Security agencies in the Wamala Region have intensified a crackdown on illegal mining activities in Kassanda District following a directive from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to halt operations under Exploration Licence No. 00459.
According to Wamala Region Police Spokesperson Lameck Kigozi, the enforcement exercise, dubbed Operation Safisha, is being jointly conducted by the Police Mineral Protection Unit and the Wamala Regional Police Command to restore order and ensure compliance with the law.
Kigozi explained that the licence had been issued to Mugobwa Katugo Small Scale Miners strictly for exploration purposes within a 0.34 square kilometre area in Bubali, Kitumbi Sub-county. However, the operators allegedly violated the terms by engaging in full-scale mineral extraction without obtaining the required extraction licence.
"This was purely an exploration licence. The law requires that after exploration, findings must be submitted to the Ministry before an extraction licence is granted. Unfortunately, this procedure was ignored, and illegal extraction commenced," Kigozi said.
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He noted that it was on this basis that the Ministry ordered an immediate halt to all activities, prompting the launch of the enforcement operation aimed at demobilising miners and clearing the area.
The operation, which began three weeks ago, initially gave operators a two-week ultimatum to vacate the site, remove their machinery, and withdraw their workforce. Authorities say many failed to comply within the stipulated timeframe.
"Despite the grace period given, some operators remained defiant. That is why security forces have now moved in to fully enforce the directive," Kigozi added.
The crackdown involves multiple security units, including the Field Force Unit deployed to maintain public order, as well as the Criminal Investigations Directorate and Crime Intelligence teams tasked with monitoring and investigating any criminal activities linked to the mining operations.
"All security agencies are working together to ensure the Ministry's directive is implemented effectively. We are prepared to handle any situation that may threaten public order," he said.
Authorities have also issued a warning to both local and foreign nationals involved in the mining activities, including individuals from neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Sudan to vacate the area peacefully.
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Kigozi cautioned against illegal scavenging in abandoned pits, locally known as "Okwekyokola," describing the practice as both unlawful and highly dangerous.
"This kind of activity has already claimed lives due to poor safety practices. Security will remain on the ground to ensure no one returns to the pits. These areas will be backfilled to prevent further incidents," he said.
He further advised aggrieved parties to seek legal redress through the Ministry rather than resorting to defiance.
"If you feel dissatisfied, the law provides avenues for appeal. You can formally engage the Ministry and apply for an extraction licence through the right procedures," Kigozi explained.
The enforcement marks a decisive step by authorities to regulate the mining sector in Kassanda, safeguard lives, and ensure that all mineral activities are conducted within the legal framework.
