Uganda Government Issues New Guidelines on Gold Purchase and Trade

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has issued a comprehensive public notice outlining new procedures for gold purchases and trade in Uganda, reinforcing regulatory compliance and tightening oversight within the mineral sector.

Clearer Framework for Gold Trade

In the notice released under its Mineral Development Programme, the Ministry emphasized that all gold transactions must comply with the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 (Act 159). The guidelines aim to formalize gold trade, enhance transparency, and curb illegal mineral dealings.

Uganda, which is endowed with significant mineral resources including gold, has in recent years strengthened its regulatory framework to promote sustainable exploitation and economic development. The Ministry reiterated that trading in gold is strictly limited to licensed mineral dealers, licensed gold refiners, or holders of valid mining licenses for precious metals.

Mandatory Registration Before Licensing

The notice clarifies that individuals and companies seeking to trade in gold must first register through the Mining Cadastre and Registry System (MCRS), an electronic government portal managed by the Ministry.

For individuals, requirements include:

• A completed registration form

• A copy of a passport or national ID

• A Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Companies must provide:

• Registration forms

• Identification documents for directors or foreign representatives

• A Tax Identification Number

• Certified incorporation documents

• Board resolutions authorizing portal use

Licensing and Fees

Applicants must apply for a Mineral Dealer’s Licence and submit:

• An application form

• Proof of financial capacity

• Identification documents

• A marketing plan for buying and selling minerals

• A Tax Clearance Certificate from the Uganda Revenue Authority

• Proof of technical competence

Statutory fees include:

• USD 500 application fee

• USD 10,000 annual licence fee for precious metals

The Ministry noted that licences expire on 31 December of the year of issuance.

Strict Gold Buying Procedures

Buyers are required to:

• Verify that sellers possess valid and relevant licences

• Confirm the authenticity, purity, and source of gold

• Maintain proper purchase records

Export and Import Controls Tightened

For gold exports, traders must secure an export permit and provide:

• A valid Mineral Dealer’s Licence or Refining Licence

• A completed export form

• Certificate of Origin (where applicable)

• Certificate of Analysis authenticated by the country of origin

• Proof that gold has been refined to 99.9% purity

• Proof of payment of refined gold fees (USD 200) through the Uganda Revenue Authority

The notice further states that export permits are granted per consignment.

For gold imports, traders must obtain an import permit accompanied by:

• A valid Mineral Dealer’s Licence

• Completed import forms

• Export documentation from the country of origin

• Proof of royalty payments

• Certificate of Origin

• Authenticated Certificate of Analysis

The application fee for an import permit is USD 270, also issued per consignment.

Promoting Legal and Transparent Trade

The Ministry concluded that adherence to the outlined procedures will enable lawful gold trade in Uganda while strengthening revenue collection, traceability, and compliance within the mineral sector.

The notice was signed by the Permanent Secretary, reaffirming government commitment to responsible mineral resource management and the formalization of Uganda’s gold market.