Busitema University exhibited mining research and student innovations at the 2026 EITI and Extractives Awareness Conference, which opened on 23 September 2026 at Kampala Serena Hotel. Dr. Jacqueline Nangendo, Head of the Department of Mining Engineering, also participated in a panel discussion on youth participation and skills development in Uganda's extractives sector.

Speaking during the session titled Youth Participation and Skills Development in the Extractives Sector, Dr. Nangendo called for greater investment in local mineral processing and the technical expertise needed to increase the value Uganda earns from its mineral resources.

She emphasised the need to reduce dependence on raw mineral exports by developing local processing capabilities. She also discussed how universities could contribute to the mining industry through practical research, particularly in addressing challenges related to mineral recovery, processing efficiency and environmental management.

The Department of Mining Engineering presented some of this work at the University's exhibition stand, where digital modelling applications, mineral processing capabilities and student-led innovations were showcased to mining operators, government representatives and development partners.

The exhibition also presented the Department's work with mining companies to address technical challenges encountered during mineral extraction and processing.

Dr. Nangendo also outlined developments in mining education at Busitema University, including plans to introduce competency-based Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programmes in Metallurgical Engineering.

The proposed programmes will cover mineral beneficiation and downstream processing, preparing graduates to work in industries involved in transforming extracted minerals into higher-value products. According to the Department, the programmes are undergoing accreditation ahead of their planned introduction.

The Department is also developing practical short courses in mineral processing, drilling and blasting. These will target young professionals and people already working in the mining industry, including artisanal and small-scale miners who need additional technical training.

The curriculum developments are linked to the Sustainable Development of the Mining Sector in Uganda (SDMU) project, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, with financial support from the European Union and the German Government.

The conference brought together government officials, mining companies, civil society organisations and development partners to discuss transparency, resource management and the development of Uganda's extractive industries.

It also featured the launch of Uganda's Fifth Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Report, covering the 2023/2024 financial year. The report examines revenue, production and other activities in the country's oil, gas and mining sectors, providing information on how Uganda manages its extractive resources.

Busitema University's Department of Mining Engineering is pursuing further cooperation with local and international mining operators through joint research, technical consultancy and student supervision. Its proposed areas of collaboration include mineral processing, recovery technologies and practical solutions to operational challenges in the mining industry.