Uganda, Poland strengthen cooperation in mining, mineral development

________________

Uganda and Poland have renewed their commitment to deepen cooperation in mining, natural resources management and geological development.

The Polish-Ugandan Mining Conference took place on November 21, 2025, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, bringing together public institutions, private sector players, academic and research bodies, and industry experts from both countries.

Opening the conference, the minister of energy and mineral development, Ruth Nankabirwa, assured Polish investors that Uganda is a ready and reliable partner.

“This conference strengthens the partnership between the two countries. We have the Uganda National Mining Company that can collaborate in executing large-scale projects,” Nankabirwa said.

Addressing local content needs, she urged mining companies to employ local communities and procure their goods and services.

She highlighted the various tax incentives available to investors, encouraging them to take full advantage.

Nankabirwa added that Uganda’s critical minerals will play a central role in the country’s transition to clean energy, while increased use of hydroelectricity will advance clean cooking solutions.

Polish Ambassador to Uganda, Miroslaw Gojdz, said the conference created opportunities for research scientists, industry specialists, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and experiences.

 

Officials, delegates from Uganda and Poland attending the Polish-Ugandan Mining Conference at Mestil Hotel, Kampala.

“My embassy is responsible for promoting commercial relationships with Uganda. The trade bonds between Uganda and Poland have been increasing, and we will continue to explore opportunities together,” he said.

Amb. Gojdz noted that Uganda could become a mining success story within 10 years, adding that, Poland being a strong mining country, is well-positioned to support Uganda’s ambitions. 

Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the Honorary Consul of Poland in Kampala, said the two countries share similar histories, with both having saints, entrepreneurs, and warriors. Kamuntu recognised the significant contribution of Polish missionaries to Uganda, noting that some Polish people are buried in two key cemeteries in the country.

Kamuntu emphasised Uganda’s strategic location in Africa and its vast opportunities in the mining and minerals sector.

Richard Kaijuka, former chairman of the board of trustees at the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM), praised Poland’s advancement and seriousness in mining.

“The Polish are polite and diplomatic, and they need critical minerals, something they do not hide. I appeal to Polish investors to partner with Uganda’s private sector in the mining sector,” Kaijuka said.

He urged Polish companies to support mineral exploration and quantification to pave the way for commercial mining ventures.

UCEM chief executive officer Humphrey Asiimwe said the partnership between Uganda and Poland in mining was gaining momentum.

“We want to build linkages with players from Poland who have demonstrated strong capabilities in mining and technology. Uganda’s mining sector needs technology,” Asiimwe said.

In 2024, Uganda’s main exports to Poland included coffee, tea, spices, vegetables, fruit and nut preparations, as well as salt, sulphur, earth, stone, plaster, lime, and cement.

Poland’s major exports to Uganda were arms and ammunition; textile articles and worn clothing; milling products such as malt, starches and inulin; wheat gluten; and beverages, spirits, and vinegar.