The oil and gas industry honoured Ernest Rubondo, the pioneer Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), who has concluded more than four decades of service to the country’s petroleum sector. Tributes poured in at a farewell event that brought together 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.
Speakers paid tribute to Rubondo’s outstanding contribution to the development of Uganda’s petroleum industry and his role in shaping a generation of professionals across the sector. Several speakers highlighted Rubondo’s instrumental role in steering Uganda’s petroleum sector from its formative stages to the cusp of commercial oil production.
His leadership was credited with strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting national participation, attracting significant investment, and guiding the sector through critical milestones that have positioned Uganda among Africa’s emerging petroleum-producing nations. One of the most heartfelt tributes was delivered by Proscovia Nabbanja, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), who reflected on her first encounter with Rubondo shortly after joining the Ministry of Energy as a geologist in 2000.
She described him as a mentor who helped shape her professional journey and instilled in her the values of integrity, discipline, and service. Recalling her appointment as CEO of UNOC, Nabbanja shared the advice she received from Rubondo.
“His message was simple but powerful: ‘Go shine and make us proud. Maintain very high levels of integrity in whatever you do.’ Those words have remained with me to this day.”
She also commended his ability to inspire colleagues through humour, wisdom, and unwavering encouragement.
Dr. Fred Kabagambe-Kaliisa, Presidential Advisor on Oil, Gas and Minerals, recounted Rubondo’s early years in the petroleum sector, having recruited him as a Geological Assistant in 1984. “Ernest joined me at the Petroleum Unit in the Ministry in 1984, and together we were part of a team of only five people,” Dr. Kabagambe-Kaliisa recalled.
He described Rubondo as a focused, resilient, and determined professional who remained optimistic even in the most challenging situations.
Dr. Kabagambe-Kaliisa shared an incident from 1995 when a team conducting petroleum-related work on Lake Albert drifted into the Democratic Republic of Congo after their boat encountered difficulties. “When a helicopter finally located them, Ernest was in remarkably high spirits, encouraging his colleagues to remain positive despite the uncertainty,” he said.
The audience also received tribute messages from international partners in Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who praised Rubondo’s professionalism, integrity, humility, and commitment to advancing Uganda’s petroleum sector. The Chairperson of the Board of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, Lynda Biribonwa, commended Rubondo for his visionary leadership and stewardship of the Authority.
She noted that under his leadership, the Authority evolved into a respected and high-performing regulator, recognized among Africa’s leading petroleum regulatory institutions. She emphasized that the strong governance systems, institutional culture, and skilled workforce established during his tenure would continue to support the sustainable growth of Uganda’s petroleum sector.
Rubondo reflected on a career that began in 1984 at the then Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Rising through the ranks from a junior technical position to become Director of Petroleum and later Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, he described his journey as one defined by teamwork, commitment, and service to the country.
Rubondo expressed appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his consistent support and guidance to Uganda’s petroleum sector and the institutions responsible for its development. “I would like to express my utmost appreciation for the vision, support, and guidance of His Excellency the President of Uganda to the country’s oil and gas sector, to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, and to me personally,” he said.
“This support has been tremendous and enabled both the Authority and the sector to navigate what would otherwise have been very turbulent times. I have received invaluable guidance during some very difficult moments, and for this I remain deeply grateful,” he said.
Rubondo reflected on leadership, institution-building, and the importance of preparing future generations to continue advancing Uganda’s petroleum sector. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, called on the next generation of leaders within the Petroleum Authority of Uganda and the wider industry to uphold the values, systems, and culture established under Rubondo’s leadership.
She challenged stakeholders to focus on three key questions that should guide Uganda’s economic transformation through petroleum resources: “Where is the money? Where are the industries? And where is the energy?” While Rubondo may be leaving office, his contribution to Uganda’s petroleum sector will endure for generations.
From a young Geological Assistant in a five-person petroleum unit to one of Africa’s most respected petroleum regulators, his journey stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, integrity, and dedicated public service. As the country advances towards First Oil and the next phase of its petroleum development, the foundations laid by Ernest Rubondo will continue to shape the sector’s growth and success for years to come-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
