Police in the Greater Bushenyi region are investigating a fatal incident at an illegal gold mining site in Kyamuhunga Sub-county that left five people dead.
The accident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. on February 24 at Kayanga Village, Kibazi Parish, when a section of soil collapsed, burying miners who were reportedly extracting gold from a site that had been officially closed years ago.
The deceased have been identified as Saul Namanya, 35; Julius Mujurizi, 45; Stuart Akanyamba Kokyenga, 16; Anthony Nuwagaba, 20; and Sansio Twijukye, 32.
Greater Bushenyi Regional Police Spokesperson SP Apollo Tayebwa confirmed the tragedy, describing it as preventable.
“Preliminary investigations indicate the victims were using rudimentary tools and did not hold any valid mining licences. The mine had previously been closed due to safety concerns, but the deceased allegedly accessed it illegally,” he said.
Police, with assistance from local residents, recovered the bodies, which have been sent for postmortem examination as investigations continue.
SP Tayebwa urged the public to avoid illegal mining, highlighting the risks of unregulated operations.
“Illegal mining not only violates the law but also exposes individuals to serious safety hazards, including loss of life,” he said. Authorities have intensified surveillance of abandoned and unauthorized mining sites in the area to prevent similar incidents.
The tragedy underscores ongoing concerns about illegal mining in Bushenyi and the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety standards and licensing requirements.
