State Minister for Finance in charge of Privatization and Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, has earned admiration for her decisive move to terminate a controversial concession agreement with Tibet Hima Mining Company, which was managing Kilembe Mines.
Despite facing calls for her resignation from Parliament’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Anite has stood firm, insisting that her decision was in the best interest of Uganda.
The parliamentary committee’s report, tabled following a petition from Tibet Hima in April 2024, accused Anite of mishandling the termination of the company’s 25-year contract.
The contract, signed in 2013, mandated Tibet Hima to rehabilitate and operate the mineral-rich Kilembe Mines.
However, Anite’s decision to terminate the agreement was reportedly based on extensive consultations, including advice from the Attorney General, and stemmed from concerns over the company’s failure to meet contractual obligations.
Speaking on the matter, Hon. Anite defended her actions, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to safeguarding Uganda’s mineral resources. “Instead of condemnation, I expected a medal for protecting this country from being robbed of 30,000 minerals,” she stated passionately, adding that her focus remains on accountability and transparency in resource management.
While Parliament adopted the committee’s report with amendments, Anite dismissed the committee’s demands for her resignation, maintaining that her decision was guided by Uganda’s legal and economic interests. Her supporters argue that her actions prevented significant financial losses and set a precedent for enforcing accountability in public-private partnerships.
The bold stance taken by Hon. Anite has sparked a nationwide debate, with many Ugandans praising her for standing firm in the face of political pressure. Observers see her actions as a critical step in ensuring the country’s mineral wealth benefits its citizens.
As the dust settles, it remains clear that Anite’s resolve has positioned her as a strong advocate for prudent resource management, and her leadership on this matter will likely have lasting implications for Uganda’s investment policies.
