability across the sector
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must hold:
• A Master’s degree in petroleum geosciences, petroleum engineering, petroleum management, petroleum law, taxation, or related fields
• A Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, engineering, finance, economics, law, or related disciplines
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including 10 years in the oil and gas sector at senior management level
The ideal candidate is expected to demonstrate strong technical expertise, strategic leadership, stakeholder management ability, and a proven track record in regulatory governance. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) competence, national content oversight, and high ethical standards are also emphasized.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted exclusively via email to executive.search1@pau.go.ug by Friday, 2 January 2026, at 23:59 hours.
Applicants are required to attach certified copies of all academic documents in a zipped folder not exceeding 10MB. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Background verification and academic vetting will be conducted before any appointment is confirmed.
The successful candidate will serve an initial probation period of up to six months.
What This Means
Rubondo’s exit, if confirmed, would mark the end of an era for the Authority as Uganda prepares for first oil production in the coming years. His successor will take over at a critical stage for Uganda’s petroleum sector, with major projects such as Tilenga, Kingfisher, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) approaching pivotal milestones.
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