Government of Uganda plans to amend the Mining Act 2001 to allow intending investors in the mining industry to access private land that contains minerals without negotiating with the land owners. Currently, investors seeking mining business have to obtain consent of the private owners of the land where mineral deposits exist.

This law amendment comes at the height of vast discoveries of different minerals deposits across the country. If this law is passed, many Ugandans will be landless, poor and destitute in their own country. Yet the objective of Africa Mining Vision and Country Mining Vision is to transform extractives to improve livelihoods and industrialisation.

Sustainable development can only be achieved if it is driven by Ugandans working closely with foreign investors, not by placing mineral resources in the hands of profit-oriented international investors and shareholders.