Gender Analysis of Iron Ore Resource Mining in Kabale District, Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

Although the Ugandan government has promoted mining as a driver of
macroeconomic growth, significant gaps remain between national policy
goals and the discriminatory realities that women in mining communities
face. To explore this phenomenon, a qualitative case study examined iron ore
mining in Kabale District in southwestern Uganda. A stratified purposive
sampling method was used to select 80 participants: 40 miners, 20 household
members, 10 community leaders, 5 government officials, and 5 civil society
representatives. Data collection involved structured interviews, focus group
discussions, and a short, structured survey to gather demographic
information, income levels, and health outcomes. On-site observations of
mining sites and an extensive review of policy documents provided additional
context on the sector’s institutional frameworks. Qualitative data were
analysed thematically using NVivo software. The results suggest that iron ore
mining in Kabale is highly gendered within a patriarchal social structure. The
physically demanding, formal extraction processes are controlled by men
who enjoy the advantages of equipment ownership and official mining
contracts. By contrast, women are consigned to peripheral, unskilled jobs
such as hauling ore, hand-sorting, and selling. The iron ore mining industry
also poses severe gendered health risks, and women report chronic
musculoskeletal strains and reproductive health issues related to dust
inhalation, which are worsened by the absence of gender-specific protective
equipment. We recommend appropriate health and safety measures to address
this hazardous work environment.