Obunji Group joined mining communities in Eastern Uganda to promote safety, health, dignity, and responsible mining practices.
On 28 April, in commemoration of the World Day for Safety & Health at Work, Obunji Group carried out a field outreach program aimed at promoting safer working conditions among artisanal and small-scale mining communities in Uganda.
The outreach took the Obunji Group team to mining sites in Bulamba, Namayingo District, and Onyamu, Tiira in Busia District, where the team engaged miners directly, carried out safety awareness discussions, and donated essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The donated PPE included safety helmets, reflective safety vests, gumboots, and protective safety glasses.
Standing with Uganda’s Mining Communities
Mining remains a vital source of livelihood for many families across Uganda. However, many artisanal miners continue to work in physically demanding and high-risk environments where access to proper safety gear and structured health and safety systems can be limited.
Recognising this reality, Obunji Group chose to mark the day by going directly to the field, standing with miners, listening to their realities, and supporting them with practical safety equipment.
Leadership Presence on the Ground
The outreach was led by members of the Obunji Group leadership team, including Mr. Sulaiman Kaboggoza, Business Development Manager; Mr. Johnpaul Ssempira, Operations Director; and Mr. Abasi Kitoogo, Group HSE Manager.
The team’s presence demonstrated Obunji Group’s hands-on commitment to responsible mining, worker protection, and community engagement.
“Your Lives Are More Valuable Than the Ore You Extract”
Speaking to artisanal miners in Tiira, Mr. Sulaiman Kaboggoza urged miners to prioritise health and safety and to avoid becoming so consumed by daily work that they ignore the basic precautions that protect life.
“When we wake up and descend into these pits, we do so with one goal: to provide for our families and build a future. But there is a hard truth we must face—mining is a profession that respects no one if the rules of safety are ignored.”
He reminded miners that while mining creates opportunity, it also carries real risks that require discipline, preparation, and constant awareness.
“Your lives are more valuable than the ore you extract. We must make safety a culture, not a chore.”
Mr. Kaboggoza further encouraged miners to use PPE consistently and correctly, not only when supervisors or visitors are present.
“It is not enough to wear your gear only when someone is watching; we must use every piece of Personal Protective Equipment every single time we work.”
Promoting Psychosocial Health and Safety
In line with the 2026 World Day for Safety & Health at Work theme, “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organizations,” Mr. Kaboggoza also spoke about the importance of mental wellbeing, respect, teamwork, and supportive work environments.
He explained that workplace safety is not only about helmets, boots, and visible hazards. It is also about how workers are treated, how they communicate, and whether they feel respected and supported.
Safety isn’t just about helmets and boots. It is about how we treat one another.”
Sulaiman Kaboggoza – Business Development Manager, Obunji Group
“A worker who is stressed, distracted, or working in a toxic environment is a worker at risk. A thriving worker is one who feels respected, heard, and supported.
Safety as a Daily Responsibility
Obunji Group reiterated that occupational health and safety is a non-negotiable principle across its work, whether in the office, in the field, or within mining communities.
“At Obunji Group, Occupational Health and Safety is non-negotiable. Whether we are in the office or in the field, it is the foundation of everything we do.”
The Group emphasised that while World Day for Safety & Health at Work is observed once a year, protecting workers must remain an everyday responsibility.
Creating Abundance Responsibly
Through this outreach, Obunji Group reaffirmed its belief that true progress is measured not only by production and economic output, but also by the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of the people behind that work.
The day ended with a clear reminder to miners and all workers:
“Let’s look out for one another. Let’s wear the gear. Let’s protect our minds and our bodies. Let’s make sure everyone goes home tonight.”
Sulaiman Kaboggoza, Business Development Manager, Obunji Group
Safety First. People First. Creating Abundance Responsibly.
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