Kilembe mines restoration: a major boost for Uganda’s mining sector

6 March 2025, 21:39

By Noah kasangaki Ateenyi

_{The Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC), in partnership with Sarrai Group Ltd, has launched an ambitious restoration project for the once-thriving mining site, following the signing of a mineral production-sharing agreement.}

The long-awaited revival of Kilembe Mines is officially underway, signaling a major step forward for both the local economy of Kasese District and Uganda’s mining industry. The Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC), in partnership with Sarrai Group Ltd, has launched an ambitious restoration project for the once-thriving mining site, following the signing of a mineral production-sharing agreement.

During a recent visit to the Kilembe Mines facility, UNMC officials conducted a thorough assessment of its current state. The visit was part of a strategic effort to determine the next steps in the restoration process. James Byagaba, Vice Chairperson of the UNMC Board of Directors, confirmed that the agreement was finalized earlier this week, with key stakeholders from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the Ministry of Finance, and Sarrai Group Ltd all on board.

The UNMC official also urged the local community in Kasese to take advantage of the opportunities this project will bring. “The revival of Kilembe Mines is a game-changer for employment in this region,” Byagaba said. “It will not only generate mining jobs but will also stimulate local businesses supporting the industry. Just as in the past, we expect the Kasese community to supply goods and services to workers at the mine.”

As part of the redevelopment ,several critical initiatives are set to be prioritized

• Upgrading Kilembe Mines Hospital to improve healthcare services for workers and the local population.
• Restoring River Nyamwamba to address environmental damage and enhance the local ecosystem.
• Upgrading electricity infrastructure to support both mining operations and nearby communities.
• Introducing modern mining technologies to replace outdated equipment currently in place at the site.

Alex Binego Kwatampora, another UNMC board member, emphasized the significant employment potential of the project. He reassured the community that the restoration would create a variety of jobs, from mining roles to support positions. “This project will require a wide range of skills, and we are confident that the local workforce in Kasese is ready to meet these needs,” he said.

Kilembe Mines, located in Kasese District, was once a key player in Uganda’s mining sector, extracting copper and cobalt. The site, which was discovered in the 1950s, played a significant role in the country’s industrial development, creating jobs and generating revenue through mineral exports.

However, economic and political instability in the 1970s and 1980s led to the mine’s decline and eventual closure. Over the years, several attempts to revive Kilembe Mines have faced setbacks due to outdated infrastructure, legal challenges, and environmental concerns.

Now, with the new partnership between the Uganda National Mining Company and Sarrai Group Ltd, there is renewed hope that these obstacles can be overcome. The agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kilembe Mines, one that promises to bring economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement to Uganda’s mining industry.