The territorial police in Rubanda have arrested five private security guards of Wolves Security Company who allegedly resisted the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro, and a technical team from accessing an illegal mining site of the National Cement Company at Butare Katoojo in Muko sub-county, Rubanda district.

The Minister, together with the technical team from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines, accompanied by PMPU, went to inspect Iron Ore Exploration License No. EL00340 belonging to STEAM Investments in Muko Rubanda district. They are on a country-wide tour and conducting consultative engagement on draft regulations for gazetting areas for artisanal and small-scale miners. The Minister received a complaint from the directors of STEAM that their exploration license had been trespassed on by unknown people who were mining illegally without a license, allegedly working for John Muluri Muyambi and the National Cement Company. 

So, the Minister and her team, on June 20, 2024, at about 10:00 a.m., went on the ground for fact-finding and inspection. The private security company on duty refused to open for them until the police teams intervened. 

After inspection, the same security guard blocked the convoy and cocked their guns, threatening to shoot.

There were five private security guards armed with three rifles (SSMGs).

That’s when all five private security guards were arrested and disarmed. They are Kiiza Deus, Okurboth Robert, Niwagaba Anthony, Kajugo Mathias, and Mucunguzi Robert. they were handed over to Territorial Police Rubanda CPS and charged accordingly.

Regional Police Spokesperson Elly Maate says the minister and team are safe and have continued with their scheduled duties. 

No cause for alarm, he added in a statement.