The handover event, held in Kasese and presided over by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, follows the signing of the first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement with Sarrai Group Limited, an Arab investment company, in March this year.
The government has officially handed over the assets of Kilembe Mines Limited in Kasese district to the new developers, Sarrai Group Limited and Nile Fireboard Limited. The two companies will collaborate with the Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC), a state enterprise responsible for protecting Uganda's mineral interests.
The rehabilitation process is estimated to require between USD 230-250 million. The handover event, held in Kasese and presided over by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, follows the signing of the first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement with Sarrai Group Limited, an Arab investment company, in March this year.
This development has been welcomed by both local leaders and residents, who have long advocated for the revamping of the mines, hoping to tap into the many opportunities it will create. Nankabirwa said the flagship project would lead to the production of cobalt metal and copper cathodes—key materials for advancing clean energy technologies.
She emphasized that the revitalization of the mining sector in the area would not only drive Uganda’s industrialization but also generate both skilled and unskilled jobs for Ugandans. The minister also called on local leaders in Kasese to support the mine’s revival and fight any opposition to the project. She urged people who are illegally occupying Kilembe Mines land to vacate the premises.
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Dr. Banage Baingi, CEO of the Uganda National Mining Company, described the revamp of Kilembe Mines as a benchmark for Uganda’s mining sector. He added that they would also explore additional untapped resources to extend the life of the mines.
Meanwhile, Richard Bomera, LC3 Chairperson for Bulembia Division, requested that the government consider compensating those found settling on Kilembe Mines land.
Basaija is a graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU-Mukono) holding a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication.
He is a currently pursuing a fellowship in Gender Communications at Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications Nairobi, Kenya and expected to graduate in 2025.
He also boosts of numerous training's in the journalism arena.
Before joining URN, he had served as documentation support personnel, radio presenter and a news editor.
