Government approves sand, clay and rocks as minerals

Mr Shaban Bantariza, the deputy executive director at Uganda Media Centre

What you need to know:

  • The Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters has recently put the Judiciary on the spot over land disputes. In an October 26, 2018 press release, the commission The other specifications will include emphasis on the gender equality and child protection where no child will be allowed to work in the mines.

Kampala. Cabinet has approved the principles for the Mining and Minerals Bill, 2019 to strengthen the legal framework for licensing and developing the mineral sector and adopt sand, rocks, aggregate and clay as minerals.
Mr Shaban Bantariza, the deputy executive director at Uganda Media Centre, told journalists yesterday that the approval will mean efficient, equitable, accountable and transparent management of minerals.

“Cabinet approved on Monday January 14, the principles for the Mining and Minerals Bill and the objectives of the policy is to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for licensing and development of the mineral sector. It will also provide a framework for marketing and value addition of the minerals,” Mr Bantariza said.
The Ministry of Energy permanent secretary, Mr Robert Kasande, in a separate interview yesterday said their past experience in licensing companies interested in minerals was based on a first-come-first-serve basis.

However, Mr Kasande said this will change as they will be able to advertise so that they allow competition.
The other specifics will include emphasis on the gender equality and child protection where no child will be allowed to work in the mines.
“This is going to address the licensing problems we have been having. In the past, it was first come first serve. But this is introducing the process were we advertise the areas up for competition. It will also address the issue of value addition where most of the minerals will be processed in the country. The past laws have not been emphasising child protection which we have looked at. It is going to address minerals that have not been considered as minerals,” he said.
Mr Bantariza also said the NRM will celebrate their 33rd anniversary on January 26 at Muwafu Primary School grounds in Nabuyoga Sub-county, Tororo District.

Meanwhile, the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy was also approved which lead to the establishment of TVET council and development of standards for trainers, institutional leadership and TVET qualification framework that is harmonised with the regional framework.
Cabinet also approved the accession of the government to the agreement on the global green growth Institute which will lead to creation of green jobs and improved air quality.
They also approved the Community Health Extension Workers policy where they will be able to train and deploy community health workers for delivery of quality healthcare at the community level.