The Youth Mining Day 2026, held on 14 August 2026 at Busitema University, brought together young people and key stakeholders from Government, Industry, Academia, Development partners, Recruitment companies and Artisanal and Small-scale mining players to discuss how Uganda’s next generation can meaningfully participate in the country’s growing mineral sector.
Organized by the Junior Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (JUCEM) in partnership with the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) and Busitema University, the event was conceived as a practical platform to bridge the gap between young people’s aspirations and the realities of Uganda’s mineral industry.
The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), GIZ, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, academic institutions including Busitema University, Makerere University and Kyambogo University, industry players including Woodcross Resources, Wagagai Gold Mine, Rwenzori Rare Metals, Aldelia and Q-Sourcing Servtec Uganda, the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM), the National Youth Council, and development partners including UNDP, as well as the PanAfGeo+ project.
A central issue throughout the event was the disconnect between academic training and the practical requirements of industry. The discussions consistently emphasised that universities cannot address the skills gap alone. Stronger partnerships with industry are needed to provide students with practical exposure, industrial attachments, internships and a clearer understanding of workplace expectations.
A notable opportunity to tackle this issue, presented at the event, was the PanAfGeo+ Uganda Country Window initiative, which will provide a 12-month paid Graduate Training Programme for 10 geoscience graduates, designed to strengthen the skills and professional development of young geoscience and mining professionals. Project representative from the Geological Survey of Slovenia, Victoria Kiwanuka, delivered a short presentation, took part in a panel discussion, and engaged with students and young professionals at the exhibition stand, providing information about the programme and opportunities for future participation. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM).
Project team is encouraged by the strong interest shown by young people in pursuing careers in mining sector and by the opportunities that PanAfGeo+ creates for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation across Africa.
Source: Youth Mining Day 2026 Report, prepared by Junior Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (JUCEM)
