Editor
The territorial police in Rubanda have arrested five private security guards from Wolves Security Company after they allegedly resisted access by the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro, and her technical team to an illegal mining site operated by National Cement Company in Butare Katoojo, Muko sub-county.
The incident occurred when the minister, accompanied by a technical team from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines and the Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU), attempted to inspect Iron Ore Exploration License No. EL00340, belonging to STEAM Investments, as part of a country-wide tour and consultative engagement on draft regulations for gazetting areas for artisanal and small-scale miners.
Hon. Nyamutooro had received complaints from STEAM directors about illegal mining activities on their exploration license by individuals allegedly working for John Muluri Muyambi and National Cement Company. Upon arrival at the site at approximately 10:00 am Thursday, the security guards on duty refused to grant access until police intervened.
After completing the inspection, the security guards escalated the situation by blocking the convoy and cocking their guns, threatening to shoot.
The guards, armed with three rifles (SMGs), were subsequently disarmed and arrested.
The individuals arrested include Kiiza Deus, Okurboth Robert, Niwagaba Anthony, Kajugo Mathias, and Mucunguzi Robert.
They have been handed over to the Rubanda Central Police Station (CPS) and charged accordingly.
The minister and her team are safe and have continued with their scheduled duties.
