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The suspects in custody were identified as: Kwesiga Stephen, Taibu Okuker, Owino John, Harish Karshan, and Biryomumisho Isaac
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By Our Reporter
Kigezi, Uganda – Police in the Kigezi region have arrested five people for allegedly engaging in illegal mineral processing without valid licenses. The suspects are currently being held at Kabale Central Police Station, and two trucks transporting minerals without clearance have been impounded.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation launched on 17th September 2025 after a stakeholders’ meeting. The operation, led by Commissioner of Minerals Agnes Alaba, targeted several illegal iron ore mining and crushing sites in the region, including: Nyakijumba, along the Kabale–Mbarara highway, Butare Cell, Rutooma Ward, Northern Division, Kabale Municipality and Rwenkuriju Cell, Muyanje Ward, Bubare Town Council, Rubanda District
Agnes Alaba
The suspects in custody were identified as: Kwesiga Stephen, Taibu Okuker, Owino John, Harish Karshan, and Biryomumisho Isaac. The two impounded Tata lorries, registration numbers UBP 218F and UBM 893J, were intercepted at the Nyakijumba checkpoint.
According to police, several other individuals found operating at illegal mining sites were arrested, sensitized on the dangers of unlawful mining, and later released after receiving warnings.
ASP Maate Elly, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, said operations against illegal mining will continue until residents fully comply with the law.
“These measures are necessary to protect our natural resources and ensure that mineral processing is carried out in accordance with the law,” ASP Maate said.
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