The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has suspended gold mining activities in Kayungwe sub-county, Kanungu district, over illegal operations, environmental damage and public health concerns.
The suspension follows a gold rush in Kanoni village, where hundreds of residents have camped for about two months after reports of gold deposits in the area.
The rush led to the creation of temporary tents, makeshift shelters and iron-sheet structures around the hilly mining site.
However, authorities say the camp lacks basic sanitation facilities, including toilets. They also say miners have not put in place measures to protect the environment.
Leaders warn of school dropouts and food insecurity
Local leaders had earlier warned that the gold rush was disrupting community life.
They said many residents had abandoned farming to join mining activities, raising fears over food security in the area.
Leaders also reported that some children had dropped out of school to work at the mining site with their parents.
Minister says mining is illegal
On Thursday, a team from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development inspected the site.
The team was led by State Minister for Minerals Phiona Nyamutoro.
Nyamutoro told miners that the land falls under Exploration Licence EL00135, which was granted to Shiye Miners Company for mineral exploration.
She said mining within the licensed exploration area is illegal because the miners do not have the required licences under the Mining and Minerals Act.
The minister expressed concern over the growing number of people involved in unlicensed mining and ordered an immediate suspension of all activities at the site.
Government plans to formalise artisanal miners
Nyamutoro said the suspension is meant to restore order as government works to formalise artisanal mining in the area.
She said the ministry will support the miners to organise themselves into a cooperative.
The miners will also be guided on how to acquire the necessary licences to operate legally under Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining framework.
The minister also raised concern over public health risks at the camp.
She noted that the site lacks standard sanitation facilities, a health centre and first-aid services to respond to emergencies.
RDC warns against trespass
Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambrose Amanyire urged residents to follow the government directive.
He warned that anyone who trespasses onto the licensed exploration area or resumes illegal mining will be arrested.
The suspension follows growing complaints from neighbouring communities over environmental pollution.
On June 28, 2026, residents of Rugyeyo sub-county and Nyakabungo Town Council petitioned district authorities over the mining activities in Kayungwe.
They accused artisanal miners of polluting water sources through poor waste disposal and the use of mercury during gold extraction.
The petitioners warned that the contamination poses a serious threat to public health and the environment.
They called on authorities to intervene before the situation worsens.