Landslide Kills Five in Bushenyi

A landslide killed five people and injured several others on Tuesday at a gold mining site in Kyamuhunga, Bushenyi District. 

Authorities identified the deceased as Sensio Twijukye, 30, a resident of Kataruma Cell; Julius Mujurizi, 55, a resident of Kibingo Cell; Stuart Akanyamba, 16, a resident of Kibazi Village; Anthony Mugarura, 23, a resident of Butoha Magambo; and Saul Twinomujuni, 25, a resident of Kayanga Village in Kyamuhunga Sub-County.

Felix Mugizi, the Bushenyi District Police Commander, says preliminary investigations show that miners have been using the site illegally since authorities closed it. He adds that investigators are working to establish the cause of the incident and will take legal action against anyone found behind the illegal mining.

Donato Kasigazi, the Bushenyi Deputy Resident District Commissioner, says investigations will establish whether authorities approved the mining site for use. He adds that officials will conduct an environmental assessment to determine the cause of the landslide. He also notes that the security committee has agreed to close the mining site as investigations continue.

Lauben Gumisiriza, a resident of Kayanga Cell and a survivor, says about 25 miners were at the site when the landslide struck and buried them under the soil. He explains that he survived because he had just pulled out a basin of soil from underground. He appeals to the government to provide machinery to support miners.

Robert Mugabe, a resident of Butoha, says miners have been using the site illegally despite its closure three years ago. He alleges that some government officials connived with miners and allowed them to access the closed mine in exchange for money. He adds that miners have continued operations for two years despite a government directive to close the site.

The incident occurred a few days after lightning struck two children of St Mary’s Primary School at the school gate as they returned from home for lunch.