Mining professionals have called for stronger links between academia and industry as they engaged students from universities across Uganda on the skills, competencies and career pathways needed to succeed in the country’s evolving mineral sector.

The engagement, held at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Busitema University on Friday, 14 August 2026, brought together Mining Engineering students from Busitema University, Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and other institutions for a day of mentorship, career guidance and interaction with professionals in the mining sector.

The engagement was part of Youth Mining Day activities held under the theme, “Empowering Uganda’s Next Generation of Mining Sector Leaders.” It was organised by the Department of Mining Engineering at Busitema University and supported by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, United Nations Development Programme, European Union, German Cooperation, Wagagai Gold Mining, GIZ and Woodcross Resources.

Professionals from the Uganda National Mining Company, PANAFGEO, Woodcross Resources, Rwenzori Rare Earth and Wagagai Gold Mining shared practical insights on employment opportunities, career pathways, skills development and the changing demands of Uganda’s mineral sector.

Opening the engagement, Dr. Jacqueline Nangendo, Lecturer in the Department of Mining Engineering at Busitema University, welcomed the industry representatives and emphasised the value of exposing students to professionals and real-world experiences while still at university.

She revealed that the University is working towards developing a Chemical Engineering programme, which, once accredited by the National Council for Higher Education, will complement Mining Engineering and strengthen opportunities for product development and value addition.

Dr. Nangendo also highlighted the University's adoption of Competence-Based Education, which is intended to equip graduates with practical competencies that respond to industry needs and enable them to compete effectively in the workplace.

The first panel session, “Skilling and Employment,” brought together representatives from the Uganda National Mining Company, PANAFGEO, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Woodcross Resources, Rwenzori Rare Earth and Wagagai Gold Mining.

The panelists discussed employment opportunities, career pathways, skills requirements, ongoing projects and capacity-building opportunities within Uganda’s mineral sector. Their discussions gave students a practical understanding of what the industry expects from graduates beyond academic qualifications.

The engagement also highlighted the growing importance of product development, technical competence and industry-academia collaboration in ensuring that Uganda's mineral resources generate greater value for the country.

A second panel brought together the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, Mr. Kenneth Asiimwe; Busitema University alumnus and GIZ Advisor, Mr. Marvine Byakatonda; Mr. James Opio of Rwenzori Rare Earth; and Dr. Nangendo, Lecturer in the Department of Mining Engineering at Busitema University.

The panel explored product development, competence-based training, the relevance of Memoranda of Understanding between institutions and industry, and approaches to strengthening skills and employment opportunities for young people entering the sector.

The final session, “Bridging the Skills Gap – Academia, ASM and Industry,” shifted the conversation towards employability and the transition from university to the workplace.

Led by Mr. Okot Olaa, Secretary for Legal Affairs at the National Youth Council, the session featured Mr. Michael Musinguzi, Lead Generation Specialist at Q-Sourcing, and Mr. Emmanuel Mutsinzi, Human Resource and Business Development Specialist at Aldelia.

The speakers discussed what recruiters look for in young graduates, common mistakes in curriculum vitae and job applications, how manpower agencies assess candidates, and how graduates can register with and position themselves through recruitment services.

For students preparing to enter the job market, the session offered practical guidance on navigating recruitment processes and presenting themselves effectively to potential employers.

Closing the engagement, Mr. Humphrey Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, commended Busitema University for creating a platform that brought together young people from different institutions and professionals from across the mining sector.

He encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities to build professional networks, noting that meaningful connections with industry professionals can play an important role in employment and career development.

The event also recognised individuals who contributed to its coordination and delivery. Organisers indicated that the initiative will be held annually, with plans to expand participation in future editions.

The engagement demonstrates the growing importance of stronger connections between universities and industry in preparing graduates for the realities of the workplace. For Busitema University, it reinforces the University's commitment to producing graduates with relevant competencies while creating opportunities for students to learn directly from professionals shaping Uganda's mining sector.