Gospel star Mungufeni feted at mineral wealth conference

Award winning gospel singer and entrepreneur Ben Mungu Feni known for his inspirational music has been feted at the 14th annual Uganda annual mineral wealth conference.

At the annual conference held at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Mungu Feni, known for his uplifting gospel music that incorporates traditional Uganda rhythms and Amapiano, was lauded for his contribution to the mining sector. 

The 38-year old was Mungu feni  was recognized by Andrew Makaka, the head of the Uganda Minerals Association, as the sole Ugandan investor to fully own a gold refinery in the country.

He owns Euro Gold Refinery Uganda Limited and was hailed as one of Uganda’s most influential investors.

Mungu feni’s groundbreaking venture is redefining the nation’s mineral industry, aligning with the conference’s theme of "Sustainable Mineral Development through Collaboration, Innovation, and Green Transitions."

A trailblazer in Uganda’s Mineral Sector, his refinery based in Kamwokya was launched in July 2025 by Energy and Mineral Development Minister Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa who said it represents a monumental step toward retaining value within Uganda’s borders. 

Mungu feni’s achievement as the first local investor to establish a gold refinery underscores his pivotal role in transforming a sector historically dominated by foreign entities.  At the conference, Mungufeni captivated attendees as a key speaker, sharing insights on sustainable refining and the importance of local ownership. 

His recognition by Makaka highlighted Euro Gold Refinery’s unique position as a 100% Ugandan-owned enterprise, setting a precedent for national participation in a sector poised to drive Uganda’s economic growth under Vision 2040. 

Euro Gold Refinery is the third licensed refinery in Uganda but the first fully owned by a Ugandan.  It is a testament to Mungu feni’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.

 Equipped with cutting-edge Italian technology, the facility refines gold to 99.9% purity without chemical waste, adhering to international environmental and quality standards

With a sh178 billion investment, the refinery supports the Bank of Uganda’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, supplying high-purity gold for national reserves and fostering a robust local market for Ugandan-made jewelry, including wedding rings.

" The refinery’s impact extends beyond Kampala. We have secured a 79.8 sq km mining concession in Yumbe District, with plans to expand operations to Abim district, “Mungu feni said.

He reveals that by sourcing gold from artisanal miners, Euro Gold directly benefits over 400,000 small-scale miners and indirectly supports approximately two million dependents. 

" The facility is projected to create hundreds of jobs, positioning it as a cornerstone of economic empowerment and community development" he says.

During the conference, industry policy makers including Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Mineral Development heralded Mungu feni's visionary leadership. 

Nyamutoro reiterated government’s commitment to responsible beneficiation, as outlined in the Mining and Minerals Act 2022. 

She said that Mungu feni’s refinery aligns perfectly with this vision, ensuring that Uganda’s vast mineral wealth estimated at over 31 million tonnes of gold ore—translates into tangible benefits for its people. 

The conference brought together over 1,500 stakeholders, including government officials, international partners like AHK Eastern Africa, and financial institutions such as NCBA and Postbank Uganda. Discussions centered on value addition, green technologies, and financing solutions for mining projects.

 Mungufeni’s Euro Gold Refinery was a focal point, exemplifying how local innovation can drive Uganda’s ambition to grow its GDP from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040. 

The event also showcased Uganda’s mineral potential through exhibitions of local products like green cement and polished gemstones, while launching UCEM’s "30 Days of Mining Media Campaign" to sustain momentum. 

For Mungu feni, the conference opened doors for partnerships in refining, trading, and exports, further solidifying his role as a catalyst for change. 

" My recognition is more than a personal triumph—it’s a milestone for Uganda. Euro Gold Refinery embodies the nation’s shift toward a sovereign, industrialized mining industry that prioritizes sustainability, local ownership, and global competitiveness" he said.