Gold mining communities at risk, gov’t urged to intervene

The Ugandan government is being urged to help communities in gold-rich districts such as Buhweju, Mubende, and Busia manage mounting mineral waste. Businessman and engineer John Bosco Koy Karrisa warns that poor disposal practices, particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining, are fueling pollution and long-term environmental risks.Separately, Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego said this week the central bank is finalizing a procurement framework to guide its gold purchase program, which he described as being “in its final stages” and set for release soon.