They are running a media campaign for promotion of decent work, occupational and health safety and elimination of child labour in Uganda’s artisanal and small scale sector (ASM) with the overall goal of fostering responsible gold mining practices and improving livelihood of mining communities.
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A global network charged with advocacy for livelihood improvement, fair trade promotion and fostering sustainable supply chains has launched a media campaign for promoting decent work, occupational health safety and elimination of child labour in the artisan gold mining sector.
Solidaridad Uganda working through a broader project called Reclaim Sustainability! Gold Project, aims to empower artisanal and small scale miners while advancing responsible mining practices and social justice. It is working in collaboration with Uganda Artisanal and Small Scale Miners Association (UGASM).
The project is being implemented through the story telling approach with a view to humanize challenges faced by mining communities and inspire collective action from policy makers, private sector actors and development partners. As part of the campaign, miners, community leaders and advocates will share experiences, emphasizing the need for reforms and the impact of the Reclaim Sustainability! Gold Project.
They are running a media campaign for promotion of decent work, occupational and health safety and elimination of child labour in Uganda’s artisanal and small scale sector (ASM) with the overall goal of fostering responsible gold mining practices and improving livelihood of mining communities.
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According to a release by Solidaridad Communication Officer, Samuel Tatambuka issued on May 5, 2025, the campaign is designed to raise awareness, advocate for improved policy reforms, improved enforcement of existing workers’ and child protection policy, legislation and regulatory frameworks and encourage stakeholders to invest and advocate for sustainable and ethical mining practices.
Artisanal and small-scale mining is a critical economic activity for thousands of Ugandans, providing employment and supporting livelihoods for youth, women and women in and around mining communities across the country. However, the sector is often plagued by challenges, including unsafe working conditions, informal employment structures, and the persistent issue of child labour, the release continued.
It was noted that there is an urgent need for improved occupational health and safety standards within the ASM sector, adding that currently, to earn a decent living, many miners feel compelled to work under conditions whose safety isn’t guaranteed, exposing themselves to inadequate safety equipment, chemicals like mercury and sodium cyanide, among others, and unstable underground and open-cast mining structures.
“Through storytelling, advocacy, and media engagement, Solidaridad aims to shine a spotlight on the human cost of unsafe mining and advocate for practical interventions to protect workers’ rights and well-being”, the communications officer noted.
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In addition, Child labour remains a pressing issue in Uganda’s ASM sector, depriving children of their education and exposing them to hazardous work. The campaign, it was further noted, underscores the importance of creating safe spaces for children while promoting access to education and alternative livelihoods for families that rely on mining by partnering with local communities and government agencies.
Solidaridad calls on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and private sector actors, to join in advocating for a safer, fairer ASM sector in Uganda.