KANUNGU – The fast-growing population at mining sites in Kanungu District has posed a serious health crisis, as open food selling and a lack of health checks at entry points have turned the area into a high-risk zone for diseases.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The shocking health report was presented to the District Council on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, by Assistant District Health Officer Katto M. Besisira, who laid it bare during a full House session at Rukiko Hall.
Besisira told the Council that the Environmental Health team inspected Kabugiri and Kabahesi mining sites on June 15, 2026, and found a fast-growing population with only six latrines, costly water at UGX 1,000 per jerrycan, and poor use of protective gear.
He added that the team discovered open food vending and no health screening at entry points, conditions exposing the community to serious risks, including cholera, typhoid, chemical exposure, respiratory illness, and other disease outbreaks.
“We inspected Kabugiri and Kabahesi on June 15 and found a very worrying situation. The population is growing fast, but there are only six latrines, water is too expensive at 1,000 shillings per jerrycan, very few people are using protective gear, food is sold in the open, and no one is being checked for sickness at the entry points. This puts everyone at risk of cholera, typhoid, chemical poisoning, and breathing problems,” reported Besisira.
RDC Ambrose Mwesigye informed the Council that mining has become one of the key drivers of Kanungu’s economy, following the discovery of gold, iron ore, and uranium in the area.
Following his earlier visit to the sites, the RDC ordered all children out of the Kayungwe mining area to return to school and directed the Health and Natural Resources departments to inspect the site.
District Natural Resources Officer Twinamatsiko Confidence reported that mining activity in Kayungwe and Rugyeyo is ongoing, though some operators lack full licenses and NEMA approval, and waste disposal is poorly managed.
He asked the Council to consider a temporary ban on new mining until all operators comply, enforce license requirements, create a District Mining Ordinance, and bring in Police to monitor sites.
“Mining in Kayungwe and Rugyeyo is happening, but some operators lack licenses and NEMA approval, and waste is poorly managed. I have proposed a temporary stop to new mining until all comply, a new District Mining Ordinance, and Police support to enforce the rules,” Confidence stated.
The Council received the proposals, tasked the Bylaws Committee with drafting a Mining Ordinance for discussion, and gave full approval to the recommended health and safety measures.
At the invitation of the RDC, Mr. Malinga Michael from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development presented the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, to the District Council.
He outlined three key stages: a one-year Prospecting License to confirm mineral presence, a three-year Exploration License to assess quality with DGSM reports, and a Mining Lease for extraction after full plans are approved.
Michael remarked that all minerals belong to the Government on behalf of Ugandans, and the district’s responsibilities include regulation, environmental protection, and collecting local revenue in a lawful manner.
“All minerals are held by Government in trust for Ugandans. The District’s role is regulation, environmental protection, and mobilising lawful local revenue,” Michael said.
He pointed out that districts gain from mining through Local Service Tax, trading licenses, Community Development Agreements, and by ensuring licensed miners are properly registered with the Uganda Revenue Authority.
Meanwhile, during the council session presided over by Speaker Frank Byaruhanga Faraoh, members unanimously elected three Chairpersons to lead key committees.
Hon. Silver Rutazana of Kambuga was elected to lead Social Services, Hon. Rogers Tutuhukire of Kyeshero to head Works and Production, and Mr. Richard Byamukama of Rugyeyo to take charge of Finance and Technical Administration.
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