KAMPALA – The Government has announced a one-month moratorium on new mineral licences and permits, a decisive step to realign Uganda’s booming mining sector with its long-term economic vision.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The announcement was made by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala.
The pause, which takes immediate effect, represents a strategic intervention to conduct a comprehensive review of the licensing framework, ensuring it is fully aligned with the nation’s vision of a “Qualitative Leap” toward a USD 500 billion economy by 2040.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has reported a significant rise in applications, driven by the establishment of an online licensing regime and a de-risked investment environment.
As of June 30, 2026, the government had granted over 1,000 licences, including 497 Exploration Licences and 212 Prospecting Licences, alongside numerous permits for large-scale, medium-scale, and artisanal mining.
Minister Musenero emphasized that while the uptake is encouraging, the licensing process must evolve to ensure that only credible and capable investors are attracted, and that mineral resources are developed responsibly.
“The grant of a mineral right is the first step in participating in the industry. It is therefore important that the licensing framework not only facilitates investment but also ensures that value addition is promoted and the sector makes a significantly greater contribution to Uganda’s economic transformation,” Masanza stated.
The Minister noted that during the 30-day pause, the Ministry will conduct a thorough review of the Mining Cadastre and Registry System to strengthen the sector’s regulatory foundation.
The exercise will assess existing licences against performance targets, crack down on illegal mining activities conducted under exploration permits, and resolve contested licences to uphold transparency and fairness.
She added that it will also align new licensing with NDP IV goals and define clear expectations for future licensees, ultimately driving the qualitative leap envisioned for Uganda’s economic transformation.
The Minister clarified that while new grants are temporarily paused, essential operations, including mineral export permits for value-added minerals, permissions for sample exports, and licence renewals, will continue without interruption, provided they meet legal requirements.
The Ministry’s full spectrum of regulatory functions, encompassing inspections, monitoring, supervision, and enforcement, remains vigorously active throughout this deferment period against all existing licensees.
This dual-track approach guarantees that strict adherence to the Mining Act is maintained, even as the licensing framework undergoes its strategic review, ensuring both continuity and accountability across the sector.
Minister Musenero further called for cooperation and understanding from all stakeholders, framing the decision as a necessary step to strengthen Uganda’s mineral licensing framework, enhance transparency, and attract high-quality investment.
“This temporary measure is intended to strengthen Uganda’s mineral licensing framework and position the sector to attract credible investment, promote responsible mineral development and value addition, and make a substantially greater contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” she said.
The government expects the review to be completed within the month, paving the way for a more robust and efficient mining sector ready to drive the nation forward.
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