Security Guards Netted for blocking, Cocking Guns at Minister

Police in Rubanda have arrested five private security guards from Wolves Security Company for allegedly obstructing the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro, and her technical team from accessing an illegal mining site.

The site in question is operated by the National Cement Company at Butare Katoojo in Muko sub-county, Rubanda district.

The incident occurred on June 20, 2024, at approximately 10:00 AM, when the Minister and her team arrived at the site for a fact-finding mission. The private security guards on duty reportedly refused to grant them access, necessitating police intervention.

ASP Elly Maate, the spokesperson for Kigezi Region says following the inspection, the security guards further escalated the situation by blocking the convoy and cocking their guns, threatening to shoot. The guards, armed with three rifles (SMGs), were subsequently disarmed and arrested by the police.

The Minister, accompanied by the technical team from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines and the Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU), was on a country-wide tour for consultative engagements on draft regulations for gazetting areas for artisanal and small-scale miners.

During this tour, they went to inspect Iron Ore Exploration License No. EL00340, which belongs to STEAM Investments in Muko, Rubanda district.

According to Maate, the  inspection followed a complaint from STEAM Investments’ directors, who reported that their exploration license had been trespassed upon by individuals mining illegally without a license, allegedly working for John Muluri Muyambi and the National Cement Company.

The guards have been identified as Kiiza Deus, Okurboth Robert, Niwagaba Anthony, Kajugo Mathias, and Mucunguzi Robert. They have been handed over to the Rubanda Central Police Station (CPS) and charged accordingly.

Despite the confrontation, the Minister and her team remained safe and have continued with their scheduled duties. The authorities assure the public that there is no cause for alarm.