Kabale District Closes Three Iron Ore Crushing Plants Over Environmental Violations
KABALE, Uganda — Kabale District authorities, working alongside the police, have ordered the closure of three iron ore crushing plants accused of operating without the required licenses and failing to comply with environmental and social protection regulations.
The affected companies—Shivaji Minerals Innovation, Abbysiniya Company, and Bachwe General Services Company—were shut down following a series of complaints from residents who alleged that the plants were causing severe dust pollution and posing health and environmental risks to surrounding communities.
During the enforcement operation held on Thursday, officials from the three companies were escorted to police stations to record statements as investigations into their operations continue. Authorities also removed registration number plates from vehicles found at the sites as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Residents welcomed the district’s intervention, saying the crushing activities had significantly disrupted their daily lives. Community members, including Byamukama Derrick, Justus Muhwezi, Sylvia Tusiime, and Elizabeth Orishaba, claimed that iron ore dust had settled on their homes, contaminated the environment, affected livestock, and exposed residents to potential health hazards.
Kabale District Natural Resources Officer Henry Tumwesigye Kamutooro said the district government launched an environmental and social compliance monitoring exercise after receiving repeated complaints about the plants operating within a residential area.
According to Kamutooro, the district acted to protect both residents and the environment, ordering an immediate suspension of operations until the companies secure all permits and approvals required under the law.
He stressed that investors intending to establish industrial facilities must heed to the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and implement all recommendations arising from the assessment to minimize negative effects on communities and ecosystems.
Tumwesigye explained that the closure order will remain in effect until the companies fully comply with legal, environmental, and social safeguard requirements. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
The action highlights growing concerns over environmental compliance in mining and mineral processing activities, as local governments seek to balance economic development with the protection of public health and the environment.
