Wagagai Gold Mining Project, Alupe, Busia District, 16 August 2025 : President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commissioned the Wagagai Gold Mine and Refinery in Alupe, Busia District, ushering in a new era of value addition and industrialization in Uganda’s mining sector.
The USD 150 million project, operated by Wagagai Mining (U) Ltd, is Uganda’s first large-scale gold mining and refining facility. With the capacity to process 5,000 tonnes of ore daily and refine 1.2 metric tonnes of gold annually to 99.99% purity, the refinery positions Uganda as a competitive player in the global gold market. At current market prices, the project is expected to generate more than USD 100 million annually for the next 20 years.
In his address, President Museveni commended Wagagai for embracing his call for value addition. “For too long, Uganda has been exporting unprocessed minerals and losing billions in potential earnings. By refining gold here, we will keep the value in our country, create jobs, and invest mineral revenues into lasting national assets such as power stations and railways,” he said
The project will create over 5,000 jobs, train 500 Ugandans, and contribute around USD 10 million annually in tax revenues. The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, hailed the project as a symbol of strong China–Uganda cooperation, while Tan Jiuchang, General Manager of Wagagai Mining, confirmed plans for an additional USD 250 million expansion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, described the refinery as “a turning point for Uganda’s mining sector.” She said:
“This milestone demonstrates the success of Uganda’s deliberate policy reforms, including the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, which places emphasis on value addition, transparency, and sustainable development. With the commissioning of Wagagai, Uganda has shown that it can attract responsible investment, create jobs, and harness its mineral wealth for the benefit of present and future generations.”
She further assured that the Ministry will continue to strengthen regulation and support artisanal and small-scale miners to integrate into the formal value chain.
Uganda’s gold reserves are estimated at over 31.5 million tonnes, with Wagagai alone accounting for 25 million tonnes. Alongside other projects such as the revival of Kilembe Mines and the discovery of rare earths in Makuutu, this refinery signals Uganda’s determination to diversify its economy in line with Vision 2040.
With Wagagai now fully operational, Uganda’s mining revolution has taken a bold step forward—anchored on value addition, job creation, and sustainable growth.
