In the heart of Bukana, Namayingo District, a quiet gold rush is reshaping lives and landscapes.
The government officially gazetted this 20-square-kilometre stretch of land for artisanal gold mining; an opportunity welcomed by many local residents who now rely on mining to earn a living.
But with opportunity comes responsibility, and for the miners here, protecting the environment is increasingly at the forefront of the conversation.
During a recent community dialogue organized by Solidaridad East and Central Africa together with Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM), miners gathered to learn more about the legal processes of formalizing their operations through association registration.
But one concern rose above the rest: the urgent need for better tools, specifically metal detectors, to reduce environmental damage caused by guesswork.
“Large-scale miners have advanced machines to detect gold deep underground. We don’t,” said James Wambuzi, a miner in Bukana. “We spend too much time and energy digging without knowing what’s underneath. Can’t UGAASM help us get proper detectors?”
The detectors currently available to most artisanal miners are basic and only effective up to 10 meters deep. This suits areas rich in surface nuggets but proves nearly useless in deeper zones.
Without accurate tools or geophysical data, miners often dig randomly, leaving behind scars—open pits that are unsafe and environmentally damaging.
Joshua Rukundo, Senior Project Officer at Solidaridad Network, explains: “Artisanal miners are expected to use rudimentary tools and remain within shallow depths, hence the 10-meter limit for their licenses. Anything deeper requires a small-scale mining license, which comes with higher regulatory demands and costs.”
Unfortunately, because many pits yield little or no gold, they are abandoned unfinished, with no closure or restoration. This leaves the land riddled with hazards and increases risks to human life, particularly children.
At the meeting, Josephine Aguti, UGAASM’s Eastern Region Coordinator, stressed that while detectors are expensive, the association is lobbying the Ministry of Energy to deploy geologists who can guide miners and reduce wasteful digging.
“One step at a time,” she urged. “We may not have high-tech tools yet, but we can organize ourselves, form associations, and improve how we mine.”
Proper planning could reduce random digging and make it easier to adhere to environmental protection practices—like maintaining a 50-meter safety radius around open pits, using protective gear, and installing basic sanitation like latrines.
The police are taking these requirements seriously. ASP Sephas Wanjala, Zonal Commander of the Police Mineral Protection Unit, warned miners that ignorance of the law is no excuse.
“Mining without a license is a crime under the Minerals Act. The penalty? Up to seven years in prison or a fine of 10,000 currency points. Open pits that cause death? The pit owner and the landowner will face murder charges.”
He also emphasized zero tolerance for child labor, alcohol consumption at mining sites, and illegal partnerships with foreign nationals in artisanal operations.
To mine legally, individuals must register an association at the sub-county level, obtain a TIN from URA, and then apply for a license through the Ministry of Energy’s online portal. While the process is straightforward on paper, the reality is more challenging.
Afuwa Mutesi, Chairperson of Kyoima Omuto Gold Miners Association, noted the logistical hurdles: “Imagine traveling from Namayingo to Entebbe just for verification. They give you a time and you must meet it. It’s stressful and expensive.”
Despite these frustrations, some groups are pushing forward. Active associations now include Bukana-Namayingo Cooperative Society, Namayingo-Bukooli, and Kyoima Omuto Gold Miners Association.
Gilbert Pamba, Chairperson of Bukana-Namayingo Gold Miners Association, admitted the process is difficult but worth it.
“We’ve heard the government is planning to buy gold through associations via the Bank of Uganda. That’s a big opportunity. So even if registration is tough, we have to do it.”
Bridging the Information Gap
Aguti acknowledged that many miners had previously heard of the UGAASM but didn’t understand its purpose.
“There’s been a major information gap,” she said. “But after our dialogue, they’ve shown interest in joining the umbrella body and forming more local groups. That’s a strong first step.”
With increased awareness, a growing number of miners now understand that collaboration and formalization are not only paths to better livelihoods—but also essential for environmental sustainability.
Namayingo’s miners may still be using rudimentary tools, but their mindset is evolving. They are beginning to see that sustainable mining isn’t just about digging for gold—it’s about preserving the land for the next generation.
As efforts from UGAASM, Solidaridad, and government agencies align, the future of Bukana’s gold belt could shine not only with wealth—but with responsibility, legality, and green practices.
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