FRED KABANDA APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PETROLEUM AUTHORITY OF UGANDA

The Board of Directors of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has announced the appointment of Mr. Fred Kabanda as the Authority's new Executive Director, effective December 1, 2026, following the conclusion of a recruitment and onboarding process.

In a statement, the Board said Mr. Kabanda brings more than thirty years of experience in Uganda's petroleum sector, having held technical and leadership roles at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Mr. Otonga Michael Ochan will continue serving as Acting Executive Director until Mr. Kabanda assumes office.

The Board thanked the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development for its guidance throughout the appointment process and said it looks forward to working with Mr. Kabanda as he takes on the role.

"The Authority remains focused on delivering its mandate in supporting the sustainable development of Uganda's petroleum resources and contributing to Uganda's socio-economic transformation," the Board said in the statement.

Mr. Kabanda currently serves as Head of the Extractives Division at the AfDB, where he provides strategic leadership and policy advisory support on oil, gas, and mining development across Africa.

He is recognised as one of the architects of Uganda's petroleum policy, legal, and regulatory framework. During his tenure at 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 of 2008, and supported the transition of regulatory functions from the Ministry to the Authority.

Before joining the AfDB, Mr. Kabanda held various technical and leadership positions at the Ministry, rising to Assistant Commissioner and Head of the Regulatory Unit in the Petroleum Exploration and Production Department.

Over his career, he has played a key role in petroleum licensing, field development, regulatory oversight, contract negotiations, and sector governance.

Mr. 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 also undertaken executive and professional training in leadership, petroleum management, governance, and natural resource management at internationally recognised institutions.

The Board said his experience in stakeholder engagement, institutional management, and strategic leadership positions him to guide the Authority as Uganda progresses toward commercial oil production and the long-term sustainable development of its petroleum resources.