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, where mining has been taking place without legal authorization.
According to Minister Nyamutoro, the affected area is legally licensed under Exploration Licence EL00135 to Shiye Miners Company for mineral exploration, making the ongoing mining activities unlawful.
Minister Nyamutoro said the immediate suspension of all mining operations is intended to streamline activities in the area while government works towards bringing artisanal miners into the formal mining sector.
She revealed that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development will support the artisanal miners to form a cooperative, which will then be licensed in accordance 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 all 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 the proper management of Uganda’s mineral wealth.
