Q&A: The Petroleum Authority of Uganda’s job is to ensure Uganda’s oil is a driver for social-economic transformation― Dr Jane Nambakire Mulemwa, Board Chairperson The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) is one of the three institutions of government responsible for stewarding the oil and gas sector in the country. The other two institutions are: the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) which is in charge of policy as well as licensing companies in the sector; and, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) which takes care of the commercial interests of government in the oil and gas sector. Specifically, the PAU’s role is to ensure that the activities of the oil and gas sector in the country are undertaken as per Uganda’s laws and in line with international best-practice, to create lasting value for all Ugandans and position Uganda as a good investment destination. Taking this delicate and important role is Dr Jane Nambakire Mulemwa, the PAU’s maiden Board Chairperson. First appointed in October 2015, Dr Mulemwa’s mandate was on 15th May 2020, renewed for a second term. In this interview with CEO East Africa’s Muhereza Kyamutetera, she gives an account of the last 5 years of the Board and the journey ahead, as the country prepares for first oil.

Ms. Jane Nambakire Mulemwa, Ph.D, has been the PAU’s Board Chairperson, since October 2015. On 15th May 2020, her 4-year mandate was renewed by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.