By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NAMAYINGO
The territorial police in Namayingo are hunting for three suspects in connection with the Rush and Neglect act that led to the death of five local gold miners and left seven others injured at an illegal mining site on Saturday 18th July 2026.
The suspects, identified as only Sam, Peter, and Swengere, are the owners of the collapsed gold pits where the deceased and injured were trapped.
The deceased are Suuna Mohamed Gift, 14, a student at Kifuyo S.S, Namayingo District, Sowedi a resident of Nsango Village, Buyinja Sub County and Wejuli, with two unidentified bodies.
The survivors are Kevin Mutangi, from Busitema in Busia District, Kirya Edwin, 26, from Tiira in Busia District, Kayolo Alpha, 31, from Busensi in Masaka District, Lubanga Geoffrey, 30, from Namayingo Town Council, Wabwire Simon, 21, from Mugabe Village, Bukana Sub County, Namayingo District, Barigye Aaron, 26, from Nakijala LCI, Kitumbi Sub County, Kasanda District and one identified as Geofrey.
The incident took place in Mabuka village, Bukana sub-county, Namayingo district.
Police spokesperson for Busoga East region, ASP Kasadha Michael said that according to initial findings, on July 18, 2026, the suspects ordered the deceased and victims to enter the gold pits without protective gear, and the pits lacked proper support structures.
At approximately 1:00 AM, the pits collapsed, burying 12 illegal miners approximately 120 feet deep. They were using pipes for oxygen, but the collapse led to suffocation.
A police team, including detectives and members of the Mineral Protection Police, led by the District Police Commander (DPC), visited the scene. Five bodies were recovered, and seven were rescued, with the survivors taken to Buyinja Health Center IV, Victory Medical Centre, Namayingo, and Masafu Hospital in Busia.
The bodies of the deceased are at Buyinja Health Center IV Mortuary and Masafu, awaiting post-mortem. The site had been closed by the district security committee, but miners ignored the order. Investigations into the incident are still on going.
