news 14 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kanungu Leaders Petition Museveni Over Garden Access Amidst Gold Mining Suspension
Local leaders in Kanungu District have petitioned President Museveni, citing restrictions on accessing crop gardens in the gold-rich Kayungwe Sub-county. They express concern over unresolved issues surrounding mining activities, despite a government suspension. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kanungu-leaders-petition-museveni-over-access-to-gardens-in-gold-rich-area-5632442
Leaders in Kanungu District have formally approached President Yoweri Museveni with concerns regarding residents’ access to their farmlands in the gold-rich Kayungwe Sub-county. The petition, spearheaded by Kanungu LCV Chairman Francis Byamukama, highlights alleged restrictions imposed by security agencies.
The district council emphasized that while they do not oppose responsible gold mining or investments, they are apprehensive about the potential resumption of mining activities before several critical issues are resolved. These outstanding concerns include clarity on mineral rights, land and surface rights, fair compensation, robust environmental protection measures, public health and occupational safety standards, security protocols, and ensuring the lawful participation and meaningful consultation of the local community.
This petition follows a suspension of gold mining activities in Kayungwe Sub-county by the State Minister for Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro, on July 2, 2026. The suspension was prompted by observations of inadequate sanitation facilities and a lack of proper licensing among some miners.
Byamukama’s petition further detailed grievances, including landowners reporting security restrictions preventing them from accessing their crop gardens. Allegations of domestic water sources being contaminated by mineral-bearing materials washed into streams were also raised.
However, Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambrose Amanyire Mwesigye stated on October 14 that residents are not being denied access to their gardens. He suggested that some individuals claiming restricted access were, in fact, engaging in illegal mining activities, which the mineral police have been addressing.
Separately, Kanungu District Council Speaker Frank Byaruhanga urged the government to reconsider allowing the collection of royalties from local gold dealers. He argued that these revenues could be vital for maintaining district roads that have been damaged by heavy vehicles involved in mineral transportation, drawing a parallel to the collection of taxes from agricultural produce vendors.