Kisoro told to stop illegal mining

By Anthony Kushaba

STATE minister for economic planning and monitoring Henry Banyenzaki has called for an end to illegal mining in the south western district of Kisoro saying the country loses a lot of money due to the smuggling of minerals to neighboring Rwanda.

The minister who is on a tour of different mines in Kisoro district told the press in Kisoro town council that Uganda loses foreign exchange as those who sale minerals on the black market are paid peanuts.

He noted that Kisoro is gifted by nature but regretted that people have not benefited from its natural resources due to illegal mining.

Banyezaki also toured tin, gold and wolfram mines in Rubuguri, Kirundo Sub County.
He said government will source for potential investors to invest in the mining such that both locals and the economy benefit from it.

The minister who is also the Rubanda West Member of Parliament said government will ensure that locals affected by mining activities are fully compensated and in addition to extending electricity to areas which are usually flocked by tourists.

He challenged the people of Kisoro to put to good use the booming tourism sector in the district as the district was named the world’s best tourists destination for the year 2012.