DIPLOMACY : The Uganda High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Dorothy Samali Hyuha, has commended the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for giving her the opportunity to serve in that capacity since 2022, saying they have successfully implemented impactful programs and projects beneficial to the two sister countries.
Dorothy told this website in an exclusive interview on 27th November 2025 that both Uganda and Australia maintain strong bilateral relations encompassing political, economic, and commercial diplomacy.
She listed the key areas of collaboration to include mineral development, education, trade, tourism, science and technology transfer, and political cooperation, among others.
Dorothy highlighted that more than six mining companies have played a significant role in advancing Uganda’s energy and minerals sector by establishing operations and building capacity within the country, as well as through Uganda’s mineral exports to Australia, which foster bilateral trade in the industry.
The two countries engage in energy and mineral conferences such as the Africa Down Under and the International Mining and Resources Conference, where they exchange experts and advocate for investment opportunities.
In the extractives industry, more than six Australian companies operate in Uganda. Among them is Amour Energy, which explores oil and gas in the Albertine Graben.
Others include SIIPA Resources Ltd., which, through its subsidiaries, searches for zinc, nickel, copper, platinum, and rare minerals in both Kitgum and Pader districts.
Ionic Rare Earths, operating through Rwenzori Rare Metals, develops rare earth elements at Makutu–Buwaya in Bugweri District, where deposits exceed 49.5 million tonnes of vermiculite.
Another company, Namekara Mining Company Ltd., mines vermiculite in Manafwa District, while Consolidated African Resources Ltd. explores graphite in Northern Uganda, and Africa Panther (U) Ltd. mines tin in Southwestern Uganda.
Dorothy revealed that, according to the Uganda Census of 2021, Australia was home to 4,163 individuals born in Uganda, who have made significant contributions to Australia’s economic development through their skills and labor. At the same time, remittances from the Ugandan diaspora have played a substantial role in supporting Uganda’s economic growth.
Tourism Sector
More than 12,000 Australian tourists visit Uganda each year, making a notable contribution to the country’s economy.
The Uganda High Commission in Canberra has taken steps to foster collaboration among tour and travel companies, wildlife authorities, and tourism agencies within the two countries. These efforts aim to enhance Uganda’s profile as a premier tourism destination and ultimately increase the number of visiting tourists.
