Written By | Joshua Nahamya
People in Bushenyi looking at the dead bodies from the mining site
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BUSHENYI – A somber mood and deep grief have gripped the residents of Bushenyi District following a tragic gold mining accident in Kayanga Village, Kyamuhunga Sub-county that claimed the lives of five people on Tuesday evening. The deceased have been identified as Anthony Mugarura (23) from Butoha Magambo, Sansio Twizukye (30), Julius Mujurizi (55), Stuart Akanyamba (16), and Saul Twinomujuni (25). The victims hailed from the villages of Kayanga, Kyibingo, and Kataruma in Kibazi Parish.
People in Bushenyi still shocked about what happened yesterday evening
According to Lauben Gumisiriza, a resident of Kayanga who was at the site when the landslide struck at approximately 3:00 PM, over 25 people were underground when the mud block gave way. “We were in the mine normally and were about to finish up when the mud hit them. I had just carried a basin out and saw the tragedy upon my return,” Gumisiriza recalled. He noted that the group had been mining at the site for two years to support their families. “It has been falling before, but usually after we had already left. This time we were unfortunate.”
Robert Mugabe, whose son Anthony Mugarura was among the victims, appealed for government assistance for the bereaved families. “My son had only spent two months working at the mine to survive. I found many people gathered here only to check and find my son among the dead,” Mugabe lamented.
“Government should support these families because some had young children and new marriages; they were the sole breadwinners.” 
Security operatives in Bushenyi ntensified to proceed with investigations about the tragedy at the gold mine
The District Police Commander (DPC) of Bushenyi, SSP Felix Mugizi, confirmed that the mining site has been suspended indefinitely to allow for a thorough investigation. He revealed that the site had previously been closed, but miners had continued to operate undercover. “It is very unfortunate that we have lost Ugandans while they were looking for money. However, we found that this site was earlier closed and people built makeshift structures to work undercover,” Mugizi explained. “We have suspended this site until we understand who gave you permission and which laws you follow. Do not go there until investigations are over.”
Hon. Birungi Beatrice, the LC III Vice Chairperson of Kyamuhunga Sub-county, described the loss of "energetic young men" as a blow to the electorate. “There was no rain or obvious cause; we believe it was a tragic accident. They had worked here for two years without major incidents,” she noted.
Covered bodies of young men excavated from the mining site
The Deputy RDC of Bushenyi, Donanto Kasigazi, echoed the call for safety, noting that an environmental impact assessment will be conducted before any further activity is permitted. “These were hardworking men looking for survival, not thieves. It is painful to lose such people,” Kasigazi said. He also drew parallels to a recent tragedy where two pupils were killed by lightning at St. Mary’s Kyamuhunga Primary School, urging the community to remain prayerful and vigilant.
The bodies of the deceased were handed over to their respective families for burial following postmortem examinations at the site. Police remain deployed at the mine to prevent any unauthorized entry during the ongoing investigation.
Torch Media Africa
