Uganda Suspends Grant of New Mineral Rights and Licences for One Month
Kampala, Uganda — August 27, 2026 — The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has announced a temporary one-month deferment on the grant of new mineral rights, licences, permits, and related authorizations, effective immediately.
In a notice dated August 27, 2026, and signed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, the Ministry stated that the deferment will run from August 27 to September 27, 2026. The measure is being taken pursuant to Section 16 of the Mining and Minerals Act, Cap.159.
Purpose of the Deferment
According to the official notice, the temporary pause is designed to align the mineral sector and the Mining Cadastre and Registry System (MCRS) with a new strategic and policy direction. This is aimed at achieving the Government of Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
What is Paused
During this one-month period, the Ministry will not receive, process, or issue any new mineral rights or licences.
What Continues as Normal
While new applications are paused, the Ministry outlined specific activities that will continue uninterrupted. These include:
- Mineral Export Permits: Processing permits for minerals processed to prescribed purity levels.
- Sample Exports: Granting permissions to export samples for testing to advance exploration activities.
- Licence Renewals: Processing renewals in accordance with the requirements of the Act and relevant regulations.
The Ministry also emphasized that this deferment does not affect other core functions. Ongoing field inspections, monitoring, and regulatory enforcement of compliance for existing licences and permits will continue in accordance with the Act.
Stakeholder Impact
The policy update, widely shared by industry stakeholders such as Mineral & Natural Resource Engineer Engr. Olanya Olenge, highlights that the move aims to strengthen sector transparency, sustainability, and administrative alignment for long-term growth.
The Ministry expressed regret for any inconveniences this temporary measure may cause and appreciated the cooperation of stakeholders as it works to build a robust, transparent, and sustainable licensing regime.
Signatories and Copies
The notice was copied to the Minister of State for Mineral Development, the Minister of State for Energy, the Permanent Secretary, and the Commissioner of the Mines Department.
About The Author
