EDITOR
Authorities from the Minerals Protection Unit (MPU) headquarters, in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, have arrested five individuals in Kabale for allegedly processing minerals without valid licenses. Two trucks used for transporting the illegal minerals have also been impounded.
The intelligence-led operation began on September 17, 2025, following a stakeholders’ meeting, and is being spearheaded by the Commissioner of Minerals, Madam Agnes Alaba. The operation targeted several illegal iron ore mining and crushing sites, including: Nyakijumba along the Kabale-Mbarara Highway, Butare Cell, Rutooma Ward, Northern Division, Kabale Municipality, Rwenkuriju Cell, Muyanje Ward, Bubare Town Council, Rubanda District.
The arrested suspects are:Kwesiga Stephen, Taibu Okuker, Owino John, Harish Karshan, and Biryomumisho Isaac.
The impounded trucks, Tata lorries with registration numbers UBP 218F and UBM 893J, were intercepted at the Nyakijumba checkpoint.
Other individuals found involved in illegal mineral activities at various sites were arrested but later released after being sensitized on the dangers of such activities and cautioned against future violations.
ASP Maate Elly, PRO for Kigezi, stated that these operations will continue until local communities fully desist from engaging in illegal mineral processing and instead use lawful channels for mineral extraction and processing.
