The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), working with the Office of the President, has conducted a high-level inspection of artisanal gold mining operations in Kassanda District, signalling increased government focus on environmental compliance and community protection.
The exercise, led by NEMA Executive Director Barirega Akankwasah, brought together district leaders and national figures, including former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya, who now serves as Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment and Sanitation.
The delegation visited the Kitumbi–Kayonza artisanal mining site in Bukuya County, where officials engaged miners and local leaders on the need to adopt safer and more environmentally responsible practices.
Speaking during the visit, Akankwasah said while artisanal mining contributes to livelihoods, it must be regulated to prevent environmental degradation.
“Our role is to ensure that extraction of resources is done in a manner that does not harm the environment for current and future generations,” he said, citing the need to protect water sources, biodiversity and public health.
The inspection also assessed safety conditions at mining sites, where workers often face risks such as pit collapses and exposure to hazardous substances.
Officials emphasised the need for proper safety gear, training and emergency preparedness.
Bukenya said Kassanda’s mineral wealth presents an opportunity for economic growth, but warned that sustainability must guide exploitation.
“Gold mining can transform communities, but only if it is done responsibly. We must ensure it uplifts people without damaging the environment they depend on,” he said.
Community concerns were also raised during the visit, with discussions focusing on land use, access to water, and how local populations benefit from mining activities.
Officials stressed the importance of formalising operations to improve regulation and ensure communities share in the economic gains.
The team further reviewed licensing and compliance with environmental standards, as part of broader efforts to bring artisanal and small-scale gold mining under stricter oversight.
Despite progress, authorities acknowledged ongoing challenges, including weak enforcement in remote areas and limited technical capacity among small-scale miners.
Akankwasah said NEMA would strengthen monitoring, provide technical support to mining operators, and scale up awareness campaigns on environmental and health risks.
The joint engagement with the presidency is expected to reinforce enforcement and align national policy with on-ground implementation, as government moves to transform the sector into a safer and more sustainable contributor to the economy.
The Kassanda inspection underscores a growing shift toward tighter regulation of Uganda’s extractives sector, with authorities seeking to balance economic benefits with environmental protection and community well-being.
