Minister Evelyn Anite Defends Termination of Tibet-Hima Mining Concession
By Adiga Julius
Uganda’s Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Evelyn Anite, has defended the government’s decision to terminate the concession agreement with Tibet-Hima Mining Company Limited.
The termination came after Tibet-Hima failed to meet its obligations under the concession agreement, despite several notices of default. Specifically, the company failed to provide a written undertaking ensuring all consortium members would participate in the project, pay annual concession fees, and provide an exploration guarantee.
Minister Anite emphasized that her decision protected Uganda’s interests and prevented exploitation by an unqualified investor. She noted that Tibet-Hima initially entered Uganda as motorcycle assemblers, not mining experts.
Anite also criticized her predecessors for not involving all stakeholders in the concession agreement, leading to the courts declaring the agreement null and void.
She announced plans to transition from concession agreements to mineral production sharing agreements, ensuring all parties are involved.
The government also plans to amend the Investment Code Act to prevent middlemen from exploiting investors. Anite assured that the new legislation would be presented to Parliament within the next few months.
