Assessing the environmental and socio-economic effects of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Bitsya sub-county, Buhweju district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
The study assessed the environmental and socio-economic effects of ASGM in Bitsya sub-county, Buhweju district, Uganda, focusing on Kanoni and Muziguru villages. The specific objectives were to identify the environmental effects of ASGM, examine its social and economic effects, and suggest measures for ensuring sustainable gold mining practices in the area. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample of 75 respondents was selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, determined using Morgan’s formula. Data were collected through household questionnaires, observation, and key informant interviews, and analysed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics presented in tables. The findings showed that gold mining is central to the livelihoods of the community, with 89.3% of respondents directly involved in mining and 95.5% of miners reporting personal benefits such as employment and direct income from gold sales. However, most respondents (77.4%) rated environmental degradation in the area as moderate to very high, mainly due to mercury use, poor waste disposal, soil erosion, deforestation, and wetland degradation. Socially, 64% of respondents had personally experienced mining-related challenges such as loss of farmland and displacement, while 56% reported health problems linked to mining, including skin rashes and respiratory problems. Awareness of mining laws and exposure to sustainable mining training remained low. Respondents identified alternative livelihoods, environmental education, stronger law enforcement, and safer mining technologies as the most needed measures to improve mining practices. The study concluded that ASGM in Bitsya sub-county provides essential income where few other livelihood options exist, but it is simultaneously degrading the environment and exposing miners and their households to serious health and social risks. It recommends a balanced approach that supports alternative livelihoods, promotes mercury-free technologies such as the borax method, strengthens enforcement of existing mining regulations, and rehabilitates degraded wetlands and land to ensure more sustainable mining practices in the area.
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Undergraduate research report
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Nuwampire, E. (2026). Assessing the environmental and socio-economic effects of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Bitsya sub-county, Buhweju district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.