PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS THE WAGAGAI GOLD MINING PROJECT
Gold in Busia was first discovered by the artisanal miners in 1915 but was officially documented in 1932 by Sir Edward James Wayland the first Commissioner of Geological Survey of Uganda. In his findings, he confirmed that the gold was found in the Archaean greenstone belt of south eastern Uganda which extends into south western Kenya and north eastern Tanzania and forms part of the Tanzanian craton. That moment sparked a legacy. Over the years, private companies uncovered more deposits in Alupe and Budama. Intensive mineral exploration revealed gold-bearing quartz veins named Bauerle’s Burren Reef and Bush Reef. In 1990, recognizing the district’s extraordinary gold potential, the Government of Uganda partnered with BRGM of France (Bureau de recherches géologues et minières) for an extensive exploration programme. This confirmed the presence of gold in Tira, Amonikakinei, Masaba Buinja, and Eseka hosted in the auriferous quartz veins in basic metavolcanic facies and another by the Banded Iron Formations (BIF) where gold may be disseminated and/or occur in sulphide-bearing quartz veinlets. Further investigations by the United Nations Development Programme in 1994, and later by the World Bank under the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project in 2011, reaffirmed that Busia is blessed with gold. And thus gold maining became the source of livelyhood in Busia area and this came with a number of irregularities including child labour and use of mercury for gold separation. In 2019, Wagagai Group of companies partnered with Roraima mining Company to spend upto a tune of $150M to start large scale gold mining in Busia and mineral processing to a tune of 99.9% pure gold During the event, the President of Wagagai group of companies Mr. welcomed the President of Uganda, ambassador of Uganda from China and all distinguished guests and thanked all stakeholders for the support rendered in the development of Wagagai gold mine, which is expected to produce 1.2 metric tons of gold annually. In his speech he spoke about the journey of Wagagai to present including the funds used to set up the mine so far to execute Phase 2 out of the 4 phases. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabira expressed gratitude to His Excellence the President for his visionary leadership by halting export of raw minerals and emphasizing value addition. She also thanked the management of Wagagai for aligning their plans with NDPIV. She reminded the invited guests that since the National Mining Company was fully established, it was required to participate in mineral exploitation along with the private companies including Wagagai and Kilembe Mines Limited which were now fully operational. His Excellence the President expressed his gratitude to Wagagai Group for supporting government’s vision of value addition, which aims at promoting industrialization, job creation , wealth creation and hence socioeconomic transformation of the people of Uganda.. In his speech, he noted that historical mining in Uganda since colonial times was wasteful and exploitative since most of the companies were exporting raw materials while Uganda continued importing finished products from the same minerals. From that day hence forward, H.E the president exepected Kilembe Mines Limited process Copper to 99.9% (Cathode copper). The president advised that since minerals get depleted, it was better the financial resources collected from finite resources such as minerals be used to build lasting assets like power plants, railway lines, and many others. Also H.E wanted to see that the Artisans He further advised locals to desist from ring facing minerals in their land as their own since they are state owned and should be used to develop the whole Uganda. The President highlighted concerns regarding the factory’s energy consumption, cautioning that it could have an impact on its operations. Hence advised the locals to bare with them as government tries to stabilise power supply to the mine. The event end at 6:00pm with a group photo of the President with Ministers and company leaders.
GSD SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GEOZS
On the 18th June 2025, The Geological Survey Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Geological Survey of Slovenia under the support of European Union to enhance the country’s mineral exploration and development for the identified 11 mineral targets. The MOU comes with a funding worth Shs16.8 billion (€3.5 million) which comes from PanAfGeo+ and an addition from German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) with an aim of contributing to the sustainable management of geological resources of Africa and promote EU-African partnerships in geosciences and in particular raw materials. This partnership shall include: The agreement was signed at DGSM offices’ mainboard on 18th June 2025 by Eng. Irene Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), on behalf of Uganda, and Dr. Milos Bavec on behalf of Geological Survey of Slovenia ( GEoZs). This project is expected to run for a period of 5 years and the Slovenian Geological Survey (GeoZS) will take the lead in implementing the activities in the Uganda while the Geological Survey Department (GSD) will be the main beneficiary and data custodians of all collected data and processed information. Both surveys shall hold inception meetings to draw detailed implementation plans for all planned activities.
