The Executive Director of SINO Minerals Investments Company Limited, Kong Dongshen, has asked the government to provide clear land-use policies, reliable electricity and improved infrastructure to support mining operations and attract long-term investment in Uganda.
Dongshen also called for flexible mineral exploration licensing arrangements and streamlined inspection procedures, saying the reforms would reduce administrative burdens and enable mining companies to concentrate on production, job creation and tax contributions.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by his son, Kong Ray Dongshen, during the commissioning of the newly constructed Buhara Sub-county headquarters in Kabale District on Friday, Dongshen said predictable policies and a supportive business environment were essential for companies making substantial investments in the mining sector.
The Shs1.2 billion facility was funded by SINO Minerals Investments Company Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
“We hope the government can provide clear, stable and predictable policy arrangements for obtaining land around the mine for production, employee living areas and supporting infrastructure, so that enterprises can confidently make long-term capital-intensive investments,” he said.
Dongshen said the company had fulfilled its commitment to supporting community development in line with government requests and a memorandum of understanding with Kabale District, but was still awaiting the allocation of a promised 1.6-acre piece of land for staff accommodation.
He said the land would address employees’ housing needs and support the expansion of the company’s operations.
The company’s Deputy General Manager for Operations, Brian Munanura, said the additional land would also help increase monthly iron ore production from between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes to between 50,000 and 60,000 tonnes.
On mineral exploration licenses, Dongshen asked the government to consider the circumstances of companies that had already invested substantial resources and were actively operating when determining license limits, exploration areas, validity periods and renewal requirements.
He said transitioning from exploration to mine development was a lengthy and complex process involving technical assessments, significant capital investment and considerable risks.
Dongshen added that mineral value addition and downstream processing often required access to complementary mineral resources, making flexible and practical licensing arrangements essential for the sector’s growth.
The company also called for improvements in electricity supply and supporting infrastructure around the mining area, noting that reliable and affordable power was critical for mineral processing and value addition.
He said better roads connecting mining areas to major highways, alongside improved water supply and communication services, would lower operational costs while benefiting surrounding communities.
On inspections and administrative procedures, Dongshen said the company recognized the government’s responsibility to enforce the law but called for clear, standardized and practical processes.
He said efficient inspection, verification and filing procedures would allow companies to devote more resources to production, employment and tax compliance.
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Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mugabe commended SINO Minerals Investments Company Limited for supporting infrastructure development in the district, including the construction of relocated sub-county headquarters and staff accommodation.
Mugabe said the company’s investments had contributed to local economic development, adding that increased mineral royalty revenues over the past two years had helped the district improve service delivery, particularly in roads and other infrastructure.
He said the investment was in line with the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which identifies mineral development as one of the key drivers of economic transformation.
However, Mugabe asked the company to complete the outstanding works to ensure the facilities were fully functional and suitable for staff.
During an inspection of the facilities, he noted that some essential amenities, including toilets, had not been completed despite the availability of water.
Lawrence Ssengendo, an officer from the Department of Local Economic Development at the Ministry of Local Government, called for increased private sector investment to create jobs, improve household incomes and expand local revenue.
Ssengendo said collaboration among the government, private sector and communities was essential for sustainable economic growth and the transformation of local economies.
He said sustained cooperation between government, investors and local communities would help translate investments into tangible benefits, including employment opportunities, higher household incomes and a stronger local revenue base.
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Francis Nuwaha, the LC3 chairman for Buhara Sub-county, said that for a long time, sub-county staff and political leaders had operated in a constrained environment, sharing office space in a manner that could compromise confidentiality, efficiency and the dignity expected in public service.
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Kabale Resident District Commissioner Maj. (Rtd) Godfrey Katamba said the investment supported the government’s mineral development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
He said developing the mining sector was important for economic growth, job creation and the country’s broader ambition of achieving its long-term development goals.
Presiding over the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Investment and Privatization, Amina Mukalazi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment for investors.
Mukalazi said partnerships between the government and private sector were essential to achieving the country’s long-term development aspirations.
She also urged residents living near the company’s mining operations to maintain a peaceful and supportive environment that would enable the investor to operate effectively while contributing to local development.
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The newly commissioned infrastructure comprises a fully furnished sub-county headquarters, eight staff houses, four Honda motorcycles and office equipment, including two computers, a printer and a television.
The project was initially launched on July 17, 2026, by Kabale District leaders following the allocation of 15.5 acres of land at Kijoojo Village, where the sub-county headquarters is located.
The land allocation also enabled SINO Minerals to plan for the expansion of its iron ore processing operations while supporting the development of administrative infrastructure for Buhara Sub-county
