Mukono Police have launched an investigation into a fatal accident at Rhino Company Limited in Kasenge B Village, Mbalala Parish, Nama Sub-county, Mukono District, that claimed the life of a 19-year-old worker. The deceased has been identified as Gerald Mukisa Waswa, a Senior Four leaver from Namataba Secondary School and a resident of Wataayi Village, Namataba Town Council.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, stated that Waswa was working alongside colleagues feeding a paper-crushing machine when he accidentally slipped and fell into the rolling mechanism, which crushed his head.
The incident was reported to Mbalala Police Station, and a joint response team from Mukono Police Division was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the victim’s body in a warehouse with suspected blood stains leading to the machine,” Onyango said. The body has since been taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.
At the scene, the deceased’s mother, Annet Nakachwa, was inconsolable. She revealed that Waswa had been working to raise school fees for Senior Five. “My son was very bright; he got good results and told me he wanted to work to raise part of his school fees while I topped up the rest. Today, his school was holding a Thanksgiving celebration, but instead, I am mourning. He was my hope after their father abandoned them when they were still babies,” she tearfully narrated.
Nakachwa added that she received a call about her son’s death from his colleagues. However, she and her family faced difficulties accessing the company premises to meet management. She expressed frustration that the company is only offering UGX 4 million in compensation, while they are demanding UGX 7 million to cover funeral expenses and other costs.
Local leaders, including area councilor Samuel Odongo and sub-county speaker Badru Kiralire, condemned the poor working conditions at the company, particularly the lack of protective gear for workers. They also criticized the Mukono District Labor Officer, accusing him of conspiring with investors to exploit workers. “Many children have died in this company, but authorities remain silent. This is the third reported death here,” the leaders lamented. According to workers, the machine that killed Waswa has previously injured two others, who are currently nursing severe wounds.
Douglas Namujaali, the mayor of Namataba Town Council, also expressed disappointment over how workers are treated, blaming some Ugandan supervisors for failing to stand up for their colleagues. He pledged to support the family in their quest for justice.