GEITA: THE government has launched a nationwide occupational safety and health campaign aimed at boosting compliance among small-scale entrepreneurs, with initial focus placed on high-risk sectors such as mining.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), Mr Deus Sangu, unveiled the initiative on Monday this week as part of activities leading to the International Day for Safety and Health at Work, to be marked on April 28, 2026.
The campaign commenced in Bukombe District, Geita Region, where more than 350 members of the Bukombe Women Miners Association (WAWABU) underwent a one-day safety and health training session over the weekend.
Mr Sangu said the programme is designed to enhance adherence to occupational safety standards, particularly among small-scale miners whose operations are often characterised by hazardous conditions and limited access to modern technology.
“We are conducting this training because of its importance to small-scale miners. We continue to receive reports of frequent accidents, especially cases of miners being buried under debris while carrying out their duties. This is largely due to the use of rudimentary mining methods, as modern technologies are costly and not easily accessible,” he said.
The minister stressed that improving compliance with safety regulations is key to reducing workplace accidents and protecting lives, while at the same time ensuring productivity in the sector.
He commended the women miners for venturing into what has traditionally been regarded as a male-dominated field.
“I am particularly pleased to see more than 350 women engaged in mining activities. Your participation demonstrates courage and determination. The government will continue to support you to ensure you operate productively and in safe conditions,” Mr Sangu added.
He directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), Ms Khadija Mwenda, to ensure the training programme is sustained and expanded to reach more smallscale miners and entrepreneurs across other economic sectors.
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The minister also urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training, including the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), some of which was distributed by OSHA under the programme.
On her part, Ms Mwenda said the campaign seeks to identify and build the capacity of small-scale entrepreneurs by strengthening their understanding of occupational safety and health requirements, thereby raising the level of compliance with national laws and standards.
“Our goal is to enhance awareness and increase compliance levels across the country. When entrepreneurs understand the risks and the legal requirements, they are better positioned to safeguard their workplaces and their lives,” she said.
She assured that OSHA would implement the minister’s directive to make the programme continuous and reach more groups nationwide.
Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial. WAWABU Chairperson, Ms Regina Kabogo, thanked the government for providing both training and protective equipment.
“OSHA has taught us many important issues related to safety and health in our mining activities and has provided us with essential protective gear.
This will motivate us to work harder, improve our incomes and contribute more to government revenue,” she said.