Stakeholders in Uganda’s mineral sector have called for increased investment, value addition, stronger public-private partnerships and greater risk protection as the country seeks to harness its mineral potential to drive inclusive economic growth and create greater value for Ugandans.
The call was made during a Press Conference held on 16th September, 2026 at the Uganda Media Centre, ahead of the 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference, scheduled for 29th–30th September 2026, at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme, “Beneath the Surface: Unlocking Africa’s Next Mining Powerhouse.”
Speaking at the Press Conference, Mr. Ashaba Aggrey, Chairman of the Governing Council/Board of the Uganda Chamber of Energy & Minerals, highlighted the importance of harnessing Uganda’s mineral potential to drive inclusive economic growth and create greater value for Ugandans.
He noted that the 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference will bring together public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen policy dialogue, partnerships and investment in Uganda’s minerals sector. “As a Chamber, we believe that it is not enough to have mineral potential. We must ask ourselves how we can add value to our minerals so that they create greater benefits for Ugandans.”
Mr. Ashaba explained that the conference will provide a platform for strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors, facilitating access to capital and creating opportunities for sustainable investment across the minerals value chain.
Addressing the press, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, State Minister for Minerals, called for Uganda to move beyond identifying its mineral resources and instead focus on developing an investment-ready sector that delivers greater value to the country.
“Our ambition must go beyond knowing what is beneath our soils to using the resources beneath them. We must develop an investment-ready sector and move from raw materials to processing, creating greater value from our mineral resources.”
Hon. Nyamutoro further called for increased investor participation across the entire minerals value chain, not only in exploration and extraction, but also in processing and the development of finished products.
The State Minister for Minerals also highlighted efforts to formalize small-scale miners, stressing the importance of responsible mineral mining. She noted that the 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference will provide an important platform for government and private-sector players to engage in productive discussions and strengthen partnerships for the sustainable development of Uganda’s mineral sector.
Uganda Insurers Association (UIA) CEO, Mr. Jonan Kisakye highlighted the critical role of insurance in supporting investment, sustainability and growth in Uganda’s minerals sector. “Insurance is a critical partner in the mining sector. Our role as the insurance industry is to de-risk the sector so that financing can come in and enable projects to move forward. Insurance is what helps guarantee the sustainability of the mining industry.”
Mr. Kisakye further noted that insurance is specifically recognized under Uganda’s mining and minerals regulatory framework, underscoring its importance in supporting responsible investment in the sector.
He added that the insurance industry remains committed to sustaining mining projects by providing protection against the risks associated with investment and operations across the sector.
The 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference is set to provide a platform for stakeholders across government, the private sector and the broader minerals value chain to engage on investment, value addition, partnerships, responsible mining and the sustainable development of Uganda’s mineral resources.
