BUSHENYI, Western Uganda — Five miners have died after an informal gold mine collapsed in Kayanga Village, Kyamuhunga Sub-County in Bushenyi District, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in unregulated artisanal mining.
The accident occurred when the earth suddenly gave way while the workers were digging in a shallow mining pit. Authorities said the victims were trapped beneath the soil, triggering immediate but difficult rescue attempts by neighbours and relatives.
Emergency response was slowed by unstable ground conditions and the absence of specialised equipment to safely remove debris.
The incident has renewed attention on safety risks associated with informal mining activities in Uganda. Safety advocates say many artisanal miners work without protective gear, structural pit support, or formal supervision, particularly in rural mining zones.
Local residents noted that informal gold mining sites attract job-seekers looking to supplement household incomes, despite the high risk of collapse.
Community leaders have urged the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (Uganda) and other authorities to step up safety awareness campaigns, provide training for small-scale miners, and strengthen monitoring of mining sites.
Emergency services have completed initial response operations, and investigators are working with local leaders and affected families to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Officials warned that unregulated mining continues to pose a major public safety challenge as communities seek livelihood opportunities from mineral extraction.
