Minister Phionah Nyamutoro survives death after the Security Guards attempt to shoot at her.
RUBANDA: Private security guards manning the mining site of National Cement Co Ltd in Kisoro District have been disarmed and arrested after allegedly attempting to shoot at Uganda’s Minister of State for Minerals, Hon. Phionah Nyamutoro.
Hon. Nyamutoro, who has been in office for less than three months, visited the company’s mining site this morning for an inspection regarding alleged illegal mining activities when she narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by the armed guards.
The incident, captured on camera and widely shared on social media, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for a comprehensive investigation.
Eyewitnesses say the Minister and her team approached the site for the inspection when the armed security guards affiliated with the company allegedly received orders to fire at the group.
Quick-thinking bodyguards accompanying the minister disarmed the security personnel and arrested them, preventing any injuries.
Min. Nyamutoro told the press that the incident has intensified scrutiny on the National Cement Company, which has faced accusations of illegal mining practices that harm the environment and the local community.
In light of the attack, Hon. Nyamutoro called for an immediate suspension of all mining activities by the National Cement Company until a full investigation is conducted.
She urged the government to take decisive action against those responsible for the attack and to ensure compliance with mining regulations across the country.
“The bullets were in the chamber, they got commands from their bosses to shoot at us. We are on duty. This is laughable. Actually, the directors of this mining company should be the ones arrested.” Said Hon. Min. Phionah Nyamutoro.
The Minister’s visit to the mining site was part of her ongoing efforts to enforce legal and environmental standards within Uganda’s mining sector. The violent response from the company’s security guards has underscored the urgent need for increased oversight and accountability in the industry.
ASP. Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region police spokesperson, said that police have launched an investigation into the shooting, focusing on the actions of the private security guards and the directives they received from their superiors.
Maate added that they are also examining the broader implications of the incident for the security of public officials and the enforcement of mining laws in Uganda.
