By Shivan Ayebare
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, together with the Police Mineral Protection Unit, has stepped up operations against illegal mining in Western Uganda, leading to multiple arrests, impounded trucks, and the closure of unlicensed sites.
The crackdown, launched last week, is led by Commissioner of Mines Agnes Alaba with regional and national commanders. It targets illegal extraction and trade of tin, iron ore, gold, and wolfram in Kabale, Rubanda, Ntungamo, and Isingiro districts.
In Kabale Municipality, operations in Butare and Nyakijumba cells led to several arrests, while some suspects fled. Trucks carrying iron ore were seized, and police now guard closed mining sites.
Alaba warned that landowners aiding illegal miners by claiming underground ownership would also face prosecution. “All minerals belong to the people of Uganda and are managed by the government,” she said.
In Ntungamo and Isingiro, landowners were arrested for allegedly allowing miners to extract tin under false ownership claims. Alaba reiterated the government’s focus on value addition, noting that exporting raw minerals undermines national development.
ACP Julius Caesar Tusingwiire of the Police Mineral Protection Unit said iron ore and wolfram are the most commonly smuggled minerals in Kabale and Rubanda. Those arrested include Ugandans, Burundians, Indians, and Chinese nationals.
Charges will be filed under the Mining and Mineral Act of 2022, carrying up to six years in prison or fines of about Shs1 billion.
Officials also highlighted severe environmental damage. In Butare Cell, 1.5 kilometers of pits left homes perched above hollowed ground, raising landslide risks.
The crackdown reignites debate over Uganda’s mineral management. President Museveni previously banned iron ore mining, later lifted under pressure from dependent communities. Residents continue to call for an iron ore processing plant.
