The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, hosted the 14th Annual Mineral Conference on September 24th and 25th, 2025, at Kampala Serena Hotel.
Under the theme of sustainable development, the conference gathered key stakeholders, emphasising that the future of Uganda’s mineral sector hinges on value addition, national content, and learning from global best practices.
The Oil and Gas Precedent as a Model for Mineral Development
A recurring and crucial theme throughout the conference was the need for the mineral sector to adopt the successful national content strategies pioneered by Uganda’s oil and gas industry.
Mr. Aggrey Ashaba, Chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Mineral Development, stressed this point, stating that, “Value addition and partnerships are critical to ensuring that Ugandans benefit fully from the mineral sector.”
He benchmarked Geita Mines in Tanzania as an excellent model for investment and legislative success.
The effectiveness of constant monitoring, as utilised by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), was also highlighted.
Dr. Slavko Vekoslav Solar, Raw Materials Advisor at the Geological Survey of Slovenia, urged mineral stakeholders to embrace this approach, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than just short-term gains.
Value Addition as Key for Economic Transformation
The conference affirmed a powerful mantra: “If Mineral Resource is King, then Value Addition to the Mineral Resource is King Kong.”
This sentiment underscores the government’s priority of moving away from raw mineral exports to in-country processing, which is key to generating higher revenue, creating jobs, and industrialising the nation.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a clear path to unlock this potential.
She highlighted ongoing government investments in infrastructure to ease business operations and reaffirmed the Ministry’s responsibility to create jobs, protect the environment, and promote technology transfer.
Global Partners and Governance Challenges
International partners and industry experts added perspectives on responsible development and governance:
H.E. Jan Sadek, Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, outlined the EU’s priority areas for cooperation, which include governance and traceability, value addition, skills development, and community engagement.
Dr. Abdoul Karim Kabele Camara, of Fortune Mining Company, acknowledged the sector’s potential for economic diversification but warned against the resource curse and regulatory pressure. He urged the sector to support artisanal miners, provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and set clear community benefit targets.
Dr. Venance Mwasse reinforced this by warning that the absence of clear transparency initiatives could lead to social unrest and disrupt operations.
Mr. Gerald Banaga-Baingi, CEO of the Uganda National Mineral Company, presented the company’s vision and strategic pillars, underscoring the massive opportunities that await stakeholders who align with the national agenda for sustainable and responsible mineral wealth creation.