Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development together with the Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU) yesterday carried out an inspection operation aiming at cracking down on illegal mining and trade in Kampala city. The operation code named Zabu started last year and was carried in areas of Ntungamo, Busia, Bundibugyo and other areas and it’s still ongoing. Agnes Halaba, the Commissioner for the Mines Department in the ministry, said that the initiative is focused on ensuring all mining activities are conducted legally, safely, and with full environmental responsibility. She noted that the operation has already led to the arrest of individuals involved in illegal mining, which has caused serious environmental damage in different parts of the country.
The government’s main goal is to eliminate illegal mining practices and protect investors from being exploited. Several unlicensed operators have been found scamming investors, an issue that not only affects individuals but also harms Uganda’s reputation and reduces national revenue. Col. Halaba stressed that compliance with the law is mandatory for everyone involved in the mineral sector, including artisanal miners, traders, and international investors.
As part of the reforms, the Ministry is planning to establish official mineral markets across the country, beginning with Kampala. These designated markets will provide a secure and regulated space where buyers and sellers can operate transparently. Anyone found trading minerals outside these authorized markets will face strict penalties. Additional markets are expected to be set up in Busia, Moroto, Buwejo, and Ntungamo, covering both gold and gemstone trade. This move is aimed at boosting revenue collection and increasing the sector’s contribution to Uganda’s GDP.
Licensed mineral dealers are required to operate strictly within their approved areas and keep proper records of all transactions, including details about the source of minerals and the buyers. Failure to follow these regulations may result in immediate closure of business, cancellation of licenses, or even imprisonment. The government has also enforced a policy requiring minerals like gold to be refined within Uganda before export, ensuring value addition. Exporting unprocessed minerals without authorization is considered a serious offense.
Col. Halaba further emphasized the importance of awareness and education for investors, miners, and dealers. The Ministry provides access to information through its mineral cadastre portal, where individuals can verify whether a dealer is licensed and compliant. In addition, quarterly workshops and field visits are organized to educate stakeholders about their rights, responsibilities, and the legal framework governing mining activities in Uganda.
Agents may be appointed to assist in processing licenses, but the investor retains full authority to revoke such appointments if the agent fails to perform. This measure promotes accountability and helps prevent misuse of licenses. Overall, Operation Zabu is intended to safeguard investors, support legitimate miners, eliminate illegal activities, and build a more transparent and sustainable mineral sector in Uganda.
