EDITOR
Operations at the Kayanga Village gold mine in Kyamuhunga Sub-county, Bushenyi District, have been suspended indefinitely following a tragic collapse on Tuesday that claimed the lives of five miners. Authorities have launched investigations and ordered an environmental assessment to prevent further incidents.
The deceased were identified as Anthony Mugarura (23) from Butoha in Magambo, Sansio Twizukye (30), Julius Julius (55), Stuart Akanyamba (16), and Saul Twinomujuni (25).
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Bushenyi, William Kasigazi Donanto, said the suspension was necessary to avert further loss of life. “Residents must cooperate with authorities as investigations continue,” he urged.
Bushenyi District Police Commander Felix Mugizi called for calm and warned miners against resuming operations at the site. He noted that the mine had previously been closed, but residents continued to operate illegally.
For many local families, the mine has been a crucial source of livelihood. Lauben Gumisiriza, a resident of Kayanga Cell, said over 50 households rely on the site. He appealed for government support, including machinery to operate safely and assistance for bereaved families.
Similarly, Robert Mugabe, a resident of Butoha in Magambo who lost his son in the collapse, called on the government to provide support to families left behind, many of whom have young children and widows.
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) remains a vital but largely informal sector in Uganda, contributing over 90 percent of the country’s mineral production, particularly gold, clay, and limestone. The sector employs between 300,000 and 600,000 people directly, while supporting approximately 10 percent of the population, with many women involved in mineral processing.
The government has been working to formalize the ASM sector, targeting up to one million miners, aiming to improve safety standards, reduce the use of toxic mercury, and enhance revenue collection.
