Uganda Drafts Bill To Regulate Sand Mining

Kampala, August 29, 2026 - Uganda is drafting legislation to regulate sand mining, signaling tighter oversight of an extractive activity with growing environmental and licensing significance.

The move follows a government decision to temporarily defer issuance of new mineral rights, licences and permits for one month with immediate effect. The pause suggests authorities are reviewing permitting procedures across the mining sector.

Sand extraction has implications for construction supply chains, local revenues and environmental compliance. A clearer legal framework could reduce informal activity but may also slow approvals for operators until new rules are settled.

Investors in construction materials and mining should monitor the bill and the licensing pause for changes to concession terms, compliance costs and project timelines.