By Yusuf Obbo
Police in Namayingo District are hunting for three suspects over alleged negligence that led to the deaths of five illegal gold miners and left seven others injured after a gold mining pit collapsed in Mabuka Village, Bukana Sub-county.
The suspects, identified only as Sam, Peter, and Swengere, are believed to be the owners of the illegal gold mining pits where the victims were working when the tragedy occurred.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Suuna Mohamed Gift, 14, a student at Kifuyo Secondary School in Namayingo District.
- Sowedi, a resident of Nsango Village, Buyinja Sub-county, Namayingo District.
- Wejuli.
- Two other victims whose identities had not been established by press time.
The seven survivors are:
- Kevin Mutangi of Busitema, Busia District.
- Kirya Edwin, 26, of Tiira, Busia District.
- Kayolo Alpha, 31, of Busensi, Masaka District.
- Lubanga Geoffrey, 30, of Namayingo Town Council.
- Wabwire Simon, 21, of Mugabe Village, Bukana Sub-county, Namayingo District.
- Barigye Aron, 26, of Nakijala LC I, Kitumbi Sub-county, Kasanda District.
- One survivor identified only as Geoffrey.
According to preliminary police investigations, the incident occurred in the early hours of July 18, 2026, after the suspects allegedly directed the miners to enter the pits without protective gear. Investigators also established that the pits lacked adequate structural support, making them highly unsafe.
At around 1:00 a.m., the mining pit collapsed, trapping 12 miners approximately 120 feet underground. The miners had been relying on oxygen supplied through pipes, but the collapse reportedly severed the air supply, causing the trapped workers to suffocate.
A joint team of detectives and officers from the Mineral Protection Police, led by the District Police Commander (DPC), responded to the scene. Rescue teams recovered five bodies while seven miners were rescued alive.
The injured were taken to Buyinja Health Centre IV, Victory Medical Centre in Namayingo, and Masafu Hospital in Busia for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were transferred to Buyinja Health Centre IV Mortuary and Masafu Hospital pending post-mortem examinations.
Police said the mining site had previously been closed by the district security committee over safety concerns. However, the miners allegedly ignored the closure order and continued operating illegally.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to apprehend the three suspects, who remain on the run.
