MPs want limestone mining halted in Bulambuli, Kapchorwa

Parliament has called for the halting of mining of limestone in Bulambuli and Kapchorwa districts in Eastern Uganda after failure by the mining companies to regulate their activities.

MPs on the committee of Natural Resources visited the two districts and discovered that the mining activities pose a danger to the communities which live near the quarries.

The people of Bwikhonge and Nabongo sub counties in Bulambuli district complained about the discomfort inflicted on them due to quarrying activities on the adjacent hills.

The locals delivered a memorandum to the committee seeking compensation from the investors in addition to creation of channels to drain the water that comes from the quarry, to the nearby river.

The plight of the community was first brought to parliament's attention by the area MP Alex Burundo

This followed futile attempts by community and area leaders to engage the concerned companies.

At the quarry, the MPs discovered that streams of water had been directed downhill.

It is upon these findings that the committee unanimously resolved to halt mining activities at the quarry until further notice.

A directive was immediately issued by the committee vice chairperson, Kiwanuka Kefa, to the same effect.

Kiwanuka expressed disappointment in what he termed as laissez-faire attitude of regulatory agencies.

The companies involved in mining activities in the area include Kampala Cement, Tororo Cement and Simba Cement.