EDITOR
Kabale District Council has raised serious concerns over unregulated mining activities, citing environmental degradation, health risks, and the district’s lack of economic benefits. The matter was extensively discussed during a council meeting held today, where Hon. Champion Baker, LC5 Councilor for Kahungye Sub-county, tabled a motion calling for the suspension of all mining operations that lack a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the district.
Councilor Baker specifically named several companies under scrutiny, including Golden Bull in Kyanamira Sub-county, V-Power in Kicumbi, Direct Reduced Iron Limited, and Kamuntu Iron Ore Investments in Kamuganguzi Sub-county. He emphasized that only one mining company in the district has signed an MOU, a situation that hampers the district’s ability to oversee operations, enforce environmental protection, and address public health risks.
He also raised the issue of illegal gold mining in Butanda, which has reportedly been ongoing for over a decade. Baker alleged that foreign miners from Rwanda are extracting gold and smuggling it across the border. He highlighted the environmental damage to a small river near the mining site, which serves as a crucial water source for the local community and eventually feeds into Lake Bunyonyi.
Hon. Ronald Bagamuhunda, the Kabale District Youth Councilor, urged the council to enforce strict monitoring of all mining activities based on signed MOUs. He warned that continued unregulated operations could have devastating effects on the environment and the well-being of the local population.
Additionally, Medius Katushabe, the District Woman Councilor for Kitumba, expressed her concerns over property destruction caused by mining activities. She claimed that some companies have failed to compensate affected residents, often citing ongoing mineral testing while clandestinely transporting extracted resources.
Speaker Flavia Nyinakiza Kanagizi expressed disappointment over companies operating without MOUs, stating that such actions deprive the district of significant revenue. She ruled that all companies operating without formal agreements must suspend their activities until further notice.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Robert Mugabe assured the council that he would address the issue urgently. He pledged to collaborate with the District Natural Resource Office to ensure that all mining companies adhere to legal and environmental regulations.
