The European Union (EU) has promised to support Uganda’s mining sector through value addition, innovation, infrastructure and skilling. 

This was revealed by Maria Håkansson, the Ambassador of Sweden in Kampala, on the second day of the 3rd Uganda-EU Business Forum (UEUBF) at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo.

Håkansson took the stage to talk about the EU’s efforts and collaboration with Uganda on sustainable mining. 

She noted that Sweden is Europe’s leading mining nation and accounts for 90% of the bloc’s iron ore and a substantial part of other minerals.

The European Union (EU) has promised to support Uganda’s mining sector through value addition, innovation, infrastructure and skilling. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“There is a growing realisation that a green and sustainable future will need raw materials from the mining sector. As the EU, we wish to support Uganda’s mining sector in their work with value chain creation, innovation, infrastructure and skilling,” she said. 

Håkansson also disclosed that the EU and Uganda will soon agree on a memorandum of understanding that confirms the strategic partnership on critical raw materials. “We also hope to soon launch a new program on sustainable mining as we continue to invest in Uganda’s long-term prosperity,” she added.

Dismal contribution

Currently, the contribution of minerals to Uganda’s economy stands at a dismal 1.4%.

MPs recently noted that the mining industry continues to be dominated by artisanal miners whose production levels are low, due to most of their operations being manually undertaken and the use of rudimentary techniques for mining.

“There is still limited progress towards mineral beneficiation and manufacturing. Apart from gold, there is limited value addition on minerals,” Patrick Isiagi Opolot, the budget committee chairperson and Kachumbala County MP, said.

He made the remarks while presenting the committee’s report on the national budget framework paper for the financial year 2024/25 to 2028/29, which the House approved with amendments on January 31, 2024.

MPs also urged the Government to prioritize funding to the mineral development programme so that the country’s mineral potential can be fully harnessed.

The European Union (EU) has promised to support Uganda’s mining sector through value addition, innovation, infrastructure and skilling. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“There is a need to adequately equip, train and facilitate the staff working under the programme,” he said.

About the forum

The high-level summit, which is aimed at facilitating structured collaboration between EU and Ugandan private sector and public actors, is also the largest and most influential joint Uganda-EU event on doing business and investing in Uganda.

It is running under the theme 'Boosting trade and investments', with the sub-theme being 'What can Uganda gain from global gateway?'.