MEMD COMMENCES THE NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS’CONSULTATIONS ON DRAFTING OF EARTHSCIENCE REGISTRATION BOARD BILL
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development held its first National Consultation workshop on Earth science registration board bill from 18th to 20th March 2025 at Fairway Hotel, Kampala. One of the main objectives of government is to regulate operations in the country. Within the Mineral sector, the Mining and Minerals Act 2022 informs about the need to regulate earth scientists with an aim of upholding quality service delivery in the mining sector. A zero draft was drafted by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs with a number of clauses which empower the board members with maintenance of the register for earth scientists, issuance of practicing certificates and licenses and enforcement of discipline in the profession. This draft bill was later reviewed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development before it was opened for public review. The Geological Survey Department spearheaded the national stakeholders’ consultation workshop held at Fairway hotel from 18th to 20th March 2025 during which a number of clauses were edited. The bill defines professions permitted to practice as earth scientists in Uganda, requirements for registration and penalties. The bill is anticipated to standardized operations in the earth science professional and eliminated quack scientists masquerading as earth scientist conning investors a lot of money. The bill also states fines and penalties for those caught practicing as earthscientists without authorization. The event was graced by the former Heads of Geological Survey and Mines Mr. Tuhumwire Joshua, Mr. Katto Edwards and Mr. Baguma Zachary who initiated the registration process earlier but was realized today. In attendance were a number stakeholders ranging from private and government organizations. And this assures GSD about inclusiveness in generating this bill. Once the edits from the consultations are incorporated, the bill shall be presented to cabinet for consideration. However the team was advised to proceed with regulations to avoid delays.
REDEVELOPMENT OF KILEMBE MINES
On the 3rd of March 2025, the Government of Uganda signed its first mineral production sharing agreement between government of Uganda and Sarrai Group Limited along with Nile Fibreboard Limited, the best bidder for redevelopment of Kilembe Mines. The agreement was signed by Hon. Can. Dr. Ruth Nankabira, Cabinet Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals) and Hon. Evelyn Anite, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Privatization and Investment) on behalf of government and Sarrai Group Limited as the investor awarded the license to redevelop the mines along with government. Hon. Can. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa anticipates that the revival of Kilembe Mines will play a pivotal production of Copper cathodes and cobalt metals which are critical mineral in the clean energy transition. She added that the revival of Kilembe will create jobs and also boost the economy by supporting local service providers. Sarrai Group Limited and Nile Fibreboard Limited emerged as the best bidders out of the 14 companies that bidded. The ministry has put in place measures to ensure the company works closely with the government to promote the country’s economy. Kilembe Mines is located in Kasese District. The mine was Uganda’s largest copper mine, with estimated deposits of copper in excess of 6.5M tonnes of ore grade 1.77% copper and 5.5M tonnes of 0.17% grade of Cobalt. On the London Metal Exchange, Copper prices are at $9613 per kg while Cobalt. In attendance were senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda National Mining Company Board and Kilembe Mines Board of Directors.
MEMD Inaugurates New Board to Lead Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC)
Today the 4th of November 2024, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) inaugurated the board for the Uganda National Mining Company. The formation of the Uganda National Mining company commenced from the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 which decreed to have a wholly State owned Company to manage the country’s commercial holding and participating interests of the State in mineral agreements. Like any other limited mining company, the Uganda National Mining company shall freely participate in exploration and mining activities in the mineral sector, from acquiring licences, conducting mineral exploration to exploitation of mineral resources, on behalf of the government of Uganda. Additionally, UNMC shall where necessary acquire shares in any mining projects owned by any other mining companies. The event was chaired by the Minister of State for Minerals, Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro and in attendance was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development together with the Heads of Departments in the Mineral Development programme, and other MEMD staff members. Related post: Viagra Super Active: The Next Generation Solution for Erectile Dysfunction The board is chaired by James Mukasa Ssebugenyi, with James Byagaba serving as the Vice Chairperson. Other board members include Kevin Aanyu, Alaba Agnes, Francis Twinamatsiko, Maria Kiwanuka Nabasirye Kiwana, Kwatampora Alex Binego Zentaro, Wilfred Kokas Aupal, and John Fisher Kanyemibwa.
