Uganda's mineral sector must move beyond exporting raw materials and invest in domestic processing industries to capture greater economic benefits, according to Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa. Speaking at a session of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)-European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Belgium, Tayebwa called for increased investment in energy infrastructure, transport networks, skills development and affordable financing to enable African countries to process their mineral resources locally. Tayebwa, who also serves as Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, argued that mineral-producing countries must establish processing industries capable of creating employment, expanding exports, attracting investment and increasing government revenue.
Uganda's mineral sector already shows significant economic potential. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) said the value of Uganda's mineral production increased by 15.1 per cent to Shs329.55 billion in 2024, up from Shs286.28 billion in 2023. Iron ore accounted for Shs174.06 billion of the total production value, followed by limestone at Shs82.76 billion and pozzolana at Shs27.68 billion. Vermiculite contributed Shs24.40 billion, while cassiterite accounted for approximately Shs8.39 billion. The country's gold exports have also grown substantially, according to Ministry of Finance trade figures, increasing from approximately US$2.31 billion in 2023 to US$3.48 billion in 2024. Uganda has deposits of gold, iron ore, cobalt, lithium, tin, tungsten, graphite and rare earth elements.
Tayebwa emphasised that reliable electricity, efficient transport networks, skilled workers and affordable financing are essential for countries seeking to move into higher-value stages of mineral production. He noted that although global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, many resource-rich countries lack the infrastructure, technical expertise and financing needed to establish competitive mineral processing industries. Skills development is particularly important in fields such as geology, mining engineering, metallurgy, mineral processing and modern mining technologies. Developing mineral processing industries could create opportunities in refining, metallurgy, manufacturing and the production of industrial inputs, while generating additional employment and business opportunities.
The financial environment for mineral development faces headwinds. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported a 9 per cent decline in global critical mineral investment in 2025, raising concerns about the availability of financing needed to expand production and processing capacity despite growing demand. Tayebwa called for stronger cooperation between OACPS and the European Union to mobilise investment, facilitate technology transfer and support the establishment of mineral processing industries in producing countries. He emphasised that international partnerships should deliver measurable economic benefits, including employment, opportunities for local businesses, technology transfer and increased national revenues.
For Uganda, increased investment in mineral value addition could stimulate demand for locally manufactured equipment and industrial inputs, create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthen linkages between mining, energy, transport, construction and manufacturing. Tayebwa's appeal highlights the need for strategic investment in infrastructure, technology and human capital to transform Uganda's mineral resources into sustainable drivers of industrial development, employment creation and economic growth.