A fatal incident linked to illegal mining in Imvepi Refugee Settlement has left one woman dead and another injured, renewing concerns about the risks faced by refugees who engage in hazardous survival activities amid limited support.
According to a police report, 35-year-old South Sudanese refugee Nema Onyiyo from Village 12, Zone One, was partially buried alive when soil collapsed at an unauthorized mining site in Point J Village, Odupi Sub-county on Saturday afternoon.
She was accompanied by Lilious Pasi, also 35 and from the Keliko ethnic group.
Residents nearby heard cries for help around 2:00 PM. They rushed to the scene and found Lilious conscious but trapped partially under soil. After rescuers freed her, she confirmed that Nema was still buried.
Police and the District Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigations responded quickly. Lilious was taken to Yinga Health Centre III for treatment, while Onyiyo’s body was recovered and taken to Arua Regional Hospital for postmortem.
Police have opened a suspected murder case, though preliminary findings suggest the tragedy was accidental, caused by unstable mining conditions.
West Nile regional police spokesperson Asea Collins said Lilious is stable and receiving care. He stressed the incident underscores the urgent need to crack down on illegal mining, especially among vulnerable populations like refugees.
Despite repeated warnings and sensitization campaigns, illegal mining remains prevalent along the Ure River in Terego District.
Local leaders say many refugee women, often abandoned or unsupported, resort to unregulated gold panning to sustain their families.
“This is not only a crime issue, it’s a humanitarian crisis,” said a community leader who requested anonymity.
“These women understand the risks but have no alternatives when faced with hunger and desperation.”
Environmentalists have also warned about ecological damage caused by unsafe mining practices, including increased risk of landslides, flooding, and water contamination.
The death of Nema Onyiyo has again highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action.
Stakeholders including the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, and district authorities are being urged to strengthen livelihood programs, enforce mining regulations, and improve food security to reduce such life-threatening risks.
Police have declared the mining site a crime scene and cordoned it off pending investigations.
No arrests have been made so far, but authorities call on the community to cooperate fully to prevent further tragedies.
“We mourn the loss of a mother, a sister, a refugee struggling to survive,” said a resident of Zone One. “Her death must not be in vain. Let it be a catalyst for meaningful change.”