New dawn as Mubende artisanal miners receive license

The Government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has granted Mubende United Artisanal Miners Association (MUMA) their official Mining Licence 

The milestone marked a new beginning for hundreds of hard-working miners who have long sought official recognition and dignity in their trade.

The achievement follows a strategic partnership MUMA forged with Eurogold, formalised by a Memorandum of Understanding signed at Eurogold’s Kampala head office on November 3, 2025. 

Under the MoU, Euro Gold is to purchase raw gold directly from MUMA, which will then be refined to the highest international standard—99.9% purity, 24-carat—for global trading. 

This initiative forms part of Euro Gold’s broader strategy to build a more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable gold industry in Uganda.

The handover event took place in Bukya Town Council, Mubende District, where the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, was represented by Commissioner for Mines, Ms. Agnes Alaba. 

She officially handed the mining license to representatives of MUAMA Mines and Euro Gold, including Euro Gold’s representative, Mr. Bernard Feni.

MUMA Chairman, Mr. John Bosco, expressed gratitude, adding that the license marked a historic milestone for the artisanal miners. 

“For years, our members have worked tirelessly to gain recognition. This license gives us a new beginning—one based on dignity, compliance, and opportunity,” he noted.

Mr. Feni in his remarks, reaffirmed the refinery’s commitment to empowering local miners and promoting ethical sourcing across Uganda’s gold value chain. 

“We are dedicated to fostering responsible mining practices and creating long-term prosperity for communities that form the backbone of this industry,” he said.

Gold remains one of Uganda’s top export commodities, contributing to foreign exchange earnings, employment, and investment. 

With this new partnership, Euro Gold and the Mubende miners are expected to strengthen collaboration, enhance value addition, and ensure that the benefits of Uganda’s mineral wealth are shared equitably and sustainably across local communities.