Peninah Asiimwe

As the planetGOLD Uganda project reaches its halfway mark of implementation, the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector stands at a defining moment, one where every stakeholder is moving to make mercury use a thing of the past.

Mining provides a lifeline for many families like Monica’s in Tiira, where it’s the main source of income they know. Monica’s story is of resilience, empowerment, and change. She is defying odds and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sector.

The planetGOLD Uganda project hosted a delegation from Kenya’s Ministry of Cooperatives, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development at the Kayonza Mine Site in Kassanda District in May 2025. The visit marked an important milestone in promoting cross-border learning and collaboration within the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector.

planetGOLD Uganda recently partnered with the Department of Mines to train 22 police officers from the Police Minerals Protection Unit, a division under the Uganda Police Force. This police unit works to protect minerals, enforce mining regulations, and ensure compliance with the Mining & Minerals Act while collaborating with local governments to sensitize communities on safe mining practices.

The planetGOLD Uganda project convened key stakeholders in Kampala on October 4, for its second annual meeting, uniting voices in support of a more responsible artisanal gold mining sector. This gathering marks three years since the project inception.

Located in Uganda’s Namayingo District, Buhere Mine Site highlights both the challenges and opportunities faced by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities. What sets this site apart is its proximity to Lake Victoria, emphasizing the critical need for responsible mining practices.

The Uganda Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, with support from the planetGOLD Uganda project, conducted a series of nationwide consultation workshops to discuss the proposed artisanal mining regulations under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022.

“We are privileged to have planetGOLD come for sensitisation and especially teaching us on the dangers of mercury use which has been the predominant chemical for use in the catching of gold.”

To gain firsthand insights into artisanal and small-scale gold mining, Uganda government officials, alongside representatives from various stakeholders, embarked on a field visit to the Kayonza Mine Site.

In a significant step towards responsible artisanal gold mining, the planetGOLD Uganda project hosted its annual stakeholders meeting in November, under the theme, “Building Uganda’s mercury-free artisanal gold mining sector.”