By Obed Kankiriho
The Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro, has halted all ongoing illegal gold mining activities in Kyayugwe Sub-county, Kanungu District, in a move aimed at restoring order and formalising artisanal mining operations.
The directive follows the discovery of a gold rush that has attracted thousands of people to the area over the past two months, with mining activities reportedly taking place without legal authorization.
According to the minister, the affected area is legally licensed under Exploration Licence EL00135 to Shiye Miners Company for mineral exploration, making the ongoing mining activities unlawful.
Nyamutoro said the immediate suspension of mining operations is intended to streamline activities in the area as government works towards integrating artisanal miners into the formal mining sector.
She revealed that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development will support artisanal miners to form a cooperative that will later be licensed in line with Uganda’s artisanal mining regulations.
The minister noted that formalising the miners will enable them to operate legally while ensuring that government, local communities, and the miners themselves benefit from the country’s mineral resources.
She urged miners operating in the area to cooperate with authorities and legalise their activities, emphasizing that responsible and regulated mining is essential for sustainable development and proper management of Uganda’s mineral wealth.
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