Uganda Streamlines Gold Trade with New Licensing Guidelines
KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, through its Minerals Development Programme (MDP), has reaffirmed its commitment to regulating the mineral sector by outlining a clear, step-by-step procedure for the legal purchase and trade of gold.
According to official guidelines released by the Ministry, Uganda’s wealth of minerals, including gold, is managed under the mandate of the MDP to ensure rational and sustainable exploitation for social and economic growth.
Officials emphasize that trading in gold, classified as a precious metal under Section 8 of the Mining and Minerals Act, Cap 159 (Act of 2022), must strictly be conducted between parties holding valid licenses.
The Path to a License
To engage in the gold trade, individuals and companies must first register with the Mining Cadastre and Registry System (MCRS), the government’s e-portal for mining stakeholders.
Following registration, applicants must secure a Mineral Dealer’s Licence (MDL) . Key requirements include a completed application form, proof of financial resources, a national ID, a marketing plan, a tax clearance certificate, and proof of technical competence.
The Ministry has published the statutory fees for the license:
· Application fee: UGX 500,000
· Licence fee (Precious Metals): UGX 10,000,000
Traders are advised to note that the Mineral Dealer’s Licence expires on the 31st of December each year and must be renewed.
Compliance in Buying and Exporting
The Ministry has issued strict compliance measures for purchasing gold. Buyers must verify that the seller holds a valid and relevant licence. Additionally, they are required to verify the gold’s purity and source, and maintain proof of purchase for record-keeping.
For those looking to export, an Export Permit is mandatory for each consignment. Requirements include a valid MDL or mining license, a completed Form 52, and proof that the gold has been refined to a purity level of 99.9%. Exporters must also pay a fee of USD 200 to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Guidelines for Importers
Similarly, importing gold requires an Import Permit per consignment. Applicants must hold a valid MDL, submit Form 54, and provide an export permit and certificate of analysis from the country of origin. Proof of royalty payments from the source country is also required, alongside an application fee of USD 270.
“The Ministry is committed to establishing a transparent and compliant trading environment,” the statement reads. “By following the above steps and fulfilling the necessary requirements, you can legally purchase and trade in gold in Uganda.”
Eng. Irene Bateebe
Permanent Secretary
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL DEVELOPMENT
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