Police in Kanungu District are holding six people suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities in Nyamirama Sub-county.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an operation conducted by officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, with support from the police. The operation, which started at about 11:00AM, was conducted along the Kibale and Ntugwa rivers in Mukishaha Village, Ntugwa Parish, Nyamirama Sub-county.
Police said the suspects were found mining sand without valid licences. They were identified as Dismus Tumukunde, Bright Tumwesigye, Martin Ankunda, Sayuni Nahwera, Brian Abaho and Amlet Mpurira. The operation followed a directive by Energy and Mineral Development Minister Phionah Nyamutoro on September 7, 2026, to intensify operations against illegal mining in Kanungu District.
The suspects were reportedly asked to produce mining licences but failed to do so. Authorities accused them of engaging in activities that could degrade the environment. Nelson Tumushime, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, says the suspects are being held at Kanungu Police Station as investigations continue.
Tumushime has cautioned residents against engaging in illegal mining, urging them to obtain the required licences and comply with mining regulations. He says the Police Minerals Protection Unit, together with other security agencies, will continue conducting operations to protect the environment and natural resources.
In July 2026, Nyamutoro suspended gold mining activities in Kayungwe Sub-county, Kanungu District, and ordered hundreds of artisanal miners to vacate the area, citing non-compliance with mining procedures. The minister revisited the area in September and issued further directives restricting mining activities, frustrating miners who had expected the suspension to be lifted-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
