Energy minister calls for science-driven value addition in mining

30 September 2026, 1:20 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, has called for the use of science, technology and innovation to increase value addition in Uganda’s energy and mineral sectors.

Akiiki was speaking at the 15th Mineral Wealth Conference and Expo held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where he said science can help the sector adopt appropriate technologies and maximise returns.

He said Uganda should aim at transforming every 100 US dollars generated in the sector into 400 US dollars through value addition.

The Minister also thanked Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, Her Excellency Tophas Kaahwa, for attending the conference and encouraged her to strengthen partnerships between Uganda and Japan in minerals, energy, science, technology and innovation.

Akiiki noted that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is part of the ATMs, while science, technology and innovation is a key driver of the initiative.

He also commended former Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa for spearheading policy and legal reforms which, he said, have helped organise the ministry.

Akiiki said the same approach is being pursued in the science, technology and innovation sector.

The Minister, who described himself as a mathematician who believes in formulas rather than guesswork, said Uganda should create systems that allow it to anticipate expected results from the input stage.

He thanked the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum for organising the 15th edition of the conference, saying it provides an opportunity for industry players to share ideas and discuss ways of implementing Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy.

Former Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa and other participants also appreciated the ministry for organising the conference, describing it as timely.