A New Era for Ugandan Miners: UGAASM and EU Celebrate Issuance of Historic Small-Scale Mining Licenses
KAMPALA, Uganda – In a significant stride towards formalizing Uganda’s mining sector, the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM) is celebrating a major milestone with the issuance of new small-scale mining licenses to several enterprises. This achievement marks a tangible result of the association’s dedicated efforts and its partnership with the European Union in Uganda.
The Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, founded in 2018, has been at the forefront of uniting and empowering artisanal miners across the nation. Representing 158 ASM groups, UGAASM’s core mission is to aid miners in navigating the formalization process and obtaining legal licensing under the country’s 2022 Mining Act.
The association’s vision of making sustainable mining a reality is becoming increasingly realisable. In a recent collaborative effort with the EU Delegation to Uganda, this vision has been given a powerful boost. Three enterprises—BUDUMICS, MUMA, and West Peak—have been awarded new small-scale mining licences.
This development is more than just administrative; it is a transformative step that empowers local miners, granting them legal recognition and the ability to operate within a structured framework. The formalization of these mining operations is a critical driver for responsible and sustainable growth in the sector, ensuring that mineral wealth contributes positively to local communities and the national economy while adhering to environmental and social standards.
“This is a clear demonstration that our collective efforts are yielding fruit,” a representative from UGAASM stated. “By securing these licences, we are not only empowering individual miners but also driving the entire sector towards a future of responsible and sustainable growth.”
The partnership between UGAASM and the EU Delegation highlights a shared commitment to strengthening Uganda’s mining sector, focusing on governance, economic development, and environmental stewardship. The success of BUDUMICS, MUMA, and West Peak serves as a beacon for other artisanal and small-scale miners, proving that formalization and sustainable practices are attainable goals.
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