How Uganda’s mineral sector will benefit from Shs17b MoU with Slovenia
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Eng Irene Bateebe (left), and Dr Milos Bavec, Director of the Slovenia Geological Survey, sign documents at Petroleum House in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, on Wednesday. PHOTO/PHILIP WAFULA
What you need to know:
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Eng Irene Bateebe, signed on behalf of the Ugandan government, while Dr Milos Bavec represented Slovenia during the ceremony held at the Petroleum House in Entebbe
Uganda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth €3.5 million (approximately Shs16.8 billion) with the Geological Survey of Slovenia to help the country unlock its full mineral potential.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Eng Irene Bateebe, signed on behalf of the Ugandan government, while Dr Milos Bavec represented Slovenia during the ceremony held at the Petroleum House in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, on Wednesday.
Eng Bateebe said the MoU aims to de-risk Uganda’s mining industry, attract more investment into the mineral sub-sector, and enhance strategic planning and coordination through the geo-programme supported by the European Union.
This agreement marks the second phase of Uganda’s partnership with the Slovenia Geological Survey.
One of the core objectives of the MoU is to facilitate data collection and undertake comprehensive evaluations of Uganda’s critical and other mineral deposits, including exploration where applicable.
Under this objective, the MEMD will identify “critical minerals”—those considered vital for national economic growth and security—such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements (REE), copper, and tin.
Citing projections from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which indicate that global demand for critical minerals will increase six-fold by 2050, Eng Bateebe emphasised Uganda’s urgency in adding value to its mineral resources to maximise benefits for citizens.
“This partnership, supported by the European Union, comprises two parts: €3.5 million through PanAfGeo, and an additional €6.5 million via the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ),” she said.
“It will help Uganda assess its mineral wealth, enabling better planning for investor engagement and providing strategic direction for the Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC). This knowledge will guide what we invest in and what we stand to gain as a country.”
She added: “This initiative is twofold: First, once Uganda fully understands its mineral potential, local investors will be more inclined to enter the mining sector. Second, as more funding flows in, the industry will generate employment—especially for youth—through the establishment of mines and factories.”
Ms Agnes Alaba, commissioner for the mines department at MEMD, said Uganda was selected by the European Union to pilot mineral exploration and visibility efforts in the region. “The agreement aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plans III and IV, both of which prioritise increased mineral exploration and development of critical minerals,” she noted.
Dr Bavec highlighted that collaboration between Slovenia and Uganda’s Geological Survey began “much earlier,” and future efforts will focus on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and promoting mineral targets that have been evaluated.
Mr Fred Alex Tugume, commissioner for the Geological Survey department at MEMD, said the MoU would enable Uganda to conduct detailed mineral exploration and generate high-quality data to attract investors.
“This partnership is a major step toward strengthening Uganda’s geological data and promoting sustainable mineral development. Following the agreement, some Ugandan geoscientists will be trained at various levels up to Master’s level, while others will attend refresher courses,” he said.
