Uganda Gold Deposits| Top Regions, Opportunities & Investment Guide 2025
Uganda Gold Deposits, Uganda is one of Africa’s fastest-growing gold hubs, with major deposits discovered in regions like Mubende, Karamoja, Buhweju, Busia, and Moroto. The country boasts an estimated 31 million tonnes of gold ore with a projected purity of 99.9%, making it an emerging center for artisanal and industrial gold mining. If you’re asking, “Where is gold found in Uganda? That’s where Gold Buyers Africa stands out. As Uganda’s leading gold sourcing and investment facilitation company, Gold Buyers Africa helps buyers, exporters, and investors confidently access authentic gold from certified sources. From connecting you to licensed miners and verifying purity, to handling documentation and export compliance, we simplify the entire gold acquisition journey. Whether you’re seeking gold bars, nuggets, or investment-grade raw gold, Uganda offers world-class potential, and Gold Buyers Africa is your gateway to it all.
This guide will walk you through the top locations, gold mining licenses, investment opportunities, and how to export gold legally. Uganda Gold Deposits
Steps to follow when choosing a gold deposit in Uganda:
- Conduct Geological Surveys and Exploration
Always work with certified geologists or mining consultants to conduct preliminary geological surveys, use remote sensing, geochemical sampling, and aerial mapping to identify potential gold-bearing areas and focus on regions like Karamoja, Mubende, Buhweju, and Busia, which are known for gold deposits. Uganda Gold Deposits
- Verify Legal Ownership and Licensing
Confirm the land’s legal ownership and whether it falls under protected areas or active mining concessions always apply for the appropriate exploration or mining license through the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and avoid illegal or unlicensed gold areas to protect your investment and avoid prosecution.
- Assess Deposit Quality and Quantity
Always perform core drilling, trenching, and assay tests to determine Gold grade (grams per ton), Ore body size, and Extraction potential. Always use certified labs for accurate testing, and ensure your findings are economically viable before proceeding. Uganda Gold Deposits
- Evaluate Accessibility and Infrastructure
Always check the deposit’s access to roads, water, electricity, and labor areas with remote or inaccessible area may significantly increase operational costs and also, assess security risks in the region, especially in volatile areas like Karamoja.
- Conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA)
Uganda’s laws require all mining operations to undergo an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, engage with local communities, conduct stakeholder meetings, and obtain a Certificate of Approval from NEMA (National Environmental Management Authority). Always ensure that your project aligns with sustainability and social responsibility standards. Uganda Gold Deposits
Top Gold Deposit Areas in Uganda
- Mubende District
Located in central Uganda, Mubende is a hotspot for artisanal mining. Gold is extracted using both traditional and semi-industrial methods, and this area attracts hundreds of small-scale miners. Uganda Gold Deposits
- Karamoja Region
Karamoja, in northeastern Uganda, holds vast untapped reserves. Companies like Wagagai Mining are now developing large-scale operations here, backed by government initiatives.
- Buhweju and Bushenyi
Western Uganda is rich in placer deposits. Gold in Buhweju is often found in riverbeds and gravel formations, ideal for panning and mechanized mining. Uganda Gold Deposits
- Busia District
Busia borders Kenya and offers easy trade access. It hosts several licensed mining firms and is a strategic location for gold export due to its proximity to East African markets. Uganda Gold Deposits
- Moroto and Nakapiripirit
Known for large-scale gold exploration and government-approved licenses, these districts are opening up to foreign investment under Uganda’s mining reforms.
Overview: What Is a Gold Mining License in Uganda?
A Gold Mining License in Uganda is an official permit issued by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. It allows individuals, companies, or joint ventures to explore, extract, or deal in gold within specified areas in Uganda.
Licensing is mandatory for both artisanal (small-scale) and industrial (large-scale) mining operations. Uganda Gold Deposits
Types of Gold Mining Licenses in Uganda
- Location License (Artisanal Mining)
For Ugandan nationals or local companies
- It always covers small-scale gold mining with 16 hectares or less.
