The Mubende United Miners Assembly (MUMA) has celebrated the acquisition of its long-awaited Small-Scale Mining License (SML 00575), marking a turning point for Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) community.
The colourful ceremony held in Bukuya Town Council brought together government officials, miners’ associations, civil society partners, and local leaders to commemorate what many described as a historic milestone in the journey toward formalizing Uganda’s gold mining sector.
A Five-Year License Over 100.8 Hectares
The five-year license, issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) on June 25, 2025, authorizes MUMA to conduct small-scale gold mining over 100.8 hectares in Bukuya, Kassanda District. It is the first small-scale mining license issued in the Greater Mubende region under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, and the fourth countrywide.
A Journey Born Out of Struggle
MUMA Chairman John Bosco Bukya, who also leads the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM), described the achievement as a “turning point” for artisanal miners across the country.
“After years of struggling to formalize, we are here to celebrate — not to complain,” Bukya said. He recalled the painful events of August 4, 2017, when security forces evicted hundreds of miners from Bukuya, giving them just two hours to vacate.
“That eviction forced us to organize, to rethink everything. Today we stand strong as MUMA — legally recognized by the Government of Uganda,” he said.
Bukya praised President Yoweri Museveni’s directive that miners be allocated 30% of the contested mining area, calling it the spark that renewed their hope and paved the way for formalization.
MUMA General Secretary Emmanuel Kibirige noted that the organization was born from that struggle — first as a social movement advocating for miners’ rights, before transitioning into a registered entity representing 23 associations and more than 3,000 people.
Government Hails Formalization Progress
Representing the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Commissioner Agnes Alaba congratulated MUMA for meeting all legal, financial, and technical requirements under the new law.
“This event marks a crucial milestone in our efforts to formalize Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector,” Alaba said. “Kasanda and the Greater Mubende region have historically contributed immensely to gold production, and it is fitting that MUMA leads the way under the new framework.”
She highlighted that over 7,500 miners — including 2,400 from Kassanda — have already undergone biometric registration as part of government efforts to strengthen traceability and accountability.
Training programs and benchmarking trips, such as last year’s study visit to Tanzania, were also cited as part of government’s strategy to promote responsible mining and build a regulated, productive ASM workforce.
Alaba emphasized that formalization is vital to Uganda’s “Tenfold Growth Strategy,” which seeks to expand the economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040. The license now enables MUMA to participate in the Bank of Uganda’s Domestic Gold Purchase Program, which buys gold exclusively from licensed local miners.
Local Leaders Praise Milestone
Kassanda RDC Phoebe Namulindwa hailed the milestone as a victory for both the district and the nation’s development agenda.
“Kassanda is blessed with natural wealth, and it is our duty to ensure these resources benefit our people,” she said. Namulindwa warned against internal divisions among miners, urging unity and responsible mining practices.
Bukuya County Member of Parliament, Dr. Michael K. Bukenya, praised MUMA for demonstrating resilience and focus despite years of setbacks.
“This has been a long and difficult journey, but MUMA is made up of achievers,” he said. He encouraged the group to prioritize environmental sustainability and social responsibility in line with the People, Planet, and Profit (3Ps) model.
Civil Society: ‘This Is Just the Beginning’
Speakers from development partners including Solidaridad, The Impact Facility, GIZ, PlanetGold, and UGEITI applauded the milestone but emphasized the need for continued capacity building, transparency, and investment in local communities.
“The license is only the beginning,” said The Impact Facility’s Program Manager, Edward Ndirangu. “Now comes the hard work — consolidating operations, setting internal rules, and ensuring sustainability.”
He noted that artisanal and small-scale mining employs 20 times more people than large-scale mining and keeps over 80% of its earnings circulating locally, making it a critical engine for community empowerment.
A New Chapter for Uganda’s Small-Scale Miners
As celebrations concluded, MUMA’s leadership expressed optimism that the milestone will inspire artisanal miners nationwide — from Busia to Buhweju and Karamoja — to pursue formalization.
“We are only setting off,” Bukya said. “Many dismissed artisanal miners as incapable, but this license proves otherwise. Expect great things ahead.”
About MUMA
Founded in 2018, the Mubende United Miners Assembly represents 23 associations and more than 3,000 miners. The group holds Small-Scale Mining License SML 00575 at Kagaba Hill in Bukuya Town Council and an exploration license (EL00436) covering 8 square kilometers in Kassanda. MUMA is also a flagship member of UGAASM.
