Sixty-year-old James Kauka, a resident of Amagoro Village in Buteba Sub-county, Busia District, is currently nursing severe injuries following a violent midnight raid at his home that left him with broken ribs and a fractured hand.
Wearing a sling on his right arm and a chest brace, the incapacitated father faces a daunting road to recovery after an alleged assault involving Chinese nationals and private security guards tied to Wagagai Gold Mining Company.
The incident unfolded on the night of September 18, when Kauka was jolted awake past midnight by the sound of his front door being smashed open. A group comprising four Chinese nationals and eight-armed security personnel from Yessam Security Firm allegedly breached the residence and restrained one of his sons. When Kauka intervened to inquire about the reason for the arrest and whether local authorities were aware of the operation, the raiding team refused to explain and insisted on forcefully taking the suspect away.
According to Kauka, his attempt to shield his son triggered a violent turn of events. He identified two Chinese nationals, locally known as Lee and Sung, as his primary attackers. Lee allegedly knocked Kauka to the ground, kicked him repeatedly, and struck his hand with the muzzle of a firearm, while Yessam security personnel discharged several live rounds into the night air to intimidate the family. Kauka’s wife and daughter were also allegedly assaulted during the scuffle.
Distress calls made to the Amagoro Village Chairperson, Amos Okitwi, went unanswered during the raid as the local leader feared venturing out in the dark amid gunfire. Upon visiting the scene the following morning, Okitwi recovered several spent bullet cartridges scattered across Kauka’s compound. Okitwi immediately assisted in transporting the injured elder to Busia Police Station, from where he was referred sequentially through Busia Health Centre IV, Masafu Hospital, and ultimately Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for specialized care. Medical evaluations at Mbale confirmed multiple rib fractures and severe bone injuries to his hand.
A formal case of assault was subsequently lodged at Busia Central Police Station under reference number CRB 9281/2026. However, representatives for Wagagai Gold Mining Company have strongly disputed the victim’s account.
Bryan Wasike, a legal representative for Wagagai Gold Mining Company, denied that any Chinese nationals engaged in violence. He stated that a joint team consisting of Uganda Police Force personnel, private security, and company representatives had conducted a late-night operation to apprehend Kauka’s son over the alleged vandalism and theft of company culverts. Wasike argued that nighttime was chosen because the suspect evaded capture during the day, asserting that Kauka escalated the situation by confronting armed guards and attempting to disarm them. Wasike maintained that the security personnel retreated without assaulting anyone, suggesting Kauka fabricated claims against the Chinese staff in an effort to extract financial compensation.
Conversely, Chairperson Okitwi corroborated Kauka’s account, noting that grievances regarding high-handedness and physical abuse by Chinese personnel are common in the community. He cited multiple complaints from local residents and factory workers alleging torture at the hands of mining company management, pointing to a broader pattern of conflict in the sub-county.
Community leaders and the victim expressed frustration over the lack of arrests despite formal reports filed with the police and the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office. Okitwi expressed concern that influential government connections enjoyed by foreign investors might be hindering swift police action.
Addressing the allegations, Bukedi Region Police Spokesperson Moses Mugwe confirmed that detectives visited the scene, recovered spent cartridges, and completed initial investigations. Mugwe stated that the case file has been submitted to the Office of the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal direction.
As he awaits the decision of the State Attorney, Kauka claims to be living under continuous intimidation. He reported recent incidents involving low-flying drones over his homestead, damage to his rooftop solar panels by individuals atop a company water tanker, and instances where armed men pointed firearms directly at him. Chairman Okitwi confirmed receiving these supplementary reports and stated he had engaged company officials to halt the harassment.
The physical toll of the assault has left Kauka unable to engage in manual labor to sustain his household. More than a month after the attack, the family struggles to afford basic necessities, medical care, and school fees, while awaiting resolution from law enforcement authorities.