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HOW TO OBTAIN A MINING LICENSE IN UGANDA

Published

1 year ago

March 2, 2025

To engage in mining activities beyond buying and selling minerals, one must acquire the appropriate mineral rights under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022. These include:

Artisanal Mining License: For small-scale, manual mining activities.

Small-Scale Mining License: For mining operations with moderate investment.

Medium-Scale Mining License: For mining operations with significant investment but below large-scale thresholds.

Large-Scale Mining License: For major commercial mining operations.

Exploration License: For systematic mineral exploration.

Retention License: For holding a deposit with economic potential.

Mining Lease: For fully developed mining projects.

Mineral Dealer’s License: For buying, selling, and dealing in minerals.

PROSPECTING LICENSE

A Prospecting License is required before applying for an Exploration License. It is granted for one year and is non-renewable.

Requirements:

Individual applicants (Ugandan citizens only): Valid identification (Passport, Voter’s Card, Driving Permit, etc.) Executed Form I Payment of UGX 200,000 statutory fees

Company/Association: Certified copy of incorporation/registration, Certified copy of Articles and Memorandum of Association, Authority letter, Executed Form I Payment of UGX 800,000 statutory fees

EXPLORATION LICENSE

Granted for up to four (4) years, renewable once for up to three (3) years.

Requirements:

Valid Prospecting License
Submission of Prospecting License returns
Map of the desired area (1:50,000 scale)
Work program for exploration
Project brief
Executed Form II
Proof of financial capability

Fees:

UGX 2,000,000 application fee
UGX 75,000 per km² as annual mineral rent
UGX 345,000 for gazetting the grant

RETENTION LICENSE

Granted for up to three (3) years, renewable once for up to two (2) years.

Requirements:

Valid Exploration License
Board resolution of the company authorizing the application for a retention license
Feasibility study conducted by an accredited consultant
Other necessary information requested by the Minister

Fees:

UGX 7,000,000 application fee
UGX 200,000 per km² as annual mineral rent
UGX 345,000 for gazetting the grant

MINING LICENSES

Mining Licenses are categorized based on investment scale and operations.

Purpose

The Artisanal Mining Licence (AML) is issued to Ugandan nationals who wish to engage in small-scale, low-tech, manual mining operations. This licence is intended to regulate traditional, subsistence-based mining and ensure environmental and social compliance.

Validity

The AML is valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed for 2 years.
Exclusively reserved for Ugandan citizens (foreigners cannot apply).

Key Requirements

Proof of Ugandan citizenship
Completed Artisanal Mining Licence (AML) Application Form
Proof of mineral occurrence in the targeted mining area
Proof of technical competence (basic mining knowledge or training)
A statement of mining operations and planned capital expenditure
Provisional agreement with the landowner (for mining on private land)
Proposed production schedule and marketing plan for selling mined minerals
Environmental compliance measures (basic environmental protection steps)

Statutory Fees (UGX)

Application Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 1,500,000
Renewal Application Fee: UGX 2,000,000
Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Download and complete the AML application form.
Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the application fee (UGX 1,000,000).
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
Receive your Artisanal Mining Licence (AML), valid for 3 years.

Additionally

Exclusively for Ugandan nationals – foreigners must apply for a Small or Medium Scale Mining Licence.
Intended for small-scale, manual mining operations (no heavy machinery).
If mining on private land, written consent from the landowner is required.
AML holders must comply with basic environmental and safety regulations.

Small-Scale Mining License

Small-Scale Mining License Granted for up to five (5) years and renewable for up to three (3) years.

Purpose

The Small-Scale Mining Licence (SML) is issued to Ugandan nationals or registered companies intending to carry out mining operations in an area not exceeding 10 km². It is exclusively reserved for Ugandans and is meant for mining projects that require moderate investment and equipment.

Validity

The SML is valid for up to 5 years.
It can be renewed for 3 years at a time.

