economy 11 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Iron Ore Mining Boosts Kigezi Communities and Local Revenue
Artisanal iron ore mining in Uganda's Kigezi region is significantly improving the livelihoods of local residents through job creation and boosting district revenue via mining royalties. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-iron-ore-mining-is-benefiting-communities-in-kigezi-5591472
In the Kigezi region of Uganda, the burgeoning artisanal iron ore mining sector is proving to be a significant economic boon for local communities. Hundreds of residents are finding employment opportunities within the iron ore value chain, from extraction to transportation.
The mining activities have directly created jobs for miners, machine operators, and truck drivers. Youths involved in loading iron ore onto trucks in Rwakaraba Cell, Kabale Town, report earning substantial amounts, sharing approximately Shs120,000 for each truck loaded.
Beyond individual livelihoods, the mining operations are also contributing to local government coffers. Kabale District LC5 Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe Ndyomugyenyi stated that the district had collected around Shs290 million in royalties from mining companies in the first quarter of the current financial year. This influx of revenue allows local authorities to fund development projects and services for the wider community.
The economic impact extends through the entire supply chain, demonstrating how responsible resource extraction can lead to shared prosperity. As the iron ore trade continues to grow, it is expected to further enhance economic opportunities and infrastructure development in the Kigezi region.