Govt seeks Australian know-how to tap critical minerals wealth
The push was highlighted during an official visit to Australia by the Australia–Uganda Parliamentary Friendship Group, which used parliamentary diplomacy to explore areas of cooperation in mining governance, technology transfer, skills development and investment.
The Australia–Uganda Parliamentary Friendship Group delegation was led by the chairperson of the friendship group, Ofwono Opondo. (Courtesy photo)
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Government is seeking to tap into Australia's mining expertise, technology and investment as it moves to strengthen the governance and development of its critical minerals sector.
The push was highlighted during an official visit to Australia by the Australia–Uganda Parliamentary Friendship Group, which used parliamentary diplomacy to explore areas of cooperation in mining governance, technology transfer, skills development and investment.
The delegation, led by the chairperson of the friendship group, Ofwono Opondo, travelled to Australia at the direction of the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, according to a press release by the Uganda High Commission in Australia.
The delegation included Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, vice-chairperson of the Parliamentary Friendship Group and chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Emmanuel Omoding Okabe, Gabriel Okumu and Ethel Naluyima.
The delegation held discussions at Australia's Parliament House with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick, and the Leader of the Opposition, Angus Taylor.
Australia, with its established mining industry and experience in minerals governance, presents an opportunity for Uganda to draw lessons as it develops its own critical minerals sector.
Ofwono said Uganda wanted the relationship with Australia to produce practical cooperation rather than remain at the level of diplomatic dialogue.
“Our objective is to build partnerships that go beyond dialogue to practical cooperation. Knowledge exchange, institutional capacity and investment are critical to Uganda's transformation agenda,” he said.
He said Uganda valued Australia's experience in mining governance, technology and institutional development, adding that cooperation in these areas could support the country's industrialisation agenda.
Kwiyucwiny said stronger institutional relationships were necessary for countries to attract investment and pursue sustainable economic development.
“Strong foreign relations are built through strong institutions. Engagement between legislatures creates opportunities to exchange policy experience, strengthen oversight and build the governance frameworks that support investment and sustainable development,” she said.
“Economic transformation requires more than financial investment. It requires institutions that embrace innovation, digital transformation and knowledge exchange,” she said.
She added that learning from Australia's experience could strengthen Uganda's capacity to make informed policy and legislative decisions.
The discussions also examined opportunities for cooperation in parliamentary technology, digital records management, legislative research, artificial intelligence, staff training and knowledge management.
Uganda's High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Samali Hyuha, said the High Commission was using institutional partnerships to translate diplomatic relations into practical opportunities for investment, innovation and knowledge exchange.
She said parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional diplomacy by strengthening relationships between institutions and creating opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Hyuha said the High Commission would continue facilitating partnerships between Ugandan and Australian institutions in governance, technology, education and economic development.