Key Requirements

Valid Prospecting License, Exploration License, or Retention License
Work program for mining operations
Executed Form IV
Proof of mineral occurrence in the targeted mining area
Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic qualifications)
A statement outlining mining operations and planned capital expenditure
Provisional agreement with the landowner (if the land is privately owned)
Proposed value addition program (optional)
Proposed marketing plan for the sale of mineral production
Environmental protection plan (basic waste management & site restoration plan)
Financial capability statement (proof of investment capacity)

Statutory Fees (UGX)

New Application / Renewal Fee: UGX 10,000,000
Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 100,000 per hectare
Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Download and complete the SML application form.
Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the application fee (UGX 10,000,000).
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
Receive your Small Scale Mining Licence (SML), valid for 5 years.

Additional Notes

Exclusively for Ugandans – foreign investors must apply for a Medium or Large Scale Mining Licence.
Mining area must not exceed 10 km².
Allows the use of small-scale machinery but prohibits large industrial operations.
Holders must comply with environmental regulations and community engagement rules.

Medium-Scale Mining Licence (MML) – Uganda (2024)

Medium-Scale Mining License Granted for up to ten (10) years or the life of the ore body, renewable for up to seven (7) years.

Purpose

The Medium-Scale Mining Licence (MML) is granted to companies or individuals intending to conduct mining operations on a medium scale, covering an area not exceeding 50 km². This licence is meant for mining projects that require moderate to large investments in machinery, labor, and processing facilities.

Validity

The MML is valid for up to 10 years.
It can be renewed for 7 years at a time.

Key Requirements

A joint venture partnership registered in accordance with the Partnership Act 2010 comprising of Uganda citizens and foreigners
Company registered and incorporated under the companies act, 2012
Valid Prospecting License, Exploration License, or Retention License
Submission of required reports
Executed Form II
Completed Medium-Scale Mining Licence (MML) Application Form
Mine plan (including break-even analysis, production capacity, mineral recovery, environmental rehabilitation, and restoration plans)
Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic qualifications of the technical team)
Written proof of surface rights acquisition (landowner agreements or compensation plan)
Detailed report on mineral resources (proving the economic feasibility of the mining project)
Proposed value addition program (if applicable)
Marketing and sales strategy for the minerals produced
Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) in line with the National Environment Act, 2019
Business plan (capital investment forecast, operational costs, revenue projections)
Proof of financial capability to sustain the mining project
Statement on employment and training of Ugandan workers

Statutory Fees (UGX)

New Application / Renewal Fee: UGX 15,000,000
Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 120,000 per hectare
Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Download and complete the MML application form.
Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the application fee (UGX 15,000,000).
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
Receive your Medium-Scale Mining Licence (MML), valid for 10 years.

Additionally

Mining area must not exceed 50 km².
Requires significant investment in infrastructure and mining equipment.
Mining activities must comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
Holders must submit annual mining and environmental compliance reports.

Large-Scale Mining Licence (LML) – Uganda (2024)

Large-Scale Mining License Granted for up to twenty-one (21) years or the life of the ore body, renewable for up to fifteen (15) years.

Purpose

The Large-Scale Mining Licence (LML) is issued to companies intending to conduct large-scale mining operations in Uganda. It allows for the extraction of minerals in areas not exceeding 50 km², requiring a capital investment of at least 388 billion UGX (19,410,000 currency points, where 1 cp = UGX 20,000).

Validity

The LML is valid for up to 21 years.
It can be renewed for 15 years at a time.

Key Requirements

Valid Prospecting License, Exploration License, or Retention License
Proof of payment of taxes and fees due
Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Understanding
Board resolution
Names and Nationalities of the Director and the names of every shareholder who is the beneficial owner of five percent or more of the issued share capital
Company Profile And history of mining operations in Uganda (Where applicable)
Name and qualifications of the person responsible for supervising the proposed programme of mining operations
Submission of required reports
Executed Form II
Proof of financial capability
Community Development Agreement with affected local communities
Detailed feasibility study and assessment conducted by a certified expert or accredited consultant
Detailed report on mineral resources proving economic viability
Mine plan (break-even analysis, production capacity, mineral recovery rates, environmental rehabilitation, and restitution plan for land rights upon expiry or termination)
Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic qualifications of key personnel)
Business plan (capital investment, operating costs, revenue forecasts)
Proof of surface rights acquisition (agreements with landowners or compensation plan)
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with the National Environment Act, 2019
Plan for coexistence with local communities and landowners, including proof of consultations and compensation measures
Statement on employment and training of Ugandan workers
Statement on procurement plans for goods and services from Uganda
Proposed marketing and sales strategy for the minerals to be extracted
Details of insurance coverage, including health and worker compensation for employees

