Uganda gold miners association, helping women in minning.

Gov’t should operationalize artisanal, small scale miners fund In the last two years, the media has been awash with stories of eviction of Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Miners (ASMs) in Bukuya and Kitumbi sub counties in Mubende (now Kassanda) district. For starters, an estimated 60,000 ASMs were evicted from the mines on grounds that their activities were infiltrated by foreigners, illegal and destructive to the environment. Interestingly, the brutal eviction has turned out to be a blessing in guise for them. Soon after the eviction, majority of the mining associations that worked individually realized the need for a collective and stronger voice if they were to return to the mines. As a result, Mubende United Miners Assembly (MUMA) was formed to advocate for formalization of ASMs and their return to the mines. Currently, there are 21 mining associations in Mubende and Kassanda districts under MUMA. As a result of ASMs unity of purpose, in November, 2018 all the 21 mining associations under MUMA applied for and were issued with location licenses by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM). This means ASMs can now legally return to the mines. Among the associations that have acquired location licences is Mubende Women Gold Miners Associations (MUWOGOMA) – women only mining association. A location licence according to the Mining Act, 2003 grants local artisanal miners rights to prospect and mine any mineral specified in the licence. The licence is valid for a period not exceeding two years and may be revoked if the licencee doesn’t commence mining activities.

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