Government Warns Namayingo Gold Miners Over Rising Accidents, Unsafe Practices

The Ugandan government has issued a stern warning to artisanal gold miners in Namayingo District regarding the escalating safety concerns and hazardous practices prevalent in the region. Officials highlighted that poor safety standards and a lack of compliance with mining regulations are placing thousands of miners in grave danger, leading to a rising number of deaths and injuries.

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Some sites are overcrowded; some people are mining without latrines. They don't use any mechanism to prevent any occurrence that can affect their lives. As the government, we have tried to sensitise the people, though compliance is a challenge.

This warning came during the launch of a sensitisation campaign focused on occupational safety, legal compliance, and environmental protection for artisanal and small-scale gold miners. Organized by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the campaign aims to address the critical issues facing the mining community. Namayingo Deputy Resident District Commissioner Yakuti Kalange noted the lack of basic protective equipment and sanitation facilities at many mining sites.

"Some sites are overcrowded; some people are mining without latrines. They don't use any mechanism to prevent any occurrence that can affect their lives. As the government, we have tried to sensitise the people, though compliance is a challenge," Kalange stated. He also raised concerns about the dangerous use of chemicals like sodium cyanide and mercury, and illegal mining activities near roads, which threaten infrastructure and increase maintenance costs.

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We really don't want to hear about death cases in the mining centres; it can be heartbreaking for someone to go mining in the morning, and in the evening they are no more.

Dalton Bakisuula from DOSH emphasized the exposure of miners to workplace hazards and improper handling of dangerous chemicals. He specifically pointed to the danger posed by abandoned and open mining pits, urging mine operators to fence off excavations and adhere to safety standards. Bakisuula cautioned against digging pits deeper than 10 meters, citing risks of collapsing soil and oxygen shortages. "Many mines have pits more than 10 metres deep; the pits should have an open end to allow people to exit and also allow free circulation of oxygen," he said.

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Many mines have pits more than 10 metres deep; the pits should have an open end to allow people to exit and also allow free circulation of oxygen.