The National Mining Company (NMC) inaugurated its new Board of Directors at Petroleum House in Entebbe.
The board, chaired by James Mukasa Ssebugenyi, with James Byagaba as deputy chairperson, includes a team of seasoned experts: John Fisher, Agnes Alaba, Francis Twinamatsiko, Dr. Kevin Aanyu, Dr. Alex Kwatampora Binego, and Wilfred Kokas.
These professionals bring a wealth of experience and insight to the mining sector, with an ambitious mandate to expand mineral exports and enhance Uganda’s presence in international mineral markets.
During the inauguration, the Minister of State for Minerals, Phiona Nyamutoro, highlighted the critical importance of adding value within Uganda’s mineral sector.
“This board arrives at a crucial moment when the government is focused on adding value to our mineral resources, ensuring that more of the value chain remains in Uganda and fosters local job creation,” Nyamutoro stated.
Nyamutoro further emphasized Uganda’s potential for economic and environmental gains by adopting modern mining practices and reducing the export of raw minerals. She added, “Uganda stands to benefit economically and environmentally by adopting modern mining practices and reducing raw mineral exports.”
Peter Lokeris, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, also spoke at the event, underlining the board’s essential role in advancing Uganda’s mining sector.
“This board will ensure that our mineral resources contribute more significantly to Uganda’s economic growth,” Lokeris remarked. He further stressed the importance of responsible mineral sourcing and highlighted the government’s new policy directive prohibiting raw mineral exports as part of an effort to increase value addition within the country.
This new leadership marks a significant step forward in managing Uganda’s mineral resources to promote economic growth and partnerships. With a strong focus on maximizing national involvement in mining, NMC aims to drive revenue and align mineral exploitation with Uganda’s broader development goals by working in collaboration with the private sector.
The National Mining Company was established to enable the government to actively participate in the mining sector, following the model of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), which manages government stakes in the petroleum industry.
The new board’s mandate includes fostering a more organized and profitable mineral market, strengthening the regulatory framework within the sector, and promoting transparency in all operations.
Despite its potential, Uganda’s mining sector faces various challenges, with limited funding to the Mineral Development Programme identified as a major bottleneck.
The board’s formation and direction provide a foundation for addressing these challenges and paving the way for a more structured and sustainable approach to mineral resource management in Uganda.
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