A major and unexpected reshuffle has occurred in Uzbekistan's energy sector. Abdugani Sanginov, who had headed JSC Uzbekgidroenergo since 2017, was transferred on December 17, 2025, to lead the country's largest gas company, Uzbekneftegaz. However, public attention was drawn less to this appointment than to who filled his vacant seat.

In the Father's Footsteps: The Appointment of Islom Abdurahmonov

Islom Abdurahmonov was appointed acting chairman of the board of JSC Uzbekgidroenergo. He is the son of the former chairman, Abdugani Sanginov. This appointment is part of a large-scale personnel reform following the dismissal of Alisher Sultanov, the president's representative for energy security issues. The transition of leadership from "father to son" in a strategic state enterprise casts a shadow over the principles of meritocracy.

Nepotism and Transparency Risks

Earlier, media reports highlighted that a company owned by Sanginov's son won a 1.5 trillion soum project in Surkhandarya without a tender. In this context, the new appointment intensifies concerns regarding monopolistic control and conflicts of interest. With Abdugani Sanginov moving to the even larger oil and gas sector while his son takes the helm at Uzbekgidroenergo, there is a risk that critical energy decisions remain within the influence of a single family.

Corporate Governance and Investor Signals

Such appointments may signal to international investors that governance within state-owned enterprises lacks transparency. Whether Islom Abdurahmonov can effectively continue his father's large-scale projects or whether the system will remain stifled by personal interests remains to be seen. In 2026, the efficiency of newly constructed hydroelectric power plants will be the ultimate test of this controversial transition.