By. Oola Courage Allan
Communication Officer kitgum
ACEMP and Enabel Build Capacity of Kitgum Leaders to Strengthen Community Participation in Mining Governance
Leaders in Kitgum District have been urged to embrace teamwork, transparency, and continuous community engagement to ensure that local communities benefit from the emerging graphite mining industry in Orom East Sub-county.
The call was made during a technical capacity-building engagement organized by the Africa Centre for Energy and Mineral Policy (ACEMP) in partnership with Enabel under the project "Promoting Rights, Accountability and Citizen Participation in the Exploitation of Mineral Resources."
According to the executive director ACEMP Don Bwesigye Binyina, the initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of Kitgum District Local Government officials and host communities in the graphite-rich Orom East Sub-county to meaningfully engage with Consolidated African Resources Limited, the mineral developer operating in the area. The project also seeks to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required to sustainably manage mining-related revenues, including surface rights compensation, anticipated mineral royalties, and other economic opportunities expected to arise from mining operations.
Speaking during the engagement, the Kitgum District LCV Chairperson Hon. Olenge Toolit Tonny emphasized that the success of the mining sector will largely depend on effective collaboration among government institutions, investors, cultural leaders, civil society organizations, and the host communities. He noted that the district must prepare itself to manage the opportunities and challenges that accompany large-scale mineral development through informed decision-making and accountable leadership.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Ssegawa Jimmy Ebil called upon all stakeholders to work together in promoting responsible mining, noting that the Government of Uganda envisions economic transformation through strategic sectors, with mining being one of the key drivers of national development.
"The mining sector presents enormous opportunities for employment, infrastructure development and local economic growth. However, these benefits can only be realized through collaboration, transparency, and continuous sensitization of our communities," the RDC said.
He further urged leaders to remain united in ensuring that communities understand both their rights and responsibilities throughout the mining process while encouraging investors to operate responsibly and in accordance with the country's laws.
Chief Administrative Officer represented by Adokorach Pamale (PAS) underscored the importance of timely and accurate information sharing among stakeholders. She observed that many conflicts associated with extractive industries arise from misinformation and limited public awareness.
"The people must be equipped with accurate information so they clearly understand their roles, rights and obligations. Continuous information sharing will enhance public knowledge, build trust between communities, government and investors, and promote peaceful coexistence," the CAO said.
She encouraged technical officers to strengthen community sensitization efforts, provide regular updates on mining developments, and support local leaders in addressing concerns raised by residents.
Facilitators from ACEMP highlighted the need for increased citizen participation in mineral governance, noting that informed communities are better positioned to negotiate fairly, monitor mining activities, and ensure that benefits derived from natural resources contribute to sustainable local development.
The engagement also provided participants with a platform to discuss legal frameworks governing mineral resource management, the roles of local governments in overseeing mining activities, mechanisms for managing surface rights compensation, anticipated mineral royalty sharing arrangements, and strategies for maximizing local economic opportunities such as employment, business development, and service provision.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making as Kitgum District prepares for increased graphite mining activities in Orom East Sub-county.
The capacity-building engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by ACEMP and Enabel to strengthen local governance systems and empower communities to actively participate in the responsible and sustainable exploitation of Uganda's mineral resources, ensuring that mining contributes to improved livelihoods and inclusive socio-economic development.