Kampala — MINERS of gold in Tira, Busitema in Busia district have been accused of trampling on the rights of the communities.

State minister Peter Lokeris recently heard that while the Government licensed the Busitema Gold Mining Company to explore a particular area, the firm has extended its authority beyond its jurisdiction.

"The community has been engaged in running battles with security agents hired by the company to stop mining activities outside their jurisdiction," said Lokeris.

He recently met the affected people in Busitema where the company was licensed to operate.

Lokeris said: "We are encouraging communities near mining fields to sell the minerals they extract to the companies that operate there."