Strategic Pact Forges New Path for Uganda’s Artisanal Gold Miners
KAMPALA, Uganda (November 3, 2025) – In a landmark move for Uganda’s mining sector, Euro Gold Refinery SMC Ltd. and the Mubende United Artisanal Miners (MUMA) have formalized a strategic partnership, signaling a powerful step toward a more inclusive and value-driven gold industry.
The two parties officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at a ceremony held today at Euro Gold Refinery’s head office in Kampala. This collaboration is poised to reshape the landscape for artisanal miners by strengthening direct links within the gold supply chain and promoting responsible mining practices.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in empowering local miners. MUMA, a proud member of the Uganda Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM) association, represents a collective of miners who have historically operated on the informal margins of the economy. This partnership with a major refinery promises to bring them into the formal fold, ensuring greater financial returns and stability.
“Congratulations to MUMA on this strategic partnership,” stated a post from UGAASM, which has been a vocal advocate for its members. “Together, we move closer to a more inclusive, responsible, and value-driven gold sector in Uganda.”
For the artisanal miners, the MOU opens doors that were previously closed. The partnership is expected to provide MUMA members with direct access to a formal and transparent international market, potentially increasing their profits by cutting out intermediaries. Furthermore, it establishes a framework for collaboration on adopting responsible and sustainable mining methods, a growing priority for global gold buyers.
In a social media post, Euro Gold Refinery announced, “A new chapter begins,” alongside a video recap of the MOU signing. The refinery emphasized that the partnership is focused on “empowering artisanal miners for sustainable development,” highlighting a shared commitment to not only economic growth but also the long-term well-being of mining communities.
This alliance between a formal refinery and an artisanal miners’ cooperative is a tangible outcome of ongoing efforts to formalize Uganda’s gold sector. It demonstrates a growing recognition of the critical role artisanal miners play in the national economy and the importance of integrating them into a structured, ethical, and profitable value chain. The partnership sets a new precedent for how industry and grassroots miners can collaborate to shape the future of Ugandan gold.
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