Tempers have flared high at St. John’s Bugongi Parish Church of Uganda in All Saints Archdeaconry, in Kigezi Diocese after Chinese investors attempted to mine iron ore on church land, prompting Christians to block them.
The disputed land is located on Rwakashunju Hill in Rujanjara Village, Upper Bugongi Ward, Northern Division in Kabale.
At around 3:00pm yesterday, two Chinese nationals escorted by Uganda People’s Defence Forces arrived at the site in a double-cabin vehicle registration number UBR 625S.
The vehicle also carried several men believed to be casual labourers.
The Chinese nationals reportedly began assembling mining equipment, including machinery resembling a bulldozer, in preparation for mining operations.
However, at around 5:30pm, a group of Christians stormed the site and protested against the alleged mining activities, accusing the investors of attempting to begin operations on church land without the knowledge or consent of the congregation.
During the protest, Brian Munanura, who identified himself as the manager for the Chinese investors says the Chinese nationals had only visited the site to conduct exploration activities and not actual mining operations.
An officer from the Police Minerals Protection Unit, who identified himself only as Amanya, ordered the investors to immediately remove all equipment from the disputed land pending resolution of the matter. Amanya also directed the investors, Munanura, and the protesting Christians to attend an emergency meeting with Rev. Nzaana at the church premises.
By URN
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