Stakeholders Urged to Strengthen Governance & Empower Women in Extractive Sector

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Day two of the 2026 Extractives Awareness Conference highlighted critical pathways for women's leadership and the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in Uganda's oil, gas, and mineral sectors. Running under the vital theme, "Breaking in and moving up," the day’s discussions brought together government representatives, civil society, and international development partners to advocate for structural reforms and robust sector governance.

Marie Twijukye

A central highlight of the morning was an impassioned call to action by Marie Twijukye from Global Rights Alert, who addressed the systemic barriers facing women in the mining industry.

“This morning is not simply about discussing the challenges women face, but also creating a space to ask what needs to change, who needs to act, and how we can create practical pathways for women to enter, thrive and lead within the extractives sector,” Twijukye stated. “The problem is not that women are absent from mining. The problem is that our work is undervalued, underpaid and treated as insignificant, so our voices are treated the same. What is not counted is not seen, and what is not seen is not served.”

Twijukye outlined three core demands to rectify these disparities, urging stakeholders to ensure women are visibly counted, properly compensated, and structurally supported to lead within the sector. Judith Nansubuga further anchored the session by celebrating the resilience of women currently working in extractives and championing the push for upward mobility.

Francis Nuru

The conference also focused heavily on transparency and institutional integrity. Mr. Francis Nuru Twinamatsiko, Chairperson of the Uganda Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Multi-Stakeholder Group (UGEITI MSG), delivered the day's welcome remarks.

 He emphasized how EITI implementation serves as a cornerstone for strengthening good governance in Uganda.

“EITI’s multi-stakeholder approach provides a platform for Government, companies and civil society to collaborate and harness synergies in the management of Uganda’s oil, gas and mineral resources,” Mr. Twinamatsiko noted, highlighting the collective responsibility required to protect the nation's natural wealth.

The event was made possible through a strategic partnership between GIZ Uganda and UGEITI and ither partners.

 Representing the development partner community, the GIZ Cluster Coordinator for Energy and Climate delivered remarks reinforcing their commitment to Uganda's sustainable development.

 The coordinator emphasized that sustained, cross-sector collaboration among key stakeholders is essential to advancing a fair, transparent, and highly productive extractive sector.

The 2026 Extractives Awareness Conference continues to serve as a pivotal platform for shaping inclusive policy and driving accountable resource management in the region.

Some of the participanting entities given certificates includes: Total Endrgies, Tororo Cement, Busitema University, CNOOC, Hima Cement among others