Statutory Fees (UGX)

New Application / Renewal Fee: UGX 20,000,000
Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 150,000 per hectare
Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

5. Application Process

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Download and complete the LML application form.
Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the application fee (UGX 20,000,000).
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
Receive your Large-Scale Mining Licence (LML), valid for 21 years.

Additionally

Mining area must not exceed 50 km².
LML requires significant infrastructure and machinery investment.
Mining operations must follow strict environmental, safety, and community engagement laws.
Annual environmental and mining compliance reports must be submitted.
Holders must create employment opportunities for Ugandan citizens and promote local procurement of goods/services.

Mineral Processing Licence (MPL) – Uganda (2024)

Purpose

The Mineral Processing Licence (MPL) is issued to individuals or companies that intend to process raw minerals through methods such as crushing, grinding, leaching, and separation to increase the mineral concentration before sale or export.

Validity

The MPL is valid for up to 5 years.
It can be renewed for 3 years at a time.

Key Requirements

Completed Mineral Processing Licence (MPL) Application Form
Plan and layout of the mineral processing facility
Proof of appropriate technology for processing minerals
Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic documents)
Statement of the applicant’s knowledge and experience in mineral processing
Environmental and waste management plans in accordance with the National Environment Act, 2019
Written proof of surface rights (land acquisition, compensation, relocation, and resettlement plan if applicable)
Tax clearance from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

Statutory Fees (UGX)

Application Fee: UGX 500,000
Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Licence Fee: UGX 5,000,000
Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 1,000,000
Renewal Application Fee: UGX 500,000
Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Download and complete the MPL application form.
Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the application fee (UGX 500,000).
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
Receive your Mineral Processing Licence (MPL), valid for 5 years.

Additionally

MPL is required for processing minerals but does not cover mining operations (a separate mining licence is needed).
All processing facilities must comply with environmental and waste management laws.
Processing plants must have adequate safety and pollution control measures.
Holders must submit periodic reports on mineral processing activities and environmental compliance.

Mineral Smelting Licence (MSL) – Uganda (2024)

Purpose

The Mineral Smelting Licence (MSL) is issued to individuals or companies that intend to extract metals from their ores using smelting technology, which involves heating and melting to separate valuable metals from waste material.

Validity

The MSL is valid for up to 15 years.
It can be renewed for 10 years at a time.

Key Requirements

Completed Mineral Smelting Licence (MSL) Application Form
Plan and layout of the smelting facility
Proof of appropriate smelting technology
Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic documents)
Statement of the applicant’s knowledge and experience in mineral smelting
Environmental and waste management plans in compliance with the National Environment Act, 2019
Written proof of surface rights (including compensation, relocation, and resettlement plan, where applicable)
Tax clearance from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

4. Statutory Fees (UGX)

Application Fee: UGX 500,000
Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Licence Fee: UGX 10,000,000
Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 5,000,000
Renewal Application Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Download and complete the MSL application form.
Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the application fee (UGX 500,000).
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
Receive your Mineral Smelting Licence (MSL), valid for 15 years.

Additionally

MSL is required for smelting but does not cover mining operations (a separate mining licence is needed).
Smelting facilities must comply with strict environmental and pollution control regulations.
Holders must submit periodic reports on smelting activities, environmental impact, and safety compliance.
The licence can be renewed for an additional 10 years upon satisfactory compliance with regulations.

Mineral Refining Licence (MRL) – Uganda (2024)

Purpose

The Mineral Refining Licence (MRL) is issued to individuals or companies that intend to purify minerals or process mineral products to obtain refined metals or mineral compounds. This includes operations such as gold refining, copper refining, and other metallurgical processes that remove impurities and increase the mineral’s purity and market value.

