The Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Ernest Rubondo, has emphasized the country’s commitment to responsible, transparent, and investment-friendly oil and gas sector management.
Speaking during the Spotlight Uganda programme hosted by NBS Television, under the theme “Transforming Uganda’s Energy Future Through Partnership and Accountability,” Rubondo noted that the country currently has 21 confirmed oil discoveries, with an estimated 1.6 billion barrels recoverable using existing extraction technologies.
“Our role as a regulator is to ensure that all activities in Uganda’s oil and gas industry are carried out strictly in accordance with the law. The mission of PAU is not only to create value from these resources but also to ensure that Uganda remains an attractive investment destination,” he said.
Rubondo highlighted the importance of managing both global and local energy priorities responsibly.
“It is crucial to maintain a balance between addressing the climate crisis and avoiding an energy crisis. All energy sources remain important as we work toward a stable and sustainable future,” he said.
Cost efficiency remains central in the development of Uganda’s petroleum sector. Rubondo explained that expenditures by licensed companies must be carefully managed because they will be recovered once oil production begins.
“Cost management is extremely important,” he said.
To ensure compliance, safety, and timely progress, PAU maintains round-the-clock monitoring of field activities. Rubondo underscored that this continuous supervision is essential for maintaining standards and accountability throughout project execution.
Rubondo also reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to transparency in extractive resource management.
“Uganda has consistently prepared annual reports detailing how we manage our extractives. The transparency of the oil and gas sector is monitored not only nationally but also at the international level,” he said.