Kassanda Miners Celebrate Acquisition of Mining License
The Mubende United Miners Assembly (MUMA) has celebrated the acquisition of the Small-Scale Mining License (SML 00575) from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD). The license allows MUMA to conduct small-scale gold mining on a 100.8-hectare plot of land in Bukuya, Kassanda District.
The five-year mining license, issued on June 25, 2025, is the fourth of eight such licenses granted by the Ministry. The celebration, held in Bukuya Town Council, brought together government officials, miners’ associations, civil society partners, and local leaders to mark this historic moment for Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) community.
A Turning Point for Artisanal Miners
John Bosco Bukya, Chairman of MUMA and the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM), spoke about the significance of the Kassanda Miners Mining License. He described it as a turning point for artisanal miners, who have long struggled for formal recognition.
“After years of struggling to formalize, we are here to celebrate – not to complain,” Bukya remarked. “This license signifies that artisanal miners have finally been recognized as legitimate players in Uganda’s mineral development.”
Bukya reflected on the long journey, especially the August 4, 2017 eviction, when hundreds of miners were forced to vacate mining areas. Despite losing everything, Bukya said that moment became a catalyst for organizing and pushing for legal recognition.
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Government Applauds the Milestone
Agnes Alaba, Commissioner for the Department of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM), represented the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. She congratulated MUMA for meeting all legal, financial, and technical requirements under the Mining and Minerals Act of 2022.
“This event marks a crucial milestone in our efforts to formalize Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector,” Alaba said. She emphasized that Kassanda and the Greater Mubende region are central to Uganda’s gold production, making MUMA’s mining license particularly significant.
Alaba also noted that the formalization of ASM would increase national revenue and contribute to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to grow the economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.
Local Leaders Celebrate Progress
Kassanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Phoebe Namulindwa hailed the Kassanda Miners Mining License as a historic milestone. She urged miners to maintain unity and responsibility, praising President Museveni’s longstanding support for artisanal miners.
Bukuya County MP Dr. Michael K. Bukenya congratulated MUMA for setting a new standard for organized mining groups. He highlighted the importance of balancing profits with environmental and social responsibility, urging investment in safe water, education, and infrastructure.
Partners Encourage Continuous Transformation
Solidaridad Senior Project Officer Joshua Rukundo congratulated MUMA and the government for advancing sector formalization. He encouraged other miners across Uganda to follow MUMA’s lead, noting that the success of MUMA can inspire change in regions like Busia, Buhweju, and Karamoja.
Edward Ndirangu, Program Manager at The Impact Facility, emphasized the importance of sustainability. He urged MUMA to focus on consolidating operations and establishing internal rules.
“The hard work starts now—consolidating your operations and ensuring sustainability,” Ndirangu said. The Impact Facility plans to extend machinery leasing and training programs to Uganda, including its “Mine Your Own Business” academy.
Ndirangu highlighted that ASM employs 20 times more people than large-scale mining and retains over 80% of earnings within local communities.
A Bright Future Ahead
The event in Bukuya marked a significant recognition of the years of struggle and organization by Uganda’s artisanal miners. MUMA’s success is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and collaboration among miners, the government, and development partners.
Commissioner Alaba emphasized the importance of a unified effort, stating, “We want Ugandans to progress—from artisanal to mechanized, from small-scale to medium and then large-scale mining. This can only happen if we all work together.”
MUMA Chairman Bukya echoed this sentiment, saying, “Many dismissed artisanal miners as incapable. But this license proves otherwise. We are just setting off—expect great things ahead.”
