The initiative reflects Uganda's broader strategy to enhance local mineral processing, add value to natural resources, and increase national revenue.
The Bank of Uganda reports that the country earned $3.4 billion from gold exports last year. This figure includes both domestically mined gold and gold imported from other countries.
President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly emphasized that exporting unprocessed minerals undermines Uganda's economic potential, while nations that refine their minerals locally generate substantially higher profits.
On August 16, 2025, President Museveni officially inaugurated the Wagagai gold processing plant, located in the Busia District. The facility spans nine square kilometers and is equipped to refine gold to a purity level of 99.9 percent.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Museveni ruled out the possibility of exporting unprocessed gold in the future , to ensure that Uganda captures the full value of its resources.
The Wagagai plant is expected to significantly contribute to Uganda's economic development by creating jobs, increasing revenue, and fostering a sustainable gold industry that retains more of the country's wealth within its borders.
IGIHE
