There is heavy police deployment at the Kanungu District headquarters as district councillors hold a crisis council meeting over a gold mining feud in Kayungwe Hills, Kayungwe Sub-county.
The mine was recently closed by the state minister for Minerals, Phionah Nyamutoro, who cited health concerns and the miners’ failure to obtain the required licences.
However, following the closure, local leaders claimed that some miners had resumed mining activities illegally. They also alleged that some miners who attempted to access the mining site were tortured by security personnel deployed in the area.
The leaders further alleged that while local miners were being chased away from the site, some security personnel had instead facilitated illegal gold mining activities. The allegations prompted Kanungu District Council Speaker Frank Byaruhanga to convene an extraordinary crisis meeting on Thursday to discuss the matter.
On Thursday, anti-riot police were deployed at the district headquarters and around the council hall. People seeking services at the district headquarters were questioned by police officers before being allowed access to the premises, as boda boda riders who normally park at the district headquarters stage were also ordered to leave the area.
During the council session, Kanungu District LC5 Chairman Francis Byamukama accused security personnel in the district of facilitating illegal gold mining. He called for an investigation into the allegations against the security officers.
Byamukama also directed the Chief Administrative Officer, Awuye, to task the District Health Officer, Dr Birungi Mutahunga, and the District Natural Resources Officer, Confidence Twinamatsiko, to present reports on the findings from assessments conducted at the gold mine.
Awuye told the council that Dr Birungi was in Kampala for a medical check-up and that he was unaware of the whereabouts of Twinamatsiko. The response angered Speaker Byaruhanga, who ordered Awuye to leave the council session and directed him to communicate with the two officials and ensure that they provide the required reports.
During the proceedings, Minister Nyamutoro arrived at the district headquarters and first held a closed-door meeting with district security officials led by Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambrose Amanyire. By press time, Nyamutoro had concluded the meeting with the security officials and had entered the council session. The council meeting was still ongoing-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
