Th government has stepped up efforts to recover land and assets leased to Kilembe Mines Limited, as it prepares to relaunch the long-dormant copper mining operations in Kasese District.
The process, authorities say, is essential to ready the mine for a new strategic investor and marks a critical step in restoring the country’s once-thriving copper sector.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, during a visit to the region, called on squatters and informal settlers to begin preparations to vacate land that is legally under Kilembe Mines' lease.
She stressed that the government would not carry out forced evictions, but would pursue a phased, lawful, and respectful transition.
“This process is about restoring the integrity of Kilembe Mines Limited’s assets in readiness for redevelopment. We are committed to doing this legally and respectfully. No one will be dragged off the land, but everyone must begin to prepare for what is coming,” Minister Nankabirwa said.
Timeline: Kilembe Mines – From Boom to Revival
1906–1950s – Discovery and Early Exploration
- Copper deposits in Kilembe (Kasese District) were first identified by colonial geologists in the early 20th century.
- Serious exploration began in the 1940s, leading to the development of mining infrastructure.
1956 – Start of Commercial Copper Production
- Kilembe Mines Limited began large-scale copper mining operations, managed by Canadian firm Falconbridge.
- Infrastructure included underground mines, a concentrator, smelter, hydroelectric power stations, and a rail link to Jinja.
1960s–1970s – Peak Production
- Kilembe reached peak production in the 1960s and early 1970s, becoming Uganda’s largest foreign exchange earner after coffee.
- The mines produced copper cathodes, cobalt, and associated minerals.
1975 – Nationalisation by Amin Regime
- Idi Amin’s government nationalised the mines, expelling foreign managers.
- Mismanagement, underinvestment, and political instability led to a steady decline.
1982 – Closure of Mining Operations
- Due to war, poor maintenance, and global copper price drops, the mines shut down completely.
- Infrastructure deteriorated and the area became susceptible to encroachment.
1990s–2000s – Dormancy and Unsuccessful Revitalisation Attempts
- Multiple efforts to revive the mines were made, including negotiations with foreign investors.
- Flooding of underground shafts and decayed infrastructure hampered progress.
- Settlers slowly began occupying parts of the mine’s leasehold land.
2013 – Concession Awarded to Chinese Firm (Tibet Hima)
- Government leased the mine to Tibet Hima Mining Company for 25 years.
- The $175 million agreement aimed to restart mining, rehabilitate equipment, and create jobs.
2017–2022 – Concession Termination
- Government accused Tibet Hima of failing to meet contractual obligations.
- In 2022, the lease was formally cancelled over non-performance, debt, and environmental concerns.
2023–2024 – New Strategy for Redevelopment
- Ministry of Energy began vetting potential new investors with a stricter focus on capacity and compliance.
- Focus shifted to reclaiming assets, especially land that had been occupied informally.
2025 – Ongoing Repossession and Redevelopment Planning
- Minister Ruth Nankabirwa launches land reclamation initiative to prepare Kilembe Mines for new investor.
- Public urged to vacate leased mine land lawfully and peacefully.
- New investor selection process underway with expectations of sustainable copper mining revival.
Kilembe Mines, which in its prime contributed significantly to Uganda’s economy through copper production and export, has suffered years of neglect and encroachment.
Informal settlements have gradually taken root on mine property, complicating past efforts to revive operations.
The latest move signals renewed government commitment to industrial revival, especially in the minerals sector. Officials say they are working to ensure the process balances development goals with community interests.
State Minister for National Guidance Godfrey Kabyanga, who hails from Kasese, also issued a stern warning to residents against dealing with individuals posing as intermediaries in land negotiations.
“No one should be duped into paying money to individuals purporting to help them retain land. All matters related to Kilembe Mines’ assets are solely under the jurisdiction of government,” Kabyanga said, urging residents to remain calm and vigilant during the transition.
Local government officials have been tasked with sensitising affected communities and coordinating with central authorities to avoid unrest or confusion.
A formal timeline for vacating the land has not yet been announced, but both ministers urged residents to treat the matter with urgency.
Once one of East Africa’s largest copper producers, Kilembe Mines fell into disrepair after years of underinvestment and political instability.
Efforts to privatise or lease the mine have been attempted in the past, including a controversial concession to a Chinese firm that was terminated in 2022 due to non-performance.
This time, government officials appear keen to avoid previous missteps. The Energy Ministry has confirmed that the process of selecting a new investor is in advanced stages, with emphasis on technical capacity, financial strength, and environmental responsibility.
“The investor coming in must meet rigorous standards. We’re not just reopening Kilembe for the sake of it. We want sustainable, responsible mining that benefits the people of Uganda and especially those in the Rwenzori sub-region,” Nankabirwa said.
If successful, the mine’s revival is expected to generate employment, support infrastructure development, and reignite local economies that have long stagnated since the collapse of the mining operation.
But even as optimism grows, the issue of land remains central. Without a smooth relocation of current settlers, the government’s plans could face delays or legal complications.
For now, officials are counting on dialogue and voluntary compliance to clear the path forward.