Stakeholders push for community benefits at great lakes mining Mkutano

The annual gathering is focusing on promoting responsible mining practices, strengthening community rights, formalising artisanal mining operations and ensuring that communities hosting mining projects receive tangible social and economic benefits.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, ACEMP Executive Director Don Bwesigye Biyina said the Mkutano has become an important regional platform for fostering dialogue among governments, mining communities, investors and development partners on sustainable mineral development.

He said the mining sector presents enormous opportunities for economic transformation, but these can only be realised if mining activities respect human rights, protect the environment and create meaningful benefits for local communities.

"The Mkutano provides a unique opportunity for communities, government institutions and investors to work together in promoting responsible mining practices that leave no one behind," Biyina said.

Uganda is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic player in the global energy transition due to its vast deposits of critical minerals required for clean energy technologies. The country is estimated to possess about 350 million tonnes of rare earth elements, while Kitgum District hosts significant graphite deposits, both of which are essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines and other renewable energy technologies.

With global demand for critical minerals expected to rise sharply, stakeholders noted that Uganda has an opportunity to attract responsible investment while ensuring mining contributes to sustainable development and improved livelihoods.

Participants at the conference called for reforms aimed at unlocking the potential of artisanal and small-scale mining, which provides employment to thousands of Ugandans but continues to face challenges, including limited access to finance, slow licensing procedures and inadequate technical support.

They urged government agencies to accelerate licensing processes, expand financing opportunities for artisanal miners and strengthen engagement with communities affected by mining activities.

Delegates also emphasised the need to integrate Business and Human Rights principles into mining operations, saying companies should uphold environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards while respecting the rights of local communities.

The conference further highlighted the importance of increasing women's participation in the mining value chain, improving transparency in mineral governance and promoting accountability among both public institutions and private investors.