UGEITI Background
The Uganda Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (UGEITI) was established following a Cabinet decision of 28 January 2019, which mandated the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) to establish the necessary institutional framework to facilitate Uganda’s accession to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
Uganda’s decision to join the EITI was informed by the recognition of the critical role that transparency and accountability play in promoting good governance in the extractive sector. The EITI promotes the systematic disclosure of information across the entire extractive industry value chain, including the allocation and ownership of licences; contractual, legal and fiscal frameworks; production and exports; revenues generated by extractive companies and received by Government; and the management and allocation of such revenues.
Implementation of the EITI in Uganda is overseen by a Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), comprising representatives from the three key stakeholder constituencies: Government, extractive companies and civil society organisations. This inclusive governance structure provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration and collective decision-making among stakeholders. The MSG is supported by the UGEITI Secretariat, which coordinates and facilitates the day-to-day implementation of EITI activities in the country.
The overall objective of UGEITI is to promote transparency and accountability in Uganda’s extractive sector, thereby contributing to improved governance and the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.
Uganda published its inaugural EITI Report in May 2022, covering the financial year July 2019 to June 2020 and continues to publish EITI reports annually. The reports are a credible and reliable source of information on payments made by extractive companies and revenues received by Government.
The country underwent its first EITI Validation, with the EITI Board awarding the country a moderate overall score of 78.5 points on 14 May 2024 under the 2019 EITI Standard. The assessment recognised progress in implementation while identifying areas requiring further improvement. These included strengthening disclosure practices, stakeholder engagement, the accessibility of data and the implementation of recommendations arising from EITI reporting. The outcome provided a basis for prioritising corrective actions and further institutional reforms.