Planet-GOLD Uganda

23/07/2024

: planetGOLD Uganda team joins Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for a two-day training at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala on how to do gender impact assessments of Artisanal and Smalscale Gold Mining (ASGM) policies and projects. Research indicates, both women and men are active in the ASGM sector but on average, women’s representation in the sector is estimated to be approximately 45 percent.

Environment Facility, Environment Programme, , , of Energy & Mineral Development, of Trade Industry and Cooperatives-MTIC Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development

16/07/2024

In our bid to , we conducted a sensitisation drive in the mining communities of Namayingo & Busia districts on the harmful features of mercury use in mining. The two districts are known for artisanal gold mining activities. The drive was supported by a rig truck to reach mining sites & surrounding communities, broadcasting recorded messages and videos highlighting the dangers of mercury and the importance of formalization in the mining sector.
https://buff.ly/3WjUNGF

Environment Facility, Environment Programme, , , of Energy & Mineral Development, of Trade Industry and Cooperatives-MTIC

In May 2024, the planetGOLD Uganda project conducted a sensitization campaign in Namayingo and Busia districts, both known for ASGM activities. The initiativ...

05/07/2024

Planet-GOLD project is supporting the move towards responsible artisanal and small-scale mining practices in Uganda, advocating for and training gold miners on strong and equitable cooperatives as a key strategy for improving their livelihoods and communities. The training focuses on the Cooperative Societies Act provisions and requirements which miners need to submit to in order to benefit from government programmes. In this video, Namaganda commends Planet-GOLD and calls upon the government to complement their efforts.

Environment Facility, Environment Programme, , , of Energy & Mineral Development, of Trade Industry and Cooperatives-MTIC

04/07/2024

In Central Uganda’s Kassanda District, the Kitumbi-Kayonza Mine Site is home to a 30-women artisanal miners cooperative which pools 5 points of gold (a point in gold measurement is 0.1 unit of a gram) weekly. The women decided to jointly save and sell their gold after realizing that selling as a group earns them a higher profit and enables their businesses to thrive. This cooperative so far has 30 members. Judith, the leader of the cooperative says government wants miners to have one voice.

Environment Facility, Environment Programme, , , Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives-MTIC

03/07/2024

International Day of Cooperatives: Listen to Joweria, an artisanal miner, as she calls upon fellow small-scale miners to join cooperatives as one of the quickest ways to benefit from government support. This year, International Day of Cooperatives will be celebrated under the theme: Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.

Global Environment Facilityy, UN Environment Programme, IMPACT, Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives-MTIC, Global Rights Alert

02/07/2024

“One of the primary advantages of cooperatives is their ability to negotiate fairer prices for their products. Miners who work individually often struggle to negotiate with middlemen and gold buyers who may exploit their lack of bargaining power. As a cooperative, however, it can be easier to negotiate from a position of collective strength, ensuring that members get a strong price for their gold in line with their labour and with a good return on investment.”
As the world celebrates International Day of Cooperatives this week, read more reflections in this opinion in Daily Monitor by Lynn Gitu (Kyampaire), Planet-GOLD Uganda’s project manager.

Global Environment Facility, UN Environment Programme, IMPACT, Uganda's Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives-MTIC

Formalising Uganda’s artisanal gold mining sector is the first step towards sustainable development, improved livelihoods, and environmental protection. However, these benefits might continue to...

20/06/2024

While opening the International Day of Women in Mining, Ms. Lydia Nabiryo, Assistant Commissioner at Equity and Rights in Uganda's Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, calls on women miners to tap into government opportunities to boost their mining businesses, such as the GROW project, PDM, Green Transformation, among others.

