Meet Engineer Kedi Vincent: The Public Servant-Turned Private Tycoon Whose Exploits at Uganda’s Mining Sector Is Turning Cancerous to Government

It was a humid evening in Entebbe on June 21st 2024 when, Engineer Kedi Vicent, Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM), walked into Missed Call Beach, a local restaurant. Unknown to the patrons around him, this quiet meeting would later erupt into a scandal that would expose a web of corruption deep within Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

Kedi, a man whose official title belies his true influence, has turned his public service role into a lucrative private enterprise. As the gatekeeper of mining licenses, he supposedly wields his power not for the public good, but for personal gain, digging holes not just in the earth, but in the taxpayers’ pockets. In a manner capable of sending shockwaves through Uganda’s mineral sector, Kedi stands accused of transforming his public office into a personal goldmine, the Investigator reports.

The allegations against Kedi, levelled by concerned citizens in a lengthy whistleblower` missive to the President and some government security and intelligence agencies, paint a picture of a public servant whose vices extend beyond selfishness, digging deep into taxpayers’ pockets through tax evasion and under-declaration of payable taxes, reportedly favoring himself and his associates.

A Public Office Vs Private Enterprise

Kedi Vincent’s position at DGSM, a department responsible for regulating Uganda’s mineral resources, has provided him with significant power and influence. However, instead of using this power to benefit the public and the government he serves, Kedi has allegedly turned the DGSM into his private business venture.

Reportedly competing directly and indirectly with the private sector for mining licenses notwithstanding, he has been accused of manipulating licensing regulations to benefit his bank account. This stance, by supposedly soliciting bribes and registering companies under the names of relatives and village mates. For starters, Kedi has created a web of corruption that ensures he profits at every turn.

Abuse of Licensing and Regulatory Processes

Kedi’s manipulation of the licensing process has placed private sector investors in a precarious position. Investors report that Kedi only processes applications that offer him financial benefit. He is accused of canceling licenses under false pretenses, such as claiming presidential directives.

Upon successfully using the President`s name to cancel his potential business competitors` licenses, Kedi then, supposedly reassign the same to entities that meet his demands. This abuse of power was starkly highlighted on the night of Friday 21st June 2024 when, he rejected the renewal of a gold mining license for AUC Mining Ltd, designating the area as government-protected.

However, via the usual online process on Saturday 22nd, between 10PM and 1AM, he granted access to other entities, the same area he actually had less than 12hrs before declared as designated as government-protected. This development, after arguably receiving kitu-kidogo (bribes) from his chosen beneficiaries.

Exploitation Of Online Licensing Systems

Despite the introduction of an online licensing system designed to root out corruption and ensure transparency, Kedi has found ways to exploit the same. This gesture, by manipulating the system to gazette areas under the guise of protecting government interests, hence restricting public applications for the same.

Once handshakes are purportedly done successfully, Kedi reportedly degazettes these areas and awards licenses to those who meet his personal interests. This manipulation ensures that only those who financially benefit him gain access to lucrative mining opportunities.

Wealth Accumulation and Lifestyle

Kedi’s wealth accumulation has been significant, raising eyebrows among his colleagues. Reports indicate how he owns two luxurious residences in Entebbe, worth billions, acquired through his doubtable practices. This, not to mention tens of posh investments he has sprinkled both in Kampala, and back home in the East. Any tribe of lifestyle audit is likely to reveal the extent of his wealth, definitely to the shocks of those familiar with his rapid accumulation of assets.

High-Profile Incidents of Corruption

Kedi’s said corrupt activities are not limited to one-off incidents. In April 2023, a lithium-rich area in Mubende, known as Mbale Estate, was designated as government-protected with plans for competitive bidding. However, by June 2024, Kedi had allocated this area to Sino Oriental Mining Company without following the required competitive bidding process. Such actions not only violate regulations but also deprive the government of potential revenue.

A quick internet search, indicates that Lithium is so valuable as it plays a critical role in much of what we do in our daily lives the. The most important use of lithium mineral is in manufacturing rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles.

Lithium is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks. It is an essential part of the technology that powers mobile phones, computers, power tools and battery storage of energy generated from wind and solar power. Not done. Lithium and its compounds have several industrial applications, including heat-resistant glass and ceramics, lithium grease lubricants, flux additives for iron, steel and aluminum production, lithium metal batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.

Kedi is also cited in another case which involves the Federation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, to which he granted a prospecting license. This stance, despite the entity lacking a tax clearance certificate. This blatant disregard for his own regulations underscores Kedi’s focus on personal gain over public duty.

Illegal Mining Operations and Export Schemes

As if the above is not enough abuse of office, Vincent Kedi’s influence extends to illegal mining operations! “In this field which he has actually `overmastered` than any other game, he acts as a godfather to companies mining without proper licenses,” offers an insider source whom we contacted for verification of this story.

For instance, Evergrande Resources Co. Ltd has been mining and exporting gold without the necessary permits, thanks to Kedi’s protection. Last year alone, he facilitated the export of 300 kilograms of Ugandan gold worth USD22.5M, despite the company lacking a gold refining license or an export permit (detailed story on this for another day). These actions not only rob the government of revenue but also enrich the corrupt like Kedi and his associates in plundering Country Uganda!

A Negative Impact on the Mining Sector

“Kedi’s actions have created an environment of corruption and mistrust within Uganda’s mining sector. Investors are wary of engaging with a system where bribery and favoritism dictate licensing decisions. This corruption tarnishes the reputation of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and undermines efforts to attract legitimate investment” observes the missive authors.

As the scandal unfolds, there are growing calls from colleagues and concerned investors, for a thorough investigation into Kedi’s activities. Stakeholders are demanding a comprehensive lifestyle audit to uncover the extent of his wealth accumulation and hold him accountable for his actions. Upon perusual and approval of this story, our legal experts suggest that if taken on, Kedi could suitably face charges of corruption, abuse of office, and tax evasion.

“His actions highlight the profound impact of corruption on public institutions and the economy,” said our legal expert adding; “His supposed exploitation of the licensing office at DGSM for personal gain not only enriches himself but also deprives the Ugandan government of much-needed revenue.” As investigations continue, there is hope that this scandal will lead to stricter oversight and reforms to prevent such abuses in the future, restoring integrity to Uganda’s mining sector.

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Stanley Ndawula: Stanley Ndawula is a two and a half decades’ seasoned investigative journalist with a knack for serious crimes investigations and reporting. He’s the Founding Editorial Director and CEO at The Investigator Publications (U) Limited