Uganda’s artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASM) sector can have a more pronounced impact on the country’s economy with more strategic partnerships and use of efficient technologies.
These were the sentiments of Prof. Gbenga Okunlola, President of the Geological Society of Africa, and Mosa Mabuza, Secretary General of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS), who were part of a delegation of about 60 geoscientists from across Africa on a visit of the Mubende United Miners’ Assembly (MUMA) mining zone in Bukuya, Kassanda.
The geologists visited MUMA after attending the 17th OAGS General Assembly held in Entebbe from November 19 to 21, 2025.
Mabuza said the field tour was meant to offer the experts an opportunity to observe ASM operations in Uganda, assess the geology of the area, and explore potential partnerships to support MUMA in advancing safer, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible mining practices.
MUMA, which brings together 23 associations, recently celebrated its acquisition of a Small-Scale Mining License (SML 00575) that covers 1sqkm around Kagaba Hill in Bukuya, Kassanda district.
The group started out in 2018 as a movement advocating for miners’ rights before evolving into a formal, community-driven mining entity. A flagship member of the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM), it also holds an 8 sq.km exploration license within Kassanda.
MUMA has created opportunities for over 3,000 people – mostly casual labourers – who currently operate 25 active underground pits (reaching 150 metres deep or more) and four processing centers.
At least 12 of these pits produce 8,000 tonnes of ore per month – at an average of 2 to 3 grams of gold per tonne.
These numbers can be significantly bettered, argues Prof Okunlola and Mabuza.
Okunlola, an economic geologist at the University of Ibadan with over 40 years’ of experience, described the MUMA area as exceptionally mineralized but warned that without scientific exploration and structured mining, Uganda risked losing vast quantities of gold through inefficient extraction.
“These pits are producing just two to three grams per tonne, but I can already see zones that could yield 6, 7 or even 20 grams per tonne,” he said, “This deposit is part of a major crater system stretching through Tanzania and DR Congo, and gold here may extend down to 1.5 kilometres, possibly even deeper.”
Ruth Nankabirwa (C) Minister of Energy and Mineral Development opened the OAGS AGM
Because artisanal methods cannot safely reach beyond 200 to 300 metres, Okunlola emphasized that MUMA would benefit immensely from partnering with professional exploration firms – partners he said OAGS can help identify and vet.
Instead of MUMA spending its limited resources on risky and shallow exploration, he explained, well-structured partnerships with credible private operators could allow deeper exploration and optimal resource extraction, with clearly defined profit-sharing agreements.
Mabuza confirmed that OAGS was ready to coordinate partnerships, introduce modern extraction technologies, and ensure that Uganda benefits from Africa-wide geological knowledge and experience.
“MUMA’s safety protocols and organisation is impressive. I don’t take for granted that we found mobility enhancement tools already prepared for us when we visited. If we combine this orderliness with geological input, this becomes a beautiful project to start with as the deposit is massive with the veins quite laterally extensive,” said Mabuza.
While over 60% of Uganda’s mining workforce is employed in artisanal and small-scale mining, the country’s gold potential is far greater than what current artisanal methods reveal, he emphasized.
“Geology does not carry country labels. The rocks here resemble settings in Ghana and South Africa – all major producers. Uganda could even overtake them if it mobilizes its resources and expertise,” Mabuza added.
One of the more critical discussions revolved around environmental protection and the shift from hazardous chemicals used in extracting gold from ores like mercury and cyanide.
Uganda’s Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 banned mercury, without providing alternatives, which left miners resorting to cyanide, according to John Bosco Bukya, the chairman, MUMA and UGAASM.
Cyanide poses an even greater environmental threat, especially given Uganda’s extensive water bodies including numerous rivers and lakes like River Nile and Lake Victoria, the geologists noted.
Mabuza called for transition toward bioleaching, a microbial extraction method already used by small-scale miners in Ghana.
“Bioleaching is 60% more efficient, 40% cheaper, and environmentally safe,” he said, “Where you are getting three grams per ton, you could realize as many as 36 grams with bioleaching – while protecting your water resources.”
Bukya welcomed the idea but stressed the need for practical demonstration, noting past experiences with ineffective technologies like borax – that was introduced to them by an NGO.
“We need proof that these new technologies you are suggesting work. If our members are convinced, they will adopt it immediately – not just here, but nationwide,” he said.
Mabuza committed to organizing a bioleaching pilot demonstration for MUMA. If implemented, the proposed exploration partnerships and bioleaching usage could become the model for ASM transformation across Africa, he added.
Importantly, both Okunlola and Mabuza dismissed fears that mechanization would displace workers.
“One good machine saves 100 man-hours,” Okunlola explained, “Miners will not lose jobs – they will gain safer, better-paying, smarter jobs.”
He argued that Africans must shift from rudimentary mining to cooperative-based, investor-supported operations that secure local ownership while improving extraction efficiency.
Miners will then be able to own shares and earn dividends from their own mining cooperatives which will be employing mechanized methods across the value chain.
Bukya expressed enthusiasm for piloting new technologies that could lift the entire ASM sector.
“Gold mining in Uganda is still virgin. If this works for MUMA, we will share it across the country through UGAASM,” he said.
New Johannesburg
Mabuza, who is also CEO of South Africa’s Council for Geoscience, described artisanal miners as pathfinders of development, comparing early Johannesburg to the humble state of Bukuya today.
He predicted that with proper support, Uganda’s mineral wealth could spark the birth of new towns, universities, hospitals and industries – just as gold did for Johannesburg.
“I understand only village pathways were visible here five years ago. Now you have cars, business, and geologists from across Africa visiting. That is remarkable,” he said.
Mabuza (L) predicts that the MUMA mining activities will transform the village centre (R) into a major city in future
OAGS’ vision to ensure Africa benefits from its vast mineral and geological wealth, is stronger than ever before, Mabuza said, noting that while he had hesitated about making the Kassanda trip, he had been left inspired after the visit.
“MUMA must be celebrated and supported because it has started something absolutely remarkable. History should judge these guys correctly for having commenced a whole new trajectory of development; not only for their community, but also for their country – and I dare say the entire eastern African region and African continent. This trip has made my day,” he added.
With a growing worldwide demand for critical minerals to power the energy transition campaign, Mabuza notes that these are “exciting” times for geologists.
“There can be no energy transition without minerals. Africa holds two-thirds of what the world needs, yet Africans don’t know what they have. We must coordinate our geological knowledge. It is something we will be taking on with Gabriel Data, the new OAGS President – who happens to be Ugandan,” he said.
Data is also the Assistant Commissioner, Geology at the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM), under Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
OAGS now aims to strengthen links with the African Union, improve “geoscience diplomacy”, and expand strategic partnerships beyond the continent. Its priorities span minerals, water, infrastructure, environmental protection, seismic risks and more, he noted.
“Geology underpins everything. These are exciting times for Africa. Every citizen must take interest in the continent’s resources and hold us geologists to account,” said Mabuza.
