PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS WAGAGAI GOLD MINING PROJECT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned the Wagagai Gold Mining Project in Busia District, describing it as a transformative milestone that will end the wasteful export of raw minerals and usher Uganda into a new era of value addition. During the commissioning, the President congratulated Wagagai Mining (U) Co., Ltd. for establishing a state-of-the-art refinery capable of producing 99.99% pure gold, noting that for decades Uganda only exported blister copper which was not pure enough for direct use and had to be refined abroad before being re-imported. He said this cycle was a loss to the country and praised Wagagai for being able to purify gold to 99.99% purity. “I want to thank Wagagai for listening to my message from the beginning and fully processing the gold. Uganda will get more money,” he noted. He cautioned that exporting raw materials amounts to cheating Uganda and urged artisanal miners to work with Wagagai so that their gold can be refined locally instead of being sold unprocessed. He added that refined gold can now be used in jewellery, electronics, and other industries and thanked Wagagai for being a “residential teacher” by helping others learn from its example. “When you export unprocessed minerals, you are cheating Uganda,” he said. President Museveni also thanked the Government of China for its continued support to Uganda, citing not only investors like Wagagai but also infrastructure projects financed through soft loans. He called on Ugandans to recognize that there is a time for everything and now it is time to utilize natural resources responsibly, stressing that money from non-renewable minerals and oil should be invested in permanent assets such as durable power stations and the railway. “This mineral money must give us permanent and most durable assets,” he urged. “In order to wake up in the minerals sector, we must have full value addition for all minerals like gold, lithium, tin among others. Why? Because we get more money, it creates more jobs, and it consumes more electricity.” The Ambassador of China to Uganda, H.E Zhang Lizhong, thanked the President for officiating at the launch and commended Uganda for fostering a conducive investment environment that has allowed Chinese companies to thrive. He said the project is not only a symbol of China–Uganda friendship but also a driver of industrial progress. Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, said the Wagagai Gold Mining project reflects the government’s objective of promoting local value addition and job creation. She confirmed the plant’s capacity to refine gold to 99.99% purity and thanked Parliament for passing the regulatory framework that has made it possible. The Wagagai Gold Mining company General Manager, Tan Jiuchang, said the USD 150 million investment in Phase I of the project represents the beginning of a larger USD 250 million plan to build Uganda’s largest and most technologically advanced gold mine. The General Manager expressed gratitude to government entities and the Chinese Embassy for their support, noting that Wagagai’s progress in licensing and refining has set a benchmark for Uganda’s development. He said the completion of this phase has created over 2,000 jobs and aligns with the President’s vision of transforming Uganda’s economy. The General Manager also added that Busia, long known as the cradle of artisanal miners, now has a refinery that will help small-scale miners improve their livelihoods. Juichang urged artisanal miners to embrace registration and collaboration with the refinery, explaining that the project will open opportunities for income and training for hundreds of Ugandans. The Wagagai Gold Mine, located in Alupe, Busia District, covers 9.224 square kilometers with proven reserves of 30 million tons of gold ore at an average grade of 0.8–1 gram per ton, supporting 20 years of continuous production. Once at full capacity, the mine will process 5,000 tons of ore per day, or 1.5 million tons annually, to produce about 1.2 tons of refined gold each year at 99.99% purity. The project is expected to contribute approximately USD 10 million annually in tax revenue, create more than 5,000 jobs, and train over 500 skilled Ugandan workers.

