In short
In particular, the review will target dispute resolution, local community participation, local content, trade and marketing, conflict resolutions, surface rights, and mines abandonment.
A comprehensive review of the minerals sector in Uganda is underway.
James Francis Natukunda, from the Department of Geological Surveys and Mines says the mining policies, laws and regulations are outdated.
Natukunda says the review is to make the policies, laws and regulations meet international standards.
In particular, the review will target dispute resolution, local community participation, local content, trade and marketing, conflict resolutions, surface rights, and mines abandonment.
Other review areas are revenue distribution and royalties, artisanal mining, labour rights, gender, health safety and environment, minerals certification, public-private partnerships, capacity building and surveys.
The current law for example grants mineral concessions on first-come-first-serve basis without considering factors like financial and technical capacity, track record and so forth.
The law also disregards the rights and stake of an owner of land sitting on minerals. This usually triggers conflicts which affect the industry.
In his 20-point programme for his fifth term in office President Yoweri Museveni cites minerals sector reforms as the Number 9 priority area.
Dr. Joseph Kobusheshe, from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, says overhauling of the minerals policy is geared towards making the sector more robust and beneficial to the country.
It is not yet clear when the reviewed policy will be delivered.
The sector generates 100 billion shillings annually, mainly in royalties, licenses and charges.
James Francis Natukunda, from the Department of Geological Surveys and Mines says the mining policies, laws and regulations are outdated.
Natukunda says the review is to make the policies, laws and regulations meet international standards.
In particular, the review will target dispute resolution, local community participation, local content, trade and marketing, conflict resolutions, surface rights, and mines abandonment.
Other review areas are revenue distribution and royalties, artisanal mining, labour rights, gender, health safety and environment, minerals certification, public-private partnerships, capacity building and surveys.
The current law for example grants mineral concessions on first-come-first-serve basis without considering factors like financial and technical capacity, track record and so forth.
The law also disregards the rights and stake of an owner of land sitting on minerals. This usually triggers conflicts which affect the industry.
In his 20-point programme for his fifth term in office President Yoweri Museveni cites minerals sector reforms as the Number 9 priority area.
Dr. Joseph Kobusheshe, from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, says overhauling of the minerals policy is geared towards making the sector more robust and beneficial to the country.
It is not yet clear when the reviewed policy will be delivered.
The sector generates 100 billion shillings annually, mainly in royalties, licenses and charges.
