Twalla Seeks Government Intervention Over Mining Activities in Sebei

Tingey County Member of Parliament Hon. Fadil Twalla has called on the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to intervene in the operations of mining companies in the Sebei sub-region, citing concerns over alleged environmental damage, destruction of buildings and the welfare of communities living near mining sites.

Twalla raised the matter in Parliament on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, urging the government to streamline mining activities in Kapchorwa District and ensure that local communities benefit from the exploitation of mineral resources in their area.

The legislator expressed concern that mining companies were generating substantial profits from mineral resources in Sebei while allegedly doing too little to support the communities hosting their operations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

He argued that the economic benefits of mining should extend beyond the companies themselves to include local residents, who bear the social and environmental consequences of extractive activities.

According to Twalla, there is a need for the government to strengthen oversight of mining operations and ensure that companies fulfil their obligations to communities, particularly in areas affected by their activities. 

Concerns Over Stone Blasting

The MP specifically raised concerns about stone blasting activities by mining companies in Kapchorwa, which he said were reportedly causing distress among residents and damaging property.

Twalla cited complaints linking the blasting activities to structural damage to buildings, as well as reports of miscarriages and infertility among people in the affected communities.

The allegations have raised concerns about the potential effects of mining operations on public health, safety and the environment, particularly for residents living close to mining sites.

The legislator called for government intervention to establish the extent of the reported impacts and ensure that mining companies operate in a manner that safeguards the wellbeing of surrounding communities.

The concerns also point to the need for appropriate monitoring of blasting operations, including compliance with safety standards and measures to minimise vibrations, property damage and other potential hazards associated with quarrying and mineral extraction.

Minister Pledges Investigation

State Minister for Energy, Hon. Sidronius Okasaai, pledged to investigate the concerns raised by the legislator, opening the way for further government scrutiny of mining activities in the area.

The investigation is expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the reported effects of stone blasting and determine whether the companies involved are complying with the applicable laws, safety requirements and environmental standards.

Residents affected by mining operations would also benefit from clear findings on the reported damage to buildings and the alleged health concerns, alongside appropriate action where violations are established.

The reported links between blasting activities and miscarriages or infertility require independent medical and scientific assessment to determine whether there is a causal relationship. 

Calls for Responsible Mining

Twalla's intervention comes amid broader concerns about balancing the economic benefits of mineral extraction with the protection of communities and the environment.

Mining can generate employment, government revenue and business opportunities. However, communities hosting such activities may face significant challenges when operations are not properly regulated or when adequate safeguards and community benefits are lacking.

The MP's call for intervention highlights the importance of ensuring that mineral resources contribute to local development rather than leaving host communities to bear the costs of extraction.

Corporate Social Responsibility programmes can support community priorities such as education, healthcare, access to clean water, infrastructure development and livelihood improvement. Their effectiveness, however, depends on the needs of the affected communities, the commitments made by companies and the transparency with which those commitments are implemented.

Government oversight is also critical in ensuring that mining companies comply with environmental and occupational safety requirements, follow approved blasting procedures and address damage or other harm attributable to their operations.

Government Action Awaited

The minister's pledge to investigate the matter will be important in determining the next steps, including whether further inspections, environmental assessments or other regulatory measures are necessary.

For communities in Kapchorwa and the wider Sebei sub-region, the key concerns are the safety of residents, the protection of homes and property, and a fair share of the benefits generated by mineral resources extracted from their area.

The outcome of the investigation could help clarify the reported effects of stone blasting and establish whether additional safeguards or enforcement measures are required.

Twalla's appeal places renewed focus on the government's responsibility to ensure that mineral development is conducted responsibly, with the interests of local communities considered alongside commercial returns.

As the matter awaits further action from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, residents will be looking for tangible measures to address their concerns and ensure that mining activities contribute to sustainable development in Sebei.