By Eye Media | Namayingo | July 20, 2026
Five people have died and seven others sustained injuries after an illegal gold mine collapsed in Mabuka Village, Bukana Sub-county, Namayingo District.
Police have launched a manhunt for three suspects identified only as Sam, Peter and Swengere, who allegedly own the collapsed gold pits. The trio is wanted on allegations of rash and negligent acts leading to the fatal incident.
According to Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha, the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on July 18, 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly ordered the miners to descend about 120 feet into the pits without protective gear. The pits also lacked proper support structures, making them highly vulnerable to collapse.
Police say the miners were relying on pipes for oxygen when the mine caved in, trapping all 12 underground. The collapse cut off their air supply, leading to suffocation.
The deceased have been identified as Suuna Mohamed Gift, 14, a student of Kifuyo Secondary School in Namayingo District, Sowedi, a resident of Nsango Village in Buyinja Sub-county, Wejuli, and two other victims whose identities had not yet been established by press time.
The survivors are Kevin Mutangi of Busitema in Busia District, Kirya Edwin, 26, of Tiira in Busia District, Kayolo Alpha, 31, of Busensi in Masaka District, Lubanga Geoffrey, 30, of Namayingo Town Council, Wabwire Simon, 21, of Mugabe Village in Bukana Sub-county, Barigye Aron, 26, of Nakijala LC I in Kitumbi Sub-county, Kasanda District, and another survivor identified only as Geoffrey.
A team of detectives and officers from the Mineral Protection Police, led by the Namayingo District Police Commander, visited the scene and coordinated the rescue operation.
The injured were rushed to Buyinja Health Centre IV, Victory Medical Centre in Namayingo and Masafu Hospital in Busia for treatment.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Buyinja Health Centre IV Mortuary and Masafu Hospital pending post-mortem examinations.
Police revealed that the illegal gold mining site had previously been closed by the District Security Committee, but miners reportedly ignored the directive and continued operating.
Investigations are ongoing as police intensify efforts to arrest the three suspects and establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The latest tragedy comes just a day after another (https://eyemediauganda.com/2026/07/19/three-dead-one-rescued-after-illegal-gold-mine-collapses-in-namayingo/) illegal gold mine collapse in Namayingo District claimed the lives of three miners, highlighting the growing dangers associated with unregulated gold mining in the area.
With Sunday’s deaths, the number of people killed in illegal gold mining accidents in Namayingo District has risen to eight in just two days, raising fresh concerns over the enforcement of safety regulations and the continued operation of illegal mining sites despite previous closure orders by the District Security Committee.
