Three Killed After Abandoned Gold Mine Collapses in Namayingo

[Da Dona]

Three artisanal miners have died after an abandoned gold mine collapsed in Namayingo District, with rescue teams continuing to search for more victims feared trapped beneath the rubble.

The tragedy occurred in Mabuka Village, Bukana Sub-county, where a group of miners had reportedly entered the abandoned mine to extract unprocessed gold despite the site having been officially closed over safety concerns.

According to residents, the mine pit suddenly caved in while the miners were underground. Some managed to escape and fled the scene, but others were buried under the debris. The exact number of miners who were inside the pit at the time of the collapse remains unknown.

Residents said the Mabuka mine was shut down last year after authorities raised concerns over repeated accidents caused by unsafe mining practices. They noted that the Resident District Commissioner's office ordered its closure following numerous mining accidents, with reports indicating that fatal incidents had become common at the site.

Community members blamed the latest tragedy on poor safety standards, saying illegal miners often work without protective gear such as helmets, gloves, gumboots or overalls. They also cited the lack of safety guidelines and proper supervision, arguing that illegal mining resumes shortly after enforcement teams leave the area.

Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha confirmed the incident, saying the bodies of the three deceased miners, whose identities had not yet been established, were taken to Buyinja Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examinations. He added that one miner was rescued alive and is receiving treatment at Buyinja Health Centre IV.

Police Fire and Rescue Services have launched a search operation to determine whether more miners remain trapped beneath the collapsed pit. Authorities have also opened investigations into the incident as concerns grow over the continued operation of illegal mining activities at abandoned sites.

Source: Observer​