2025-08-16

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PROPOSES FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF TESO CATTLE COMPENSATION FUND TO BENEFIT ALL HOUSEHOLDS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today urged that the ongoing cattle compensation exercise in Teso sub-region should benefit all households, rather than concentrating the funds on a few claimants. Speaking at Soroti University during a meeting with some of the cattle compensation claimants, local leaders and stakeholders, the President said that the loss of cattle in Teso was caused by past wars, and what is often referred to as “compensation” should be regarded as rehabilitation. He noted that in previous exercises, lawyers received a large portion of the funds, reducing the amount that reached beneficiaries. To prevent this, the government now ensures that payments are directly delivered to households. President Museveni proposed that the outstanding UGX 169 billion should be shared equitably among all homesteads in Teso, rather than giving large sums to a few claimants. He illustrated his idea: that if each cow is valued at UGX 1 million, the fund could cover 169,000 cows. With roughly 69,000 households, each could receive about 2–3 cows, while the 28,000 households who have already benefited would be excluded from this allocation. To ensure fairness, the President suggested forming a committee of elders, youth, and women leaders to harmonize distribution and budget allocation. He added that, depending on calculations and phased disbursement, households could potentially receive up to five cows each. The Vice President, Hon. Jessica Alupo thanked President Museveni for visiting Teso Subregion to address the longstanding cattle issue. She praised him for maintaining peace in the region, attributing stability to his visionary leadership in guiding the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi reported that the compensation process has been overhauled to ensure direct payments to verified claimants, moving away from court-mediated settlements. The verification now takes place at subregional and district levels, involving Local Council Committees (LC1, LC2), Chief Administrative Officers, District Government Officers, and local depots, deliberately avoiding centralized verification in Kampala. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs issues data cards for claimants to fill in their bio-data, which is verified from the village level to the district registrar. The system started in 2016/17 when the United States Committee verified thousands of claimants, including 16,946 in various subregions. President Museveni launched the Cattle Compensation Initiative Series in March 2022 with a planned budget of UGX 200 billion. Since then, total payments have reached UGX 506.7 billion. Recent disbursements in the Lango Subregion alone included 12,389 payments worth UGX 48.7 billion, with additional allocations across other subregions bringing the total for this round to UGX 128.3 billion through 28,281 payments. However, 24,509 verified claimants remain unpaid, with outstanding claims totaling UGX 506.69 billion. These include 5,570 claimants in the Northern Subregion with claims worth UGX 191.5 billion, 8,284 claimants in the Eastern Subregion with claims amounting to UGX 119.26 billion, and 10,708 claimants in the Central Subregion with claims totaling UGX 165.9 billion. Delays are largely due to incorrect or duplicate account details, closed or blocked bank accounts, and mismatched claimant identification. Hon. Bosco Okiror, MP for Usuk Constituency, urged the government to enhance transparency in payments and resolve pending legal disputes. He cited three court cases involving claimant Elijah Okupa and others, with claims totaling about USD 207,000 annually, mostly from Teso. Hon. Okiror suggested that while some matters remain in court, negotiation could resolve issues faster. He proposed that large claims be settled through phased and sequential payments and emphasized that compensation extends beyond cattle losses to include loss of life and destruction of property, requiring a holistic settlement.

2025-08-15

SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MEET TO CURB GOLD FRAUD IN UGANDA

A team of senior government officials have come together to pave ways of stemming fraud in the minerals sector. During a follow up meeting on gold trade fraud in Uganda held on Wednesday 13th August 2025 at the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) offices in Kampala, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Batebe said fraudsters mainly deal in gold and a number of investors have fallen victim to fake gold deals. The first meeting was held in January 2025 and here the heads of government agencies agreed on the need to step up action to prevent fraud in order to redeem the image of the economy. Eng. Batebe called for more concerted efforts with various government entities such as Uganda Police to deal with the challenge. “We must really work together if we are to tackle this challenge. Efforts must be coordinated in an ecosystem arrangement so that in the future we can as well consolidate on them,” she urged. Eng. Batebe also highlighted some steps being taken by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and stakeholders to streamline gold trade. She said so far, they have conducted a case study on Tanzania regarding regulation of business and were looking forward to benchmark in the near future. “Unlike Tanzania, Uganda lacks designated points of sale and purchase of gold. We are working with the Attorney General to come up with a law to enable us to set up designated places for mineral markets and buying centres to overcome black markets and fraud,” she said. “Like in Tanzania, you don't just sell to anyone, gold is recorded and tracked, even if they are exiting the country.” Eng. Batebe further revealed that they have already proposed designated centres for selling and buying of gold around the country. “We are proposing Entebbe and Busia as selling centres while Kassanda, Moroto or Kotido as buying centres. Whoever will be caught trading outside these places, will be marked as a criminal,” she said. “The Bank of Uganda gold purchase program will also bring in some good competition in gold trading by creating competitive prices. Black market dealers will join in, once the prices are competitive.” Eng. Batebe further expressed the need for close collaboration with security agencies to effectively execute the regulations that will be put in place to streamline gold trade. “We are also coming up with a digital platform which is supposed to support tracking and revenue management. Here revenue collection will be automatic.” On the issue of smuggling of gold, Eng. Batebe urged that border patrol should be strengthened. “For digital scams we must work together to deal with the issue,” she advised, as officials agreed to set up a cyber desk at the Uganda Police Force responsible for monitoring online mineral fraud. The officials also agreed to set up a search registry for mineral dealers and also constitute a technical committee whereby members will be meeting on a monthly basis to discuss key issues. The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke advised that the government should come up with game changing regulations in order to fix the overwhelming issue, causing a disservice to Uganda as a country. “We should strengthen strategic collaboration among government agencies if we are to achieve our goal,” Brig. Gen. Isoke noted. “We need to move faster, timeline is key, engage the Attorney General, Cabinet and have a law in place to regulate the sector.” The Head of SHIPU, Col. Edith Nakalema urged that agencies need to be dedicated towards plugging the loopholes in the entire eco-system. “This calls for heightened vigilance along the gold fraud journey in each of our roles,” she said, further reminding the attendees that the role of SHIPU is to protect investors not only from unnecessary delays in the eco-system but also from fraudulent actors within the system. “To inform our collaborative endeavor, it is necessary for all of us to appreciate the urgency of curbing this vice as a national imperative. This will inspire proactive collaboration from which firm action is triggered.” Col. Nakalema also pointed out that as they move to deal with the scam, they should mainly focus on the origin of the fraud, managing risks along the payment processing value chain, empowering investors and decisive law enforcement. “In our first meeting in January, we spoke with one voice. What brings us here today again joined by other stakeholders is because we still have a common enemy. Therefore, we are all in agreement that we have a role to play in preventing and thwarting fraud,” she said. “However, to triumph over our adversary, we have to ensure that our strategic cooperation does not fizzle out into unconstructive combined effort. Such a lapse would only risk making our united front predictable to scammers.” On the other hand, Col. Nakalema commended Brig. Gen. Isoke and his unit for the recent operation where they arrested seven suspects accused of swindling a Nigerian businessman out of USD 70,000 in a sophisticated fake gold deal. Representing the Inspector General of Police, AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, Uganda Police Director of Operations described the gold scam as a big elephant in the house that must be dealt with as soon as possible. “In 4 months, 48 cases have been reported. We can only fight this scam when we are working together. With policy interventions in place, we will be able to overcome the issue.” Brig. Gen. Mike Kisame, the Head of Aviation Security at Entebbe International Airport said that most times fraud is committed through a chain of individuals who are well connected financially and politically. He therefore called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders if they are to win over the criminal act. Brig. Gen. Kisame however decried the bureaucracy in decision-making when it comes to taking action against the fraudsters. “If you don't act fast things may take a different twist,” he cautioned. The Police Minerals Protection Unit Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Julius Caesar Tusingwire said that since January 2025, they have closed 15 illegal gold refineries in Muyenga, Buziga and neighboring areas. “We recovered a number of exhibits like fake gold, gas cylinders, money, genuine gold, among others. That operation was successful, and we agreed that every quarter we should conduct such an operation,” he said.

