Mineral deposits: My govt will prioritise local youth, communities, Muntu says
“It is absurd that the Government gave away foreign companies' surface mining licences of less than 24 metres to outcompete the local people, especially the youth, from engaging in this lucrative venture,” Muntu said.
Speaking during a campaign rally at Kulikulinga town council in Aringa South constituency, Yumbe district, on December 4, 2025, Muntu vowed to withdraw mining licences from foreign companies engaging in surface mining, paving the way for local participation and economic empowerment. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)
Muntu's campaign trail has also focused on infrastructure development, with promises to tarmac hundreds of kilometres of roads in Moyo, Obongi and Yumbe districts. (All Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)
YUMBE - Presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu says once elected into power, he will transform the mining sector in Uganda, prioritising local youth and communities where the mineral deposits are located.
According to Muntu, this ambitious plan shall be executed after the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party government has withdrawn mining licences from foreign companies currently engaging in surface mining.
Speaking during a campaign rally at Kulikulinga town council in Aringa South constituency, Yumbe district, on December 4, 2025, Muntu vowed to withdraw mining licences from foreign companies engaging in surface mining, paving the way for local participation and economic empowerment.
“It is absurd that the Government gave away foreign companies' surface mining licences of less than 24 metres to outcompete the local people, especially the youth, from engaging in this lucrative venture,” Muntu said.
When elected, I will only give foreign mining companies a licence on condition that they shall be doing deep mining of a kilometre-deep underground, but not to allow them to do surface mining, he added.
“I promise to withdraw all mining licences from foreign companies who come to invest here to engage in surface mining, including those who extract sand in our lakes,” Muntu said.
Cheap credit for surface mining equipment
Muntu, who is a former army commander, also promised to offer cheap credit to local youth and small-scale farmers, enabling them to invest in modern equipment and technology.
The ex-military commander for the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) also pledged to provide cheap credit to Ugandans who shall be engaging in mining, especially in procuring gold detecting machines and rock blasting machines.
“Mineral wealth should benefit the original owners, not foreigners, at the expense of citizens. All the machines needed to do surface mining can’t exceed shillings 20 million if procured in bulk,” Muntu assured.
The proposal and pledge resonated with the youth in Yumbe, who are currently grappling with unemployment, with many eager for the government to create job opportunities in the mining sector, currently dominated by foreign companies.
“We want to be part of the mining industry, but we lack the resources and support,” Fungaroo Mansul Ayub, a local youth leader, said.
In Yumbe and Terego districts, gold mining is a significant economic activity, but locals feel squeezed out by foreign companies. Muntu's promise to offer deep mining licences to foreign companies, while ensuring local participation, has raised hopes for a more inclusive mining sector.
“We are excited about Muntu's vision,” Simon Wadri, another resident, said. “We need jobs, infrastructure and economic opportunities. It's time for us to benefit from our natural resources.”
Infrastructure development
Muntu's campaign trail has also focused on infrastructure development, with promises to tarmac hundreds of kilometres of roads in Moyo, Obongi and Yumbe districts. The roads, currently dusty and impassable during rainy seasons, have hindered trade and movement.
In Buhweju district, where gold mining is also taking place, locals have been pushed out of the sector due to stiff competition from foreign companies. Muntu's promise to prioritise local participation and offer cheap credit has sparked hope for a more equitable mining industry.
“We will ensure that our locals are not left behind,” Muntu added. “We will support small-scale farmers, improve infrastructure and create jobs. This is the change Yumbe and Uganda need.”
Muntu also promised to put money into agriculture to support farmers engaged in value addition and international marketing. This, he believes, will boost agro-processing, value addition, and marketing of produce.
“We will support our locals to compete with foreign companies in processing our food items on the international market,” Muntu emphasised.
All these we shall do after reviving cooperative movements, which the country lost when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni came to power in 1986.