Validity

The MRL is valid for up to 15 years.
It can be renewed for 10 years at a time.

Key Requirements

Completed Mineral Refining Licence (MRL) Application Form
Plan and layout of the refining facility
Proof of appropriate refining technology
Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic documents)
Statement of the applicant’s knowledge and experience in mineral refining
Environmental and waste management plans in compliance with the National Environment Act, 2019
Written proof of surface rights (including compensation, relocation, and resettlement plan, if applicable)
Tax clearance from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

4. Statutory Fees (UGX)

Application Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
Licence Fee: UGX 10,000,000
Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 10,000,000
Renewal Application Fee: UGX 1,500,000
Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

5. Application Process

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Download and complete the MRL application form.
Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the application fee (UGX 1,000,000).
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
Receive your Mineral Refining Licence (MRL), valid for 15 years.

Additionally

MRL is required for refining but does not cover mining or smelting operations (separate licences are needed).
Refining facilities must comply with strict environmental and pollution control
Holders must submit periodic reports on refining activities, environmental impact, and safety compliance.
The licence can be renewed for an additional 10 years upon satisfactory compliance with regulations.

Export & Import Permits for Minerals – Uganda (2024)

Uganda regulates mineral trade through export and import permits, ensuring compliance with mineral laws, tax regulations, and environmental standards. These permits are issued per consignment and are required for anyone transporting minerals in or out of Uganda.

EXPORT PERMIT

Purpose: Authorizes the export of minerals from Uganda.
Validity: Issued per consignment (valid only for the shipment covered).

Requirements for Export Permit

Valid Mineral Dealers Licence (MDL) or Mineral Right
Completed Form 52 (as per the Mining and Minerals (Licensing) Regulations, 2023)
Export permit or related documents from the country of origin (if minerals are not from Uganda)
Proof of payment of royalty fees (for minerals where applicable)
Declaration of mineral type, quantity, value, and country of destination

Statutory Fees (UGX) for Export Permit

Licence Fee: UGX 700,000 per consignment

Application Process for Export Permit

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Fill out and submit Form 52 online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the export permit fee (UGX 700,000 per consignment).
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, receive the Export Permit.
Proceed with customs clearance and shipping.

IMPORT PERMIT

Purpose: Authorizes the import of minerals into Uganda.
Validity: Issued per consignment (valid only for the shipment covered).

Requirements for Import Permit

Valid Mineral Dealers Licence (MDL) for the specific minerals being imported
Completed Form 54 (as per the Mining and Minerals (Licensing) Regulations, 2023)
Export permit from the originating country
Pre-shipment documents (certificate of origin, invoice, packing list, etc.)

Statutory Fees (UGX) for Import Permit

Application Fee: UGX 1,000,000 per consignment

Permit Fees:

1% of the prevailing price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) for precious metals, precious stones, and base metals.
- UGX 4,000 per tonne for industrial minerals.
- UGX 2,000 per tonne for clinker or semi-processed industrial minerals.

Application Process for Import Permit

Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
Fill out and submit Form 54 online with all required supporting documents.
Pay the import permit application fee (UGX 1,000,000) and any applicable permit fees.
MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
If approved, receive the Import Permit.
Proceed with customs clearance and transportation of minerals into Uganda.

Additionally

Permits are issued per consignment – a new application is required for each shipment.
Failure to obtain a permit before exporting or importing minerals is illegal and can lead to penalties or confiscation.
Royalties must be paid before export, where applicable.
Both permits require a valid Mineral Dealers Licence (MDL) or a relevant mineral right.

Business

Bank of Uganda Sets A Bold Push Toward Digital Payments With New Cash Withdrawal Limits.

The Bank of Uganda has introduced new over-the-counter cash withdrawal limits effective 1 January 2027, capping individuals at UGX 50 million daily and corporates at UGX 250 million. The policy aims to accelerate digital payments while sparking debate on its impact on cash-reliant sectors.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2026

lumologroup

The Bank of Uganda (BOU) has announced significant changes to cash withdrawal limits that will take effect on January 1, 2027. Under the new policy, individual customers will be limited to withdrawing a maximum of UGX 50 million per day and UGX 500 million per week from their accounts at commercial banks. Corporate accounts will have higher limits, allowing withdrawals of up to UGX 250 million daily and UGX 2.5 billion weekly. These limits apply only to over-the-counter cash transactions and do not affect electronic transfers, such as RTGS, EFTs, mobile money, or other digital payment channels.

