Namayingo District– Deep in the gold-rich soils of Namayingo, a silent crisis brews beneath the glimmer of precious ore.
While artisanal mining offers livelihoods to thousands, especially women, it also brings with it a trail of gender-based violence (GBV), economic inequality, and social breakdowns that continue to disrupt families and communities.
Afuwa Mutesi, Chairperson of the Kyoima Omuto Gold Miners Association and mother of five, is among the many women miners who have spoken out about systemic discrimination at mining sites.
“We face disrespect from men,” she said. “Even though we do the same amount of work, we’re paid less and treated as weak because we are women.”
Mutesi also revealed how women miners are often summoned for dangerous night shifts, forced to leave their children unattended.
“They use vulgar language, sometimes take substances, and exclude us from the rich mining areas,” she explained. “They even smuggle gold-rich ore behind our backs.”
This gender disparity doesn’t stop at the mining pits. According to Mutesi, men often shirk family responsibilities, leaving women to provide for households.
The situation has pushed children out of school to support their mothers at the mines. “Most painful is when men sell off our hard-earned livestock to marry new wives or spend it all on alcohol,” she added.
Gilbert Pamba, Chairperson of the Namayingo Gold Miners Association, acknowledged that GBV is a two-way street.
“When women get money, some start disrespecting their husbands. But men are also guilty of becoming abusive and unfaithful when they earn more,” he said.
Joseph Aguti, a gender champion and regional coordinator with UGAASM, expressed frustration at the slow progress in changing attitudes.
“We’ve trained gender champions in this area with support from Solidaridad East and Central Africa, but people don’t listen,” he said. “Just like Jesus wasn’t accepted in Nazareth, our own people are rejecting these messages.”
Aguti cited financial constraints as a major barrier to sustained gender sensitization. “We need more support to reach these communities consistently,” he emphasized.
The marginalization of women in gold mining goes beyond pay and treatment. According to Joventa Tugumisirize, Gender Officer at Solidaridad, women are sidelined at every stage of the value chain.
“Land and mining sites are owned by men. Women are relegated to menial tasks like gold washing and stone crushing,” she said.
“There are myths that discourage women’s involvement, like the belief that gold disappears when a woman is near the pit.”
Solidaridad employs the SASA! methodology – Start, Awareness, Support, Action – to challenge such cultural norms.
The program has seen success stories, including women now taking leadership roles in cooperatives and participating in national-level gender assemblies. “We’re seeing families work together, with men and women planning finances jointly,” Tugumisirize noted.
One such beneficiary, Godfrey Balasa, shared how he learned to manage gold income responsibly.
“I now prioritize my children’s education and work in harmony with my wife,” he said, crediting training from the program for fostering peace and sustainability at home.
Yet, challenges persist. Former Namayingo UNATU Chairperson Wilfred Balikowa pointed out that with more women becoming primary breadwinners, traditional family roles have shifted.
“Fathers have become inferior and withdrawn. Mothers are left to shoulder all responsibilities, but lack authority to send children to school,” he explained.
The result? High school dropout rates and early pregnancies are rampant.
“Mining has led to divorce and family separations,” Balikowa added. “There’s a lack of understanding about the benefits of formalized mining cooperatives.”
Local leaders echo the need for legal protection and improved community sensitization.
ASP Sephas Wanjala, Zonal Commander of the Police Mineral Protection Unit, emphasized the importance of enforcing the Mineral Act, especially to combat child labor. “We must hold mine managers and parents accountable,” he stated.
Constantine Mugabe, a Community Development Officer in Bukana, warned that child labor remains a persistent issue.
“Children work for little or no pay, miss school, and end up with no skills for the future,” he said. “Sanitation is also neglected, and GBV increases with income disparities from gold.”
Despite the grim picture, there is hope. With continued advocacy, community education, and financial backing, stakeholders believe that mining communities in Namayingo can transition to more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable operations.
But as Mutesi and other women insist, that change must start with respect, fairness, and recognition of women’s contributions to the gold sector.
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