Busia District Headquarters, 29 &30 September 2025: The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has concluded a two-day stakeholder engagement workshop with the leadership and communities of Busia District, focusing on mining governance and rural electrification. Themed “Harnessing Mining and Energy Resources for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Busia,” the workshop took place from 29th to 30th September 2025, at the Busia District Hall.
Kick-starting the engagement, Dr. Patricia Litho, Assistant Commissioner for Communication, described the workshop as a “platform for dialogue, clarification, and collaboration,” stressing that MEMD seeks practical, sustainable solutions informed by community input.
Opening the discussions, MEMD Commissioner for Mines, Ms. Agnes Alaba, delivered the keynote address on the legal and regulatory framework governing the mineral sector.
She emphasized that the Ministry’s priority was to balance resource development with equity and sustainability.
The Assistant Commissioner for Mines, Ms. Grace Nassuna, presented on artisanal mining regulations, unveiling a new framework to formalize artisanal operations. She outlined government incentives including reduced royalty rates, tax exemptions, and mineral purchasing schemes to guarantee fair prices for small-scale miners.
Local leaders welcomed these initiatives but also voiced concerns. District Chairperson Hon. Stephen Wasike Mugei called for amendments to the Mining and Minerals Act and Licensing Regulations, arguing they limit Busia’s share of revenues from gold mining.
The workshop also addressed rural electrification, power reliability, and tariff concerns. Eng Abdon Atwine, Commissioner Rural Electrification, made a presentation on Electrification Strategies and ongoing Programmes. Additional presentations on power supply and access were made by the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL) and the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
By the close of the two-day dialogue, stakeholders agreed on a roadmap to improve artisanal mining governance, enhance transparency in royalty distribution, and accelerate electrification projects to support Busia’s socio-economic transformation.
The stakeholder present at the event included; district Political Leadership, District Technical Team, Community & Local Stakeholders, Representatives of Project-Affected Persons (PAPs), Traditional and cultural leaders, Religious leaders, Civil society organizations (CSOs) and NGOs operating in Busia, Mining and Energy Stakeholders, Licensed artisanal and small-scale miners associations, Representatives of mining license holders (including Wagagai Mining Ltd), Local mineral dealers and traders and Business community leaders (Chamber of Commerce, etc.) as well as Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Energy Agencies, Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL), Representatives from the Ministry of Finance (for royalties and revenue sharing) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) –royalties and tax compliance
