A NATION BURDENED BY THE GHOSTS OF ITS PAST

"Endemic corruption and mismanagement in the country's fledgling mining sector that meas crooked officials, and international investors are profiting at the expense of Uganda's people, environment and economy."

On June 5, 2017 Global Witness released a report regarding Uganda's growing mining industry and the destruction it could cause. Rich in natural resource wealth such as gold, tin and phosphate, Uganda could easily create jobs and support its growing economy and people, but mismanagement and corruption stand in the way. After an 18-month investigation, it became clear that the very beauty that Uganda profits from through its tourist industry is being threatened by mining.  As seen in the map, mining is encroaching on the very parts of Uganda that the country's safaris market the most. As one of the most biodiverse countries in Africa, the loss of such areas would mean the end of an environment not found anywhere else.

 

The report details the story of a young boy named David who was tricked and confused out of his family's home by mining company representatives. The land was his family's only source of wealth, but at the age of 15, David, who as the eldest son had the land placed in his name, was unprepared to understand what was being taken from him. The mining sector could have helped families like David's but instead greed has swindled a family out of its livelihood and home. This story is not unique and it does not stop there.

 

Connections permit poorly qualified companies access and licenses where well-qualified, more environmentally friendly companies have been denied. There is a chance though, for things to be remedied before it is too late, as President Museveni has made the mining sector a priority. An overhaul of the system could save an environment headed towards a fate already seen across the world (g60).