Foundations of Regulation: Theoretical Lenses Shaping Uganda’s Mineral Sector Governance
Author (s)
Mary Flavia Nakamatte, Richard Wemesa, Keith Busingye, & Alex Madolo
Abstract
Uganda’s mineral sector represents a strategic pillar for economic development, yet its governance raises complex legal and policy questions surrounding environmental integrity, equity, and sustainability. This article explores the foundational theoretical frameworks that underpin the regulation of Uganda’s mineral sector, interrogating the normative and jurisprudential theories that inform and influence the crafting, interpretation, and enforcement of Uganda’s mining and environmental laws. Through a comprehensive analysis of sustainable development, environmental justice, legal pluralism, regulatory theory, and natural resource governance, the paper offers critical insights into how theory guides regulatory practice and how reconciling competing imperatives of economic growth, environmental protection, and social justice can be achieved through a robust theoretical lens. The analysis reveals significant implementation gaps between Uganda’s progressive legal frameworks and on-the-ground regulatory practices, particularly regarding community participation, benefit-sharing, and environmental protection. The article concludes that effective mineral governance requires an integrated framework grounded in accountability, inclusiveness, equity, and sustainability, with specific recommendations for strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing transparency, and recognizing plural legal systems.
Key words: Mineral governance, regulatory theory, environmental justice, legal pluralism, sustainable development, natural resource governance, Uganda, extractive industries, resource curse, regulatory capture.
| Title: | Foundations of Regulation: Theoretical Lenses Shaping Uganda’s Mineral Sector Governance |
|---|---|
| Author: | Mary Flavia Nakamatte, Richard Wemesa, Keith Busingye, & Alex Madolo |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Scientific Reports |
| Website: | http://ijsab.com/jsr |
| ISSN: | ISSN: 2708-7085 (Online), ISSN: 3079-9317 (Print) |
| Publisher | IJSAB International |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1214 |
| Media: | Online |
| Volume: | 14 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Acceptance Date: | 14/06/2026 |
| Date of Publication: | 18/06/2026 |
| PDF URL: | http://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/1214.pdf |
| Free download: | Available |
| Page: | 235-257 |
| First Page: | 235 |
| Last Page: | 257 |
| Paper Type: | Doctrinal Legal Research |
| Current Status: | Published |
Cite This Article:
Nakamatte, M. F., Wemesa, R., Busingye, K., Madolo, A. (2026). Foundations of Regulation: Theoretical Lenses Shaping Uganda’s Mineral Sector Governance. Journal of Scientific Reports, 14(1), 235-257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1214
About Author (s)
Mary Flavia Nakamatte (Corresponding Author), Department of Law and Jurisprudence & Public and Comparative Law, School of Law and Management Sciences, King Ceasor University, Kampala, Uganda.
Richard Wemesa, Department of Management Sciences, King Ceasor University, Kampala, Uganda, Plot 32, King Ceasor Road, Ggaba Road, Kampala Uganda; Department of Applied Business Administration, Cornerstone University Uganda, Plot 2312 and 67 Bweyogere, Kazinga, Kira, Wakiso, Uganda; Department of research & Consultancy, The Uganda institute of banking and financial services, Kampala Uganda, Plot 10 Buganda Road, P.O.Box 4986, Kampala Uganda; Department of Business Administration, Unicaf University, Plot 53B, Ntinda II Road/Nakawa Division, Kampala Uganda. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3425-4268
Keith Busingye, Department of Law and Jurisprudence & Public and Comparative Law, School of Law and Management Sciences, King Ceasor University, Kampala, Uganda. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6661-1487
Alex Madolo, Department of research & Consultancy, The Uganda institute of banking and financial services, Kampala Uganda, Plot 10 Buganda Road, P.O.Box 4986, Kampala Uganda.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1214
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