Police in Kabale District have launched investigations into circumstances under which a private security guard attempted to shoot the State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro.

A private security guard employed by National Cement Company, a subsidiary of the Devki Group, has been arrested by the police to aid in the in the investigation.

The incident occurred on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Kisoro District, where Minister Nyamutoro was conducting a routine inspection of the reported illegal mining activities and a consultative meeting with the district leaders and stakeholders of the Kigezi sub region on regulations on artisanal mining.

It is said the security guard whose identity has not been revealed reportedly clashed with Nyamutoro’s team in the process of attempting to block them. Police is yet to release the detail about the incident.

A source revealed that the private guard had been instructed by his bosses not to allow anyone, including government officials, to access the facility.

“He was acting upon the directive of his bosses, who have been involved in illegal mining in the area. So when the soft-spoken Minister Nyamutoro insisted, the guard pulled his riffle and threatened to end her life, but her bodyguards intervened and disarmed him before he was arrested,” said the source.

Minister Nyamutoro’s visit to Kisoro District stemmed from concerns about illegal mining operations that have been happening there. The extent and nature of these activities are not detailed in the available reports.