Police in the Greater Bushenyi Region are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 24-year-old man at a sawmill in Sheema District.

The deceased, identified as 24-year-old Crescent Tugumenawe, a resident of Mushunga village in Mitooma district, died on October 18 after a log loader cut his lower abdomen while on duty in Sheema township.

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, the spokesperson of the Greater Bushenyi Regional Police, said they were investigating how the death occurred as it was 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 plant is that it was an accident. The machine the deceased was operating had a problem and while he was trying to fix it, he was hit by a log which pushed him to the cutter loader which 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 are moving to ensure that all factories have safety measures in place to avoid such accidents.”

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

“The rights and protection of workers should be respected at these factories, there are reports that our son did not have protective equipment. He (Tugumenawe) could have survived if he had been 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,” Mr Berutsya said.

Mrs Jolly Tukamusiima, Tugumenawe’s mother, said her son was the bread winner of their family and she wonders how they (the family) will take care of his siblings.

“He didn’t get a higher education because we couldn’t afford his school fees so he did jobs but taking care of us especially his siblings paying their school fees I don’t know what to do now,” he said it. .

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

“I know my child is gone and it’s a very challenging time, but the company should compensate us. My appeal is for the government and other leaders to help us see 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.

“It was simply an accident, there was nothing like negligence on the part of the factory. We have safety measures in place. 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 the safety of workers.

“These companies should have safety officers to ensure workers are protected, including with 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 is working with Tugumenawe’s family to obtain compensation.