Army steps up security in Abim gold mines

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the closure of illegal gold mining sites in Okemer, Abim district, directing the 5th Infantry Division of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) to enforce a strict ban on illegal miners.

The directive issued through energy state minister Phiona Nyamutoro aims to provide the Government with sufficient time to regulate and formalise mining activities in the area.

The directive comes in response to a significant increase in illegal mining activities across Alerek and Chamkok sub-counties, attracting thousands of individuals, including South Sudanese and Kenyans.

The surge, compounded by inadequate sanitation, led the President to call for army personnel to secure the mining regions.

Brig. Gen. Keith Katungi, the commander of the 5th Infantry Division, on September 26, 2024, met with local elders to clarify that the UPDF's presence is focused on protecting government-owned natural resources.

“Individual landowners possess surface rights, but everything beneath the soil belongs to the government,” Katungi said.

Brig. Gen. Keith Katungi, the commander of the 5th Infantry Division, on September 26, 2024, met with local elders to clarify that the UPDF's presence is focused on protecting government-owned natural resources. (Courtesy photo)

During a session with the Kakoka community, Brig Gen Katungi sought to address concerns and foster a spirit of cooperation.

He encouraged local miners to formalise their operations by registering as either artisanal miners or local mining companies, which could then partner with international firms facilitated by the government.

 "The future belongs to the organised," he stressed, urging the community to prioritise unity over political divisiveness.

Katungi affirmed that the gold reserves in Abim are a national asset for all Ugandans, not just the Labwor community.

He drew parallels to oil in the Albertine region and marble in Karamoja, stating that national resources benefit all Ugandans, but those nearby can gain more through services, jobs, and partnerships, which necessitates good organisation.

A member of the Labwor community Peter Adei offered a heartfelt apology to the division commander on behalf of his peers for previous unfounded allegations against the UPDF.

He underscored the importance of unity within the community and the need for proper registration to formalize their operations.

In a collaborative effort, the 5th division and local leaders agreed to take action against any civilian or military personnel found in the gold mines saying the offenders, including members of the armed forces, will face a court martial in the region.

Wild animals becoming a menace

In a related matter, Abim LC5 chairperson John Ariko, expressed gratitude to the UPDF for deploying a helicopter to deter wild animals, including elephants and buffaloes, from Kidepo Valley National Park, which had been raiding local farms and threatening residents. Despite the assistance, he noted the animals' return and requested further UPDF help in relocating them.

He said the animals, in search of water, would often break into the communities, eating crops and sometimes even attacking residents.

The Division Commander acknowledged that the animals are migrating due to water shortages in Kidepo National Park and poaching from the South Sudanese border.

He outlined the Government's plan to build dams in Karamoja, including those within the park, and confirmed that electric fencing of Kidepo National Park has been ordered by the President.

According to him, UPDF Engineers Brigade will handle the construction of the dams in Kidepo Valley National Park at a cost of sh16 billion as opposed to sh 48 billion which was quoted earlier.

The meeting was attended by among others 509 brigade commander Lt. Col. Caleb Kasheya, Abim district police commander Peter Akampurura and district internal security officer Henry Sagal.