Operation Zaabu is a nationwide campaign led by Uganda’s Commissioner of Mines, Agnes Alaba, to bring order and transparency to the country’s mineral sector. The main goal is to ensure that every mineral, especially gold, is properly tracked from where it is mined to where it is sold or exported.
Authorities want to make sure that all activities are legal and that no mineral leaves the country without proper records. This effort is not only about enforcing the law but also about creating a fair environment where honest investors and miners can operate without being undercut by illegal dealers. In today’s global market, buyers demand minerals that are clean, conflict-free, and legally sourced, and Uganda is working hard to meet these standards.
As part of this operation, officials recently carried out inspections in Kampala, which is the center of mineral trading and refining in the country. The focus was on checking Mineral Dealer’s Licenses (MDL) and Mineral Rights Licenses (MRL). Authorities verified whether dealers had valid and updated licenses and whether their records matched the minerals they had in stock.
They also checked if license holders were actually using their licenses for real mining activities instead of just holding them for speculation. To improve transparency, the government is now using a digital system known as the Online Mining Cadastre to confirm all licenses. If a license does not appear in the system, it is considered illegal.
Beyond enforcement, Operation Zaabu is also linked to Uganda’s bigger economic plans. By removing illegal trading, the government is supporting the Bank of Uganda’s Domestic Gold Purchase Program, which aims to build national gold reserves using legally mined gold. At the same time, there is a long-term vision to transform mining areas into what officials call “Golden Cities.”
These would be well-organized centers with proper infrastructure, regulated trade, and value addition industries. However, this vision can only be achieved if the sector becomes fully formal and structured.
The government is also focusing on helping artisanal and small-scale miners. Instead of pushing them out, Operation Zaabu aims to bring them into the formal system.
Officials want these miners to form cooperatives so they can access better technology, fair prices, and safer working conditions. This approach is meant to improve livelihoods while ensuring that mining is done responsibly and legally.
Authorities have made it clear that compliance is no longer optional. All miners and dealers must ensure their licenses are valid and that they follow the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022. Those operating illegally risk facing serious penalties. At the same time, Uganda is sending a strong message to the world that it is open for genuine investment. Through Operation Zaabu, the country hopes to build a mineral sector that is transparent, competitive, and attractive to both local and international investors.
