Six Artisanal Miners Perish in Uganda Collapse; Survivor Recounts Ordeal

Six artisanal miners have died following a tunnel collapse in the Kasambya mining area, Mubende District, Uganda. The incident occurred on Sunday, trapping several individuals beneath tons of soil and rock.

Efforts to rescue the trapped miners were underway, but authorities confirmed the grim discovery of six bodies. Among the victims were brothers Israel Twinomulem and Daniel Byakatonda, whose loss has deeply affected their community.

A survivor, who was among those who managed to escape the collapsing tunnel, shared a harrowing account of the event. Speaking from the scene, the survivor described the sudden rumble and the desperate scramble for safety as the ground gave way. “It was terrifying. We heard a loud noise, and the walls started caving in. We ran, but not everyone made it out,” they recounted, visibly shaken.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest potential instability in the mining tunnels, a common concern in artisanal mining operations where safety standards can be inconsistent. Local authorities and rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover the bodies and provide support to the affected families.

This incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by artisanal miners in the region, often working in challenging conditions with limited safety equipment. The community mourns the loss of their members, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures and oversight in such mining activities.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)