KISORO, Uganda – Police in Kisoro District have arrested 28 people in a major intelligence-led operation targeting illegal mining at the government-owned Kirwa Wolfram Mines, in a crackdown that underscores growing concerns over cross-border mineral exploitation.
The raid, carried out on 2nd May 2026, took place in Kabaya Village, Busengo Parish, Nyarubuye Sub-county—an area rich in wolfram and tin deposits under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and guarded by the Mineral Police Protection Unit.
According to Kigezi regional police spokesperson Elly Maate, 25 of the suspects are Rwandan nationals who allegedly entered Uganda through porous and unregulated border points.
“The territorial police in Kisoro carried out an intelligence-led operation against illegal mining at Kirwa Wolfram mining site, where 28 suspects were arrested, 25 of whom are Rwandans who had illegally entered the country,” Maate said.
Authorities revealed that local leaders had raised concerns earlier this year about a surge in illegal mining activities by foreign nationals at the site, prompting increased surveillance and eventual enforcement action.
During the operation, police recovered approximately 30 kilograms of suspected wolfram ore believed to have been illegally extracted.
All suspects have since been formally charged with illegal mining, as well as unlawful entry and stay in Uganda without valid documentation. Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be arraigned in court once inquiries are complete.
“They were charged with illegal mining and entering and staying in Uganda without valid permits. Upon completion of inquiries, they will be produced before court,” Maate added.
The incident has once again brought to light the persistent challenges faced by authorities in southwestern Uganda, where porous borders continue to enable unauthorized entry and illicit economic activities. Security agencies say efforts are being intensified to curb illegal mining and safeguard the country’s natural resources from exploitation.
