Kampala, Uganda – The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, convened a high-profile meeting on August 13, 2025 with top government and security officials to strengthen oversight and protect investors in Uganda’s gold trade sector.
The closed-door discussions brought together key figures from multiple agencies in a coordinated effort to clamp down on illicit gold transactions that have undermined the sector’s credibility and cost the government substantial revenue.
Among the attendees were Eng. Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Brigadier General Henry Isoke, Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit; and Brigadier General Mike Kisame, Head of Security at Entebbe International Airport.
Also present were AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, Director of Operations at the Uganda Police Force; ACP Julius Caesar Tusingwire, Commander of the Police Mineral Protection Unit; Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority; and Ms. Agnes Alaba, Commissioner at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
Participants focused on strategies to combat gold smuggling, fraudulent trade practices, and corruption within the industry.
Key discussion points included the need for tighter regulations, improved inter-agency cooperation, and enhanced monitoring at strategic exit points like Entebbe International Airport, which has been identified as a major transit hub for illegal gold shipments.
Brigadier General Isoke reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning that officials involved in gold-related graft would face severe consequences.
Security chiefs outlined plans to deploy advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing systems to dismantle smuggling networks, while the Uganda Police Force and Mineral Protection Unit pledged to intensify crackdowns on illegal mining and unlicensed gold exports.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development proposed policy adjustments to close existing loopholes, including implementing mandatory documentation for all gold exports and stricter penalties for non-compliance.
The discussions also explored ways to streamline licensing procedures for gold dealers while implementing stricter tracking mechanisms to ensure transparency in transactions.
Col. Nakalema announced the establishment of a follow-up task force to implement the agreed measures, with regular progress reports to be submitted to relevant authorities.
Industry stakeholders cautiously welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that these measures will restore trust in Uganda’s gold trade while attracting legitimate investors.
As Uganda positions itself as a regional hub for gold trade, the success of these efforts will depend on sustained enforcement and collaboration among all relevant agencies.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a dedicated task force to oversee implementation, with progress reports to be regularly reviewed by top government officials.