Sustainable mining champions

Zac Byona is an intern within the Mining department at Optima Mines and Minerals Ltd. He holds an Advanced international certificate of education from Taibah International School and is looking forward to advance in his studies within the field of mining. Zac Byona is known for his hard work, integrity, a good team player with a positive attitude to learn.

Phionah Kansiime is the Human Resource and Administration Manager at Optima Mines and Minerals Ltd, bringing over seven years of professional experience in human resource management, organisational administration, and staff development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, majoring in Social Administration, from Makerere University, and a Diploma in Human Resource Management (Certificate) from Alison University in Ireland (Online Course).

In her role at Optima Mines and Minerals Ltd, Phionah is responsible for leading and managing all HR and administrative functions with a strategic focus on building a high-performance culture. Her areas of expertise include talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, policy development, and compliance with labour laws and industry standards. She also oversees the company’s administrative operations, ensuring organisational efficiency and operational continuity.

Mr. Rogers Muhangi is a senior geologist with 11 years of experience in mineral exploration, mining, and project management, more so within the industrial minerals and precious minerals (gold). In his role at Optima Mines and Minerals Ltd, Rogers coordinates mineral exploration works for Greenfield and brownfield projects, taking into consideration the high degree of safety, integrity, environmental management, and timely project delivery.

Ndyaguma is a professional accountant with an accounting background from the University of Dar es Salaam. With over 10 years of experience in finance, auditing, and taxation, he has worked tirelessly to maintain the company’s financial stability in the mining sector.

As our young, enthusiastic partner, he has helped the company achieve some of its short and medium-term financial goals to prove its worth in the mining environment. Ndyaguma’s wish is to see the company grow to the highest levels possible and attract more business partners to uplift the mining sector of the country as a whole

With nearly a decade of experience at the intersection of mining, commercial contracts, compliance, litigation, and arbitration, Pius serves as the Head of Legal at Optima Mines and Minerals Limited—one of Africa’s dynamic players in the mineral resources sector. An advocate of the High Court of Uganda and all subordinate courts, Pius brings sharp legal insight and strategic foresight to the complex world of mineral rights, regulatory frameworks, and high-value transactions.

He has advised on and negotiated EPC contracts, mineral licensing and compliance matters, joint ventures, and cross-border disputes throughout East Africa. His deep command of mining law and regulatory compliance, coupled with strong litigation and arbitration experience, makes him a trusted counsel to both executive teams and external stakeholders.

At Optima Mines, Pius leads the legal and compliance function with a solutions-driven mindset, ensuring that the company’s operations meet the highest standards of legal and regulatory integrity while supporting its commercial objectives.

From ministerial approvals and ESG compliance to contract enforcement and risk management and dispute avoidance, Pius stands at the forefront of East Africa’s evolving extractives sector.