Uganda is making significant strides in the quest to leverage its rich mineral wealth for national development, moving from being a raw mineral exporter to a value-added producer.
This strategic shift was the central theme of the 14th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference held today in Kampala, where industry leaders, policymakers, and international partners gathered to discuss “Sustainable Mineral Development Through Collaboration, Innovation and Green Transitions.“
The focus of the two-day conference at Serena Hotel is clear: to ensure minerals become a catalyst for economic transformation, not a source of conflict.
From Raw Exports to Value Addition
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, highlighted Uganda’s remarkable progress in mineral value addition, revealing the government’s significant investment in the mineral sector.
“The country has successfully launched its first tin smelting and refining plant, owned by the local company Woodcross,” Hon. Nankabirwa said, adding, “Located in Mbarara, the plant has the capacity to process over 1,000 tonnes of tin annually, a significant step toward in-country processing.”
She revealed furthermore that “The Wagagai Gold Mine Refinery is now capable of producing 99.9% pure gold,” highlighting Uganda’s capacity to leverage its huge gold deposits to finance infrastructure projects.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Irene Bateebe, reiterated Hon. Nankabirwa’s remarks by revealing that Uganda has a total of nine gold refineries dedicated to this strategy.
“These achievements are a direct result of President Yoweri Museveni’s value addition strategy, designed to maximise returns from Uganda’s mineral wealth,” Bateebe said.
She also underscored the discovery of 99.95% pure silicon dioxide at Kome Islands, noting that it signals new potential for local extraction and industrial use.
Avoiding the ‘Resource Curse’ Through Responsible Development
The conference also served as a platform for critical dialogue on responsible mineral extraction.
Dr. Abdoul Karim Kabele Camara, the Vice President of Fortuna Mining Corporation, cautioned against the “resource curse,” a phenomenon where mineral-rich countries fail to achieve sustainable economic growth.
He stressed “…the importance of leveraging resources effectively and adopting responsible extraction practices to promote community development and long-term prosperity.”
This sentiment was echoed by James Mukasa Ssebugenyi, Chairperson of the Uganda National Mining Company, who emphasised Uganda’s commitment to building a resilient and globally competitive mineral sector.
“By fostering dialogue on policy, regulatory frameworks, and green transitions, the conference aims to position Uganda as a leader in responsible mineral development,” Ssebugenyi noted.
On his part, Tony Otoa, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), said the 14th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference 2025 is a great opportunity to network with the players in the mining sector.
“The great takeaway from this event is the great strides the country is making in the mineral sector. We are on to something great,” he said, before lauding Hon. Nankabirwa for her steady leadership and her dedicated team at the Ministry of Energy.
The concerted efforts by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, led by the steadfast leadership of Minister Nankabirwa, are laying the foundation for a future where Uganda’s mineral wealth directly translates into sustainable growth, employment, and wealth creation for its citizens.
This journey of transformation is a powerful example of how a nation can use its natural resources to build a resilient and prosperous future.