Blog

HOW TO OBTAIN A MINING LICENSE IN UGANDA

Published

9 months 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.

Blog

When a message is more important than the truth; A journalistic problem

They twist narratives, neglect due diligence, spread misinformation, and fail to issue corrections.

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2025

lumologroup

In today’s fast-paced information age, mainstream media (MSM) wields its power like a guillotine; sharp, merciless, and often cutting away facts to uphold a particular narrative. When spin overtakes reality, societies fragment, trust dissipates, and people scramble to find the truth amid a torrent of distortions. This is not solely an American crisis; it is a global epidemic, affecting households everywhere, including Uganda.

One late night, while walking home from the office with a good friend, we discussed the emptiness of my routine: endless workdays that pushed my passion for music production aside, the last remaining creative spark in my life. Weekends were few and far between. He suggested going out at night, but my friends weren’t interested in clubs. Football was a different story, and so I signed up for pay TV just to watch the Champions league and Premier League, primarily tuning in on weekends. In addition to matches, I filled my time with news.

As I surfed through channels, I noticed a clear bias: left-leaning broadcasters dominated the airwaves. Having consumed media from across the globe, I observed that these leftist outlets excelled at misreporting and stripping context; it’s not harmless; it’s toxic. These networks prioritize shaping narratives over pursuing truth. The American MSM, exported worldwide, shapes opinions far beyond U.S. borders.

Modern media prioritizes messaging over factual reporting. Take, for instance, the relentless attacks on Trump: he could discover a cure for cancer, and they would portray it as merely a publicity stunt. Recently, Democrats blocked votes to reopen the government, extending a shutdown that adversely affected ordinary Americans. In fear of backlash from the far-left after initially supporting the reopening, establishment Democrats clung to their opposition to demonstrate their anti-Trump stance. Meanwhile, liberal media; today’s digital spokespersons shifted the blame onto Republicans, disseminating falsehoods globally. It is after making massive wins in the recently closed mayoral elections that the left decided to Open the government. They wanted to rage-bait a lot of Americans in to voting liberal while taunting that the lockdown was a Republican created problem which was very not true. In this case, the message overshadowed the truth.

The cycle continues abroad as well. A major British network aired edited clips that falsely depicted the U.S. President inciting a Capitol breach; an incident that ultimately led to the executive’s ousting once the truth came to light. The media is doing what it does best, accepting to apologize but nopt acknowledging bias in reporting after being exposed countless times of biased reporting. This said media house prioritizes messaging and not the truth. In Uganda, a formerly reputable media outlet has devolved into a government-critical echo chamber, having abandoned integrity. They twist narratives, neglect due diligence, spread misinformation, and fail to issue corrections. Loaded headlines and 5 minute read articles of hour-long interviews promote propaganda rather than provide accurate information. You can check the source video for yourself rather than accept the slant. This act has gotten them banned from reporting on the recent government elections. A country like Uganda should look at the consequences of narrative based reporting in the Western world and fight it at whatever cost. If integrity doesn’t sell your News, then you shouldn’t be reporting.

This erosion of trust has tainted news in Uganda, making MSM increasingly unreliable. The result? A significant shift towards social media. Elon Musk’s X platform has surged to become the world’s leading news hub. On November 11, 2025, data revealed that X had become the top news app in 157 countries, surpassing BBC News, CNN, and Google News in downloads and engagement across nations like the U.S., India, Brazil, Japan, and the U.K.

X’s advantage stems from its real-time capabilities: instant live coverage, video streams, and creator payouts have drawn advertisers and publishers back. The platform excels in breaking news, politics, and sports engagement. The decline of trust in MSM has pushed global audiences towards social platforms. However, social media is not without its flaws. Like traditional news outlets, it is overwhelmed with unverified information. Many users consume content passively, drawn in by sensationalism that inflates outrage over biased narratives. X’s ascent is not without its controversies. Critics highlight concerns over inadequate moderation, and a lack of transparency as it replaces traditional forms of news.

Will journalism be able to regain its commitment to integrity? prioritizing facts over spin? My bet: unlikely. The incentives currently reward clicks over accuracy. Change must commence somewhere, though. If MSM continues to spread instability through loaded propaganda, we must hold them accountable. No career should jeopardize the stability of a nation.

Politics

President Museveni Urges Peaceful Dialogue at IPOD Summit Ahead of 2026 Elections

President Museveni called for peaceful dialogue ahead of 2026 elections at the IPOD Summit on September 18, 2025. Hon. Norbert Mao took over as IPOD chair, pledging a peaceful electoral process.

Published

2 months ago

September 19, 2025

lumologroup

On September 18, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for peaceful dialogue and unity among Uganda’s political leaders as the nation gears up for the 2026 general elections. Speaking at the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) Summit at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Museveni emphasized the need to reject violence and divisive politics to ensure Uganda’s continued progress.

The summit, themed “Together for a Peaceful and Sustainable Uganda,” convened leaders from six political parties: the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Justice Forum (JEEMA), and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The event marked a pivotal moment for fostering unity and consensus ahead of the elections.

In his keynote address, President Museveni, who also serves as NRM National Chairman and outgoing IPOD Summit Chair, urged opposition leaders to embrace peaceful engagement. “As we have seen in the last 40 years, the NRM has revived Uganda’s economy. Even if one has a wrong understanding, as long as they are not violent, the country will remain stable, and mistakes can be corrected,” he said. He warned that misdiagnosing societal issues and resorting to violence leads to chaos, citing examples from other African nations.

Drawing from his 65 years in politics, Museveni likened political leadership to medicine, stressing the importance of accurately diagnosing societal challenges. “If leaders misdiagnose societal issues, their countries collapse,” he cautioned, reiterating NRM’s core principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy as the foundation for Uganda’s future.

