28 Arrested in Uganda Illegal Mining Crackdown; 25 Suspects Are Rwandan Nationals

A significant crackdown on illegal mining in Uganda's Kisoro District has resulted in the arrest of 28 individuals, highlighting ongoing security concerns along the country's porous borders. The operation, focused on the Kirwa Wolfram Mines, specifically targeted foreign nationals, with 25 of those apprehended identified as Rwandan. This underscores a persistent challenge for Ugandan authorities: managing cross-border activities and preventing illegal exploitation of natural resources.

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The territorial police in Kisoro carried out an intelligence-led operation against illegal mining at Kirwa Wolfram mining site, where 28 suspects were arrested and 25 of whom are Rwandans who had illegally entered the country through porous entry points.

The police report, as detailed by AllAfrica, indicates that the Rwandan nationals allegedly entered Uganda through unofficial entry points. This points to a critical need for enhanced border surveillance and enforcement, particularly in regions prone to such illicit activities. The recovery of approximately 30 kilograms of suspected Wolfram ore signifies the scale of the illegal mining operations that have been reportedly ongoing since the beginning of 2026.

Authorities have charged the suspects with multiple offenses, including illegal mining and violating immigration laws by entering and staying in Uganda without valid permits. The ongoing inquiries and subsequent court proceedings aim to deter future illegal mining and unauthorized border crossings. This operation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in managing national resources while maintaining territorial integrity, especially in border areas.

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On May 2, 2026, the Kisoro territorial police carried out an intelligence-led operation on the illegal miners and 28 illegal miners were arrested and about 30 kilograms of suspected Wolfram was recovered from them.

From Uganda's perspective, such operations are crucial for asserting national sovereignty and ensuring that the country's mineral wealth benefits its citizens. The focus on foreign nationals engaged in illegal activities reflects a government policy aimed at protecting domestic economic interests and maintaining law and order. The incident also brings to the fore the delicate diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, as cross-border crime often requires bilateral cooperation to effectively address.

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They were accordingly charged with illegal mining and entering and staying in the Republic of Uganda without valid permits. Inquiries are ongoing, upon completion of which, they will be produced before court to answer charges accordingly.