News
Lamwo woman dies as gold mining pit collapses
Police have warned residents against engaging in illegal gold mining, citing the dangers of unregulated mining activities.
SP Jimmy Patrick Okema. (File)
By: Vincent Kaguta, Journalist @New Vision
_______________
A 49-year-old woman has died after being buried by soil while mining gold at a mining site along Paganda Stream in Palabek Kal Sub-county, Lamwo District.
Identified as Ayot Hellen, a resident of Liri East Village, Ayuu Alali Parish, the deceased was reportedly mining gold with other people at about 8:00am on November 3, 2026, when the incident occurred.
Identifying the site as an illegal mine, SP Okema Patrick Jimmy, of North Kyoga, said the soil suddenly caved in, burying Ayot and another miner identified only as Abonga, a South Sudanese refugee.
"Other miners attempted to rescue the victims, but Hellen could not be saved. Abonga, who sustained some injuries, was rushed to Palabek Kal Health Centre IV for medical attention.
Hellen’s body was taken to the same health facility for postmortem.
"Other miners attempted to rescue the victims, but Hellen could not be saved. Abonga, who sustained some injuries, was rushed to Palabek Kal Health Centre IV for medical attention.
Hellen’s body was taken to the same health facility for postmortem.
Police detectives from Lamwo Central Police Station and Palabek Kal Sub-county Police Station visited the scene, documented evidence and recorded statements from relevant witnesses.
Police, in a public statement, described the incident as unfortunate and warned residents against engaging in illegal gold mining, citing the dangers associated with unregulated mining activities.
Police urged communities to pursue safer income-generating activities rather than risk their lives in hazardous mining operations.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by artisanal miners working in unregulated sites, where collapsing soil and unsafe excavation practices can result in serious injuries or loss of life. Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police, in a public statement, described the incident as unfortunate and warned residents against engaging in illegal gold mining, citing the dangers associated with unregulated mining activities.
Police urged communities to pursue safer income-generating activities rather than risk their lives in hazardous mining operations.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by artisanal miners working in unregulated sites, where collapsing soil and unsafe excavation practices can result in serious injuries or loss of life. Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.