

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned the Wagagai Gold Mining and Processing Plant in Busia District, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s drive towards mineral beneficiation and industrialization.

Speaking at the launch, President Museveni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ending the export of unprocessed minerals, saying the practice undermines Uganda’s economic potential.
“Under my leadership, we will not export unprocessed minerals. By processing our resources here, we create more jobs, earn more revenue, and strengthen our economy,” the President emphasized.
The Wagagai project, once fully operational, is expected to produce gold at 99.9% purity, generating an estimated $100 million annually for the next 21 years. Beyond revenue, the facility is projected to create over 5,000 jobs for Ugandans, boosting employment and skills development in the region.

President Museveni urged other investors in the mining sector to emulate Wagagai by prioritizing in-country processing before export.
“We must maximize our God-given resources — gold, lithium, iron, tea, and others — to create jobs and industrialize Uganda. That is the path to a sustainable future,” he said.
The commissioning of Wagagai is seen as a turning point for Uganda’s mining industry, which has long relied on raw mineral exports. By moving up the value chain, the country aims to retain more wealth from its resources and reduce dependence on foreign processing.
President Museveni congratulated Wagagai and pledged continued government support to ensure that Uganda’s mineral sector becomes a key driver of national development.