Three Bodies Recovered From Collapsed Illegal Gold Mine in Namayingo

The Busoga East police spokesperson, ASP. Michael Kasadha.

NAMAYINGO, Eastern Region – Three bodies have been recovered from an abandoned gold mine that collapsed in Namayingo District, trapping a group of artisanal miners who had illegally entered the site in search of gold, police said.

The collapse occurred in Mabuka Village, Bukana Sub-county, where an unknown number of miners were digging for unprocessed gold particles despite the mine’s official closure over safety concerns, according to residents.

Residents said the pit caved in while the miners were underground, burying several of them. Some miners escaped and fled the scene, while others remained trapped beneath the debris, they said.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the Mabuka mine was closed last year by authorities following a series of accidents linked to unsafe practices. The resident said the Resident District Commissioner’s office ordered the closure after dozens of accidents were reported weekly, with an average of two fatal incidents recorded each month.

Another resident blamed the tragedy on poor safety standards, saying miners often work without protective equipment such as helmets, gumboots, gloves and overalls. The resident added that the site lacks clear safety guidelines or leadership structures, leaving miners exposed to frequent accidents.

The resident also urged the government to strengthen enforcement and supervision of mining activities, arguing that illegal miners often return shortly after authorities leave.

“Whenever mines are closed, enforcement teams normally depart after 48 hours, prompting illicit individuals to continue mining without clearance from authorities,” the resident said.

Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha confirmed the incident, saying the bodies of the deceased, who have not yet been identified, were taken to Buyinja Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examinations.

Kasadha said one miner was rescued alive and is receiving treatment at Buyinja Health Centre IV. He added that police fire and rescue teams have launched a fresh search operation at the site to determine whether more people remain trapped. Investigations are ongoing.