ISINGIRO -- Artisanal tin miners in Rukurijo Village, Kikagate Sub-county, Isingiro District, are facing severe hardship following the sudden closure of their mining depots by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
Locals, whose livelihoods depended entirely on tin mining, say the move has plunged many into poverty and fueled an increase in crimes such as robberies and house break-ins.
Alexander Turinawe, General Secretary for Artisanal Miners in Isingiro, said the closure came without prior warning.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
"We were just there doing our usual work and the ministry officials closed us abruptly without telling us. When we went to the RDC, she told us that maybe we were not following the mining laws," he said.
Tin mining in the area began a few years ago after a local resident discovered tin while digging a pit latrine.
The depot, which attracted over 3,000 miners at its peak, had significantly improved living standards in Rukurijo.
Turinawe noted that the closure now threatens residents' ability to pay school fees and sustain basic livelihoods.
Following the closure, miners approached Isingiro Resident District Commissioner Adah Nasiima for assistance. The RDC confirmed she wrote to the Energy Minister seeking intervention but has not yet received a response.
"It is true that I received a complaint from these artisanal miners. I immediately wrote a letter to the minister, but even up to now, I haven't received any feedback," Nasiima said.
The area is now under mineral police surveillance, and access is strictly prohibited. While the closure was due to artisanal miners lacking a formal license, sources indicate that a Chinese investor holds the license but is unable to commence mining operations, leaving locals in complete uncertainty.
Mathias Kweyunga, LC1 Chairman for Rukurijo Cell, highlighted the social impact of the closure: "We're suffering, and many may not be able to pay school fees. Cases of house break-ins have started increasing as some people look for survival."
Miners acknowledge that some colleagues lacked proper safety gear, which contributed to the depot's shutdown.
Leaders of the miners' association say they are actively pursuing a mining license and have pledged to comply fully with all ministry guidelines once operations resume.
Turinawe appealed to the government to expedite support for the locals.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"We request the government to come to the rescue of the residents here because their standards of living are deteriorating. We ask them to hear our outcry so that people can continue working," he said.
Tin mining had previously transformed the livelihoods of Rukurijo residents, enabling many to earn substantial incomes.
The current suspension has left the community in urgent need of government intervention.
