MADINI YA MABILIONI YALIKUA YAKITOROSHWA,NAIBU WAZIRI MADINI.

Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa (MP), has said that the Government will not tolerate acts of mineral smuggling and that strict legal action will continue to be taken against all those found to be involved in the illegal trade. Speaking in Kagera region, Dr. Kiruswa said the Government has continued to strengthen control over the mining sector following recent incidents of gold smuggling in the region. In an operation carried out on June 29, 2026, in the Benako area of ​​Ngara district, the Police Force seized a vehicle transporting 20 bags of gemstones. Four people were arrested, one of whom had a brokerage license that allowed him to transport only 273 grams, while the actual weight of the seized load was 627.229 kilograms. The minerals were worth 10,986,761 shillings, while the Government tax was 1,016,275.38 shillings. In accordance with the Mining (Disposal of Offences) Regulations 2022, the accused pleaded guilty, paid the tax and fine. In addition, on July 1, 2026, officers arrested another suspect who was traveling in an International Transit (IT) vehicle with 4,434.66 grams of gold, valued at 1,345,998,291.67 shillings. The government estimated the tax on the minerals at 125,850,840.27 shillings. In another incident on July 4, 2026, an accomplice of the accused was arrested with 453 grams of gold, valued at 144,287,127.11 shillings, while the government tax was 12,625,123.60 shillings. The accused has been joined by his accomplice in a case that is currently being heard in court. Dr. Kiruswa has urged miners and mineral traders to conduct their activities in accordance with the established laws and procedures. He has also called on citizens to continue to cooperate with state agencies by providing information that will help stop the smuggling of minerals in the country.