On October 8, 2026, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja handed over 60 acres of land to DEVKI Steel Mills Limited, marking a significant step towards the commencement of iron ore mining in Rubanda District. The handover ceremony took place in Mufumba Village, Butare-Katojo Town Council, where Nabbanja interacted with local residents. This development is expected to stimulate economic growth and provide new opportunities for communities in the area.
The iron ore mining project aligns with President Yoweri Museveni's directive to prioritize value addition to Uganda's minerals and raw materials before export. Nabbanja revealed that President Museveni had instructed her to facilitate investors interested in exploiting and adding value to Rubanda's mineral resources, aiming to accelerate development in the district. This move is part of the government's efforts to harness the country's natural resources for economic growth.
Executive Chairman of the DEVKI Group of Companies, Dr. Narendra Raval, highlighted the expected benefits of the investment to Rubanda and the broader Ugandan economy. The project is anticipated to create jobs, stimulate local economic activity, and contribute to the country's economic transformation. Raval's vision for the project is to make a positive impact on the lives of local communities.
Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson Stephen Kasiaba and Senior Presidential Advisor on Security and Intelligence, Col. Emmy Katabazi, expressed their support for the project. They noted that residents are behind the investment, which is expected to bring about positive change in the area. The local leadership's endorsement of the project is crucial for its successful implementation.
As part of the project's social responsibility, the government has prioritized the compensation of project-affected persons. By Friday, 99 out of 161 individuals had received compensation, paving the way for the mining project to commence. The government has also directed the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to review the compensation process.
Prime Minister Nabbanja also ordered that the 30 percent disturbance allowance be paid immediately to affected individuals. This move demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that those impacted by the project are fairly compensated and supported. The prompt payment of the disturbance allowance is expected to alleviate concerns among project-affected persons.
The handover of the 60 acres of land to DEVKI Steel Mills Limited marks a significant milestone in the development of Uganda's mining sector. With the project's expected benefits, including job creation and economic growth, the government is optimistic about the positive impact on local communities and the broader economy. The project's success will depend on effective implementation and collaboration between stakeholders.
Key points
- The Ugandan government has handed over 60 acres of land to DEVKI Steel Mills Limited for iron ore mining in Rubanda District.
- The project aims to stimulate economic development and create new opportunities for local communities.
- The investment aligns with President Yoweri Museveni's directive to prioritize value addition to Uganda's minerals and raw materials.