AFLI in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Department of Geological Survey and Mines held an inter-agency coordination and advocacy meetings with state actors, mining investors and CLAs/CDTs to dialogue the resolution of emergent insecurity and human rights incidences, environment and mineral resource management issues on 27th June 2023 at Yellowstone Hotel in Moroto.
This meeting was a platform for presenting the emerging human rights and resource governance advocacy messages raised by the indigenous pastoral communities around mineral resource governance and benefits sharing. The meeting targeted Communal Land Associations (CLA’s) and Community Development Trusts (CDTs) members, representatives from mining investor companies, artisanal miners, government officials, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) representatives.
Present in the meeting were Moroto District Local Government officials, the Commissioner Ministry of Energy and Mineral development, Representatives from the Office of the Regional Inspector of mines. Also present were CSO’s like Karamoja Development Forum, Dynamic Agro Pastoralist Development Organization (DADO). Also present were Executives of Communal Land Associations from Rupa and Loyoro. Mining companies like Sunbelt, Lomilo and Sons, Jinja Marble, local Artisanal mining license holders were also present.
One of the main purposes of the meeting was to bring stakeholders in the mining sector together to sensitize them on the new Mining and Minerals Act 2022 in order to have a common understanding on the mining industry. Other objectives included to provide an opportunity to the stakeholders in the mining sector to interact and know each other, to promote harmony, coordination and good working relations with various stakeholders in the mining sector among others.
During the dialogue, there was a general consensus on the need for the existing investors to positively impact the community through employment of the locals in the mining companies and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to translate the Mineral Act 2022 to the local Language for the natives to be able read and interpret.