- Over 50% of young women in mining sites contracted at least one STI in the past year.
- COVID-19 worsened economic hardships, pushing many into high-risk behaviors.
- Mercury exposure and poor working conditions pose serious health threats.
- Weak law enforcement leaves female miners vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
- Economic empowerment programs introduced to offer alternative livelihoods.
A shocking health crisis is unfolding in Uganda’s mining sector, where more than half of the young women working in artisanal mines have been diagnosed with at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI) over the past year.
This revelation comes from a study conducted by Makerere University’s Department of Population Studies, led by Professor Betty Kwagala. The research, which surveyed 810 women working in gold mines across Kassanda, Mubende, Busia, and Namayingo, highlights the dire health and economic conditions in these settlements.
COVID-19 Worsened Vulnerability
The study explored how the pandemic affected the well-being of these women. Findings indicate that economic desperation pushed many into risky sexual behaviors, with 28% of respondents admitting to having multiple partners in the past year.
Beyond sexual and reproductive health, researchers also examined occupational hazards, uncovering serious complications linked to mercury exposure—a common issue in small-scale mining.
Sexual Exploitation in Mining Sites
According to Dr. Stephen Ojambo Wandera, a lecturer at Makerere University, young women in mining communities face rampant sexual exploitation. Many are trafficked into these sites, increasing their risk of teen pregnancies and HIV infection.
Despite the presence of by-laws meant to offer protection, enforcement remains weak, leaving many women vulnerable. Dr. Wandera is calling for stricter regulations to prevent child labor in mines and to protect female miners from exploitation.
A Workforce at Risk
Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector is believed to employ around 40,000 women, though experts suggest this number could be much higher due to the transient nature of the industry. Many women move from one mining site to another in search of opportunities, making them even more vulnerable to exploitation.
Addressing the Crisis
Fred Ngabirano, Commissioner for Children and Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, acknowledged the long-standing issues of exploitation in mining communities. He emphasized that changing societal attitudes is key to finding lasting solutions.
As part of the research initiative, participants were trained in business management and provided with startup capital to explore alternative income sources. The initiative seeks to determine whether economic empowerment can help reduce reliance on risky survival strategies in mining settlements.