- It is valid for 2 years, and it is renewable
- Which is issued at the district level with DGSM oversight
- Exploration License
- For both local and foreign investors
- Permits exploration over up to 500 km²
- Valid for 3 years, renewable up to two times
- Requires a work plan and exploration budget
- Mining Lease (Production License)
- For large-scale operations and companies with proven reserves
- Requires feasibility studies, EIA, and financial commitment
- Valid for 21 years, renewable
- Mineral Dealer’s License
- For buying, selling, and exporting gold
- Needed by traders, brokers, or exporters
- Must register with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
Requirements to Obtain a Gold Mining License in Uganda (2025)
To apply, you need to have proof of citizenship or business registration, geological survey data or maps of the target area, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) (for large-scale), Landowner agreements or surface rights documents, Work plan & financial capacity proof and application fees and annual license fees which (varies by license type). Uganda Gold Deposits
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Gold Mining License in Uganda
- Choose the License Type (Location, Exploration, Lease)
- Submit Application to DGSM via the Mining Cadastre Portal via https://portal.dgsm.go.ug/
- Pay Required Fees
- Undergo Due Diligence & Background Check
- Receive Approval or Feedback from the Commissioner
- Get Final Documentation & Begin Operations
Fees for Gold Mining Licenses in Uganda (Estimated 2025)
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Fee (Per km²) |
| Location License | UGX 100,000 | UGX 250,000 |
| Exploration License | UGX 500,000 | UGX 750,000 |
| Mining Lease | UGX 2,000,000 | UGX 3,000,000 |
| Dealer’s License | UGX 1,000,000 | Flat rate (varies) |
(Note: Fees subject to updates from DGSM and URA in 2025)
Can Foreigners Apply for Gold Mining Licenses in Uganda?
Yes. Foreign nationals or companies can apply for Exploration Licenses and Mining Leases, but they must partner with a local entity (optional but encouraged), make sure they comply with Ugandan investment laws, and register with the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)
Gold Mining License Regulations in Uganda (2025)
- Mandatory Licensing Under the Mining and Minerals Act (2022–2025)
All individuals or companies involved in gold exploration, mining, or dealing must obtain a valid license from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM). This helps to formalize mining activities, ensure tax compliance, and prevent illegal gold trade.
Applies To:
- Artisanal miners (Location License)
- Industrial miners (Exploration/Mining Lease)
- Traders/exporters (Mineral Dealer’s License)
- Landowner Consent and Surface Rights Agreement
Before mining begins, license holders must obtain written consent from landowners or communities living on the mining site it helps to protect local land rights, reduce disputes, and promote peaceful co-existence between miners and host communities.
It’s required for
- Location License
- Mining Lease
- Any surface disturbing activity
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
All large-scale miners must conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and obtain a Certificate of Approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) before operations start. This helps to ensure sustainable mining, waste management, and mitigation of environmental damage.
Applies To:
- Mining Lease applicants
- Exploration projects involving drilling or land disturbance
- Royalty and Tax Obligations (2025 Update)
All license holders must pay royalties on all gold extracted, along with applicable corporate taxes and fees as specified by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Royalty Rate (2025):
- 5% for large-scale operations
- 3% for small-scale miners
Its purpose is to generate national revenue and ensure fair contribution from Uganda’s gold sector. Gold
Export from Uganda: What You Need to Know
1 Gold purity must be verified (minimum 22K–24K)
2 Export permits are required from DGSM
3 Transactions must pass through licensed refineries or dealers
4 Export taxes and royalties apply (updated in 2025 Mining Act)
Why Investors Are Eyeing Uganda’s Gold Sector
Uganda has become one of Africa’s most promising destinations for gold investment, thanks to its estimated 31 million tonnes of gold ore and supportive government reforms. With new infrastructure, legal clarity, and foreign investor incentives in place, the country offers both high rewards and significant risks and below is a balanced guide on what to expect.
Top 5 Investment Opportunities in Uganda’s Gold Sector (2025)
- Vast Untapped Gold Reserves
Regions like Karamoja, Mubende, Buhweju, and Moroto remain underdeveloped, giving investors a first-mover advantage to explore high-grade ore bodies.
- Low Operating Costs
Labor, land, and equipment costs are relatively low in Uganda compared to other African mining hubs. This makes it ideal for small to mid-sized mining ventures.
- Government Support & Reforms
The 2022–2025 Mining and Minerals Act introduced incentives like
- Tax holidays for licensed miners
- Simplified licensing through the online cadastre portal
- Export-friendly gold trade regulations
- Access to Regional Markets
Uganda borders South Sudan, Kenya, Congo, and Rwanda, making it a strategic location for gold trade and cross-border exports.
- High Purity Levels (22K–24K)
Uganda’s gold is often over 90% pure in its natural form, which increases its value and makes refining easier and cheaper. Uganda Gold Deposits
Top 5 Risks of Investing in Uganda’s Gold Mining (2025)
- Security Challenges in Remote Areas
Regions like Karamoja face occasional insecurity due to local conflicts or cattle raiding, which can delay or disrupt operations.
- Bureaucracy & Corruption Risks
Despite reforms, investors may face delays in license approvals, disputes over land rights, or requests for unofficial fees if they are not careful.
