Police in Kassanda District have launched strict security measures targeting gold mining sites, bars, churches, and other businesses as authorities move to curb rising crime linked to the district’s booming gold industry.
The new directives were announced on Monday, March 9th, 2026, during a security meeting led by Edgar Akakwasa, the Kassanda District Police Commander. The meeting brought together local leaders and residents to address escalating murders and criminal activity.
Police say the surge in crime is partly driven by an influx of non-resident miners, including foreign nationals, whose presence makes it difficult to trace suspects.
“Many people working in these mines are not Kassanda residents, and some are not Ugandans. This has made it difficult to identify suspects when crimes occur,” Akakwasa said.
Under the new rules, all miners must register with authorities, providing identity and origin details to ensure accountability. Bars and churches are now restricted to operating between 2pm and midnight, as police seek to prevent these locations from being used as criminal hideouts.
Residents moving after hours must carry valid identification, or risk being detained for questioning.
Authorities say overcrowded mining camps have become hotspots for criminal activity and urge residents to cooperate with police. The measures reflect a tough stance on crime in Kassanda, aiming to restore order, improve public safety, and monitor the rapidly expanding gold sector before it fuels further instability.
