Skills shortage threatens Uganda’s mining sector growth target

Uganda’s ambition to earn more than Shs1,850 trillion ($500 billion) from the mining sector by 2030 could be undermined by a shortage of skilled technical personnel, industry leaders have warned.

Humphrey Asiimwe, chief executive officer of the Chamber of Energy and Minerals, said the country needs more metallurgists, mining engineers and mining economists to support the rapidly expanding sector.

“Over the years, the country has continued to rely on technocrats from Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa and Botswana,” Mr Asiimwe said.

He was speaking during celebrations to mark National Youth Mining Day at Busitema University, where he said the Young Chamber of Mines and Petroleum was working to develop a skilled workforce and reduce the sector’s dependence on foreign expertise.

Mr Asiimwe said Uganda needs to train more geologists, mining engineers and mining economists while also upgrading the skills of young people already engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining.

The event attracted more than 250 youth leaders, including university and other higher education students expected to contribute to the future mining workforce.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, only about 20 per cent of Uganda’s land area has been explored, despite more than 50 types of minerals having been identified, 27 of which are considered valuable.

Hope Kyarisiima, the UNDP country coordinator, said young people would be central to determining whether Uganda can translate its mineral wealth into sustainable economic development.

She said the future of the sector would depend not only on the minerals underground but also on the knowledge, skills and leadership of those involved in extracting and processing them.

Ms Kyarisiima said universities such as Busitema had an important role in training geologists, engineers, environmental specialists, entrepreneurs and policymakers.

“We believe innovation, sustainability and inclusivity must go hand in hand. Young people should seize opportunities in mineral extraction, processing, technology, environmental management and research,” she said.

A GIZ report similarly said Uganda’s mineral deposits could support industrialisation, economic growth and job creation for young people.

Government seeks more youth participation

Guest of honour Phionah Nyamutoro challenged students, investors and mining experts to consider the opportunities presented by the large portion of Uganda that remains unexplored.

She said comprehensive geological surveys could lead to the discovery of additional mineral deposits.

“Uganda has long been referred to as the Pearl of Africa, but more mineral resources could still be discovered through comprehensive geological surveys,” Ms Nyamutoro said.

The minister said the government was encouraging young people to enter the mining sector and become entrepreneurs and industrialists.

She said the government was also working to create an environment where young people can acquire the skills needed to participate in mining while observing environmental safeguards.

“Young people, we are not here just to celebrate; we are here to mentor you and ensure you take the next step in driving this multibillion-dollar mineral sector forward,” Ms Nyamutoro said.

She told journalists that the government had also sought to make artisanal mining licences more accessible to young people.

Ms Nyamutoro said obtaining an artisanal mining licence requires capital ranging from $0 to $100,000, or about Shs371 million.

Dr Paul Waako, the Busitema University vice chancellor, said the institution already offers a mineral engineering programme and plans to introduce mineral processing to address skills gaps in the industry.

“As Busitema University, we believe the mining sector cannot develop if young people are left behind. That is why we are introducing programmes to equip them with the skills and expertise they need,” Dr Waako said.

Kenneth Asimwe, chief executive officer of the National Association of Artisanal Miners, said strengthening the skills of young people already working in artisanal and small-scale mining was equally important.

He said many young people are involved in the sector but require technical capacity to improve their operations and compete with larger investors.

Uganda’s mineral potential

Uganda has deposits of gold in Busia, Namayingo, Mubende and Karamoja; copper and cobalt in Kasese and Kilembe; iron ore in Sukulu and Muko; rare earth elements at Makuutu; and graphite in Orom, Kitgum District.

Although more than 50 minerals have been identified, mining activity has largely focused on gold, copper and iron ore.

Bank of Uganda statistics show gold was Uganda’s leading export, accounting for 76.6 per cent of total exports.

Gold exports rose from $201 million in 2018 to $2.3 billion in 2023 and $5.8 billion by October 2025.

The government and industry stakeholders say expanding geological exploration and developing local technical expertise will be critical if Uganda is to maximise the economic value of its mineral resources.