Minister Nyamutooro Opens Sensitization Workshop on Uganda’s Mineral Markets

The Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutooro, has revealed that the establishment of a formalized

and regulated mineral trade framework for high-value commodities, beginning with gold and tin, through the implementation of the Uganda Mineral Markets initiative will enhance transparency, compliance, and value addition within the sector.

Speaking during the sensitization Workshop for the Proposed Implementation of the Uganda Regulated Mineral Trade 3rd October 2025 , at Mestil Hotel in Kampala , Minister Nyamutooro said that Uganda is richly endowed with minerals  from the gold fields of Amudat, Busia ,Buhweju, Kassanda and Karamoja , to the tin deposits ,but for long , informal trade , lack of transparency and limited access to global markets have held the sector back.

‘’The establishment of the mineral markets is a game changer and they will ensure fair and transparent pricing , provide security and legitimacy ,offer formal recognition and support, create significant boost to government revenue , enhance accountability and align Uganda with global standards ‘’, said Nyamutooro.

The minister added that the initiative , which is anchored in the Mining and Minerals Act ,2022, is envisioned as a hub for innovation, equipped with modern facilities for certification , traceability and value addition.

Ms Agnes Alaba, the commissioner for mines in Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), the workshop was aimed at creating awareness of the establishment of Mineral Markets and Buying centres in Uganda,  understanding of formal mineral trade mechanisms, enhanced engagement between mineral dealers, miners, government, and private sector, and providing actionable feedback to refine project implementation strategies among others.

Blair Michael Ntambi, an advisor with GIZ under the Sustainable Development of the Mining Sector in Uganda (SDMU) project this collaborative initiative  made possible through the  generous funding support of the German Government and European Union and its implementation will begin in 2026/2027.

‘’At GIZ, we are particularly  honoured  to support this process because it directly advances our core mandate: strengthening governance, enhancing transparency, and promoting fair economic and market opportunities for all actors in the sector, especially artisanal and small -scale miners. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for dialogue where government, private sector, and development partners can listen to the voices of miners and dealers, understand their challenges, and co – create practical solutions that will shape the final design of Uganda’s regulated mineral trade system’’, said Ntambi.

During the awareness workshop on the proposed implementation of the Uganda Regulated Mineral Trade Ntambi said the establishment of regulated mineral markets and buying centers is therefore both timely and transformative, which will create structured, transparent, and secure platforms where miners, dealers, and buyers can trade fairly, with confidence, and in full compliance with the law.

He added that  the initiative speaks directly to Uganda’s ambitions under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 and the upcoming Mineral Markets Regulations, and to the country’s shared vision of a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive mineral sector.

Ms Lynn Gitu , the project manager at the planetGOLD Uganda project which aims to reduce the use of mercury in the country’s ASGM sector through a holistic, multisectoral integrated formalization approach and to increase access to finance, leading to adoption of sustainable mercury-free technologies and access to traceable gold supply chains also noted that the initiative will provide a structured trading platform where miners, dealers, and buyers can  transact in a secure and regulated environment.

Uganda is richly endowed with mineral resources, and for decades, these resources have provided livelihoods for thousands of miners and traders across the country.

Much of this trade especially in high – value minerals like gold and tin has remained largely informal. This informality has not only limited fair value for miners, but has also exposed them to exploitation, reduced government revenues, and created vulnerabilities to illicit trade practices according to officials.

The interactive sessions provided a platform for knowledge-sharing, open dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that miners, particularly artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs) are well-informed and prepared to participate in Uganda’s evolving  mineral sector.