Leaders in Kasese District have criticised the slow pace of redeveloping Kilembe Mines, accusing the government of failing to put in place key infrastructure needed for the investor to begin mining operations.
They cite inadequate electricity supply, deteriorated underground tunnels, and insufficient geological data as some of the major obstacles hindering progress at the once-thriving copper and cobalt mine.
For decades, Kilembe Mines was one of Uganda’s leading mining ventures, employing thousands of workers and making a significant contribution to the national economy through copper and cobalt production. However, nearly 50 years after operations ceased, efforts to restore the mine have yet to produce visible results despite the government granting redevelopment rights to Sarrai Group of Companies under a Production Sharing Agreement.
Although government officials say the investor is currently mobilising equipment ahead of full-scale operations, local leaders contend that substantial rehabilitation work is required before mining can resume.
Bulembia Division LCIII Chairperson Richard Bomera said the investor inherited a mining site that lacks the basic infrastructure necessary to support commercial activities.
“The investor found a mine with inadequate power supply, damaged underground sections that require extensive rehabilitation, and limited geological information to guide exploration and extraction,” Bomera said.
He cautioned that continued delays risk eroding public confidence and prolonging the economic hardships faced by communities that had hoped to benefit from the mine’s reopening.
“Residents have waited for many years to see Kilembe Mines operational again. Every delay pushes back the employment opportunities and business prospects that people have been anticipating,” he added.
Despite the concerns, Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. Joe Walusimbi maintained that the redevelopment project is progressing as planned.
Walusimbi acknowledged the poor condition of the mine’s infrastructure but said the investor has begun bringing in machinery and equipment to support rehabilitation works.
“The investor is mobilising equipment, and government remains committed to ensuring that the redevelopment process advances and that mining activities eventually resume,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Irene Pauline Bateebe, also reiterated government’s commitment to reviving the mine, noting that discussions are underway to address infrastructure bottlenecks affecting implementation.
She said the Production Sharing Agreement remains valid and that preparations are continuing to pave the way for the resumption of mining operations.
For many residents in Kasese, the revival of Kilembe Mines represents more than just the reopening of an industrial facility; it is viewed as a potential catalyst for economic recovery, job creation, and renewed business activity. However, they believe these expectations will only be realised once critical infrastructure challenges are resolved and the investor is able to commence full-scale operations.