This move represents one of the most direct interventions by Uganda’s central bank to accelerate the shift from cash to digital financial services. For years, BOU has encouraged electronic payments through various initiatives, highlighting their benefits, including faster transaction speeds, greater transparency, reduced costs related to printing and handling physical currency, and improved security. The new limits build on the observed growth in digital adoption, as many Ugandans and businesses already prefer mobile money, internet banking, and card payments for both everyday and larger transactions.

The policy also allows for flexibility in exceptional cases. Financial institutions under supervision can request exemptions for clients in cash-intensive sectors such as agriculture, fuel distribution, or large-scale trading after conducting proper risk assessments and obtaining BOU approval. This provision acknowledges that not every economic activity can transition overnight to fully digital methods, particularly in rural areas or sectors dominated by cash due to infrastructure limitations or client preferences.

Uganda’s economy has experienced rapid digital transformation. Mobile money transactions have surged in both volume and value, while platforms like the Uganda National Interbank Settlement System continue to mature. BOU officials argue that an excessive reliance on cash imposes hidden costs on the financial system, including risks of theft, money laundering, and inefficiencies in supply chains. By capping large cash withdrawals, the central bank aims to encourage both individuals and businesses to adopt safer, traceable digital alternatives that also generate valuable data for credit scoring and economic planning.

For the average salary earner or small business owner, daily life may not change dramatically, as most transactions fall well below the new thresholds. However, the real impact will likely be felt by high-net-worth individuals, large corporations, and operators in sectors that frequently handle substantial cash volumes. These groups will need to plan ahead, diversify their payment methods, and perhaps strengthen their relationships with banks to secure necessary exemptions.

Banks themselves will also need to adapt. Customer service teams will require training on the new rules, while relationship managers will play a greater role in advising clients on digital alternatives. Over time, this shift could drive innovation in financial products tailored to a less cash-dependent economy.

The success of this policy will depend on effective execution and complementary measures. If digital infrastructure reliably expands into rural districts, transaction fees decrease, and public trust in electronic systems continues to grow, Uganda could emerge as a regional leader in cashless financial services. Ongoing challenges regarding cybersecurity, digital literacy, and last-mile connectivity will need attention.

As the January 1, 2027 deadline approaches, businesses and individuals would be wise to review their cash handling practices and explore digital tools that align with this new reality. The Bank of Uganda’s message is clear: the future of money in Uganda is increasingly digital, and the transition is not just encouraged but actively facilitated from the top.

Blog

Laroo-Pece Mayor HW Aber Gifter Confirms Security Meeting Held, Pledges Community-Wide Approach to Restore Safety in Gulu City

Just days after taking office, Laroo-Pece Division Mayor HW Aber Gifter has confirmed a high-level joint security meeting has taken place and concrete measures are now being implemented to restore safety in Gulu City. She will meet LC1 Chairpersons on Tuesday to strengthen grassroots coordination on security and the ongoing Ebola threat, while urging residents to cooperate with security forces.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 30, 2026

lumologroup

From the left; Laroo-Pece Mayor HW Aber Gifter at her Swear in ceremony

Just days after taking office and vowing to make security her top priority, Laroo-Pece Division Mayor HW Aber Gifter has confirmed that a high-level joint security meeting has already taken place, with concrete action plans now being implemented on the ground.

In an update issued this Saturday, the newly sworn-in mayor told residents that she had successfully convened a meeting with the relevant security organs, during which practical strategies were agreed upon to tackle the wave of criminal activity that has gripped Gulu City in recent weeks.

While the mayor declined to disclose the specific details of the measures being put in place, citing security and operational sensitivities, she was firm in her assurance to the public.

“Concrete measures are already being implemented, and all stakeholders remain committed to restoring peace and safety in our communities,” she stated.

