Kisoro,Uganda – Territorial Police in Kisoro have arrested 28 suspects, 25 of them Rwandan nationals, during an intelligence-led operation targeting illegal mining at the Kirwa Wolfram site.
The suspects were found mining without authorization at the government-owned Wolfram and tin deposits in Kabaya Village, Busengo Parish, Nyarubuye Sub-county. The site falls under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and is guarded by the Mineral Police Protection Unit.
Since the beginning of 2026, local authorities had reported unknown persons, believed to be Rwandan nationals, illegally extracting Wolfram from the mine.
Acting on the reports, Kisoro Police launched an intelligence-led operation on 2nd May 2026. Twenty-eight illegal miners were arrested and about 30 kilograms of suspected Wolfram was recovered.
The suspects have been charged with illegal mining and entering and staying in Uganda without valid permits.
Kigezi Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed the arrests, noting that inquiries are ongoing. Upon completion, the suspects will be produced before court to answer the charges.
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