In a significant development for Uganda’s mining sector, Kilembe Mines, a historic copper and cobalt mine in Kasese District, has been handed over to Sarrai Group of Companies. The handover ceremony, held at Bulembia Division offices yesterday 9th may 2025, marked a new chapter in the mine’s storied past, with government officials, local leaders, and residents in attendance.
Kilembe Mines has a rich history, dating back to 1950 when commercial mining of copper began. The mine was once a major contributor to Uganda’s economy, accounting for 30% of the country’s GDP. However, it collapsed in 1982, and despite efforts to revive it, no potential developer had been found until Sarrai Group came on board.
At the handover function, local leaders raised their requests and expectations to the developers and concerned authorities, advocating for the local community to benefit from the mine’s revival. Hon. Bomera Richard, LC III Chairperson of Bulembia Division, emphasized the need for a peaceful and collaborative approach to resolving land issues. He called on the developers to work with local leaders to settle land issues amicably, ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected. Hon. Bomera also requested the revival of Kilembe Mines hospital, citing its importance in providing healthcare services to the community.
James Mukasa Sebugwanya, the Board Chair of Uganda National Mining Company, described the handover ceremony as a significant milestone in the journey of reviving Kilembe Mines. “Today marks a milestone in the journey of reviving Kilembe Mines,” he said. “We thank the workers who have been working with Kilembe Mines and assure them that they will be given priority in job opportunities.”
The CEO of Sarrai Group, Mr. Sabjit Singh Rai, expressed confidence in reviving the mine, citing the company’s experience in reviving companies. “We are fully committed to this revival and request for your support,” he said. “We have experience in reviving companies and are confident in our ability to bring Kilembe Mines back to life. Once the mine is fully revived and fully operational, this place will be a beehive of activities.”
In response to the requests made by the local leaders, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga Kiime, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, highlighted the need for training local people to acquire skills and qualifications for mining jobs. “The whole of Kasese District has only one geologist; we need to train more locals to benefit from the mine’s opportunities,” he said. He also encouraged the local community to venture into businesses that will support the mine’s operations, such as construction and food supply.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, addressed the key issues highlighted by the local leaders, including land, security, and jobs. On land, she emphasized that an interministerial committee will be established to handle issues of land settlement. “We will handle issues of land settlement systematically, ensuring that bonified residents are differentiated from squatters,” she explained. On security, she said, “We must secure this place because there has been a lot of vandalism of this place. I will talk to the IGP to make sure there is security to protect the people and the assets.” On jobs, she highlighted the need to train local people to qualify for employment opportunities, saying, “We shall train the people so that they get jobs.”
Hon. Bukombi Muhindi Eliphaz, the District Chairperson, welcomed the development and emphasized the importance of differentiating bonified occupants from squatters and engaging local leaders in settling land issues. He also stressed the need for developers to prioritize local employment and ensure that the community benefits from the mine’s revival.
With the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the local community, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential benefits of the mine’s revival, including job creation, economic growth, and infrastructure development.
As Sarrai Group begins its operations, the community looks forward to working with the new developers to realize the mine’s full potential and unlock its benefits for the country.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, addressed the key issues highlighted by the local leaders, including land, security, and jobs. On land, she emphasized that an interministerial committee will be established to handle issues of land settlement. “We will handle issues of land settlement systematically, ensuring that bonified residents are differentiated from squatters,” she explained. On security, she said, “We must secure this place because there has been a lot of vandalism of this place. I will talk to the IGP to make sure there is security to protect the people and the assets.” On jobs, she highlighted the need to train local people to qualify for employment opportunities, saying, “We shall train the people so that they get jobs.”
Hon. Bukombi Muhindi Eliphaz, the District Chairperson, welcomed the development and emphasized the importance of differentiating bonified occupants from squatters and engaging local leaders in settling land issues. He also stressed the need for developers to prioritize local employment and ensure that the community benefits from the mine’s revival.
With the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the local community, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential benefits of the mine’s revival, including job creation, economic growth, and infrastructure development. As Sarrai Group begins its operations, the community looks forward to working with the new developers to realize the mine’s full potential and unlock its benefits for the region.
The end.
Kabugho Sharon ,Communications officer
