Gold Mine Collapse Kills South Sudanese Student in Uganda

(RHINO CAMP, UGANDA) – A South Sudanese student has died after a gold mining site collapsed in Yoyo One, Zone 3 of the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda on Monday.

The deceased, identified as Peter Mambo, was a Senior Six student at Yoyo Secondary School. Family members and eyewitnesses say he was trapped when soil suddenly caved in at the mining site, reportedly killing him instantly before rescue efforts could save him.

Peter was pursuing General Education Arts (GEA), studying Geography, Economics, and Fine Arts, and was preparing to complete his final year of secondary education. His death has left fellow students, teachers, friends, and relatives in shock and mourning.

Refugee leaders and residents expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a tragic loss of a young man with dreams for the future. They called on South Sudan’s leaders to work towards restoring peace and stability to enable refugees to return home safely.

Community leaders also noted that limited humanitarian assistance and difficult living conditions in refugee settlements have left many refugees vulnerable, forcing some to engage in risky activities such as informal mining in search of a livelihood.