“If Europe aims to process 40% of its strategic raw materials locally by 2030, how do we ensure Africa’s ambition for value addition is not undermined by competing interests? Can Europe’s drive for recycling also create a conflict of interest with Africa’s mineral ambitions?” Tanna asked.

As Uganda approaches first oil production, participants emphasised that the sector's long-term success will ultimately depend not only on its economic contribution but also on its ability to deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits to people and communities.

Minister Tau was in Uganda as a special envoy carrying a message from Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, who expressed his government’s interest in acquiring 20 buses manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation to support the country’s transportation needs.

“The King’s birthday is on December 16th but since it’s a weekday, we decided to have the run on Saturday over the weekend, and we are going to have our birthday run on December 19th, 2026, and the kit will cost as low as UGX 30,000 so that we can accommodate all our people even those with average incomes. We are very hopeful that many will attend and for those who can’t run will be able to walk. Our run will start from the palace (Karuzika) and after we will host all people to a luncheon, ” Nyakaana said. 

The inaugural race will take place once a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera is complete. The track will be developed to meet Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 standards, required for hosting Formula One races.

According to the Premier League, some sponsorship payments were partly funded by ADUG but were recorded as commercial revenue generated by Manchester City. The commission also found that other arrangements were used to reduce the club’s reported expenses.