Global Rights Alert Uganda, Global Environment Facility UN Environment Programme, IMPACT, Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development

20/06/2024

Happening Now: Lynn Gitu, Planet-GOLD Uganda's programme manager: We must not stop at speaking about the plight of women miners at events. We must also take action."
Global Environment Facility UN Environment Programme IMPACT National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Uganda

20/06/2024

Happening Now: Planet-GOLDD, together with Global Rights Alert Uganda and women artisanal miners from across the country, come together to celebrate International Day of Women in Mining in Kampala. Theme: I am Mining, I belong.
Global Environment Facility, UN Environment Programme, IMPACT

19/06/2024

As we work towards a future free of mercury in gold mining, join staff around the world in this📽️to affirm that together we can .
Planet-GOLD is supported by the Global Environment Facility led by UN Environment Programme, executed by IMPACT alongside Uganda's Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Uganda

14/06/2024

at the stakeholders consultation and sensitization on Artisanal Mining Regulations in Moroto: Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Peter Lokeris, "I thank Planet-GOLD for their interventions in Moroto and Amudat districts." The minister also requested the project to extend interventions to other districts with gold mining activities like Nakapiripirit and Abim.

13/06/2024

To understand the plight, needs, and views of artisanal miners, State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro took some time off to interact with miners in Tiira Town Council after the stakeholder's consultation and sensitization workshop on artisanal mining regulations. The miners expressed their challenges, including the need for gazetted mining spaces.

12/06/2024

On this International Day Against Child Labour, calls upon everyone to and give children the opportunity to thrive. Every child deserves the chance to learn, play, and dream without the burden of exploitation especially those being made to work in mines.

11/06/2024

Uganda's Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro, attended the stakeholders' consultation and sensitization workshop on Artisanal Mining Regulations in Busia District, Uganda, today.

A key discussion point was the proposed regulation to establish artisanal mining areas in specific zones where large, medium, or small-scale operations are not feasible due to the features of certain minerals and economic factors. Artisanal miners at the workshop welcomed the idea of different zones for different categories of minerals.

This event was organized by Uganda's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Planet-GOLD Uganda project, implemented by IMPACT and funded by the Global Environment Facility and UN Environment Programme

05/06/2024

We are thrilled to share that the Planet-GOLD Uganda photo was selected as one of the 5 finalists! All finalist countries were honored on stage with a certificate, and Ghana won by popular vote! 🇬🇭

The Forum has been an eye-opening experience, showcasing the unique challenges each country faces and the lessons learned. Hearing from planetGOLD projects around the world has been inspiring. We can’t wait to apply these insights to our work!

04/06/2024

Today, Planet-GOLD Uganda’s Project Manager, Lynn Gitu, joined experts from the Philippines and Ecuador to discuss ‘Minamata National Action Plans: Strategies to Protect Vulnerable People.’ at the Planet-GOLD Forum 2024.

The session focused on the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) as required by the Minamata Convention on Mercury. With 30 countries already having presented their NAPs, these strategies are crucial for transforming ASGM into a cleaner and more responsible sector.

Key takeaways from the session:
• Article 7 of the Minamata Convention addresses the need for NAPs in countries with significant ASGM activities.
• Uganda's planetGOLD interventions align closely with its NAP.
• Building trust with communities is essential for successful interventions.
• Special focus is needed on protecting vulnerable groups like women, children, and indigenous communities.
• Educational campaigns must be widespread and effective.
• Mercury-free practices should be incentivized to encourage compliance.

Stay tuned for more updates!

03/06/2024

We are at the 2024 planetGOLD Forum in the Philippines!.

This morning, ASM miners from Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Burkina Faso shared their challenges in obtaining formal financing for the ASM sector. Unfortunately, formal financing institutions still consider ASM too high-risk, pushing miners towards informal traders and other mechanisms. These informal channels often involve middlemen who act as production partners, not just financiers.

🔍 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Policies and financing products must cater to the unique realities of ASM.
2️⃣ Creative solutions are essential to connect formal financing institutions with ASM.

The panel on "Women Rising – Innovative Solutions For Women By Women to Increase Incomes in Artisanal Mining Communities" further emphasized:

1️⃣ The importance of making women in mine sites and supply chains visible.
2️⃣ Need for approaches that are sensitive to the needs of women.

Stay tuned for more updates! 💪

03/06/2024

30/05/2024

Recently, Ugandan Members of Parliament (MPs) visited an artisanal gold mine in Kassanda District. The tour, organized by planetGOLD Uganda, provided MPs with a look at the operations and challenges of artisanal gold mining.

