BUHWEJU RESIDENTS PETITION PRESIDENT MUSEVENI OVER CLOSED GOLD MINES

By our reporter
www.mknewslink.com
In Buhweju—
Buhweju Residents dealing in artisanal Gold mining stormed the office of the RDC protesting the alleged closure of small scale mining activities in the district by mineral police.
Carrying placards inscribed on different words, residents presented a petition to the acting RDC Darious Kusasira calling on the president to prevail over government officials who have stopped them from accessing their traditional source of livelihood.
In the petition the Artisans alleged that mineral police deployed in the area are harassing and chasing them from their mines without notice, sensitization and negotiations.
The chairman Buhweju artisanal and small scale miners Edmund Ngabirano said that artisans want the president to rescue them from such state of emergence which has paralyzed them and may cause loss of household incomes of many families in Buhweju district.
The district chairman Asiimwe John together with area MP Francis Mwijukye accused the mineral police for not involving the local leadership in the affairs that concern the people they represent yet government which put them in place to foster service delivery cherish their importance.
Residents later on unanimously agreed to go back to their mines after one week as long as government does not respect their interests.
On 3rd August 2018 the Ministry of energy and mineral development deployed mineral police in Buhweju district to stop illegal gold mining practices in the area.
Kafureka Isaac Kanzira the mineral police zonal commander for Ankole region said that they halted mining activities such that artisans can acquire necessary documents needed for exploration because majority of them are not licenced.
Commenting on concerns that they have not involved local leaders in their operations, Kafureka said that they only have to report to central police in the district and also advised those claiming to have been tortured by mineral police to register their complaints with police in order for justice to prevail.

www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106