MINISTER NYAMUTORO BROKERS PEACE DEAL IN KASANDA MINING ROW
Kasanda, Uganda – August 17, 2026 – Tensions between AUC Mining Limited and artisanal miners in Kamalenge, Kasanda District, have eased following government intervention that halted threatened evictions and established a binding framework for co-existence.
The breakthrough came after the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, personally led a fact-finding mission to the disputed Mining Lease MML/ML4063 on August 12, 2026. The inspection was triggered by a formal complaint from the Kamalenge United Miners Association (KAUMA), which had accused the mining company of extortion, breach of promises, and plotting illegal evictions.
Averting a Crisis
During the field visit, the Minister convened crisis talks between AUC Mining representatives and KAUMA leaders. The resulting resolutions, formalized in a letter dated August 13, 2026, provide a clear roadmap for resolving the long-standing friction in the mineral-rich area.
Major Outcomes of the Agreement:
· Eviction Freeze: All eviction actions against artisanal miners within MML/ML4063 have been suspended with immediate effect.
· Restricted Operations: Mining activities are prohibited outside the fenced active site. The Mines Department will re-demarcate boundaries between the mining lease and Exploration Licence EL00437 to eliminate confusion.
· Temporary Access with Conditions: Miners currently operating are allowed to continue under strict supervision but must vacate specific zones when AUC Mining’s work plan demands access. They will be given supervised opportunities to retrieve equipment and property before any notice period expires.
· One-Year Exit Deadline: All authorized artisanal miners must vacate the license area entirely by July 31, 2027, relocating to nearby legalized artisanal mining zones.
· Profit-Sharing Formula: A three-tier revenue distribution model was adopted. After a 20% deduction for operational expenses, AUC Mining takes 30%, while authorized artisanal miners receive 70% of the net proceeds. This arrangement will be formalized in a written contract under Section 156 of the Mining and Minerals Act, CAP 159.
· Closure of Abandoned Pits: All inactive mine openings must be sealed, and miners who had previously abandoned the area are barred from returning. No new pits may be opened by artisanal miners.
· Oversight and Dialogue: A seven-member joint committee comprising representatives from both parties was established to oversee implementation. Mr. Emma Kibirige and Mr. Sasirwe Jonny were named liaison officers to facilitate communication between AUC Mining and the miners.
· Compensation for Land Payments: Artisanal miners who paid for land in the designated processing area must present original receipts for reimbursement.
· Monthly Compliance Monitoring: Ministry inspection teams will conduct monthly site visits to ensure all operations comply with both the Mining and Minerals Act and the newly agreed resolutions.
Government Commitment
Minister Nyamutoro emphasized that the agreement balances the rights of licensed mining companies with the livelihoods of artisanal miners, while ensuring environmental safety and legal order. “This framework provides clarity, fairness, and a timeline for transition,” she stated in the official communication.
The development marks a significant step toward de-escalating resource-based conflicts in Uganda’s mining sector, with the government positioning itself as a guarantor of stability and rule of law.
All stakeholders have been urged to adhere strictly to the resolutions, with the Ministry warning that violations will attract legal sanctions. The monthly monitoring regime is designed to catch and correct any deviations early.
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