The thriving construction industry in Uganda heavily reliant on sand is facing increased scrutiny from environmentalists. Concerns center around non-compliance issues observed at numerous minefields.
In the sand and murrum mining sector, adherence to established environmental regulations is obligatory. However, approximately 85 percent of these mining sites feature abandoned open pits, posing potential disasters. Non-wetland areas reveal bare land devoid of vegetation, while wetland areas undergo significant ecological shifts, as disclosed by environmental and climate experts.
Abandoned mining sites with barren open pits are widespread in Central Uganda’s districts, including Mukono, Wakiso, Luweero, Nakaseke, Mpigi, Mityana, and Kiboga. Miners frequently move to new sites, leaving behind environmentally hazardous open pits, raising concerns about compliance with licensing and rehabilitation plans.
Despite the 2018 Mining Policy mandating clear demarcation and a well-defined environmental rehabilitation plan before permit issuance, the scattered open pits challenge the policy’s enforcement. In districts like Wakiso and Mukono, blame is directed at lax environment protection enforcement plans, often remaining on paper without implementation.
Matia Lwanga Bwanika, Wakiso District LC5 Chairperson, emphasizes the need for responsible sand mining practices. While acknowledging the sand’s importance in construction, he criticizes the industry’s disregard for wetland ecosystems and environmental guidelines, compounded by revenue evasion.
Areas around Kajjansi Town Council and Mende and Masulita Subcounties in Wakiso are flagged as problematic, with rampant flouting of mining and environmental guidelines. Despite providing income and employment opportunities, the lucrative sand business is seen as detrimental to the environment in Wakiso and Mukono.
Concerns About Environmental Impact
Environmentalists, including Mr. Johnson Beebwa Ssemanda, warn of the dire consequences of unregulated sand mining on climate change mitigation. Failure to fill open pits poses risks to both human and animal life, undermining efforts to protect the environment.
In Luweero and Nakaseke Districts, major suppliers of sand for Kampala City construction, authorities lament non-operational environment management guidelines. Unattended open pits in Kito Village, Luweero, highlight the adverse effects on once-productive land and incidents of accidents.
Blame Game and Enforcement Challenges
District Local Governments blame sand miners, some licensed and supervised by NEMA, for environmental degradation. Limited funds hinder effective monitoring, allowing miners to relocate without fulfilling restoration orders, as noted by George Abel Nkugwa, Nakaseke District Natural Resources Officer.
Nakaseke District LC5 Chairperson Ignatius Kiwanuka Koomu adds concerns about damaged access roads caused by unruly sand miners, some affiliated with influential figures. The sand mining industry’s powerful actors exploit enforcement loopholes, leading to unchecked illegal mining activities.
Licensing Guidelines and Legal Framework
Mining licenses for sand and murrum, regulated by the Mineral and Mining regulations 2023, mandate adherence to environmental laws. However, over 70% of abandoned sand mines deviate from guidelines, leaving degraded areas with open pits.
The government’s 2015 guidelines for sand mining emphasize refilling mined areas, demarcating fields, and having an environmental rehabilitation plan. The National Environment Management Act 2019 outlines sustainable wetland resource utilization and restrictions on wetland use without proper authorization.