Moving beyond the security apparatus, Mayor Aber Gifter is taking her campaign for safety to the community level. She announced that on Tuesday she will meet with all LC1 Chairpersons across the division; the frontline leaders closest to ordinary residents to strengthen coordination, address challenges facing local leaders, and ensure more effective service delivery at the grassroots.

The move signals an understanding that lasting security cannot rest on enforcement alone, but must be rooted in community trust and local leadership.

The Tuesday meeting will not be limited to security matters. Mayor Aber Gifter revealed that the ongoing Ebola disease threat will also feature prominently on the agenda, with leaders to be urged to reinforce adherence to Standard Operating Procedures and intensify community sensitisation in their respective areas.

“We must all play our part in protecting our families and neighborhoods,” she said, underscoring that public health and public safety are equally pressing concerns for her administration.

In what may be among the most practical appeals in her statement, the mayor called on residents to actively cooperate with security personnel conducting operations, whether by day or by night. She urged residents who are approached by security forces to calmly identify themselves, explain their movements, and comply with lawful instructions.

“Security personnel are working to protect our communities, and law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear,” she said. “Such cooperation will help security agencies distinguish genuine residents from criminals and suspicious individuals.”

The appeal reflects the reality that effective policing in an urban environment like Gulu City depends heavily on the trust and participation of the very communities being protected.

Six days into her tenure, Mayor Aber Gifter appears to be moving at the pace she promised. The security meeting has been held. Grassroots consultations are scheduled. And a health threat is being woven into the broader conversation about community welfare, a sign that her administration is thinking holistically about the challenges facing Laroo-Pece residents.

Observers and residents alike will now be watching to see whether the action plans agreed upon in the security meeting translate into a visible and measurable reduction in crime in the days and weeks ahead.

“Together, we shall build a safer Laroo-Pece and a stronger Gulu City,” the mayor concluded; words that will be tested, and remembered, by the people she serves.

Statement issued by HW Aber Gifter, Mayor, Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City. Saturday, 30 May 2026.

Health

Ebola Crisis: Uganda Closes Its Border With The Democratic Republic of Congo

On 27 May 2026, Uganda announced the immediate temporary closure of its border with the DRC due to a Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. The country has recorded seven confirmed cases and one death in Kampala, all linked to cross-border transmission. No new cases since 25 May. The closure allows exceptions for humanitarian aid, cargo, food, and security, while enforcing strict screening and 21-day isolation. The measure is expected to significantly disrupt cross-border trade and tourism.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

lumologroup

In a landmark decision that underscores the gravity of the unfolding public health emergency, the Government of Uganda has announced the immediate and temporary closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The resolution, agreed upon by the National Task Force on Ebola Response chaired by His Excellency the Vice President of Uganda, was announced on 27 May 2026 through an official press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine. The closure comes amid a rapidly expanding Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain; a deadly and relatively rare species of the Ebola family for which no licensed vaccine or specific therapeutic currently exists.

As of the date of this statement, Uganda has confirmed seven cases of EVD and one death, with all confirmed cases concentrated in Kampala, the nation’s capital and primary commercial hub. While no new cases have been recorded since 25 May 2026, the National Task Force determined that the escalating trajectory of the outbreak in the DRC, combined with the porous nature of cross-border movements, posed an unacceptable risk of further viral importation into Uganda. The border closure, with targeted exceptions for humanitarian, cargo, food, and essential security operations, is therefore framed as a protective measure in the interest of both Ugandan citizens and the broader region.

“Uganda has not recorded any new confirmed case of EVD since Monday 25th May 2026. However, the total number of contacts to the confirmed cases have increased. Most of these contacts are health workers.” — Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, 27 May 2026

The 2026 Ebola outbreak in Uganda did not emerge in isolation. It is the direct consequence of a cross-border spillover from a major outbreak that began in the DRC’s Ituri Province — a region characterized by active conflict, significant population displacement, and frequent movement of people and goods across Uganda’s western frontier. Understanding the timeline of events as reported by the Uganda Ministry of Health reveals a crisis that escalated with alarming speed.

