Revival of Kilembe Mines – Residents Want Nyamwamba River Restoration Prioritized
By Tumusiime Gerald
Kasese
The government of Uganda has signed a mineral production sharing agreement with Sarrai Group Limited to revive the long-dormant Kilembe Mines. Under the deal, the Uganda National Mining Company will retain a 15% stake, while Sarrai Group takes an 85% share.
Once the center of economic development in Kasese District and Uganda’s leading copper producer, Kilembe Mines collapsed in the late 1970s due to political and economic instability. At its peak, the mine provided employment to over 6,000 people. Copper extracted from Kilembe was processed into essential industrial products such as electricity conductors and motors.
Today, the site is a shadow of its former self. Much of the infrastructure is in a state of disrepair, with abandoned buildings and non-functional railway lines dotting the area. Despite the decline, Kilembe Mines Limited is still tasked with maintaining the site — operating pumps to drain underground water from mining tunnels, managing electricity substations, and clearing debris caused by rains and rockfalls.
To support these maintenance efforts, the company generates limited income through workshops, timber treatment, power plants, and estate management. However, officials have acknowledged that these revenue streams are insufficient, making it difficult to sustain operations.
The recent partnership with Sarrai Group has brought a wave of optimism among residents of Bulembia Division, where the mine is located. A technical team has already visited the site to assess key structures in preparation for redevelopment.
Locals have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the revival of Kilembe Mines will boost the local economy, create jobs, attract tourists, and improve public services. However, they are also calling on the investor and government to prioritize the restoration of the Nyamwamba River, which continues to pose a significant threat to the surrounding communities through seasonal flooding and erosion.
Community leaders have echoed these concerns, urging the new developers to include environmental protection and community welfare in their redevelopment plans. They also hope that fair competition and transparency will be upheld in awarding opportunities related to the project.
As the government moves forward with the redevelopment of Kilembe Mines, all eyes will be on the new investor to see whether they can succeed where previous efforts have fallen short.
