Africa-Press – Uganda. Eight months after the official handover of Kilembe Mines Limited to new investors, SARAI Group Limited, concerns are growing over the lack of visible progress at the historic copper mining site, raising anxiety among community leaders and local residents who had hoped for a swift economic revival.
On May 3, 2025, the Uganda National Mining Company formally transferred the assets of Kilembe Mines Limited to SARAI Group Limited, marking what government officials described as a new chapter for the once-thriving mines that were central to Kasese District’s economy.
During the handover ceremony, the investor pledged to restart mining operations in the shortest time possible, a commitment that generated optimism among surrounding communities who anticipated employment opportunities, rehabilitation of infrastructure, and renewed social services.
“We are committed to reviving Kilembe Mines and ensuring that operations resume in a way that benefits both the country and the local communities,” said the SARAI Group Chief Executive Officer during the handover. “Our goal is to restore productivity while observing environmental and social safeguards.”
However, eight months later, activity at the mines remains minimal, with little visible work on the ground, prompting questions from local leaders about the status of the project.
Bulembia Division LCIII Chairperson, Richard Bomera, says community leaders have not been adequately engaged since the handover, leaving them uncertain about their role in the implementation of the agreements.
“As local leaders, we are not sure where we fit in the agreements that were signed. There has been very limited consultation, yet the community has high expectations,” Bomera said.
Bomera further warned that failure to involve the local leadership could sideline community interests and breed frustration among residents who were hopeful for immediate benefits.
“We expected to see some level of activity by now, at least preparatory works or engagement meetings. But people are asking us questions we do not have answers to,” he added.
There are also growing concerns that the social benefits historically associated with Kilembe Mines, including support to schools, health facilities, and recreational infrastructure, may no longer be prioritized.
“In the past, the mines supported social services in this area. Our fear is that the focus may now be purely on mineral extraction, leaving out community development,” Bomera noted.
Responding to the concerns, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga, attributed the delay in operations to pending documentation, which he said had only recently been finalized.
“There were critical documents that had not been completed, but I can confirm that all the necessary paperwork was finalized about two weeks ago,” Kabbyanga said.
The minister added that with the documentation now in place, government expects the investor to immediately commence operations at the mines.
“We now expect SARAI Group to move in and start work without further delay because the legal and administrative requirements have been addressed,” Kabbyanga emphasized.
As communities around Kilembe Mines continue to wait, local leaders are calling for increased transparency, regular engagement, and clear timelines to ensure that the long-promised revival of the mines translates into tangible benefits for the people of Kasese District.
