Illegal Mine Claims Two Lives in Rubanda’s Nyamuliro Cave

Residents in Muko Sub County of Rubanda District were today morning gripped with shock after two men suffocated to death in a cave during an illegal mining operation at Nyamuliro Wolfram Mines.

The deceased were identified as Richard Muhumuza, a resident of Mukatasa Cell, Nyarurambi ward, Rubanda Town Council, and Cleophas Niwariho, from Bushato Cell, Bunyonyi ward, Hamuhambo Town Council in Rubanda District.

The site manager of Nyamuliro Wolfram Mines, Pius Nahambwe Karanzi said the miners illegally entered the mine in Muko Sub County at night and suffocated to death around 2 AM. Nahambwe said their bodies were retrieved at 4am, stating that the closure of the Mine two month ago has led to dangerous and uncontrolled mining by residents, putting their lives at risk.

The Rubanda Resident District Commissioner, Eric Ssewandigi confirmed the deaths, stating that investigations are ongoing. He said that he has instructed the OC Mineral Kigezi to increase security at the mine to prevent further unauthorized access.