Hundreds of sand miners, loaders, and truck drivers in Kasese Municipality say their livelihoods are under threat following a crackdown on illegal sand mining along River Nyamwamba. The protests emerged after police and the National Environmental Management Authority arrested four people accused of illegally extracting sand from the Nyamwamba River valley.
The arrests are part of intensified enforcement operations targeting rivers, wetlands, and other environmentally sensitive areas across Kasese District. For many residents, however, the operation has triggered anxiety over survival.
Yakub Nsimbe, a truck driver involved in transporting sand, says more than 400 people in Kasese Town depend directly on sand mining activities along River Nyamwamba. He appealed to authorities to first sensitise miners and provide alternative income opportunities instead of immediately impounding trucks and arresting workers.
Jimmy Baluku, a sand loader, also called for dialogue and guidance on sustainable sand mining practices rather than heavy enforcement. He said many young people survive on daily earnings from the activity and argued that authorities should consider the economic hardships pushing residents into such work.
Team leader for the sand miners and loaders, Thembo Milikiyodi, said the operation caught workers by surprise because there had been no prior warning. According to him, the crackdown has left hundreds without income, making it difficult for families to survive.
Similar concerns were raised by Tuhaise Brian, the treasurer of the Kasese Tipping Lorry Drivers SACCO, who criticised the decision to impound trucks transporting sand. He argued that enforcement should primarily target illegal miners rather than transporters.
Despite the backlash, authorities insist the operation is necessary to stop environmental destruction along major rivers in the district. Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner Joshua Katunda confirmed the arrests and warned that enforcement operations would continue.According to Katunda, unchecked sand mining is degrading river valleys and threatening the environment, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding. He urged miners and transporters to cooperate with authorities and respect environmental regulations.
Officials say the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to protect natural resources and restore environmentally fragile ecosystems across Kasese District-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
