The Energy and Mineral Development Minister, Phiona Nyamutoro has said Uganda is seeking to move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead build industries that process the country’s mineral wealth into finished and higher-value products.
Nyamutoro made the remarks on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, as she unveiled plans for the 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference and Expo, scheduled for September 29th–30th at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme, “Beneath the Surface: Unlocking Africa’s Next Mining Powerhouse.”
Uganda has identified more than 58 categories of minerals, including gold, rare earth elements, iron ore, phosphates, graphite, cobalt, copper, lithium, coltan, limestone and marble.
However, Nyamutoro said simply extracting these resources would not deliver the full economic benefits Uganda is seeking.
“The question is no longer simply, what minerals does Uganda have? The more important question is: what are we going to build from the mineral resources we have?” she said.
She noted that the government wants investment to extend beyond exploration and mining into processing, refining, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and other services supporting the mineral value chain.
The conference is expected to bring together investors, mining companies, financiers, technology providers, researchers and other industry players, with a Business-to-Business platform and a Deals Room intended to connect investors with projects.
Nyamutoro also highlighted the need to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining, saying the goal should be to help miners operate legally and safely while gaining access to markets, technology, skills and finance.
She said responsible mining must also protect workers, communities and the environment.
The minister further called for greater participation of young people and women in the sector, including as entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and investors.
The conference will be followed by an Eastern Uganda excursion from October 1st–3rd, 2026, to showcase the region’s mineral potential and investment opportunities.
Nyamutoro said Uganda’s challenge is now to convert its geological potential into operating mines, processing facilities, manufacturing industries, jobs and sustainable economic value.