On 15 May 2026, the Uganda Ministry of Health formally confirmed the country’s outbreak of Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) following the identification of one imported case from the DRC. The index case was an elderly Congolese man who had been admitted to a private hospital in Kampala. He had travelled from DRC while already symptomatic, unaware or unable to access means to be tested or isolated before crossing the border. The Ministry’s announcement came on the same day that the DRC officially declared its own outbreak, marking the 17th Ebola outbreak ever recorded in that country.

First local transmissions was confirmed on 16 May 2026, Within twenty-four hours of the index case confirmation, Ugandan health authorities identified the first domestically-acquired infections. A driver and a health worker, both of whom had been in contact with the Congolese patient before his death on 11 May, tested positive for BVD. Two additional health workers at the same private hospital in Kampala subsequently also tested positive, raising immediate alarm about nosocomial (hospital-acquired) transmission and the adequacy of infection prevention measures at the facility.

Responding swiftly to the operational vacuum created by a fast-moving outbreak, the Ministry of Health published its official Ebola Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for May 2026. These guidelines, made publicly available for download from the Ministry’s website, established protocols for healthcare workers, port health officials, community surveillance teams, and district authorities. The publication of the SOPs signalled a shift from reactive containment to structured, systemic response.

On 23 May, the Ministry of Health announced three additional confirmed BVD cases, bringing Uganda’s total to five confirmed cases and one confirmed death. All five cases were residents of or visitors to Kampala, each with clear and traceable epidemiological links to the DRC. The significance of this cluster in Kampala, the busiest commercial and transport centres with major international air connections was not lost on public health officials.

On the same day, Uganda hosted a high-level cross-border Ministerial Meeting on the EVD Outbreak at Munyonyo, held under the theme “Regional Solidarity, Preparedness and Coordinated Response,” with support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swift convening of the National Task Force, stating: “This is what I call leadership.”

Today, on the 27^th May 2026, In its most consequential intervention to date, the Government of Uganda, through the National Task Force chaired by the Vice President, announced the immediate temporary closure of the Uganda-DRC border. By this date, Uganda’s total confirmed case count had reached seven, with one death. Five of the seven cases maintained clear epidemiological links to the original two imported cases. The Ministry confirmed that no new case had been recorded since 25 May, a fragile but cautiously hopeful sign that the immediate chain of transmission was being controlled.

The formal press statement issued by Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine on 27 May 2026 laid out six specific resolutions agreed upon by the National Task Force. Together, these resolutions constitute the most comprehensive border and public health enforcement package Uganda has implemented in the context of Ebola since the 2022 Sudan ebolavirus outbreak. Each resolution carries distinct implications for movement, trade, education, media, and governance along the affected frontier.

The first and most sweeping resolution declared Uganda’s border with DRC temporarily closed with immediate effect. The only permitted exceptions are for authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and security personnel, all of whom must undergo strict health screening and continuous monitoring at all designated ports of entry.

The Immigration Authority was specifically directed to enforce this framework, requiring all authorised entrants to complete locator forms and submit to documentation procedures in accordance with Ministry of Health surveillance protocols. This measure effectively converts Uganda’s border crossings with DRC into health checkpoints operating under emergency conditions.

Any person returning to Uganda from DRC is required to undergo mandatory self-isolation for twenty-one days under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and district surveillance teams; a period corresponding to the maximum incubation period for Ebola. Schools in border districts are permitted to remain open but must strictly observe all Ministry of Health SOPs. School authorities are required to identify students recently returned from DRC and monitor their temperature daily for twenty-one days, with designated health facilities in each border district tasked with accommodating any learner who develops symptoms.

Resident District Commissioners and Resident City Commissioners along the border have been instructed to enforce all Ebola prevention and control guidelines, while all media houses are mandated to dedicate a minimum of thirty minutes of prime-time programming daily to public education on Ebola prevention, detection, and reporting. The public has been directed to report suspected cases through the Ministry’s toll-free line: 0800-100-066.

