Media Report Possible Detention of Former Energy Minister

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Former Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, who was dismissed from his post on 27 July, has reportedly been detained by law enforcement authorities, according to Vaqt.uz, citing several sources familiar with the matter.

According to the publication, Mirzamakhmudov was taken from his home to law enforcement authorities on 29 July following his dismissal. As of publication, there has been no official confirmation of the reported detention. State authorities have also not announced whether any charges have been brought against the former minister.

During a videoconference meeting on 27 July, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Mirzamakhmudov had been dismissed because of serious systemic problems and unsatisfactory management in the energy sector.

The president said the main issue was not funding but the sector's management system. He stated that about 4,000 power grid accidents occurred in June and July, leaving residents and businesses in some regions without electricity for up to 810 hours. He also cited inadequate forecasting of growing electricity demand, increased pressure on infrastructure and electricity losses in the grid reaching 17.2%.

Following the identified shortcomings, Asrorjon Askarov, chairman of Regional Electric Networks JSC, was dismissed. The heads of National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan, Thermal Power Plants, Uztransgaz and Hududgazta'minot were placed on probation until the end of the year.

Under a presidential decree, Sherzod Khodjaev was appointed as the new Minister of Energy.

Mirzamakhmudov was born in Namangan region in 1979. He graduated from the University of Alabama in the United States in 2001 and from the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology in 2005.

He headed Uzkimyosanoat JSC from 2020 to 2022 and served as Minister of Energy from September 2022 until July 2026.