Empowering Artisanal Miners Through Strategic Partnership
Over 3,000 artisanal gold miners in Mubende district have entered into a landmark partnership with Euro Gold Refinery Uganda Limited (EGR)—a local gold refining company committed to value addition and ethical sourcing.
Operating under the Mubende United Miners Assembly (MUMA), the miners believe this partnership will significantly improve their earnings compared to selling unrefined gold without access to a refinery.
What the Partnership Means for Miners
Under the agreement:
- EGR will purchase gold directly from Mubende miners
- The gold will be refined to 99.9% purity, meeting international standards
- Miners will receive fairer and more competitive prices
- The partnership promotes transparency and ethical sourcing
This initiative is expected to reduce exploitation in informal markets while strengthening Uganda’s gold value chain.
Strengthening Uganda’s Gold Industry
According to EGR country representative and director Bernard Feni, the memorandum of understanding signed with MUMA marks a significant milestone:
“This partnership will enhance Uganda’s gold export earnings while ensuring fair value for artisanal miners.”
He emphasized that the collaboration positions Uganda as a key player in the international gold market, while promoting responsible mining and refining practices.
Driving Value Addition and Economic Growth
EGR highlighted that true national development comes from local value creation:
- Processing gold within Uganda increases export value
- Enhances foreign exchange earnings
- Supports industrialization and sustainable development
The refinery also aligns with Uganda’s national agenda of exporting processed minerals instead of raw materials.
About Mining in Uganda
Mining plays a vital role in Uganda’s long-term economic vision:
- A key pillar of Vision 2040
- Target to increase mining’s GDP contribution from 1.9% to 7.9%
- Mineral revenues projected to grow significantly by 2030
- Employment expected to rise from 1.6 million to 2.6 million people
This partnership directly contributes to these national goals.
Promoting Ethical and Sustainable Mining
Speaking at the signing ceremony, John Bosco Bukya, chairperson of MUMA and the Uganda Artisanal Miners’ Association, reaffirmed their commitment to:
- Ethical sourcing
- Responsible mining practices
- Long-term community development
The partnership represents a shift toward a more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable gold sector.
A New Era for Uganda’s Gold Sector
The agreement symbolizes a new chapter for Uganda’s gold industry—one defined by:
- Strong partnerships
- Local value addition
- Sustainable growth
- Empowered artisanal miners
Additionally, the government has licensed the Kakoka Artisanal Miners Association in Kassanda district—the first licensed artisanal mining group operating under EGR.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Mubende miners and Euro Gold Refinery is more than a business deal—it’s a transformative step toward fair trade, economic empowerment, and industrial growth in Uganda’s mining sector.
As the country pushes toward Vision 2040, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of its mineral wealth.