The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) is a statutory body established under Section 9 of the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Act, 2013, in line with the National Oil and Gas Policy approved in 2008. The Authority is responsible for monitoring and regulating the exploration, development, production, refining, gas conversion, transportation, and storage of petroleum in Uganda. Its mandate ensures that all petroleum operations comply with relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines, and adhere to international best practices for the industry.
The PAU is governed by a Board of Directors, appointed by the President and approved by Parliament. The current Chairperson is Ms. Lynda Biribonwa. The Authority’s vision is to become a leading petroleum regulatory agency, while its mission is to regulate and monitor the petroleum sector to create lasting value for society and make Uganda an attractive investment destination.
PAU’s five-year strategic plan, themed “Delivering While Growing,” aims to unlock Uganda’s oil and gas industry for sustainable development. It is structured around four key pillars: Institutional building, efficient petroleum resource management, facilitating the commercialization of oil and gas resources, and enhancing the sector’s impact and sustainability. The strategic objectives include ensuring efficient production and utilization of oil and gas resources, strengthening the legal and regulatory framework, increasing local participation in the sector, promoting private investment, and improving Quality, Health, Safety, Security, Social, and Environmental (QHSSSE) management. The plan which aligns with the Sustainable Development of Petroleum Resources Programme Implementation Action Plan (PIAP) and the National Development Plan (NDP) III.