“The Government of Uganda reaffirms its commitment to sustained collaboration with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo… both countries agreed to strengthen cross-border collaboration, enhance joint surveillance mechanisms, and coordinate response efforts to effectively prevent and control the spread of Ebola across our shared border.” — Ministry of Health Press Statement, 27 May 2026

The Uganda-DRC border is not merely a political boundary, it is one of the most economically vital corridors in the Great Lakes region. Communities on both sides depend on daily cross-border trade for food security, income, and access to essential goods. Formal and informal trade flows through crossings such as Mpondwe-Kasindi, Ishasha, and Bunagana represent billions of shillings annually and are deeply interwoven into the livelihoods of communities in western and south-western Uganda.

The border closure, even with its carved exceptions for food and cargo transportation, is expected to generate significant short-term economic disruption. Informal cross-border traders; the majority of whom are women typically carry small volumes of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and household commodities across on a daily basis. These individuals do not operate through formal cargo channels and are unlikely to qualify as “authorised” operators under the current emergency framework. For these traders, the closure is effectively total.

Formal importers and exporters face a different but equally challenging set of conditions. While cargo trucks are technically permitted to cross, the requirement for strict health screening, documentation, and the completion of locator forms at every port of entry introduces delays, additional costs, and logistical uncertainty. Supply chains connecting DRC’s mineral-rich eastern provinces to Ugandan processors and exporters including gold, coltan, timber, and agricultural commodities are at risk of disruption. Ugandan exporters who rely on DRC as a transit route or as a destination market for manufactured goods, construction materials, and fast-moving consumer goods face similar constraints.

The suspension of public transportation and flights between DRC and Uganda, reported alongside the border closure measures, further compounds the commercial impact. Business travellers, professional service providers, and financial intermediaries who operate across both markets find themselves effectively grounded. Banking and remittance services that facilitate cross-border financial flows are also likely to experience reduced volumes during the closure period.

The medium-term outlook for trade will depend largely on the speed with which the DRC outbreak is brought under control and the extent to which the humanitarian and cargo exceptions are operationalised in a manner that minimises bottlenecks. The Ministry of Health’s bilateral engagement with DRC affirmed in the 27 May press statement offers some grounds for optimism that coordinated response measures could accelerate the pathway to a controlled situation and a graduated reopening.

Uganda’s tourism sector, which had been on a sustained recovery trajectory following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Sudan Ebola outbreak, now faces renewed headwinds. The country’s flagship attractions like gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks draw visitors from across the globe and generate significant foreign exchange. Many of these destinations lie in or near Uganda’s western districts, which border the DRC.

The CDC’s issuance of a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Uganda on 15 May 2026; a designation that advises travellers to practise enhanced health precautions has already begun to dampen international booking interest. Tour operators and lodge owners in western Uganda have reported cancellations and inquiries from anxious visitors seeking refunds or deferrals. While the Ebola cases are confined to Kampala and have no direct nexus to the primary tourism zones, the perception of risk in an Ebola-affected country is historically difficult to localise in the minds of international tourists.

The hospitality sector in Kampala itself faces a more immediate challenge. The presence of confirmed cases in the capital, including among health workers at a private hospital, has rattled confidence in urban travel. Hotels, conference facilities, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector are particularly vulnerable to cancellations of regional business gatherings. Kampala serves as a hub for corporate activity, and any perception that the city is unsafe for in-person meetings has ripple effects across the wider hospitality and services economy.

The cross-border tourism dimension is equally significant. A portion of gorilla-trekking tourists visit both Uganda and DRC’s Virunga National Park in a single itinerary, and the border closure effectively severs this combined circuit. Similarly, tourists transiting through DRC to access Uganda’s western parks are now unable to do so through established overland routes.

The Uganda Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities have not yet issued a formal public statement at the time of writing. However, the situation calls for urgent communication strategies to reassure international markets that Uganda’s wildlife sanctuaries remain accessible, safe, and operationally active, and that the government’s containment measures are working. Experience from past Ebola outbreaks in Uganda; notably the 2022 Sudan outbreak, which was declared over within 87 days suggests that swift, transparent communication and effective containment are the most powerful tools for limiting long-term tourism damage.