Police in Kanungu District have arrested six suspects for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in violation of the Mining and Minerals Act.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday during an operation conducted by officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, supported by the Territorial Police in Kanungu District.
The operation was aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the district following guidance issued by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Phionah Nyamutoro, on September 7, 2026.
The operation started at about 11:00am along the Kibale and Ntugwa rivers in Omukishaha Cell, Ntugwa Parish, Nyamirama Sub-county in Kanungu District.
The suspects, who are currently detained at Kanungu Central Police Station, have been identified as Tumukunde Dismus, Tumwesigye Bright, Ankunda Martin, Nahwera Sayuni, Abaho Brian and Mpurira Amlet.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were conducting mining activities without licences and were allegedly degrading the environment.
Police have cautioned individuals engaged in illegal mining to stop the practice, obtain the required licences and comply with established mining guidelines.
The Police Minerals Protection Unit, together with other security agencies, will continue conducting operations to protect the environment and the country’s natural resources, police said.
Nelson Tumushime, the Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests.
