Karamoja's gold rush – in pictures

Karamoja is Uganda's poorest region, but it is also rich in minerals - including gold, marble, uranium, and cobalt. This remote and marginalised area could literally be sitting on a gold mine. Artisanal miners and large companies are hoping to cash in
Photograph: Guardian

Lotyang Sagal began digging for gold a few years ago, after his cattle were stolen by rustlers. Until recently, Karamoja was notorious for cattle rustling Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian

Sagal will use the water from the jerry cans to sift for gold. He has been digging two holes for three years Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian

Sagal uses basic hand tools for digging, which typically starts as early as 4am; three hours later, it is already warm. The holes are about 4.6 metres deep Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian

The area is pockmarked with holes and mounds of earth, like a scene out of the film Caddyshack Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian

Down the road, people gather for snacks and drinks. This man sits on a tiny traditional Karamajong portable wooden stool Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian

Women carry water that will be used to sift for gold Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian

Sifting for gold Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian

This woman has struck gold Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian

Gold dust Photograph: Mark Tran/Guardian