Bugiri, Uganda: Resource Rights Africa (RRA) has rolled out fifteen puppet shows across Bugiri, Bugweri, and Namayingo districts to sensitize communities on the intersection of business and human rights, amid growing fears of forced relocation linked to new rare-earth mineral discoveries in the Busoga sub-region.
The campaign, supported by Enabel-The Belgian Development Agency with funding from the European Union (EU), seeks to empower communities to understand their rights and demand accountability from businesses whose activities threaten land ownership, labour rights, and the environment.
“The region being rural, the population is largely uninformed of their rights and has limited capacity to engage in decision-making on issues pertaining to labour, land, and environmental rights, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). This presents risks for exploitation and increases community vulnerability,” the concept note states.
The puppet shows, running from July 27 to August 14, 2025, are expected to reach 1,500 participants, including local leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
The interactive performances will not only raise awareness but also capture community concerns about business conduct in the districts while exploring strategies to mitigate abuses.
RRA highlights that while mining and other investments present opportunities for employment, revenue generation, and infrastructure development, they also pose risks of land grabbing, child labour, environmental degradation, and abuse of labour rights.
The organization warns that without awareness and proper mechanisms for redress, families affected by displacement or abuses are often left vulnerable and voiceless.
“Most community members do not know or cannot access the judicial and non-judicial mechanisms available for handling human rights complaints. These puppet shows aim to change that by simplifying the information and ensuring victims know where to seek redress,” the note emphasizes.
The initiative comes at a critical time, with over 500 families in Busoga facing possible relocation to pave the way for rare-earth mining projects, raising serious questions about land rights and livelihoods in the mineral-rich region.
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