Government to Strengthen Mineral Data Systems to Support Value Addition

What the report says

The Ugandan government says it plans to strengthen its mineral data systems and expand value addition in the mining sector to attract investment, support industrialisation and raise returns from the country’s mineral resources. The announcement was made at the 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference & Expo 2026, where State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Okaasai Opolot said access to reliable geological information will be important for investors and for moving away from exporting raw minerals.

According to Nile Post, the government is working on a more credible mineral data centre that can give companies a clearer picture of Uganda’s mineral potential. Opolot also said licensing should be handled in a way that helps the country earn more economic benefit from what is extracted. The article says Uganda is seeking to build stronger links between exploration, processing and manufacturing, rather than relying mainly on unprocessed exports.

The report adds that Uganda has deposits including copper, cobalt, graphite, rare earth elements, iron ore and gold, which officials see as opportunities for a broader industrial chain. European Union Ambassador Jan Sadek said the country’s mineral potential should extend beyond mining pits to laboratories, processing plants, factories and export markets. The article also notes that the EU, through Team Europe, is supporting areas such as responsible mining, skills development and investment.

The broader policy push fits into Uganda’s long-term goal of expanding its economy, with the mineral sector expected to contribute through jobs, local processing and higher export earnings.