Sand mining, often conducted through open pits, riverbeds, or beaches, is vital to various industries such as construction and manufacturing. Despite its economic benefits, sand mining poses significant environmental challenges, including altering riverbed morphology, depleting gravelly bed materials, and lowering groundwater levels, which harm aquatic habitats and riparian vegetation. This study examines the environmental effects of sand mining in Nyakiyubu Sub-County, Kasese District, aiming to understand the relationship between sand mining practices and environmental degradation. The objectives are to explore the relationship between sand mining and environmental degradation, identify the methods used, and determine the contributions of sand mining to rural households in the area. The research questions focus on the methods of sand mining, its contributions to rural households, and its relationship with environmental degradation. Using a descriptive research design, data was collected from 80 respondents, including residents, leaders, and mine workers, through questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources. The analysis, involving frequency distribution tables and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, revealed that the most prevalent sand mining methods were mechanical excavation (37.5%), manual extraction (25%), dredging (18.75%), and suction pumping (18.75%). Sand mining significantly contributed to rural households through income generation (37.5%), employment opportunities (25%), sand for construction (18.75%), and household use (18.75%). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.508, PValue = 0.001) was found between sand mining and environmental degradation, indicating increased sand mining activities are linked to higher environmental harm. The study concludes that while sand mining is crucial for income and employment in Nyakiyubu Sub-County, it also causes substantial environmental degradation, necessitating sustainable practices to balance economic benefits and environmental protection.