Natural resource governance decides who benefits from Uganda’s land, minerals, forests and water. CECIC works to make sure communities are rights-holders and partners, not bystanders, as mining expands.
As the global shift toward renewable energy accelerates, demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper and gold is rising fast. Uganda holds significant mineral resources across several regions, placing it at the centre of emerging clean energy and technology supply chains.
However, mining expansion has brought serious challenges for local communities. Licences are often issued without meaningful consultation, environmental degradation is rising, and women, youth and indigenous communities remain largely excluded from decision-making and benefit-sharing.
Our natural resource governance programme
The Critical Minerals & Community Rights programme of CECIC works to ensure that mineral development supports community wellbeing, environmental protection and climate justice. We promote responsible mineral governance through a community-centred approach that prioritises rights, transparency and sustainability.
Transparency & accountability
Supporting community access to mining information, environmental assessments and benefit-sharing agreements.
Community participation & rights
Strengthening women, youth and indigenous peoples to take part in decisions and assert Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Environmental justice
Supporting community monitoring of mining impacts on land, water, forests and livelihoods, and promoting restoration.
Just energy transition advocacy
Advocating for mineral development pathways that support renewable energy without harming people or ecosystems.
To advance the responsible use of Uganda’s critical mineral resources by recognising communities as rights-holders and active partners in decision-making.
What good governance looks like
Good natural resource governance means communities know what is planned on their land before licences are issued, can say no, share fairly in revenues, and can hold companies and government to account when harm is done. It also means mined land is restored and water sources are protected for the next generation.
- Public disclosure of licences, contracts and environmental and social impact assessments
- Meaningful consultation and free, prior and informed consent
- Fair compensation and benefit-sharing for affected households
- Independent community monitoring of land, water and health impacts
- Alignment with international standards such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
Get involved
Natural resource governance is closely linked to our Just Transition and Batteries & Renewable Energy programmes. Read our research and policy briefs, or contact us to partner on community monitoring and advocacy.
Common questions
Why does natural resource governance matter for communities?
Decisions about licences, land and revenues shape whether mining brings jobs and services or pollution and displacement. Good natural resource governance means communities can see, question and influence those decisions before harm is done.
How can communities get support from CECIC?
Community leaders and groups affected by mining or land acquisition can contact CECIC for information on their rights, help with community monitoring and links to legal support partners.
Other CECIC programmes
Climate Change & Community Resilience
Locally led adaptation, clean energy and nature-based solutions for climate-vulnerable communities.
Just Transition
A fair shift to clean energy that puts frontline communities and workers in charge.
Gender, Health & Environment
Linking reproductive health, gender equality and climate adaptation in one approach.
Community-Led Food Sovereignty
Agroecology, seed sovereignty and fair local markets for smallholder farmers.
Wildlife Conservation
Fighting wildlife trafficking with communities, rangers and stronger laws.
Batteries & Renewable Energy Solutions
Safe battery use, recycling and producer responsibility as solar spreads.
Stand with communities in the Rwenzori
Partner with CECIC, support a programme, or bring our team to your district. Together we can make climate justice real.