Sheema wood factory worker was the breadwinner of the family

Police in the Greater Bushenyi region are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 24-year-old man at a timber factory in Sheema district.

The deceased, identified as Crescent Tugumenawe, aged 24, a resident of Mushunga Village in Mitooma District, died on October 18, after a log loader severed his abdomen while he was on duty in Sheema Municipality.

He was taken to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for treatment where he was pronounced dead the same day. He was buried in Mushunga village on October 20.

Mr Marcial Tumusiime, spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi Regional Police, said they are investigating how this death occurred as it is alleged to be a case of negligence on the part of Gauhau Investment Limited, the factory the victim worked for.

“The information we received from the head of production at this factory is that it was an accident. “The machine the deceased was operating developed a problem and when he tried to repair it he was hit by a log which pushed him towards the trim loader and cut him in the abdomen,” he said.

Mr Tumusiime added: “But the other information we are investigating is that the worker was not wearing protective equipment to ensure his safety. We condemn this and will ensure that all factories take safety measures to prevent such accidents.”

Mr Frank Berutsya, an uncle of Tugumenawe, welcomed the investigation into the matter.

“Worker rights and protections must be respected in these factories. There are reports that our son had no protective equipment. He (Tugumenawe) could possibly have survived if he was protected. This death is an eye-opener and the government should crack down on such factories otherwise we will continue to lose many people due to negligence,” Berutsya said.

Mrs Jolly Tukamusiima, Tugumenawe’s mother, said her son was the breadwinner of their family and they are wondering how they (the family) will take care of his siblings.

“He didn’t get higher education because we couldn’t pay the school fees for him, so he did odd jobs but took care of us, especially his siblings, and paid school fees for them, I don’t know what to do now, she said.

Ms Tukamusiima said the family does not yet know exactly what happened to their son, but appealed to the government to expedite compensation for her family.

“I know my child is gone and it is a very challenging moment, but the company should compensate us. My appeal is that the government and other leaders must help us ensure that we are compensated for this loss,” she said.

Mr Frank Kyerere, who represented the factory at the burial ceremony, said Tugumenawe died in an accident.

“This was purely an accident, nothing like negligence on part of the factory. We have taken safety measures. We will work with the family to see how they can be compensated,” he said.

Ms Dianah Namatovu, Sheema Municipal Council Labor Officer, said her office is also investigating whether the factory is complying with labor laws and ensuring worker safety.

“These companies should have safety officers to ensure workers are protected, including protective equipment. In this particular incident, we are conducting investigations to find out whether this was an accident or negligence,” she said, adding that her office was working with Tugumenawe’s family to obtain compensation.