Govt Grants Landmark License to Small-Scale Miners in Kassanda, Urges Environmental Responsibility
In a historic move to formalize Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has granted a small-scale mining license to the Mubende United Miners Assembly (MUMA), enabling gold mining operations on 100.8 hectares (approximately 249 acres) of land in Bukuya, Kassanda District.
The license, SML 00575, issued on June 25, 2025, marks the first such authorization in the Greater Mubende region under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, and is the fourth of its kind nationwide. The five-year permit was celebrated at a ceremony in Bukuya Town Council, attended by government officials, miners’ associations, civil society partners, and local leaders.
A Journey from Eviction to Empowerment
MUMA Chairman John Bosco Bukya described the achievement as a “turning point” for artisanal miners, reflecting on the group’s difficult journey. He recalled the forced eviction of hundreds of miners from Bukuya on August 4, 2017, which catalyzed the formation of MUMA as a registered entity representing 23 associations and over 3,000 miners.
“After years of struggling to formalize, we are here to celebrate — not to complain,” Bukya stated, acknowledging President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to allocate 30% of the contested mining area to local miners as a key factor in their progress.
Government Emphasizes Formalization and Economic Growth
Commissioner Agnes Alaba of the Department of Geological Survey and Mines, representing Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, highlighted the importance of formalizing the ASM sector, which employs over 60% of Uganda’s mining workforce. She noted that more than 7,500 miners, including 2,400 from Kassanda, have undergone biometric registration to enhance traceability and accountability.
Alaba emphasized that formalization aligns with Uganda’s “Tenfold Growth Strategy,” aimed at expanding the economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040. The license also enables MUMA to participate in the Bank of Uganda’s Domestic Gold Purchase Program, which buys gold exclusively from licensed local miners.
Calls for Unity and Sustainability
Local leaders, including Kassanda RDC Phoebe Namulindwa and Bukuya County MP Dr. Michael K. Bukenya, praised the milestone while urging miners to prioritize unity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Dr. Bukenya encouraged adherence to the “People, Planet, and Profit” model to ensure long-term benefits for communities.
Civil Society Highlights Ongoing Challenges
Development partners, including Solidaridad, The Impact Facility, and GIZ, applauded the achievement but stressed that the license is only the beginning. Edward Ndirangu of The Impact Facility noted, “Now comes the hard work — consolidating operations, setting internal rules, and ensuring sustainability.” He emphasized that ASM employs 20 times more people than large-scale mining and retains over 80% of earnings locally, making it vital for community empowerment.
A New Chapter for Artisanal Miners
As MUMA embarks on this new chapter, its leaders expressed hope that the milestone will inspire other artisanal miners across Uganda to pursue formalization. “Many dismissed artisanal miners as incapable, but this license proves otherwise,” Bukya said. “Expect great things ahead.”
About MUMA
Founded in 2018, MUMA represents 23 associations and over 3,000 miners. The group holds Small-Scale Mining License SML 00575 at Kagaba Hill in Bukuya Town Council and an exploration license (EL00436) covering 8 square kilometers in Kassanda. MUMA is a flagship member of the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM).
About The Author
