Uganda is rich in natural resource wealth such as gold, tin and phosphate that could create jobs and support the country’s developing economy by generating tax revenues. However, our 18 month long investigation has exposed endemic corruption and mismanagement in the country’s fledgling mining sector that means crooked officials, and international investors are profiting at the expense of Uganda’s people, environment and economy. 

Key findings of the investigation include:Miners are working in dangerous, largely unregulated conditions – with children exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. Almost half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas are at risk as mining threatens Bwindi and Rwenzori national parks, part of the famous Virunga ecosystem, and also risks the economically critical tourism industry which depends on the country’s natural beauty and wildlife. The country is deprived of tax revenues that could be spent on schools, hospitals and roads. Minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan - that might be funding conflict and human rights abuses – pass through Uganda on their way to international markets.