In a recent development in the mining industry, the Mount Moroto regional police in northern Uganda have charged 31 individuals from Kenya for illegally mining gold in Uganda. This incident has raised concerns about the illegal mining of precious minerals and its impact on the country’s economy, environment, and security.
The suspects were caught in the act last week while illegally mining gold in the Kaabong district. The district security committee worked in collaboration with the joint security agencies to apprehend the group. The police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, revealed that the group was arrested from the sub-counties of Lodiko and Timi. The security forces also confiscated 33 gold detector machines as exhibits.
Enanga emphasized that the illegal mining by Turkana people was stopped because it would fuel criminal activity in the region and the country as a whole. The spokesperson further stated that illegal mining is often connected to trade-based money laundering, which enables criminal networks to fund dangerous activities. Therefore, the government discourages such illicit mining.
Apart from being a security threat, illegal mining also poses environmental hazards and endangers the health of individuals living in the vicinity of the mines. Uganda’s Karamoja region, especially, is rich in gold deposits, and the government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, is taking measures to map out these deposits.
Following the arrest, the government has urged all interested individuals and companies, including foreign nationals like the Turkana, to obtain licenses to carry out mining legally in such regions. This action will not only ensure compliance with the law but will also generate revenue for the country and promote sustainable mining practices.
The arrests of the Turkana from Kenya serve as a stern warning to all individuals and companies, including foreigners, that engaging in illegal mining activities will not be tolerated. The government has urged all interested parties to obtain the necessary licenses and permits to conduct mining activities legally in Uganda.
The ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities in the country is a positive step towards sustainable economic development and environmental conservation. The government is committed to ensuring that Uganda’s natural resources are protected, and that their exploitation benefits both present and future generations.