500 Gold Miners Stranded in Namayingo After Closure of Illegal Mining Sites

Jannex appealed to the government to assist miners who lacked money for transport and were struggling to meet their basic needs.
Meanwhile, Cephus Wanjala, the Eastern Zonal Commander of the Police Mineral Protection Unit, defended the closure, saying the sites in Buyanga had been shut down because operators were engaging in illegal mining activities.

Wanjala advised the Chinese company and artisanal miners to obtain the necessary mining licences before resuming operations.
The closure is part of efforts to enforce mining regulations and curb unauthorised mineral extraction in the area.
However, the affected miners are calling for urgent assistance to return home, while former company workers are also seeking resolution of their claims over unpaid wages.

The situation has raised concerns about the immediate welfare of people who depended on the mining sites for income as authorities continue enforcing licensing requirements in Namayingo District.