KCB Bank, government partner to boost Uganda’s mining sector

18 September 2026, 5:30 pm

By Frank Oyugi

Kampala, Uganda — 16 September 2026: KCB Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainable industrialisation and economic growth through its participation as a Diamond Sponsor in the upcoming 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference 2026, scheduled for 29 and 30 September at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The landmark conference, hosted by the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals in close collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, will bring together international investors, regional regulators, financiers and private sector leaders under the theme, “Beneath the Surface: Unlocking Africa’s Next Mining Powerhouse.”

The main event will be followed by an Eastern Uganda excursion from 1 to 3 October 2026, offering investors direct exposure to the country’s geological potential.

Uganda’s natural resources sector stands at a pivotal point, with high-resolution aeromagnetic surveys identifying more than 58 categories of minerals, including rare earth elements, lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite and iron ore, which are vital for clean energy, steel, electronics and global manufacturing.

For KCB Bank Uganda, this rapid sector evolution presents an opportunity to leverage tailored corporate and trade financing to help local businesses integrate into high-value supply chains and transition the nation from raw resource extraction to domestic industrial processing.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Hon Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Minerals, highlighted the government’s strategic vision to convert raw natural endowments into long-term national wealth.

“Our ambition must go beyond simply knowing what lies beneath our soil. We must translate our mineral potential into productive investments, employment, industrial capacity, value addition and sustainable national wealth. For too long, mineral-producing countries in Africa have captured only a limited share of the value generated from their resources, and Uganda must pursue a different path. We are inviting investors, financiers and technology providers who are ready to work with us not only in exploration, but also in processing, refining and manufacturing.”

She added that achieving this goal requires targeted capital, modern technology, robust infrastructure and partners who share the nation’s vision for local value creation.

KCB Bank Uganda’s diamond sponsorship underlines the role of banking institutions in unlocking the capital required to build local industrial capacity and meet international operational standards.

“As KCB Bank Uganda, we are really prepared and ready to support miners and key participants along this journey, right from the start of their projects,” said Hirya Fred, Manager of Trade Finance at KCB Bank Uganda. “Whether businesses are looking for asset financing, working capital or capital to purchase and set up processing plants, those structured solutions are available. We are ready to support the sector, and we look forward to engaging directly with stakeholders at Speke Resort Munyonyo later this month.”

He explained that KCB Bank Uganda continues to design targeted trade solutions to bridge funding gaps between national contractors, regional suppliers and global project developers.

The bank’s involvement aligns directly with Uganda’s industrialisation agenda, supporting initiatives that promote local content, expand cross-border trade and facilitate the domestic processing of critical minerals needed for the global green energy transition.

Through its participation in the upcoming conference and regional excursion, KCB Bank Uganda will engage industry players on practical mechanisms for financing equipment acquisition, processing technology and large-scale infrastructure operations across the extractive sector.

The bank remains committed to collaborating with government ministries, the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals and private sector partners to expand access to trade finance and support Uganda’s journey towards inclusive, value-driven industrial growth.

About KCB Bank Uganda

KCB Bank Uganda is a commercial bank licensed by the Bank of Uganda, the country’s central bank and national banking regulator. The bank operates a growing network of 16 branches, 21 ATMs, 568 agents and 736 merchant outlets across the country, providing innovative financial solutions to individuals, businesses and institutions.

Its mission is: “To drive efficiency whilst growing market share to be the preferred financial solutions provider in Africa with global reach.”

For more information, contact:

Noela Byuma
Head of Marketing and Communications
KCB Bank Uganda

Mobile: +256 752 600 641