AAU JOINS PARTNERS IN HOSTING THE CITIZEN'S CONVENTION ON MINING 2020.

ActionAid Uganda (AAIU), Global Rights Alert (GRA), Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), Transparency International Uganda (TIU) and the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, on Thursday 24th September 2020 jointly organized and hosted the 4th Annual Citizens' Convention on Mining.

The event themed "sustainable development of mineral wealth in East Africa'' was birthed by the Global Rights Alert to provide an inclusive platform where citizens can ask, inform and account for Uganda's mineral resources.

The core objective of this year's convention was to discuss and address issues on mineral exploitation, investment, utilization of minerals, value addition and issues of unpaid/underpaid labor of miners.

ActionAid Uganda's Country Director on behalf of other Civil Society Organizations gave the welcoming remarks at the event. In his remarks, Mr. Xavier Ejoyi noted that the sustainability of any wealth attributed to the mining sector is not dependent on the size of mineral deposits, global prices, foreign direct investment, etc. but a deliberate decision by all stakeholders to place citizens' participation at the heart of the mineral development.

This event was attended by representatives from all partner organizations, the media, and the government of Uganda. It was also covered live on NTV Uganda.

AAIU is currently implementing a program with support from the Democratic Government Facility (DGF): Citizens Actions for Greater Accountability and Improved Public Service Delivery (CAGDS). 

This project, among others, seeks to enhance the interactions between mining communities, the government and private sector for more responsive, transparent, and accountable sector leadership that prioritizes the development interests of citizens.