In a shocking incident today, five private security guards have been arrested for allegedly attempting to shoot the State Minister for Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro, during an inspection of iron ore mineral fields in Butare, Rubanda district. The fields are owned by National Cement Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Devki Group of companies.
The incident occurred at Butare in Katojo town council while Minister Nyamutoro and Agnes Alaba, the acting commissioner for mines and minerals, were inspecting the site.
The officials had spent the previous day in a consultative meeting with miners from the Kigezi region at White Horse Inn Kabale, discussing the ongoing biometric registration of artisanal miners across the country.
Upon their arrival at the mining fields, the officials were met with hostility from four private security guards who were guarding the area. The guards blocked access to the site and reportedly cocked their guns, threatening to shoot the officials.
Nyamutoro’s bodyguards and police officers swiftly intervened, disarming and arresting the guards before any harm could occur.
Minister Nyamutoro expressed disbelief at the guards’ actions, especially considering that the mining activities they were protecting were illegal. She ordered the immediate closure of the mineral fields until further notice.
“We’re going to ensure that the equipment is removed and mining is halted in all areas where National Cement is currently conducting illegal activities. We will continue to monitor and enforce the law, arresting those responsible and shutting down unauthorized operations,” Nyamutoro stated.
Agnes Alaba confirmed the safety of all officials but declined to provide further details, directing inquiries to the ministry’s communication officer.
Elly Maate, the police spokesperson for the Kigezi region, confirmed that the security guards are currently detained at Rubanda police station as investigations continue.
Maate also revealed that the guards were armed with three submachine guns (SMGs).