Addressing concerns raised by UPC President Jimmy Akena about the recent teachers’ strike, Museveni underscored the need to prioritize limited resources. He cited the example of Soroti Flying School, where prioritizing pilots and engineers over other staff prevented its collapse. “Freedom fighters always prioritize,” he noted.

A significant highlight of the summit was the peaceful handover of IPOD chairmanship from President Museveni to DP President General, Hon. Norbert Mao. “Thank you for trusting NRM with the leadership for the last five years. I now peacefully hand over,” Museveni said.

Hon. Mao, in his acceptance speech, committed to fostering consensus and ensuring a peaceful 2026 election. “We shall leave the door of IPOD open. Our agenda is to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election process while addressing Uganda’s challenges honestly,” he said. Mao commended Museveni for releasing nearly 70 political detainees earlier this year, describing the gesture as a significant step toward reconciliation.

NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, praised Museveni for sustaining IPOD after international donors withdrew funding. “You have shown that homegrown solutions can address African challenges,” Todwong said, urging political parties to promote unity and democratic values.

UPC President Jimmy Akena reaffirmed his party’s commitment to dialogue, stating, “We may not agree on every policy, but we must focus on the greater good.” FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat called for meaningful dialogue and urged Museveni to pardon political prisoners to foster national reconciliation. “Progress requires leaving the past behind,” he said.

JEEMA President Asuman Basalirwa echoed the need for consensus, while PPP President Saddam Gayira highlighted the success of non-confrontational politics. “In 30 years, none of our members have been arrested because we preach peaceful engagement,” Gayira noted.

IPOD Executive Director Dr. Lawrence Sserwambala warned of challenges such as electoral violence and youth vulnerability, urging leaders to nurture young people as champions of peace. “The 2026 elections provide a critical opportunity to strengthen consensus, fairness, and inclusivity,” he said.

The summit saw attendance from key figures, including Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, and NRM’s Central Executive Committee members, signaling strong support for dialogue as a tool for democratic progress.

As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, the IPOD Summit underscored the importance of unity, peaceful engagement, and consensus-building to secure a stable and prosperous future for the nation. “History will judge us by the choices we make. Let us choose peace and put Uganda first,” Dr. Sserwambala concluded.

Politics

President Museveni Endorses Uniform Cattle Restocking Plan for Teso Sub-Region

At State House with Vice President Alupo and Teso leaders, he backed providing five cows per household across Teso’s 12 districts or their cash equivalent (UGX 1.5m-2m per cow).

Published

2 months ago

September 18, 2025

lumologroup

On September 17, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni endorsed a comprehensive report on cattle compensation for the Teso sub-region, praising its recommendations as realistic, inclusive, and transformative. This announcement was made during a high-level meeting at State House in Entebbe, attended by a select committee led by Vice President Jessica Alupo, along with Members of Parliament, cultural leaders, and religious figures from Teso.

The report was presented by Hon. Okiror Bosco, the MP for Usuk County. It followed extensive consultations across Teso, prompted by concerns about corruption and inefficiencies in the ongoing cattle compensation program. Launched in March 2022 with a budget of UGX 200 billion, the initiative aims to compensate victims in Teso, Lango, and Acholi for livestock and property lost during past insurgencies and cattle raids.

The consultations confirmed President Museveni’s proposal for a uniform restocking plan that will provide five cows per household across Teso’s 12 districts, which are home to approximately 489,000 households according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census. Hon. Okiror noted an alternative proposal that allows households to receive the cash equivalent of five cows, estimated at UGX 1.5 million to UGX 2 million per cow, enabling them to purchase livestock independently, with management at the sub-county level.

President Museveni expressed his support for the plan, emphasizing its potential to empower households while addressing challenges such as polygamous families. “For me, I would be comfortable with each male-headed unit, whether polygamous or not, first getting their share,” he said. “Once the cows multiply, those families will become agents of change, and the cows can then be shared.” He added that affordability would be managed through installments, with extended families considered later.

The President clarified that the districts of Butebo and Pallisa, which had petitioned for inclusion, would be addressed separately.

During the meeting, Museveni responded to concerns about the presence of Balaalo herders in Teso. “They should go. I solved this problem long ago,” he stated, stressing that herders must follow legal procedures to ensure harmony with local communities.

Vice President Alupo commended the consultation process, noting its comprehensive and incident-free execution. “All the people of Teso unanimously supported the restocking program for every household,” she said, adding that residents viewed it as part of broader government efforts to eradicate poverty. Cultural leaders, including His Highness Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot of the Iteso and Won Ateker Papa Kumam Raphael Otaya of the Kumam, praised Museveni for involving traditional institutions in national development and pledged continued collaboration.

The cattle compensation program is not a standard government initiative but a special measure to promote peace, reconciliation, and economic recovery in war-affected regions. Museveni’s endorsement of the report signals a commitment to addressing past grievances transparently and equitably. He noted that the previous compensation framework was inefficient and exclusionary, and the new plan aims to rectify these shortcomings.

The President also referenced his recent engagements in August 2025 across Teso, Lango, and Acholi, where he urged residents to select trustworthy representatives to finalize a new compensation framework. At a gathering in Lira’s Lango College grounds, he emphasized the need for reliable representation to resolve lingering issues. “I was recently in Soroti and heard the same concerns,” he remarked, addressing widespread dissatisfaction with middlemen and corruption in the current system.

Museveni announced that the report would be discussed in Cabinet, with further consultations planned to incorporate perspectives from Lango and Acholi. The meeting, attended by Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka and other Teso leaders, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring the program’s benefits reach all intended households fairly.

As Uganda moves forward with this transformative initiative, the uniform restocking plan promises to empower households in Teso, foster economic recovery, and strengthen community reconciliation in the region.