Kikuube residents want lasting solution to abandoned gold site
The open pond was created in 2020 after tycoon Joseph Garuhanga leased 10 acres of land to Mechanised Agro (U) Limited, which began operations after receiving approval through a certificate from NEMA.
Cypriano Nsabimana NEMA mid-western region inspector reading through NEMA's ESIA certificate which it issued to Mechanized AGRO (U) Limited before the site was excavated. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
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Residents of Kirimbi and Mugabi villages in Mussaijamukulu parish, Buhimba sub-county in Kikuube district, are demanding that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) restore an abandoned gold exploration site.
The site, located in Kirimbi and Mugabi villages in Mussaijamukulu parish, was excavated and later abandoned by Mechanised Agro (U) Limited.
The open pond was created in 2020 after tycoon Joseph Garuhanga leased 10 acres of land to Mechanised Agro (U) Limited, which began operations after receiving approval through a certificate from NEMA.
A NEMA official carrying out an assessment of the abandoned gold exploration site. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
NEMA issued a certificate of approval of environmental and social impact assessment (NEMA/ESIA/13264) on March 17, 2020, valid for two years. However, Mechanised Agro (U) Limited abandoned the site after six months of operation without restoring it, contrary to requirements.
Following a story in New Vision of March 12, 2026, highlighting how the site had turned into a death trap, a team of NEMA officials led by Cypriano Nsabimana, the mid-western region inspector, visited on March 13, 2026, and assessed the area.
Three days after the assessment, NEMA officials returned and cordoned off the site with tape, leaving behind an open pond filled with water.
Residents have opposed the move, arguing that cordoning off the area is insufficient given the size and danger posed by the pond.
Deadly pond
Speaking to New Vision on April 3, 2026, Sepiriya Kyalingonza, the chairman of Mugabi village, said the site remains a serious threat to the community and requires full restoration.
He noted that the pond has so far claimed seven lives and called for fencing or proper restoration to prevent further tragedy.
Joseph Garuhanga, the landlord, also demanded that NEMA restore the land to ensure community safety. He said he leased the land on the understanding that the company would restore it, but it left before doing so, rendering the land unusable.
Garuhanga added that as a livestock farmer, he has lost more than five cows which drowned in the pond, estimated to cover one and a half acres and reach a depth of about 60 feet.
Naome Karekaho, head of corporate communications at NEMA, said cordoning off the site was a temporary measure, noting that full restoration requires significant funding and time.
Cypriano Nsabimana NEMA mid-western region inspector (right) sharing with Joseph Garuhanga who rented 10 acres of land to Mechanized AGRO (U) Limited. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
She added that NEMA is investigating the company responsible for the exploration activities so that it can be held accountable for failing to restore the site.
However, she said NEMA is considering restoration but must first secure funding.
The existence of the site came to wider public attention following the death of four family members, a mother and her three children.
The incident occurred on March 2, 2026, involving Harriet Tumusiime, 32, wife of Charles Mbabazi, and her children Joy Alinaitwe, four years, Philbert Akonyora, six months, and Travin Ahumuza, two years.