The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has inaugurated a new Uganda National Mining Company board at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda House in Entebbe.
The nine-member board, chaired by James Mukasa Ssebugenyi, is tasked with overseeing the country’s equity interests in the mining sector. Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasized the board’s critical role in achieving new targets to enhance mineral exploitation and value addition for economic transformation, industrialization, and job creation.
The Ministry’s strategic vision includes increasing exploration and quantification of at least 58 priority minerals and geothermal resources across the country. Additionally, the board aims to promote the adoption and use of affordable technologies throughout the supply chain.
James Mukasa Ssebugenyi, the board chair, highlighted mineral development as a key driver of revenue and government plans. He expressed confidence that the Uganda National Mining Company can play a transformative role in the economy.
Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, underscored the mineral sector’s importance as one of five critical areas the government has identified to achieve economic growth over the next decade.
The board members bring a diverse range of expertise, including law, accounting, geology, and economics. James Mukasa Ssebugenyi is a seasoned lawyer with experience in high-profile environmental and mineral resource cases.
James Byagaba is an experienced accountant and managing director of Gabas Investments Ltd.
Other members include Kevin Aanyu, a geologist and lecturer at Makerere University; Agnes Alaba, commissioner in the Department of Mines; Francis Twinamatsiko, assistant commissioner in the Tax Policy Department; Maria Kiwanuka Nabasirye Kiwana, special presidential advisor on finance; Dr. Alex Binego Zentaro Kwatampora, geoscience expert; Wilfred Kokas Aupal, senior lecturer and dean at Uganda Technology and Management University; and John Fisher Kanyemibwa, advocate with expertise in oil and gas law.
Historically, the mining sector contributed significantly to Uganda’s GDP, but its contribution has declined over the years. The National Development Plan aims to increase Uganda’s economic output, with the mining sector playing a crucial role in achieving this goal.
