The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Zanack holdings is on the spot for alleged failure to compensate miners killed in the line of duty at its tin mining site in Mwerasandu in Ruhaama county in Ntungamo district. At least 15 artisanal miners had died in the mines in their line of duty from 2016 to date.
Some of those who have lost their lives in the mines include Duncan Kamwesiga, Milton Karuhanga, Jonan Niwahereza, Johnson Makepu, Latibu Nasasira, Mohamed Kadugaara, John Muhumuza and Amos Taremwa, all residents of Ntungamo district.
Hope Komukama, the widow of Duncan Kamwesiga who was killed in the mines in April this year, says when her husband died the company only sent a condolence. The mother of three says she has been battling to provide for her three children without any support from Zanack holdings.
Herbert Byemana says when his brother died in the mines, the company promised to support his family but nothing has been done.
Edward Natamba, the Executive Director at South Western Institute for Policy and Advocacy, says the failure by the company to ensure that the miners operate in a safe environment and compensate the families of the dead is a bad practice that must be addressed.
Anthony Rugasira, the supervisor of Zanack Holdings, says the company has only been issuing bursaries to the children of fallen miners. He also says they have improved the safety of miners, which has drastically reduced loss of lives.
Rugasira also says the company has been trying to stream line activities at the mines by registering the miners and supporting them to start an association to advocate for their demands.
Moses Sserunjogi, the manager Zanack Holdings, says they have tried their best to improve the working environment for the miners.
He says that they also register all miners to ensure that they are accounted for in case of any eventuality.
George Bakunda, the Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner, says they have received concerns from the miners, saying efforts underway to ensure that they are addressed once and for all.
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