Uganda Pays Tribute to Ernest Rubondo, Pioneer Executive Director of Petroleum Authority

The oil and gas industry in Uganda came together to bid farewell to Ernest Rubondo, the pioneer Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), who has served for over four decades. Speakers at the event praised Rubondo's outstanding contribution to the development of Uganda's petroleum industry and his role in shaping a generation of professionals across the sector.

Rubondo was credited with steering Uganda's petroleum sector from its formative stages to the cusp of commercial oil production, strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting national participation, attracting significant investment, and guiding the sector through critical milestones. He was described as a mentor who instilled in his colleagues the values of integrity, discipline, and service.

The event was attended by former and current Ministers of Energy and Mineral Development, leaders from government institutions, industry executives, development partners, representatives of ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as colleagues and friends. International partners from Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States also sent tribute messages, praising Rubondo's professionalism, integrity, humility, and commitment to advancing Uganda's petroleum sector.

Rubondo reflected on his career, which began in 1984 at the then Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. He rose through the ranks from a junior technical position to become Director of Petroleum and later Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, describing his journey as one defined by teamwork, commitment, and service to the country.