Export Guide
Uganda Gold Export Regulations 2026 — Complete Legal Guide
Uganda has become the primary transit and export hub for DRC gold reaching international markets. Kampala-based brokers and traders move hundreds of millions of dollars in gold annually through Entebbe International Airport — yet many international buyers have limited understanding of Uganda's legal framework for gold exports.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the regulatory bodies involved, required documentation, the export process, Bank of Uganda requirements, and how Congo Gold Connect navigates this framework on behalf of international buyers.
The Democratic Republic of Congo shares a long porous border with Uganda. Artisanal gold from eastern DRC provinces — Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu — has historically flowed into Uganda for export due to Uganda's more developed financial infrastructure, better air connectivity, and established precious metals trade community in Kampala.
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) has direct cargo connections to Dubai, Europe, and Asia, making it the natural export point for East African gold. The Ugandan government has formalized this role, and regulations have evolved accordingly.
To legally export gold from Uganda, a business must hold a valid Precious Mineral Dealer's Licence issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. This licence permits the purchase, sale, and export of gold and other precious minerals.
Individual exporters without this licence cannot legally export gold. Working through a licensed precious metal dealer or broker — such as Congo Gold Connect — is the standard arrangement for international buyers sourcing Ugandan or DRC-origin gold.
Every legal gold export from Uganda requires the following documentation:
📋 DRC-origin gold: Gold sourced from DRC and transiting through Uganda additionally requires DRC export documentation — a DRC mineral export permit from the Ministère des Mines, plus an OECD-compliant chain of custody record. Uganda customs may inspect these documents at export.
Purchase from a licensed Ugandan dealer or import from DRC with valid DRC documentation
Submit gold to an accredited assay laboratory in Kampala for purity and weight certification
Submit application to MEMD with assay certificate, origin documents, and buyer details. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days
File Form C17 with Uganda Revenue Authority. Export duty on gold is currently 0% for fully documented exports
Book with a specialist precious metal cargo carrier at Entebbe Airport. Brinks, Malca-Amit, and G4S operate in Uganda
URA customs and airport security inspect the consignment against documentation before loading
Gold departs Entebbe (EBB) to destination — typically Dubai in under 6 hours flight time
Uganda has historically maintained a relatively low tax burden on gold exports to encourage formalisation of the sector. In 2026:
Note: Attempting to export gold without documentation or misdeclaring value can result in seizure, heavy fines, and criminal prosecution. The economics strongly favour full compliance.
The Bank of Uganda regulates entities dealing in precious metals as part of its oversight of the financial system. Licensed precious metal dealers must:
International buyers purchasing through Congo Gold Connect benefit from our full AML/KYC compliance — which also satisfies the due diligence requirements of Dubai and Swiss refineries.
Congo Gold Connect handles the complete Uganda export process — permits, documentation, secure cargo, and customs clearance. You receive the gold at your destination with a full compliance package.
Start an Export Inquiry → 💬 WhatsApp: +256 768 667 519Working with a licensed, established broker in Kampala eliminates all of these risks. The documentation burden is manageable when you have a partner who does this regularly.