The visit is a step towards building stronger collaboration between stakeholders and developing policies that reflect the needs of artisanal mining communities. Read more on the visit ➡️: https://bit.ly/451FfKy

Voices 29 May 2024 Knowledge Areas: Awareness Raising Formalization Countries: Uganda Peninah Asiimwe Communications Consultant, planetGOLD Uganda In a bid to gain firsthand insights into the operations of artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM), Uganda government officials, alongside represent...

17/05/2024

“Miners can access different types of financial services including savings accounts, credit facilities, insurance products, and mobile banking, in a responsible and sustainable manner,” Daniel Balikuddembe, a lawyer, while sensitizing miners in Eastern, Uganda on Financial Inclusion.

17/05/2024

📢planetGOLD Uganda has entered the 2024 Planet-GOLD Global Forum on ASGM photo contest! 🥳
Vote from May 9 to May 23 for your favorite photo from Uganda: https://www.planetgold.org/2024-global-forum-photo-contest

The top 5 photos will be showcased at the Forum in the Philippines. Vote once & make it count! 🗳️✨

Online voting is open to anyone until 23 May 2024 Round 1 of voting for the 2024 Global Forum on ASGM photo contest has begun! This voting round takes place online from the 9th of May to the 23rd of May 2024, and is open to anyone. *Please only vote 1 time*The top 5 photos with the most votes from...

16/05/2024

Formalisation starts with sensitizing artisanal gold miners. We hosted Scovia Tusubira, the Cooperative Training Officer in the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives on in Namayingo District to speak to artisanal gold miners in Eastern Uganda about formalization under the Cooperative Society Act.

14/05/2024

In our effort to , we held a radio talk show in Kassanda District together with Lydia Nabiryo, a human rights officer in Uganda's Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Ms Nabiryo discussed the gender disparities present in the ASGM sector and called for the promotion of women's leadership and participation in ASGM cooperatives, associations, and decision-making bodies. Kassanda is home to the Kayonza Mine Site.

17/04/2024

📽️ As we continue working to . We are pleased to share highlights from the recent visit by ’s Government officials, including Members of Parliament at the Mine Site in Kassanda District.

The Planet-GOLD Uganda project is supported by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the UN Environment Programme, and executed by IMPACT, in partnership with in partnership with with Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the country’s Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM).

19/03/2024

Our latest article published in Uganda’s sheds light on the journey of women in Kayonza Mine Site, highlighting the crucial role they play in their communities.

While listening to their stories, you can see their determination, resilience and unwavering commitment, despite working in a field where their presence has historically been overlooked.

13/03/2024

24/11/2023

Today we've been joined in Kampala by officials from the Energy ministry, private sector, and MPs for our first Annual Stakeholders' Meeting. We're pleased to share highlights from the discussion on how we can support miners to achieve more responsible mining practices 📽️ We look forward to Building Uganda's Mercury-Free Artisanal Gold Sector together.

The planetGOLD Uganda project is supported by Global Environment Facility led by UN Environment Programme. It is executed by IMPACT with Uganda's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM).

22/11/2023

Artisanal gold mining is a major source of income but miners are exposed daily to mercury - which is highly toxic. Miners often lack finances or training to access mercury-free solutions. We're working with governments and communities to bridge this gap:

“...Leaders need to prioritise sustainable and responsible mining practices"

22/11/2023

Artisanal gold mining is a major source of income but miners are exposed daily to mercury - which is highly toxic. Miners often lack finances or training to access mercury-free solutions. We're working with governments and communities to bridge this gap: https://bit.ly/47LALrG

22/11/2023

Artisanal gold mining is a major source of income but miners are exposed daily to mercury - which is highly toxic. Miners often lack finances or training to access mercury-free solutions. We're working with governments and communities to bridge this gap: https://bit.ly/47LALrG

The planetGOLD Uganda project is supported by Global Environment Facility, led by UN Environment Programme, executed by IMPACT, in partnership with Uganda's National Environment Management Authority and Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines.