The Government of Uganda has announced the establishment of designated mineral markets across the country in a move aimed at boosting transparency, regulation, and profitability in the mining sector.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the new markets will provide formal trading centers for both artisanal and large-scale miners, ensuring that all minerals are sold through approved channels. The initiative is part of ongoing reforms to curb illegal mining, improve traceability, and maximize revenue collection.
Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa said the government is committed to formalizing the mineral trade to protect local miners and increase Uganda’s competitiveness in the global market. “These markets will enable government to monitor production and trade more effectively while ensuring miners get fair prices for their minerals,” she explained.
The ministry also plans to introduce a digital tracking system to record mineral transactions and prevent smuggling. Regional markets will be established in mineral-rich areas such as Karamoja, Mubende, and Kasese, which have long struggled with unregulated mining activities.
Analysts have welcomed the move, noting that structured markets could attract more investors and bring order to a sector often plagued by informality and exploitation.
