The Executive Director of Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU),Ernest Rubondo, has been awarded Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Special Award for his exceptional contributions to the advancement of the oil and gas sector in Africa.
The accolade was presented during the SPE Africa Technology Conference, held from May 27th to 29th, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Rubondo expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting his team’s efforts in shaping Uganda’s oil and gas industry. With over 35 years of experience in petroleum exploration, regulation and development, Rubondo has driven significant progress in resource management, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks, positioning Uganda as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape.
SPE Africa Regional Director and Conference Chair, Riverson Opong noted that the energy landscape continues to evolve with potential to lead the way in driving sustainable energy solutions.
The Africa Technology Conference is a platform for meaningful conversations and partnerships that will help unlock the potential of the continent’s energy resources while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda National Oil Company took home Africa Woman in Energy Trailblazer and Daniel Favor Kuganja, a Ugandan student, was named among the inaugural recipients of the Dr. Victor Ekpenyong Africa Regional Student Scholarship.
Mr. Rubondo’s achievement adds to his growing list of accolades, including being named African Public Sector Leader of the Year 2023 and receiving the Distinguished Individual Contribution to Africa’s Energy Industry Award at the 2025 Big Five Board Awards in London, UK. His leadership has been instrumental in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, with the country expected to invest around $15 billion in the next 3 to 4 years in its oil projects.
Ernest N.T. Rubondo. Mr. Rubondo completed a Master of Science in Petroleum Reservoir Geology at the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London in 1990 and worked briefly with Scott Pickford Plc in the United Kingdom.