- Regulatory Changes
Frequent changes in tax rates, export rules, or local government directives may affect business stability unless investors stay up to date.
- Environmental & Social Obligations
Large-scale operations must conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and negotiate land access with communities, which can delay projects.
- Informal Mining Sector Competition
The presence of thousands of unlicensed artisanal miners may pose competition or create conflicts in shared mining areas unless partnerships are formed. Uganda Gold Deposits
Tips for Safe and Profitable Investment
1 Partner with local companies who understand the legal and cultural landscape
- Work with a legal advisor to handle licensing, contracts, and compliance
3 Secure land rights and community agreements before exploration begins
- Focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) to build trust and long-term value
5 Use Uganda’s online mining cadastre portal to verify licenses and available plots
Top 5 Gold Mining Companies in Uganda (2025)
- Wagagai Mining Uganda Limited
Location: Busia District
License: Mining Lease (Large-Scale)
Overview:
Wagagai is Uganda’s largest licensed gold mining company, with a massive investment exceeding $200 million. The firm is constructing a full-scale gold refinery and processing plant in Busia near the Kenyan border. Uganda Gold Deposits
Highlights:
- Holds a 21-year mining lease
- Expected to process over 5,000 kg of gold per year
- Fully compliant with Uganda’s environmental and community regulations
- Simba Gold Corp (Canadian-based, active in Mubende)
Location: Mubende District
License: Exploration License
Overview:
Simba Gold is a foreign investment company involved in gold exploration in central Uganda. It holds multiple exploration permits around the Kitumbi and Bukuya areas in Mubende.
Highlights:
- Has identified several high-grade gold targets
- Actively involved in geological surveys and trenching
- Looking to scale operations into mining leases by 2026
- Jan Mangal Uganda Ltd
Location: Rupa, Karamoja Sub-Region
License: Exploration License (with application for Mining Lease)
Overview:
Jan Mangal, an Indian-owned company, made headlines for its gold exploration in the Karamoja region. Though early-stage, it has shown strong presence with community engagement and technical investments. Uganda Gold Deposits
Highlights:
- Operates under strict ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices
- Working with Uganda’s DGSM to secure long-term extraction rights
- Known for employing locals and improving local infrastructure
- Kassanda Mines Uganda Ltd
Location: Kassanda and Mubende
License: Location and Exploration Licenses
Overview:
This Ugandan-owned company engages in artisanal and small-scale mining. Kassanda Mines is a top local player supplying gold to refiners and exporters across Uganda and Kenya.
Highlights:
- Certified by Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
- Partnering with regional refiners and buyers
- Committed to formalizing artisanal mining communities
- Busia Gold Refinery Ltd (Gold Trader & Processor)
Location: Busia Town
License: Mineral Dealer’s License and Refinery Operation
Overview:
Though technically a refinery, Busia Gold Refinery is a major buyer from mines across Uganda, and it also supports traceable gold trade and refining in East Africa.
Highlights:
- Processes 100+ kg of gold monthly
- Works closely with licensed miners in Busia, Karamoja, and Mubende
- Provides assaying, refining, and export documentation services
Uganda’s gold deposits offer a unique blend of accessibility, purity, and investment potential. From Mubende to Moroto, the country rapidly attracts interest from gold dealers, exporters, and investors across Africa and beyond. To succeed, focus on compliance, local partnerships, and updated market intelligence for 2025. Uganda Gold Deposits
Conclusion:
Uganda’s gold deposits offer a rare blend of purity, quantity, and opportunity, but only for those who move smartly and legally. With regions like Mubende, Busia, and Karamoja gaining global attention, there has never been a better time to tap into the potential of Uganda’s gold industry. Uganda Gold Deposits
Gold Buyers Africa is your trusted bridge between opportunity and success. Whether you’re buying gold bars, sourcing raw gold, or investing in a mining operation, we provide the local knowledge, legal guidance, and secure connections you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond.
Start your journey with confidence. Let Gold Buyers Africa lead the way.
Frequently asked questions on Uganda’s gold deposits
- Uganda Gold Deposits Map (2025): Where to Find the Richest Mines
Uganda’s richest gold deposits are found in Mubende, Busia, Karamoja, Buhweju, and Ibanda. The government has released geological data showing high-purity quartz veins and alluvial gold zones, especially in eastern and western Uganda.
- How to Buy Gold Legally in Uganda: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide
To legally buy gold in Uganda in 2025, work with licensed dealers like Gold Buyers Africa, verify source licenses, conduct purity tests, sign transaction agreements, and secure URA clearance for export. Never deal with unregistered sellers. Uganda Gold Deposits
- Top 5 Gold Mining Regions in Uganda and Why They Matter
The most active gold regions are Mubende, Busia, Karamoja, Buhweju, and Kassanda. These districts are rich in both artisanal and large-scale mining and host multiple exploration and mining licenses approved by DGSM.
