local government 17 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kanungu Leaders Seek Share of Gold Proceeds for Service Development
Local leaders in Kanungu District are demanding that the licensed gold mining company contribute to improving essential services like roads, health, and water due to a significant population increase driven by mining activities. They propose a Memorandum of Understanding for at least one percent of gold proceeds to be allocated for infrastructure development. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kanungu-leaders-demand-share-of-gold-proceeds-to-boost-services-5598912
Leaders in Kanungu District, specifically in the villages of Kabugari, Kanyabweza, Kabahesi, and Mishenyi, are calling on the government to ensure that Shiye Mining Company Ltd, the licensed gold mining operator, contributes more to local service delivery. The influx of people drawn by gold discoveries has nearly doubled the population of Kayungwe sub-county, from 6,038 to 13,500, straining existing social services.
During a recent consultative meeting, local officials, including LCIII Chairperson Gaston Bataringaya, proposed a formal agreement. This memorandum of understanding would ideally see at least one percent of the gold mined allocated towards crucial infrastructure development and service expansion. “We need the government and the Gold mining license holder to consider expanding social services especially roads, health facilities, piped clean water to serve the increased population,” Bataringaya stated.
The leaders also expressed concerns about rising crime rates, including theft and rape, and requested enhanced security measures. They highlighted the need for government intervention to protect the rights of landlords in mining areas. Shiye Mining Ltd has acknowledged these demands, with Director Isaac Kitaka confirming that the company is working with the Ministry of Health to upgrade Mishenyi Health Centre II to Health Centre III and is planning a gravity flow water scheme.
District officials are also taking steps, with Kanungu LCV Chairperson Francis Byamukama mentioning the drafting of local ordinances related to mining, including waste management and health and safety. The district is also seeking the lifting of a ban on receiving royalties from gold mining to bolster local revenue. Furthermore, a district mining coordination committee is being established to better regulate mining activities and ensure that artisanal miners also have opportunities to benefit from the region’s mineral wealth.
Ambrose Amanyire Mwesigye, Kanungu Resident District Commissioner, assured that security profiling of miners and employees would be conducted to curb criminality.