Karamojongs urged to embrace investors for collective prosperity

Karamoja, (UG):- The people of Karamoja have been urged to embrace and collaborate with investors in the mineral sector to fully harness the potential benefits of the abundant minerals in their region. 

The call to action was sounded by the newly appointed Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Peter Lokeris, during a meeting aimed at addressing pivotal issues concerning the mining sector centering on promoting harmony, fostering constructive working relationships, and enhancing cooperation among all stakeholders involved in mining activities in the Karamoja region.

Lokeris stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that local communities derive maximum benefits from their natural resources by bolstering security, improving infrastructure including roads and electricity, and enacting robust laws to safeguard the interests of both investors and communities.

To facilitate fair and equitable distribution of benefits from mining, Eneku Gerald, the Inspector of Mines for the Karamoja region, said there are laws that allow for benefit-sharing agreements between mining companies and local communities which he said, are geared towards creating an enabling environment for miners while ensuring that neighbouring communities partake in the benefits of resource extraction.

“According to the terms of the mineral benefit-sharing agreement, 70 per cent of mining revenue goes to the government, with 15 per cent for the district, 10 per cent for the sub-county, and 5 per cent directly benefiting the communities where mining operations are conducted,” Eneku noted

Eneku stressed that the agreement guarantees the community a share in the economic benefits derived from mineral extraction, emphasizing that decisions regarding community development projects rest solely with the local population, free from external influence.

Additionally, Eneku emphasized the need for corporate social responsibility, stating that mining companies should engage in community development programs guided by the locals themselves rather than government or politicians. 

Addressing concerns raised by local community leader Paul Moru regarding mining activities encroaching on protected areas such as game reserves, Eneku clarified that mining in such areas is contingent upon obtaining surface rights and approval from relevant authorities.

In a bid to prevent the exploitation of minerals leaving the region, David Ssebbaggala, the Senior Inspector of Mines at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, announced that the government has procured two weighbridges to be installed in Karamoja in Tapac and Rupa sub-counties, although a specific timeline has not been provided.

The bridges he said will accurately determine the quantity of mineral resources leaving the sub-region. 

Despite past challenges such as bureaucracy, delays, and funding constraints, Ssebbaggala assured that the installations will be operational by the end of the calendar year. 

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Energy in 2011 revealed that the Karamoja region is endowed with reserves of 50 minerals, including gold, limestone, uranium, marble, graphite, gypsum, iron, wolfram, nickel, copper, cobalt, tin, diamonds, among others.