The Environment and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament has urged the resignation of Evelyn Anite, Uganda’s State Minister for Finance in charge of Privatization and Investment.
The demand comes in the wake of a contentious decision to terminate a 25-year concession agreement with Tibet Hima Mining Company, a Chinese firm that had been tasked with reviving and operating Kilembe Mines.
The dispute emerged following a petition filed by Tibet Hima in April 2024, calling for a parliamentary investigation into what they claim were unjust circumstances surrounding the termination of their contract. The committee’s subsequent inquiry found the process surrounding the concession’s cancellation questionable, prompting calls for Minister Anite to step aside.
Minister Anite, however, defended her decision, asserting that the termination was in Uganda’s best interest. “The contract was signed before I assumed office in 2016, and I have acted to protect the country’s resources,” she said. She added that President Yoweri Museveni, in his recent budget address, hinted at actions to combat corruption in public offices, which she believes aligns with her efforts.
Her statement that the termination resulted in the loss of 1 million potential jobs sparked skepticism among lawmakers. Committee Chairperson Herbert Ariko questioned the figure, asking for the basis of her calculation. “A claim of 1 million lost jobs is extraordinary. We need to see the evidence supporting this projection,” Ariko remarked.
Minister Anite, however, stood by her assertion, arguing that the mine’s rich mineral resources could create vast employment opportunities. “In my own businesses, which include hospitality and manufacturing, I’ve seen how small investments can create hundreds of jobs. Kilembe Mines has the potential to generate far more,” she said.
Despite her defense, Parliament adopted the committee’s report, signaling growing frustration with the controversy surrounding the failed concession. The decision has sparked debate about the management of Uganda’s natural resources and the government’s role in fostering investment while ensuring accountability.