2025-08-14

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI EXTENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO LUKAYA ROADSIDE MARKET VENDORS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has continued to financially empower roadside market vendors with an aim of helping them improve their household income. This time round the beneficiaries were vendors working from Lukaya Road Toll Market and Lukaya Highway Market, both on Masaka Road. At least 552 vendors benefited from the initiative. The vendors who ply their trade in roasted meat, roasted chicken, roasted plantain (gonja), beverages, among other fast foods, received Shs100,000 each. The business booster package is part of President Museveni’s broader initiative to empower roadside market vendors across the country. The support was delivered yesterday by officials from State House led by the Senior Presidential Advisor In-charge of the Elderly, Princess Pauline Nassolo and the Special Presidential Assistant on Women Affairs, Ms. Flora Kabibi. Princess Nassolo informed the vendors that President Museveni is very passionate about their wellbeing, citing it as one of the reasons he extended an additional capital for their businesses so that they can stabilize their household income. “When we first came here, you told us that you have never benefited from the Parish Development Model (PDM) or Emyooga so we took the report back to Mzee. He then decided to send you this support as you wait to benefit from other government programs,” she said. “Mzee has sent you this money directly. It may be little but if properly utilised, it can create a very big impact in your business,” she added. Princess Nassolo further urged the vendors to focus on improving their livelihoods through hard work. “The infrastructure such as good roads may be there but that will not take away the poverty in your homes. H.E the President is now focused on how he can help you improve your household income and fight poverty,” she urged. On the other hand, Princess Nassolo advised the vendors to vote for selfless leaders who have their interests at heart for effective service delivery. “You should hold your leaders accountable if you want to benefit from government programs.” On her part, Ms. Kabibi cautioned vendors against politicking, advising them that they should instead focus on improving their livelihoods through engaging in productive enterprises. “Politics should not divide us. By the end of the day, we all remain Ugandans. All we should care about is uplifting our lives,” she stated. Ms. Kabibi reiterated calls to the vendors to use the business booster package well so that they can grow their businesses. The Chairperson of Lukaya Road Toll market, Ms. Sylvia Zalwango expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the financial support to the vendors, saying that with such a kind gesture, they will continue supporting him and his NRM government. “I thank President Museveni for supporting ordinary Ugandans like us. It has been long without benefiting from government programs such as PDM and Emyooga. I'm so happy that we have finally benefited,” she said, further thanking him for sending a trustworthy team which fully delivered the package. “The money may seem little, but it has a big impact on us. I’m really grateful, Your Excellency.” Another vendor who sells roasted chicken, Mr. Ben Makanga also thanked the President for the support. “This money is so vital in our businesses. I really thank you for the support, President Museveni,” he noted. “We take this money in good faith, and we shall utilise it well to expand our businesses.” Ms. Nantumbwe Joyce, who sells roasted gonja in the same market also hailed President Museveni for the financial rescue, explaining that she had run out of capital but with this business booster package, the narrative is going to change since she is going to rejuvenate her business. The Chairperson of Lukaya Highway Market, Mr. Kakooza Godfrey hailed President Museveni for uplifting the vendors through the empowerment program. He however requested the government to come up with more poverty alleviation programs designed specifically for vendors.

