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Minister Phiona Nyamutooro with security at the cement company this morning
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Police in Kabale District this morning arrested private security guards from National Cement Company, a subsidiary of the Devki Group, for attempting to shoot at State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro. The incident occurred while she was conducting a routine check on allegedly illegal mining activities in Kisoro District. After the incident, the minister released a statement on what exactly happened.
Minister Nyamutooro visiting the Cement Factory
Minister's statement
"This morning, together with the Under Secretary MEMD, the Commissioner of Mines, DPC, Zonal Commander of the Mineral Police, and other technical staff, we began our day by inspecting Butare Katoojo in Muko Subcounty, Rubanda District. This area was reported for illegal mining of iron ore by the National Cement Company, which was trespassing on exploration license No. EL00340 belonging to STEAM Investments.
I directed the Mineral Police to confiscate the equipment and halt the mining operations immediately. The technical team will assess the extent of the mining to determine the penalties to be paid by the directors of the National Cement Company. These Indian investors must comply with the Minerals Act 2022 and not exploit Ugandans in broad daylight!
We encountered a scuffle with the private security guards who attempted to block our exit and shot at our convoy. However, the Police disarmed and arrested five of them, and further investigations are underway. We strongly condemn such intimidation tactics that have often been used against the Ministry's inspectors while on duty in the field.
The operation to crack down on illegal mining across the country has just started. Despite the challenges we face, we are committed to ensuring that mineral utilization benefits the citizens.
This is a call to alert every illegal miner that we are relentlessly working to streamline the mineral sector. Act in accordance with the law, operate formally, and the government will support you too."
Minister Nyamutooro’s statement reads.
Torch Media Africa
