District Police Commander Mugizi Felix said investigations into the exact cause of the collapse are underway.
Five people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of an artisanal gold mining site in Kyamuhunga, Bushenyi District, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The fatal incident occurred when a section of the mining site caved in, burying workers underground. Police responded swiftly to the scene and later confirmed that five miners had lost their lives in the landslide.
The deceased have been identified as Mugarura Anthony, 23, from Butoha Magambo; Twijukye Sansio, 30; Mujurizi Julius, 55; Akanyamba Stuart, 16; and Saul Twinomujuni, 25.
District Police Commander Mugizi Felix said investigations into the exact cause of the collapse are underway. He urged residents to remain calm and immediately suspended all mining activities in the affected area.
“The government will take action against anyone found guilty. For now, no one is allowed to continue mining gold,” Mugizi stated.
Bushenyi Deputy Resident District Commissioner Kasigazi Donanto condemned the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He assured them that the government would provide the necessary support during this difficult time.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate fully with investigators, noting that an environmental assessment will be conducted to establish the root cause of the landslide.
Police confirmed that postmortem examinations were conducted before the bodies were handed over to the families for burial.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of artisanal mining operations in the district, with authorities emphasizing the need for stricter regulation and improved environmental monitoring to prevent further loss of life.