- Gold Buyers Africa: Your Trusted Partner for Gold in Uganda
Gold Buyers Africa offers end-to-end gold buying solutions in Uganda—from sourcing gold nuggets or bars, to verifying purity, obtaining licenses, and processing exports. Trusted by global buyers since 2018.
- Gold Mining License in Uganda – Types, Cost, and Process (2025)
Uganda issues four main mining licenses: Location License, Exploration License, Retention License, and Mining Lease. Costs vary by type, but applications go through the DGSM under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
- How to Export Gold from Uganda – Laws and Requirements (2025)
To export gold legally in Uganda, obtain a Mineral Dealer’s License, conduct assay tests, pay taxes through URA, and follow customs procedures at Entebbe Airport. Use certified refiners or exporters like Gold Buyers Africa. Uganda Gold Deposits
- 24K Gold Price in Uganda Today: Real-Time Updates
In 2025, the price of 24K gold in Uganda ranges between UGX 270,000 – UGX 300,000 per gram, depending on purity and international market trends. Check Gold Buyers Africa for live price updates.
- Gold Mining in Karamoja: Opportunities and Challenges in 2025
Karamoja holds massive surface and deep gold reserves. While opportunities are vast, challenges include infrastructure gaps, land access, and ensuring compliance with government and community regulations.
- Wagagai Gold Project in Busia – Uganda’s Largest Gold Investment
Wagagai Mining Uganda Ltd is building a $200M gold refinery and mining site in Busia. It’s expected to produce over 5 tons of gold annually and is the largest foreign investment in Uganda’s gold sector.
- 10. Mubende Gold Mines 2025: What Buyers and Investors Must Know
Mubende remains a hotspot for artisanal gold mining. Buyers must ensure that gold comes from licensed miners due to past government crackdowns. Gold Buyers Africa works with verified sources in this region.
- Uganda Gold Refining Industry: How Gold is Processed and Traded
Gold in Uganda is typically mined, tested for purity at approved labs, refined in Busia or Kampala, then exported. Busia Gold Refinery and local private refineries handle processing under strict regulatory guidelines.
- Risks and Rewards of Investing in Uganda’s Gold Mining Sector
Rewards include high ROI, growing demand, and access to untapped reserves. Risks involve legal compliance, artisanal supply chains, and political/regulatory changes. Partnering with Gold Buyers Africa mitigates most risks.
- Gold Nuggets vs. Gold Bars in Uganda: What Should You Buy?
Gold bars offer higher purity and easier valuation. Nuggets are raw, slightly less pure, but more affordable. For investors, bars are ideal; for resellers, nuggets offer better margin. Both are available from Gold Buyers Africa. Uganda Gold Deposits
14. Top 10 Licensed Gold Dealers in Uganda (Updated 2025)
Includes:
- Gold Buyers Africa
- Busia Gold Refinery
- Simba Gold Uganda
- Kassanda Mines Ltd
- Wagagai Mining Ltd
- Is Buying Gold in Uganda Safe? How to Avoid Scams
It’s safe only if you buy through licensed companies. Avoid cash deals, verify documents, demand assay reports, and never skip URA clearance. Gold Buyers Africa provides transparent, legally backed transactions.
- Gold Buyers Africa Reviews: Why Clients Trust Us in 2025
Clients trust us for transparent pricing, licensed sourcing, legal exports, and responsive support. Verified by URA and DGSM, we have over 150 satisfied clients worldwide.
- Busia Gold Market Guide: Trade, Refineries, and Regulations
Busia hosts Uganda’s most active gold market. It includes local miners, exporters, and refiners like Wagagai and Busia Gold Refinery. All transactions must follow EITI transparency rules and Uganda’s mining laws.
- How Much is 1 Kilogram of Gold in Uganda? (2025 Prices)
In 2025, 1 kg of gold in Uganda costs approximately UGX 290M–310M (around $78,000–82,000), depending on purity and global market trends. Gold Buyers Africa offers certified 1kg bars for secure export.
- Uganda’s New Mining Act (2022) Explained for Gold Buyers
The act introduces community royalties, ESG compliance, and centralized licensing under the DGSM. Buyers must now trace gold to registered mining sources to legally export or trade.
- How to Partner with Artisanal Gold Miners in Uganda for Supply
You can form partnerships by registering with DGSM, signing community agreements, and working with gold aggregators. Gold Buyers Africa already works with vetted miners and can connect you directly. Uganda Gold Deposits