Gold, lithium and steel: Uganda pitches minerals as next frontier for East Africa’s industrial leap
KAMPALA,UGANDA. With global markets hungry for minerals, Uganda is stepping into the spotlight. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has declared that Uganda is open for business in its mineral sector, aiming to position itself as Africa’s next major mineral frontier.
Speaking at the 14th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference in Kampala, Minister Ruth Nankabirwa highlighted Uganda’s abundant endowments: more than 50 mineral types including gold, copper, iron ore, lithium, cobalt, graphite. Gold reserves are estimated at 31 million tonnes, iron ore at 560 million tonnes, copper at 7.8 million tonnes.
The strategy is not just extractive: Uganda is keen on value addition, industrialisation and creating local supply‑chains, not just exports of raw minerals. “This is a moment for Uganda to demonstrate that minerals can transform lives… through industries that add value here at home,” she said.
For Kampala’s urban economy this is significant — mining towns, logistics hubs, construction and industrial development will likely expand. But the risk is real: mining booms have in other countries led to environmental damage, social displacement and enclaves of wealth rather than broad‑based growth.
Why it matters
Industrialisation through minerals could transform Uganda’s economy beyond agriculture and services — boosting jobs, urban growth, infrastructure demand.
It presents opportunities for Kampala’s business class, especially in logistics, real estate, manufacturing and energy.
But without strong governance and sustainability‑frameworks, the mineral push may replicate extractive patterns rather than inclusive growth.
It sets the stage for Uganda in East Africa to compete not just as agrarian economy but as a minerals‑industrial hub.
What to watch
Whether foreign direct investment in mining increases and how contracts are structured (value‑addition vs raw exports).
Environmental and social safeguards: resettlement of communities, local content, revenue transparency.
Infrastructure demand: will mining growth pull in urban‑infrastructure developments around Kampala and mining regions?
How Kampala’s workforce and educational system respond: will training, skills‑development accompany the surge?
