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Putting Miners and Communities at the Centre of Responsible Mining in Uganda

The Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM), under the leadership of National Chairperson John Bosco Bukya, alongside members of the National and Regional Secretariat, recently took part in the 2026 Great Lakes Mining and Energy Transition Mkutano held in Kampala. The two-day event, organised by the Africa Centre for Energy and Mineral Policy (ACEMP), was convened under the theme: “Applying Business and Human Rights Practices to Improve Community Benefits from Mining Projects.”

This theme resonated deeply with the realities and aspirations of Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. As the sector continues to expand, formalisation and responsible resource governance have become critical to ensuring that mining delivers meaningful and lasting benefits—not only to miners but also to their families and the wider communities in which mining operations occur.

For UGAASM, responsible mining goes far beyond the act of mineral extraction. It encompasses the creation of an enabling environment where artisanal and small-scale miners can:

· Operate legally and safely,
· Access finance and fair markets,
· Participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their livelihoods,
· Protect the environment, and
· Contribute actively to community development.

The engagement of UGAASM leadership in the Mkutano’s discussions helped advance important conversations on how Business and Human Rights principles, combined with the formalisation of ASM, can foster safer, more inclusive, and more responsible mining practices across the country.

Such platforms—like the Great Lakes Mining and Energy Transition Mkutano—offer a vital space for miners, government agencies, private sector actors, civil society, and development partners to exchange experiences, share insights, and co-create practical solutions. These collaborative efforts are key to strengthening regulatory compliance, improving environmental stewardship, protecting the rights of miners and host communities, and unlocking greater economic opportunities throughout the mining value chain.

UGAASM remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing a mining sector where miners’ voices are heard, communities benefit equitably from their natural resources, and responsible mining becomes a tangible driver of Uganda’s sustainable development.

Together, let us put miners and communities at the heart of responsible mineral development.

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (Uganda) | Enabel | UNDP | European Union | Solidaridad East and Central Africa