Two Killed in Kaabong Gold Pit Collapse While Stealing Gold

Rising concerns over illegal mining and safety violations have emerged in Kaabong District after two men died when a gold mining pit collapsed in Loriwo Village, Loyoro Sub-county.

Rising concerns over illegal mining and safety violations have emerged in Kaabong District after two men died when a gold mining pit collapsed in Loriwo Village, Loyoro Sub-county.

Police say the incident highlights continued risks linked to unauthorized entry into mining sites and unsafe artisanal mining practices in the region.

The collapse occurred at about 8:30 PM on April 25, 2026, when three men allegedly entered a neighboring mining camp in an attempt to steal gold-bearing soil for processing. Kiyonga Longole, 32, and Nangiro Lokubal, 26, were inside the pit when it caved in, burying them alive.

A third suspect, who had briefly left the site, reportedly returned to find the pit collapsed and fled without raising an alarm. The incident was discovered the following morning after workers at the mining camp reported the two men missing. Mike Longole confirmed the deaths, saying police and local leaders established the circumstances following preliminary investigations.

A case of Rush and Negligent Act Causing Death has been registered at Loyoro Police Post under SD Ref: 14/26/04/2026. Kiyonga’s body was recovered and taken to Kaabong Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.

By evening, efforts were still underway to retrieve Nangiro’s body, with authorities considering the use of excavation machinery.Police warned against illegal mining activities, saying they expose communities to preventable deaths.

“The Uganda Police Force warns that unauthorized entry into mining pits is a criminal offence and poses extreme risk to life,” Longole said. He added that artisanal miners must operate only in licensed areas and adhere to safety guidelines issued by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines.

The incident comes barely a month after another fatal mine collapse in Kaabong East Sub-county, where three people died in similar circumstances at the Sokodu mining site.