KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government has proposed a new law to regulate earth scientists, aiming to establish standards and accountability in the profession.
The proposed Earth Scientists Registration Board Bill, 2024, seeks to create a framework for earth scientists, ensuring they meet required standards. According to Honourable Minister of State for Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutooro, the bill is a response to Parliament’s directive following the enactment of the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022.
A consultative workshop was held on March 18-19, 2025, at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, bringing together experts from government agencies, academia, civil society, and the private sector to share knowledge and finalize the bill. The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to provide input on the proposed bill.
The proposed law is expected to have far-reaching implications for the practice of earth sciences in Uganda. Once finalized, the bill will be presented to Cabinet and subsequently to Parliament for consideration.
Dr. Fred Tugume, commissioner in charge of geological survey in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, explained that the proposed bill will lead to the establishment of a board to oversee the registration and licensing of earth scientists. “This will ensure that only qualified professionals practice as earth scientists,” Tugume said.
The commissioner noted that the three-day stakeholders’ engagement was meant to gather input into the proposed bill and draft a document that will later be presented to Cabinet and Parliament for passing into law.
Isa Rugayizi, a principal geoscientist, emphasized the importance of regulating the profession. “There have been many cases of unqualified individuals posing as geoscientists, fleecing Ugandans and investors,” Rugayizi said. “The proposed bill will address this issue and provide a pool of qualified geoscientists for investors to use.”
Rugayizi noted that the proposed bill will benefit geoscientists, the public, and investors. He explained that geoscientists include geochemists, geodesists, geologists, geophysicists, mine geologists, oceanographers, oceanologists, petroleum geologists, and petrologists, among others.
“The proposed bill will avail a pool of geoscientists that investors can use,” Rugayizi said. “Previously, local geoscientists have been complaining about being left out in terms of local content, as many of those used are experts. This bill will address this issue, and Ugandans will now be recognized.”
