Tragedy as two children die in Moroto gold pit collapse

Moroto, Uganda: Two children died on the spot while their mother sustained injuries after a gold mining pit collapsed in Moroto District, prompting police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and renew calls for improved safety at artisanal mining sites.

The tragedy occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Lokapirio Village, Rupa Parish, Katikekile Sub-county, when a section of a gold mining pit caved in, sending rocks crashing onto the victims.

Police identified the deceased as Amuria Calvin, 3, and Nakiru Joan, aged one-and-a-half years. The children were trapped alongside their mother, Keem Keregai, 23.

The two children died at the scene, while Keregai was rescued with injuries and rushed to Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, where she is receiving treatment.

Police have since opened investigations into the incident, including possible negligence surrounding the operation of the mining site. A team led by ASP Olila Alfred, the Officer in Charge of Moroto Central Police Station, visited and documented the scene.

Investigators photographed the site, prepared a sketch plan and collected evidence to support ongoing inquiries. Police also initiated procedures to have the bodies of the two children taken for postmortem examination.

Mt. Moroto Regional Police spokesperson IP Mike Longole urged residents to avoid operating in unsafe mining pits and warned parents against exposing children to hazardous mining environments.

He appealed to families involved in artisanal mining to prioritise the safety of children and adhere to basic safety precautions while at mining sites.

The incident has renewed concerns over safety standards at informal gold mining sites across the Karamoja Sub-region, where artisanal mining remains a major source of income for many households.