Uganda has formally launched its first artisanal mining licence, marking a major step towards bringing small-scale miners into the formal mining sector and promoting responsible gold production.
State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro announced the launch of Kakoka Artisanal Mining Cooperative Society Limited, which was issued licence AML006644. The cooperative is based in Abim District, where gold mining is expected to play a growing role in the local economy.
Nyamutoro said the licensing of Kakoka followed a lengthy process that required the miners to meet regulatory and compliance requirements before receiving approval.
“Yesterday we officially launched Kakoka Artisanal Mining Cooperative Society Limited licensed as AML006644,” Nyamutoro said.
She congratulated the cooperative and miners for becoming the first group to secure an artisanal mining licence, describing the development as an important milestone for the sector.
According to the minister, the process involved several stages and required patience from the miners as they worked to comply with the requirements under the Mining and Minerals Act 2022.
“It’s been a journey going through the processes back and forth, the patience exhibited on compliance and appreciation of the Mining and Minerals Act 2022 is recommendation we give to all other artisans,” she said.
Nyamutoro urged other artisanal miners across the country to work with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to obtain the necessary support and formalise their operations.
The government has increasingly sought to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining, a sector that provides livelihoods to thousands of Ugandans but has also faced challenges linked to regulation, safety, environmental management and mineral value retention.
Nyamutoro said the Kakoka project would serve as the starting point for a broader gold initiative in Abim, with emphasis on sustainable and responsible mining practices.
“This is the beginning of a gold project in Abim built on sustainable responsible mining and value addition, many more to mushroom with bigger investments,” she said.
She also expressed optimism that the formalisation of the cooperative would encourage further investment in the district's mining industry while supporting greater value addition to locally produced minerals.
Nyamutoro thanked Abim leaders and other stakeholders who supported the milestone, specifically acknowledging Hon. Esther Aanyakun for joining the launch.
The licensing of Kakoka provides a formal framework for its mining activities and could pave the way for other artisanal miners in the region to seek legal recognition and operate under established mining regulations.