Young Ugandans have been challenged to take a greater interest in the country’s minerals sector and prepare themselves to benefit from the opportunities it presents.

The call was made by the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development in charge of Minerals, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, during Youth Mining Day held at Busitema University Main Campus on Friday, 14 August 2026.

The event brought together students, government officials, mining professionals, industry representatives and development partners to discuss how young people can participate in Uganda’s minerals sector.

Hon. Nyamutoro said the country has mineral resources that can contribute to wealth creation and national development. However, she noted that many young people remain unaware of the minerals available in Uganda and the opportunities linked to them.

She encouraged the youth to look beyond the common understanding of mining as simply extracting minerals from the ground. Opportunities also exist in exploration, mineral processing, value addition, transport, trade, research, environmental management and other services that support the industry.

The Minister said Uganda must pay greater attention to exploration, value addition, commercialisation and traceability if the country is to benefit fully from its mineral resources.

She urged young Ugandans to gain the skills and knowledge needed to participate meaningfully in a sector that currently attracts significant foreign investment. She added that stronger youth participation would help the country develop local and regional value chains.

Her visit came at a time when Busitema University is strengthening its training in mining and mineral processing.

Welcoming the Minister, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Waako, said Busitema University remained committed to training the skilled professionals needed by Uganda’s mining sector.

He noted that the Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering is one of the programmes for which Busitema University is known.

The University’s approach to training places emphasis on practical work, giving students an opportunity to apply what they learn in class. According to Prof. Waako, Busitema graduates have continued to perform well in their respective professions because of this hands-on training.

Busitema University currently operates seven campuses across eastern Uganda and offers more than 80 programmes at certificate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

Prof. Waako thanked the organisers for choosing the University to host Youth Mining Day, saying the occasion had created an important meeting point between students, government, industry and development partners.

He also revealed that Busitema University, with support from GIZ, is developing a training programme in mineral processing and value addition.

The programme will be accompanied by short courses intended to help more young people gain practical skills and find their place in the mining sector.

This development responds to one of the concerns raised during the event: Uganda continues to earn less from its minerals when they are sold without being processed into products of higher value.

Eng. Samuel Okodi, who represented the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation under the Office of the President, said the country’s mineral wealth had not yet been fully translated into value-added products and industries.

He said Uganda needs to move from trading raw minerals to manufacturing and from isolated mining projects to industrial systems that connect mining, processing, transport, research and markets.

Eng. Okodi also encouraged students to work with professionals and take ownership of projects that can solve problems in the sector.

He said research, specialised skills and innovation would be important as Uganda works towards expanding its economy under the Tenfold Growth Strategy. He added that existing science, technology and innovation policies provide support for research, specialised training and other developments in the sector.

Eng. Matthias Kwikiriza, a Graduate Fellow and Patron of the Mining Engineering Students’ Association, said the country has more than 27 commercially viable minerals.

He mentioned Busia, Karamoja, Mubende and Kilembe among the areas with important mineral resources. He also pointed to iron ore deposits in Sukulu and Muko and graphite deposits in Orom, Kitgum District.

For the students attending the event, the message was clear: Uganda’s minerals sector offers more opportunities than many young people realise, but benefiting from them will require skills, information and initiative.

Youth Mining Day also gave Busitema University an opportunity to show the contribution universities can make to the development of the sector.

Through its Mining Engineering programme, practical training and the planned programme in mineral processing and value addition, the University is preparing students to take part in an industry that is expected to play a growing role in Uganda’s economy.

Hon. Nyamutoro urged young people not to remain on the sidelines as investment in the minerals sector grows. She called on them to learn about the resources in their communities, seek professional training and identify areas in which they can contribute.

The event ended with renewed calls for stronger cooperation between government, universities, industry and development partners to ensure that Uganda’s mineral resources create opportunities for its people.