WOODCROSS RESOURCES COMPANY LAUNCHES A TIN SMELTING PLANT AT RUTI, MBARARA DISTRICT
On Friday the 12th April 2024, H.E the president of Uganda launched a Tin processing plant at Ruti, Mbarara District, Uganda. The plant is owned by Woodcross Resources, a company licensed to mine at Ruhama Mine, Ntungamo District under license number ML 1466 and is capacitated to smelt over 1000 tonnes of tin. Tin (Sn) is a chemical element of atomic number 50 and atomic weight 118.69g from carbon family, Group 14 (IVa) of the periodic table. It is a soft, silvery white metal with a bluish tinge, known to the ancients as bronze, an alloy with copper. It is obtained from a mineral called Cassiterite which contains Stanic Oxide. Tin is the 49th most abundant element in Earth’s crust, representing 2 ppm compared with 75 ppm for zinc, 50 ppm for copper, and 14 ppm for lead widely used for plating steel cans used as food containers, in metals used for bearings, and in solder. The world’s leading producer of Tin is China followed by Indonesia. In Uganda, Tin is mostly found in South Western Uganda at Kikagati, Mwirasandu and Nyamuliro. The launched tin processing plant, located at Ruti, Mbarara District, has a capacity to process over 1000 tonnes of Tin per year. With the ability to smelt Tin from within Uganda, implies that Uganda’s tin market value price would also increase. During the launch, President Museveni re-emphasized his call for value-addition to Uganda’s raw materials especially minerals so that Ugandans can find employment and also expand market for our goods and services like electricity, water and others to boost the economy. According to Woodcross Company, its choice for investing in tin follows a steady increase in the financial market Learn more: Viagra Super Active: The Next Generation Solution for Erectile Dysfunction This is another achievement for Uganda and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development whose mandate is to establish, promote the development, strategically manage and safeguard the rational and sustainable exploitation and utilization of energy and mineral resources for social and economic development of Uganda. The new tin processing plant actualises the job creation to improve livelihoods of communities around it and also generate revenues from goods and services utilised.
Uganda joins DRC, Rwanda, Burundi & Tanzania in issuance of the ICGLR Certificate
The republic of Uganda through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development launched the issuance of the ICGLR Certificate for designated minerals in Uganda. These minerals include: Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum and Gold and these are always abbreviated as the 3TGs. The certificate was launched by Hon. Peter Lokeris at the event held on the 29th November 2023 at Speke Resort Munyonyo. In attendance was the Permament Secretary Ms. Irene Buteebe. ICGLR certificate was named after the International Conference for Greatlakes Region held in December 2010, Lusaka Zambia. This certificate is one of the six (6) tools of the Regional Initiative to fight against the Illegal exploitation of Natural Resources (RINR) in the Great Lakes Region that was signed into force by the heads of ICGLR member states. The other 5 tools of RINR include; So far the certificate is applicable in DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. Making Uganda the 5th member state now. Anyone with rights of exploitation of the 3TGs shall apply for this certificate which is issued after completion of all the validation steps. Related topic: Viagra Super Active: The Next Generation Solution for Erectile Dysfunction Details of these steps and requirements can be accessed in the document below.https://dgsm.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Regional-Certification.pdf
MEMD HELD A SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP ON THE NEW MINING AND MINERALS LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The legal framework governing Uganda’s Mining and minerals activities has undergone a series of changes since 2018. First the Mineral Policy 2001 was revised in 2018 to incorporate emerging issues in the sector as well as application of the digital era into the work operating systemby introducing a digitized licensing system (Mining Cadastre). These changes introduced the new Mining and Mineral Policy 2018 intended to incorporate the previously excluded substances, competitive application for brown and green fields, government participation in mining and also promote the use of technology in regulation of mining and mineral rights for transparency, efficiency and effectiveness. And this led to the new Mining and Minerals Act 2022 and Mining and Minerals Regulations 2022 which actualizes the above mentioned Act It is from that background that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development through Mines Department organized an interactive workshop with stakeholders to digest the new emerging issues in the legal framework. The event took place from 29th August to 1st September 2023 under the theme: “Enhancing stakeholders knowledge and practical actualization of the Mining legal framework for compliance and Development” at Fairway Hotel. Virtual attendance was also considered. The Workshop was officially opened by Hon. Peter Lokeris, Minister of State for Minerals. Key Highlights raised during the conferences included: The Workshop was closed by Ms. Agnes Alaba, Commissioner/ Mines Department. The event was sponsored by PlanetGold, GIZ and ICGLR.
Mining Indaba 2023
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development participated in the Mining Indaba 2023. The delegation included, from L-R; Mr. Godfrey Bahati, Commissioner/ Geothermal Resource Department ; Ms. Loyola Korobwa, Mining Lawyer; Hon. Peter Lokeris, Minister of State for Mineral Development; Eng. Irene Bateebe Permanent Secretary; Mr. Isaiah Tumwikirize, Principal Geophysicist; Ms. Agnes Alaba, Ag. Director/ DGSM. Learn more: Viagra Super Active: The Next Generation Solution for Erectile Dysfunction This year, over 7,000 delegates from governments, investors, deal makers, mining companies, explorers, communities, and academia are meeting under the theme ‘Unlocking African Investment: Stability, Security, and Supply”.
The new Mining and Minerals Act 2022
The new Mining and Minerals Act 2022 On Thursday 13th October 2022, His Excellency, the President of Uganda signed the new law of the Mining and Minerals bill into a law. DGSM now operates under the new Mining and Minerals Act 2022 which replaces the Mining Act 2003 which has been in force force for the last 18 years. Below are some of the Highlights in the new Mining and Minerals Act 2022.