Euro Gold Refinery has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kakoka Artisanal Miners Association in Abim District, in a move aimed at formalizing artisanal mining and strengthening Uganda’s gold value chain.
Under the partnership, Euro Gold Refinery has supported the association to acquire a fully compliant artisanal gold mining license and will support development of essential mining infrastructure.
The MoU was signed in August 11, 2026 at Euro Gold’s Head Office in Kamwokya, Kampala. The ceremony was attended by members of the Kakoka Executive Board and Euro Gold Refinery Director, Benard Feni.
“This partnership marks an important step toward strengthening collaboration, creating opportunities, and advancing shared objectives between KAKOKA and EURO GOLD REFINERY,” the company said in a statement.
The signing was followed by a site visit by the State Minister for Minerals, Phiona Nyamutoro, who has been championing the formalization of artisanal and small-scale miners who contribute over 90% of Uganda’s gold production but have historically operated informally.
“Euro Gold Refinery is excited to support their mining journey through meaningful partnerships, value addition and community empowerment. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for Uganda’s mining industry,” the company added.
The MoU commits both parties to supporting responsible mining practices, improving access to markets, providing technical support, and ensuring value addition is done locally.
Kakoka Miners Executive Director, Denis, applauded Euro Gold for its hands-on support towards securing the license and developing site infrastructure, noting that formalization will protect miners from exploitation and improve safety and earnings.
The collaboration reinforces Euro Gold Refinery’s growing footprint in Karamoja and northern Uganda. The refinery, which was commissioned in July 2025 as Uganda’s first locally-owned, government-recognized gold refinery, sources directly from artisanal clusters in Busia, Mubende, Buhweju, Kassanda, West Nile and Karamoja.
Through these partnerships, Euro Gold Refinery says it has not only boosted Uganda’s gold value chain but also created jobs, with more than 70% of its workforce comprising Ugandans trained to meet international refining standards of 99.9% purity.
The Kakoka deal comes shortly after Euro Gold signed a landmark contract with the Bank of Uganda (BoU) under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. The programme, launched in 2024, allows BoU to directly purchase locally refined gold to diversify foreign reserves and reduce reliance on foreign currencies.
According to Director Benard Feni, the contract was awarded after a competitive bidding process open to all eligible refineries.
“The central bank made an open call for bids, and Euro Gold has won the contract. We have already signed; we were competing with different international companies, where we emerged as the best bidders. We have since received confirmation,” Feni said.
The developments come at a time when Uganda is intensifying efforts to curb gold smuggling and illicit trade. According to the Auditor General’s 2024 report, gold worth over $3 billion was exported illegally without permits, prompting government to prioritize licensed refineries and traceable supply chains.
“We look forward to a productive and impactful partnership,” Euro Gold Refinery noted.