Eurogold Partners with Mubende Artisanal Miners to Boost Local Gold Refining
Mubende, Uganda – Euro Gold Refinery has entered a strategic partnership with Mubende United Artisanal Miners (MUMA) to enhance value addition in the gold sector, formalising the involvement of small-scale miners in the supply chain.
The agreement, signed on 3 November 2025 at Eurogold’s head office in Kampala, establishes a framework under which Eurogold will purchase and refine gold from MUMA members to 99.9% purity—the internationally recognised 24-carat standard—for export to global markets.
The partnership was formalised shortly after Eurogold received a mining license from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in a handover ceremony held in Bukya Town Council, Mubende District. Agnes Alaba, the Commissioner for Mines, presented the licence on behalf of Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa to representatives from both entities.
Feni Bernard, the Ugandan owner of Eurogold Refinery, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting local mining communities.
“Eurogold remains dedicated to empowering artisanal miners, promoting ethical sourcing, and driving long-term prosperity within the sector,” Bernard said during the event.
John Bosco, Chairperson of MUMA, welcomed the development as a turning point for the association’s members, who have historically operated on the margins of the formal economy.
“For years, our members have worked tirelessly to gain recognition,” Bosco said. “This licence gives us a new beginning—one built on dignity, compliance, and opportunity.”
The initiative forms part of Eurogold’s broader strategy to build a more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable gold industry in Uganda. By integrating artisanal miners into the formal value chain, the partnership aims to address long-standing challenges around illicit trade, smuggling, and lack of traceability that have plagued the sector.
Gold remains one of Uganda’s leading export commodities, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and overall economic growth. According to recent figures, gold exports earned Uganda US$5.8 billion in 2025, surpassing coffee as the country’s top export.
Industry observers note that partnerships formalising artisanal mining operations are expected to further strengthen Uganda’s gold exports and stabilise the Ugandan shilling through increased formal foreign exchange inflows.
The collaboration between Eurogold and MUMA reflects growing momentum behind government policy reforms emphasising value addition and the formalisation of artisanal mining, as outlined in the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022.
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