By Vasco Gift

Growing concerns are emerging in Koboko District over alleged illegal mercury mining activities in Abuku Sub-county, with local leaders, environmental experts, and community activists warning of potential health, environmental, and safety risks associated with the unregulated extraction of the toxic mineral.

Speaking to the press, the LCIII Chairperson of Abuku Sub-county, Hon. Swali Itima, said local authorities have not yet confirmed the presence of mercury deposits in the area due to the lack of technical equipment and expertise required to conduct a proper geological assessment.

“We cannot conclusively confirm the existence of mercury in the area because there has been no official survey conducted by the relevant authorities. As leaders, we do not have the technical capacity or equipment to verify such claims,” he said.

Despite the absence of official confirmation, Hon. Itima acknowledged reports that some community members have been involved in mining activities since last year under the guidance of an individual believed to be from Western Uganda. According to local accounts, the alleged operator is rarely seen at the site, and his identity remains largely unknown to district authorities.

The mining site is reportedly located near the Abuku Sub-county headquarters.

Hon. Itima further noted that those involved in the activity have cited high operational costs, including the purchase of expensive chemicals used in the extraction process, as one of the challenges affecting the continuity of the operation.

As concerns continue to mount, leaders across the district are calling for immediate intervention by government authorities.

The LCIII Chairperson of Lobule Sub-county, Hon. Suleiman Banga, emphasized that Uganda’s laws require all mineral exploration and extraction activities to be authorized by the relevant government institutions.

“The Government of Uganda does not permit illegal mining. Any individual or company interested in mineral extraction must obtain the necessary licenses and approvals from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and other relevant authorities,” he said.

Hon. Banga warned residents against participating in unauthorized mining activities, arguing that local communities are vulnerable to exploitation by individuals operating outside the law.

Community activist Ronald Baiga, commonly known as Kanawara, expressed deep concern over the alleged illegal mining operations. He said local residents are reportedly being used to carry out excavation work without adequate protective gear, exposing them to significant health and safety risks.

According to Baiga, the activities threaten water sources, agricultural land, livestock, and the general wellbeing of surrounding communities.

“The reported mining activities pose serious risks to women, children, and livestock through potential contamination of water sources and farmland. The excavation of deep pits also presents a physical danger to community members,” he said.

Baiga further alleged that landowners and community members were not adequately consulted before the commencement of the activities and called for a comprehensive investigation by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines.

He urged authorities to conduct a thorough assessment of the site and prosecute any individuals found to be operating outside the law.

Koboko District leaders have also taken note of the allegations.

Hon. Mambu Ashrafu, an LCIII Chairperson in Koboko District, said he had not received any formal communication from the individuals behind the mining activities but assured residents that the district leadership would engage the relevant ministries to establish the facts and determine the appropriate course of action.

Meanwhile, the District Environment Officer, Alege Wadri, clarified that local governments do not have the mandate to issue mining licenses.

“As a district, we cannot authorize mineral extraction. Such powers rest with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development,” he explained.

Wadri revealed that district authorities had earlier written to an individual reportedly linked to the activities after learning that local residents were being engaged in excavation work without the necessary approvals.

He warned that the continued extraction of minerals without proper authorization could have serious environmental consequences and called upon residents to desist from participating in the activity.

“If these activities continue without the required documentation and approval, the district will be compelled to take appropriate action in accordance with the law,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Koboko County, Hon. Emmanuel Natal Banya, also pledged to follow up on the allegations and engage relevant authorities to establish the legality of the mining operations.

Experts warn that mercury is among the most hazardous substances to human health and the environment. Exposure to mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and blood cells, while prolonged contact may result in severe health complications. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to mercury poisoning, which can lead to developmental and neurological disorders.

Environmentalists further caution that mercury contamination can pollute soil and water sources, threaten biodiversity, and affect agricultural productivity. Illegal mining sites are also associated with increased risks of accidents, including the collapse of excavation pits that may result in injuries or fatalities.

Under Uganda’s Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, unauthorized mineral extraction is prohibited and punishable by law. Individuals found guilty of engaging in illegal mining activities may face substantial fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.

Legal and Environmental Concerns

The alleged mercury mining activities in Abuku Sub-county come at a time when government authorities are intensifying efforts to curb illegal mineral extraction across Uganda. Under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, all mineral exploration, prospecting, and mining activities must be conducted under a valid licence or permit issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Individuals found conducting mining operations without authorization face severe penalties, including substantial fines, imprisonment, or both. The Act further prohibits the use of mercury in mining operations due to its well-documented health and environmental risks. Violators may face fines of up to 5,000 currency points, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.

In addition, the Constitution of Uganda under Article 39 guarantees every citizen the right to a clean and healthy environment, while the National Environment Act, 2019 places an obligation on individuals and institutions to protect natural resources from degradation. Any activity that contaminates water sources, destroys vegetation, or endangers public health may attract legal sanctions under environmental protection laws.

Environmental experts warn that mercury contamination can persist in soil and water for decades. Once released into rivers, wetlands, and agricultural land, the toxic metal can accumulate in fish, livestock, and crops, posing long-term health risks to communities. Exposure to mercury has been linked to neurological disorders, kidney damage, developmental complications in children, and reproductive health challenges among women.

The concerns are particularly significant for the West Nile sub-region, which hosts some of Uganda’s most environmentally sensitive and densely populated refugee-hosting districts. Uganda currently hosts approximately 1.5 million refugees, with a large proportion residing in West Nile districts including Koboko, Adjumani, Yumbe, Arua, Madi Okollo, and Obongi. The growing population has increased pressure on land, water resources, forests, and public services, making environmental conservation a critical priority for local governments and development partners.

Development experts caution that illegal mining activities can undermine ongoing efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and environmental restoration in the region. In Koboko and neighbouring districts, agriculture remains the primary source of income for the majority of households. Any contamination of farmland or water sources could directly affect food security, household incomes, and public health.

Stakeholders are therefore calling for an urgent geological assessment of the site, environmental impact investigations, and enforcement of existing mining and environmental laws to safeguard communities and protect the natural resources upon which the people of West Nile depend.

As questions surrounding the alleged mercury mining activities in Abuku Sub-county remain unanswered, residents and leaders alike are calling for urgent investigations to establish the facts, protect communities, and safeguard the environment from potentially irreversible harm.

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