Artisan Miners Call for Enhanced Participation Rights Among Extracting Communities 

Mining industry actors, hosting communities, civil society, government representatives, development partners, and other stakeholders convened for the 6th Great Lakes Mining and Energy Transition Mkutano 2026, under the theme “Applying Business and Human Rights Practices to Improve Community Benefits from Mining Projects,” focusing on addressing the growing demand for critical minerals essential to the global energy transition while emphasizing responsible business conduct, community rights, and sustainable development in the Great Lakes Region.

During the Mkutano held on 23-24th July 2026 at Golf course Hotel, Mr. Don Binyina the Executive Director for The Africa Centre for Energy and Mineral Policy (ACEMP) during an interview said that representatives from mining organizations in different regions of Uganda together with the mining companies have convened to discuss how to address human rights concerns raised in the communities, to ensure more benefits from mining projects. 

He said that following the establishment of the government framework, the community miners have progressed to bankable organization through formalization and guidance by Ministry of Trade.

“Uganda is progressing in mining and has become a model for a formalized mining Industry. In advancing mining objectives to beneficiaries, there is a need to address how companies are promoting human and business rights within the operating areas” he said

Mr. Binyina said that “The concept of community engage is critical. The government has established the right framework that is opening up opportunities, for especially the strategic minerals ranging from iron ore, graphite, among others in the free fields in Kasese, Karamoja and other areas”  

Enabel is supporting mining community to formulate agreement as a group to benefit from business in mini g projects in Uganda.

“We are supporting government in implementing initiatives on how busines can benefit community while enhancing human rights. We are in Albertine region, Central, Western and other areas. . We have supported ACEMP to sensitise the mining communities on how benefit” she said.

Meanwhile, The Chairman Uganda Association of Artisan and Small scake Miners, Mr

The 2 day event was organized by the Africa Centre for Energy and Mineral Policy (ACEMP), in partnership with Enabel, Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (UGAASM), and UNDP, attracting approximately 120 participants