Media, civil society urged to safeguard rights of Karamojong in face of mining explosion

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Media, civil society urged to safeguard rights of Karamojong in face of mining explosion
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Media and civil society organizations have been urged to take an active role in protecting the rights of Karamoja residents affected by mining activities.

During a one-day training in Moroto, organized by Resource Rights Africa, residents expressed concerns over land grabbing, environmental degradation, human rights violations, and the failure of mining companies to pay royalties and surface rights compensation to local communities.

Betty Angolere , a resident of Tapac Sub County, revealed that despite Tororo Cement mining in the area for over 20 years, they have yet to receive any surface rights compensation.

"We've seen our land taken, but no compensation has been given to us," Angolere lamented.

The Mining Act 2003 under Part (VII) requires a surface rights agreement to be negotiated with land owners prior to active mining, and payments of royalties to lawful landowners once revenues flow.

Residents are now calling on the government to hold mining companies accountable for their actions in Karamoja.

Vicky Gloria Auma, Legal Officer at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, emphasized that there are legal mechanisms available for dispute resolution and redress.

She urged residents to make use of independent accountability platforms to ensure that mining companies adhere to environmental and social standards.

Auma also called on civil society and the media to play a key role in addressing these injustices.

"Civil society organizations can advocate, raise awareness, and build local capacity, while the media can investigate and expose violations, building public pressure for change," she said.

In his closing remarks, Andrew Byaruhanga, Executive Director of Resource Rights Africa, urged stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the principles of access to remedy under business and human rights frameworks.

"It’s time to safeguard the rights of those living in Karamoja’s mineral-rich regions," he stressed.

The call for action has resonated with communities who have long suffered the consequences of unregulated mining, as they hope for greater accountability from both the government and mining corporations.

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