The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has appointed Fred Kabanda as its new Executive Director, succeeding the current acting head, Otonga Michael Ochan.
The appointment was announced by the PAU Board of Directors, which said Kabanda will officially assume office on December 1, 2026, following the completion of the recruitment and onboarding process.
Kabanda joins the Authority with more than 30 years of experience in Uganda’s petroleum sector, having served in both technical and leadership positions.
According to PAU, his career includes work at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development as well as the African Development Bank, giving him extensive experience in the energy and petroleum industry.
His appointment comes as Uganda continues to develop its oil and gas sector, with the country preparing for increased activity as it moves closer to commercial oil production.
Until Kabanda takes over, Ochan will continue serving as Acting Executive Director to ensure continuity in the Authority’s operations.
The PAU Board said the appointment followed a successful recruitment process and formally notified stakeholders and the public of the leadership change.