2025-08-13

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CONCLUDES THREE-DAY WORKING VISIT TO EGYPT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni returned to Uganda this afternoon after a fruitful three-day working visit to Egypt, where he engaged in high-level talks and bilateral meetings with his Egyptian counterpart, H.E Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The discussions solidified a strategic partnership focused on the Nile, trade, and regional stability. During the meetings, the two leaders emphasized the significance of the Nile River, underlining the necessity for equitable sharing of its waters among all Nile Basin countries to foster prosperity and strengthen Pan-African unity. The bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing trade relations, regional cooperation, and economic integration among African nations and reducing reliance on European markets. At the Egypt-Uganda Business Forum, President Museveni extended an invitation to Egyptian investors to explore opportunities in Uganda, highlighting the potential for sustainable development and growth. The visit reaffirmed the historically strong ties between Uganda and Egypt, culminating in the signing of several landmark agreements designed to formalize their partnership. These agreements seek to bolster cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, water management, and governance. Additionally, the leaders addressed pressing regional issues, with President Museveni advocating for dialogue and stability in countries experiencing conflict, notably Libya, Sudan and Palestine. Upon his arrival at Entebbe International Airport, President Museveni was warmly welcomed by the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda; the Commander of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi; Deputy Inspector General of Police, James Ochaya; and Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons, Mr. Samuel Akena.

2025-08-13

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WOOS EGYPTIAN INVESTORS IN CAIRO

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met and welcomed Egyptian investors to explore opportunities in Uganda, saying the country is ready to work with those bringing practical solutions and investments that can spur more development. The President is in Cairo, Egypt on a three-day working state visit at the invitation of his host and counterpart, H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. After being received at Cairo International Airport on Monday 11th, August 2025, he proceeded to Al-Qubbah Palace where he met various groups of Egyptian investors led by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed El-Hamzawi. First to meet the President were Mr. Tamer Shafik and Mr. Gamal Farid of Orascom Construction, one of the largest construction companies in Africa and the Middle East. They presented proposals to ease traffic congestion in Kampala through modern transport systems, including light rail, elevated mono-rail, and underground metro lines. Recalling his first visit to Cairo in 1969, President Museveni said he was familiar with the challenge of heavy traffic and appreciated the solutions being proposed. “You are most welcome. Come to Uganda and we will discuss,” he told the delegation. “We are losing a lot of money in fuel in traffic without moving and poisoning the environment. The impact is not good, damaging the roads,” the President added. Insurance Package for Travellers: Hon. Moustafa El Gendy, Vice President and Chief Advisor to the President of the Pan-African Parliament, and President of Eugenie Investment Group for Tourism and Cruises, shared details of Egypt’s travellers’ insurance system. Under the plan, he said that an Egyptian travelling abroad pays a one-time fee that covers them for ten years the lifespan of their passport in case of accidents, sickness, or repatriation needs, noting that this is an idea he would like to bring to Uganda. “This is a very good idea. Come and meet the Foreign Affairs Ministry and make your proposal,” he said. Plans for a Regional Public University: Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mansour, Prime Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German University in Cairo, expressed interest in establishing a joint public university to serve Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. President Museveni said it was a good idea, and they would look into it. Expanding Dairy Production and Industry: The President also met Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Khalil El-Tahan, Chairman of El-Tahan International Food Industries, who praised Uganda as the safest country in East Africa. He said his company, which produces cheese in Mbarara for export to the Middle East, Europe, and the USA, was interested in returning to expand operations and introduce new hot cheese products. He also proposed developing an agricultural and industrial city. President Museveni responded,” You come, I will give you land near Mbarara, we shall be waiting for you.” On the city proposal, he said they would study it further, noting it may not be possible in Jinja but could be elsewhere. Meanwhile, the President’s programme in Cairo continues with more high-level talks and key bilateral meetings. The meeting was also attended by the Ugandan government officials including; the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Lt. Col. (Rtd). Bright Rwamirama, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, the Director of Citizenship and Immigration Control and Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Ugandan Embassy in Cairo.

2025-08-12