Police have arrested six people in Kanungu District for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities and environmental degradation.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday during an operation conducted by officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, supported by territorial police in Kanungu.
The operation, which started at about 11am, was conducted along the Kibale and Ntugwa rivers in Omukishaha Cell, Ntugwa Parish, Nyamirama Sub-county.
The operation followed guidance issued by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Phionah Nyamutoro, on September 7 to step up efforts against illegal mining.
According to Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had been conducting mining activities without licences.
The suspects, identified as Tumukunde Dismus, Tumwesigye Bright, Ankunda Martin, Nahwera Sayuni, Abaho Brian and Mpurira Amlet, are being held at Kanungu Police Station as investigations continue.
Police said the illegal mining activities had also contributed to environmental degradation in the area.
Tumushime cautioned people engaged in illegal mining to stop the practice and obtain the required licences before undertaking mining activities.
He said the Minerals Protection Unit, together with other security agencies, would continue conducting operations to protect the environment and natural resources.
“We strongly caution all individuals involved in illegal mining to stop, acquire licences and follow the proper mining guidelines,” Tumushime said.
