By KT Reporter
Leaders and community members of Kasese have welcomed the move by the government of Uganda to privatize the Kilembe Copper Mines, saying the move will help revamp the mines and open employment opportunities.
Last week, the government handed over Kilembe Mines to Sarrai Group Limited, an Arab investment company, through signing the first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for the Redevelopment of Kilembe Mines.
This move has sparked joy among leaders and residents who, for over 40 years, have been demanding the revamping of the mines, given the numerous opportunities that would come along. James Byagaba, the vice chairperson of the board of directors at the Uganda National Mining Company, wants the local community to prepare themselves to harness the benefits of reviving the mines.
He notes that apart from job opportunities, the community must be ready to offer other auxiliary services, such as food and transport. Byagaba also noted that the restoration of the mines will include the redevelopment of Kilembe Mines Hospital, which was destroyed by the River Nyamwamba floods in 2002.
The former Kasese Municipality mayor, who is also the state minister for National Guidance and ICT, Godfrey Kabyanga, said that during the glorious days of the mines, it employed more than 5,000 people. He is hopeful that more opportunities will now be available for the local population.
Alex Benego Kwatampora, a geologist and board member at the UNMC, believes the revival of the mines is a big opportunity for the local population in Kasese and beyond to access both direct and indirect job opportunities. However, he says the local population must be ready to tap into these opportunities.
Leonard Masika, who operates a mobile money kiosk in Kilembe, is optimistic that with an expected increase in population, her business will make better returns. According to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, the revival of Kilembe Mines will play a pivotal role in creating employment opportunities for the people of Rwenzori and other Ugandans.
The minister noted that the agreement followed an extensive evaluation of proposals from 14 firms, with Sarrai Group Limited and Nile Fibreboard Limited emerging as the best bidders. This flagship project will produce copper cathodes and cobalt metal, which are critical for the transition to clean energy technologies, and drive Uganda’s industrialization, creating jobs and supporting local mining operations. Mining operations are expected to begin soon, pending an assessment of the site’s readiness-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
