KANUNGU GOLD MINES: COUNCILLORS EXPOSE ALLEGED TORTURE, ILLEGAL MINING AND CORRUPTION

Councillors and residents in Kayungwe Sub-county have raised serious concerns over alleged torture, continued illegal gold mining and possible corruption at the Kayungwe gold-mining site. The concerns come despite a directive by the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, to halt illegal mining activities at the site. During a district council meeting, councillors alleged that some security officers deployed to protect the mining area are instead allowing, or allegedly participating in, continued mining activities. They further claimed that some individuals who were expected to stop operations are still reportedly accessing the site under security protection, raising questions about how the suspension is being enforced. Residents and councillors say the situation has created serious concerns about justice, accountability and possible corruption, with allegations that some people may be benefiting from the continued activities. The councillors are now calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations of torture, illegal mining and possible abuse of authority, urging relevant authorities to establish who is behind the activities and ensure that the government directive is respected. The allegations have not yet been independently verified, and those implicated should be given an opportunity to respond to the claims. #KayungweGoldMines