Health experts urge artisanal miners to use protective gear

Artisanal and small-scale miners have been urged to prioritise the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) amid growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR) linked to occupational exposure in the mining sector.

The call was made on February 19, 2026, during a meeting between Members of Parliament on the House's Forum on Antimicrobial Resistance and officials from the  energy and mineral development ministry.

The meeting followed a February 2 request from the parliamentary forum seeking clarification on emerging environmental and public health risks associated with mining activities.

Presenting a statement, energy state minister Sidronius Opolot Okaasai said the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2006, obliges industry actors to ensure workers’ safety across sectors, including mining.

He noted that the law requires appropriate hazard control measures, use of PPE and monitoring of occupational exposures that may lead to infectious and non-infectious health outcomes.

Okaasai said the ministry has undertaken several initiatives to address safety gaps in the mining sector. These, he said, include training and awareness campaigns on best mining practices, legal and regulatory compliance, occupational health and safety requirements, and the use of PPE.

He added that the ministry intends to strengthen the capacity of local government health, environment and labour offices to monitor AMR risks at mining sites and to foster co-ordination between the health ministry and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Alanyo also stressed that parliamentary support would be critical in addressing funding gaps.

MPs raise concerns 

However, MPs raised concerns about enforcement and supervision. Jennifer Alanyo, the UPDF representative, emphasised the role of public health in tackling AMR.

“There are good policies, but one key question to ask is if the PPEs are up to standard. Secondly, is there enough supervision? If we are to protect these people who are exposed, we need to work on ensuring there is clear supervision on the PPE usage,” she said.

Alanyo also stressed that parliamentary support would be critical in addressing funding gaps.

“Our support as Parliament in budgeting funds to help achieve this need is crucial,” she said, adding that prevention measures should extend beyond miners.

Butaleja District Woman Representative (NRM) Florence Nebanda Andiru said failure to use protective gear remains a widespread challenge.

“We have seen it in different departments that our people are affected because they don’t put on PPE. In other countries, most entities train their workers. I don’t know if this is something you are looking to ensure it happens so that the companies employing these people can work to close these gaps,” she said.

She also highlighted the nature of informal mining activities in her constituency. “In my area we have big rocks, and people go there by themselves and tap on the resources before the government comes in,” she said, pointing to the difficulty of regulating such operations.

The chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on Antimicrobial Resistance, Dr Charles Ayume, said poor waste management practices further compound health risks.

“Whenever I am driving to work I see people moving on trucks with waste or garbage with no PPEs. But you are there NEMA, what are you doing? Why not reprimand these people and ensure they put on PPEs?” he asked.

Ayume warned that mining camps could become centres of disease transmission if left unchecked. “In the mining section, there are camps that could be a breeding ground for health calamity, and it’s something you need to put your foot down and do something,” he said.

In response, Dr Innocent Achaye, the manager for chemical and radiation safety at NEMA, said the country faces broader structural challenges in waste management.

However, he explained that two years ago, NEMA guided local governments on how to effectively manage municipal waste and reminded them again last year.