Mineral Protection Unit closes illegal gold mines in Namayingo

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The Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU) has shut down illegal gold mining activities in Makuka village, Bukana sub-county, Namayingo district.

During an operation led by PMPU Eastern Zonal Commander Cephas Wanjala, several mining sites were closed due to serious safety concerns and engagement in unlicensed mineral extraction.

The operation, which commenced on June 2, 2026, was aimed at protecting the lives of individuals involved in illegal mining activities that pose significant safety risks.

The decision follows a number of incidents in the area, including one that occurred on May 31, 2026, at about 1:00 pm, when six people were rescued after being trapped when a mine caved in and collapsed on them during illegal gold mining activities. Police said the operations pose serious environmental and safety risks.

Some of artisan miners leaving one of the illegal gold mines after it was shut down. (Courtesy photo)

Speaking during the operation, Wanjala said the PMPU had received instructions from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to close the mines and remove miners because the operations posed a danger to human life and were being conducted illegally.

“All the walls around the pit mines are cracked and visible. The pits are dangerous to the lives of people around them,” he noted.

He explained that only licensed individuals and companies are permitted to engage in mineral exploration and mining activities under Uganda's mining laws.

"We have discovered that several people are carrying out gold mining activities without licenses and in total disregard of the law. Such activities must stop immediately," he said.

He noted that illegal mining has resulted in the destruction of wetlands, degradation of agricultural land and the creation of dangerous pits that threaten the lives of residents, especially children and livestock.

He added that miners have been using rudimentary methods to extract gold, exposing themselves to accidents and other health hazards.

Wanjala warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining activities would face arrest and prosecution. He further urged residents to report individuals involved in unlawful mining operations and cautioned local leaders against shielding offenders.

He noted that the government has established procedures for acquiring mineral exploration and mining licences through the relevant authorities and urged those interested in mining to follow the legal process.

"We are not stopping people from benefiting from the country's mineral resources, but mining must be done legally and responsibly. Anyone interested in mining should obtain the required licenses and comply with environmental regulations," he said.

He also revealed that children were being used as cheap labour in the mines, which is against the law. He added that many of the miners had come from districts such as Kassanda and Mubende to participate in the mining activities.

During a council meeting on Tuesday, Namayingo district chairperson Ronald Sanya said the district continues to face a major challenge of illegal gold mining, with people frequently dying or being buried alive in collapsed pits.

He said the problem was particularly prevalent in Bukana and Banda subcounties, where many people have lost their lives. While acknowledging that gold mining contributes to economic empowerment, he noted that it has increasingly become a deadly activity.

“Gold mining is a major activity where people are busy and also earn a living, but it has become more deadly. We need well-stipulated guidelines that are in line with the ministry to avoid more deaths."

Fred Makoha, a resident of Makuka village, welcomed the operation, saying the unregulated mining activities had become a source of conflict within communities.

He explained that the discovery of gold deposits in parts of Bukana subcounty had attracted people from different areas, leading to land disputes and insecurity.

"We have seen many strangers coming here claiming ownership of mining sites, which has caused us misunderstandings,” he said.

The PMPU, however, vowed to continue conducting inspections and operations across mineral-rich areas in Busoga to ensure compliance with mining regulations and protect communities from the dangers associated with illegal mining.