Overview:

Artisanal and small-scale miners in Uganda urge the government to establish an independent mining authority to fix licensing and regulatory gaps.

KAMPALA, Uganda — Artisanal and small-scale miners in Uganda are calling for the establishment of an independent mining authority, arguing that the current oversight under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development fails to address the industry’s challenges.

The proposal was raised during a recent meeting of mining stakeholders in Kampala. Humphrey Asiimwe, chief executive officer of the Chamber of Energy and Minerals, said a dedicated regulator should be modeled after the existing Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

We should have our own authority that provides technical support to people involved in mining, Asiimwe said. We should have our own regulator to issue licenses and oversee the industry.

Asiimwe added that an independent body could more effectively manage ongoing issues, including illegal mining operations.

Kenneth Asiimwe, chief executive officer of the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, expressed support for the change, stating the authority would help guide the sector in the right direction.

Supporters argue that a restructured regulatory system would also improve foreign investment. Susan Nakanwagi, a researcher who backs the initiative, said investors prefer operating in areas with proper systems that support and regulate their activities.

Uganda enacted the Mining and Minerals Act in 2022 to provide a legal framework for artisanal and small-scale mining. However, miners argue that implementation gaps remain regarding licensing, technical support, skills development and the formalization of the sector.

The Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines currently handles administration for the industry. Critics say the directorate faces limited capacity and coordination issues in managing the largely informal sector, which employs thousands of workers and supports rural economies.

Advocates of the proposed independent authority point to other nations where specialized mining bodies provide ongoing training, professional development and stricter oversight to improve productivity and sustainability.