Kampala — AUTHORITIES in Katekekile sub-county in Moroto district on Saturday seized keys of Tororo Cement's Oruk limestone mining site in Kosiroi village.

A team of local leaders and elders led by Matheniko county MP Samuel Abura and special presidential adviser Michael Lokawu, stormed the mining site in a Police vehicle.

Tororo Cement officials said the leaders were acting irregularly. This follows failure by the Tororo Cement officials to show up for a meeting earlier convened for them to explain how they acquired a mining lease.

Abura said the elders met at Mt. Moroto Hotel on Friday night and resolved to confiscate the company's keys.

He accused the company of despising the Karimojong. "We shall not rest until we get to know the person who sold the Karimojong wealth," he stated.

Last week, the leaders halted the company's activities, demanding legal proof that they were cleared to operate in the area.

They stormed the mines, which prompted some workers to flee. Company drivers drove trucks which were due to transport limestone through the shrubs to avoid having them confiscated.

Abura ordered the Police to run after the trucks and confiscate their keys. He said the minerals minister Hilary Onek should intervene in the matter.

Edward Eko, the area sub-county chief, said the company had ignored the area leadership structure.

The northeastern regional Police commander, Okot Obwana, said the matter would be investigated.