One of the sand mines and open pits in Karora,Rwampara district western Uganda. Credit - Aaron Ainomugisha.
Sand Mining, a lucrative business at the expense of local communities and environment, surviving on tax evasion and policy gaps. In this December 2022 & January 2023 in-depth story “HOW WESTERN UGANDA’S SAND MAFIAS ARE CHOKING THE ENVIRONMENT & LOCAL COMMUNITIES”, AARON AINOMUGISHA exposes how illegal sand miners and dealers are degrading the environment and exploiting local communities; endangering flora and fauna in western Uganda especially Greater Mbarara & Greater Bushenyi districts, and other hotspots.
FULL MULTIMEDIA STORY/AUDIO LINK 1 (Runyankore Rukiga version)
The sinotrucks transporting sands have left roads impassable.
The most affected areas include Nyakayojo, Ruti and Kirehe in Mbarara city, Nyeihanga, Rugando, Kinoni, Karora Rwampara district, Ngoma, Rwabutura, Kagango, Kiziba, Kihunda Sheema municipality, Rwanyampazi, Bubaare in Mbarara district and other areas.