Post-Event Summary

On 23 June 2026, the Government of Uganda including the Uganda High Commission London, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Uganda Chamber of

Energy and Minerals – in partnership with the

Critical Minerals Africa Group and the Eastern Africa Association, convened government leaders, investors, mining companies, development finance institutions and industry stakeholders in London to discuss Uganda's evolving investment landscape across mining, energy and infrastructure.

Across the discussions, one message emerged consistently: Uganda is seeking to move beyond promoting geological potential towards building an investment environment capable of delivering bankable projects.

Rather than focusing on a single policy intervention, the government's approach combines resource definition, infrastructure development, institutional reform, capital mobilisation and skills development to reduce investment risk and support long-term industrialisation.

From Endowment to Porduction

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the distinction between geological potential and investable opportunity.

While Uganda possesses significant mineral resources – including graphite, rare earth elements, phosphates, iron ore and gold – the priority is now to verify commercially viable resources, strengthen geological confidence and develop projects that can attract long-term investment.

To support this transition, the Government outlined plans to:

• Establish a National Mining Company with a statutory 15% participation in mining developments;
• Develop domestic laboratory and assay capability;
• Strengthen mineral marketing systems to formalise trade and reduce smuggling;
• Encourage greater downstream processing and mineral beneficiation; and
• Continue reviewing the regulatory framework to improve investor certainty.

The emphasis was clear: creating projects that are technically, commercially and institutionally bankable.

Government as a Risk-Sharing Partner

One of the strongest signals to investors was the government's intention to participate alongside, rather than simply regulate, private investment. This principle extends across both the mining and
energy sectors.

In mining, the National Mining Company is intended to participate directly in developments.

In energy, government continues to prioritise public investment in enabling infrastructure while relying on private capital to expand generation capacity. Alongside this, Uganda continues to work with international financial institutions, including the World Bank and IFC, to mobilise capital and de-risk strategic project.

Energy: The Foundation of Industrialisation

The conference reinforced that reliable and affordable electricity remains fundamental to Uganda's industrial ambitions.

The government's Energy Compact provides a framework centred on generation, transmission, regional integration, private capital mobilisation and utility sustainability.

Particular emphasis was placed on:

• Expanding transmission and distribution infrastructure;
• Improving regulatory efficiency;
• connecting larger industrial users to improve network economics; and
• Reducing project delays through more effective permitting and coordination.

Delegates also recognised that affordability remains a critical challenge. Questions from the audience highlighted that bringing electricity costs down sufficiently for energy-intensive industries such as mineral processing will remain essential if Uganda is to move further up the value chain.

Building an Investment Ecosystem

Beyond sector policy, considerable attention was given to improving the overall investment environment.

Uganda continues to position itself as a regional investment platform, offering:

• An open capital regime with unrestricted profit repatriation;
• A growing network of industrial parks supported by fiscal incentives;
• A One-Stop Investment Centre to streamline approvals;
• Digital systems to monitor investment progress and identify bottlenecks; and
• Stronger regional cooperation across East Africa, providing access to a market approaching 300 million people.

These initiatives reflect a broader effort to reduce transaction costs while improving investor confidence.

Delivery Will Determine Success

Perhaps the most encouraging discussion centred not on policy announcements, but on implementation.

The establishment of a dedicated Compact Delivery and Monitoring Unit, supported by digital performance monitoring and regular public reporting, reflects an acknowledgement that execution ultimately determines investment outcomes.

The same principle applies to workforce development.

Uganda has successfully developed technical capacity for its oil and gas sector and now intends to replicate that model for mining through international partnerships, specialist training and long-term institutional development.

Looking Ahead

Uganda's ambition extends beyond increasing mineral production. The broader objective is to build the institutions, infrastructure and investment environment required to support long-term industrialisation.

Significant challenges remain, particularly around power affordability, continued resource definition and implementation.

Nevertheless, the discussions demonstrated a coherent strategy focused on progressively reducing investment risk and creating the conditions for sustained private sector participation.

The conference highlighted that Uganda's opportunity lies not only in its mineral endowment, but increasingly in the policies, partnerships and institutional reforms being developed to unlock it.