The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has disbursed shs18 million to each of three women-led groups located in Apila, Got Ngeta, and Doli Hill in Lira City under the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme.
According to Anthony Too Odida, the project’s regional coordinator for the Lango sub-region, the initiative aims to empower women-led Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Enterprises (ASMEs) by enhancing their productive capacities.
“This project is focused on improving the value of stone products to increase market competitiveness, supporting ASMEs to formalize their operations, and helping them access better markets and resources,” Too Odida explained.
Nighty Akulu, a member of Parpi Awoti group in Ngeta Hill, shared that the group has already used part of the funds to purchase essential safety gear for miners, including reflector jackets, gumboots, gloves, protective helmets, and safety glasses.
She added that the remaining funds are safely deposited in Centenary Bank account.
Group leaders, including Parpi Awoti chairperson Coline Aceng, appealed to UNDP to provide clean water sources at the mining sites.
“Currently, we have no water points. We are forced to carry jerry cans from home, and the water often becomes too hot under the sun,” Aceng said.
Patrick Wacha, councillor for Anyangapuc Ward in Ngeta, and Tom Awio, councillor for Acwao Ward, raised concerns about the health risks miners face due to dust from trucks belonging to nearby construction companies.
Wacha criticized the companies operating at Ngeta Hill for failing to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities, including conducting environmental health assessments, opening community access roads, and providing clean water.
On environmental safeguards, Moses Oloro, the forestry and environment officer, assured the community that he would escalate the issue to city authorities to ensure construction companies adopt sustainable mining practices that minimize environmental degradation.
During a site visit on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Florence Ochola, UNDP Regional Manager for Northern Uganda, urged group members to use the funds responsibly.
“The money is meant for value addition activities such as purchasing grinding machines, planting trees, and acquiring hand-held production tools. It is not for distribution among members,” Ochola emphasized.
She reiterated that the overall goal is to support women-led ASMEs to promote economic growth, sustainable development, and poverty reduction—not short-term personal gains.
The ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme is being implemented in 13 districts across Uganda, including Gulu (with one group) and Lango (with three groups).
The project, which began in March and is scheduled to end in December 2025, is expected to improve the livelihoods of its beneficiaries by boosting productivity, creating jobs, and increasing household incomes.
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