A Ugandan delegation led by Ofwono Opondo is in Perth, Australia, attending the 24th Africa Down Under Conference as Uganda seeks to strengthen economic diplomacy and attract investment into its mining sector.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Australia, H.E. Dorothy Samali Hyuha, is leading the Ugandan team at the conference, which brings together Australian investors, mining companies, policymakers and technical experts from across Africa and Australia.
Speaking outside the conference, Hyuha said Uganda wants to move beyond diplomatic engagements and turn relationships into practical economic opportunities.
“We want to move on from relationships and conversations to tangible outcomes that create investments, jobs and value for Uganda,” Hugh said.
The discussions are focusing on investment opportunities, mining technology, skills development, mineral processing and value addition, areas Uganda considers critical to maximising the economic benefits of its mineral resources.
The parliamentary delegation includes Grace Freedom Kwiyuchwiny, Emmanuel Omoding Okabe and Gabriel Okumu. Their participation is intended to strengthen Parliament’s oversight of Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy and assess whether international engagements are producing tangible results for the country.
The conference officially opened on September 1st, 2026, by Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite.
Africa Down Under, now in its 24th edition, was established to promote Australia’s interests in Africa’s mining and energy sectors. It has since grown into the largest African-focused mining event held outside the continent.
Uganda’s participation provides an opportunity to showcase its mineral potential while pursuing partnerships in investment, technology transfer, skills development and local mineral value addition.
