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

The deceased, identified as Crescent Tugumenawe, 24, a resident of Mushunga village in Mitooma district, died on October 18 after a log loader cut his lower abdomen while he was in service in Sheema municipality.

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

Mr Marcial Tumusiime, Greater Bushenyi Regional Police spokesperson, said an investigation was underway into how the death occurred as it was believed to be a case of negligence on the part of the police. Gauhau Investment Limited, the factory the victim worked for.

“The information we got from the production manager of this factory is that it was an accident. The machine the deceased was using had a problem and while he was trying to repair it he was hit by a log which pushed him towards the cutting loader which cut him in the abdomen,” a- he declared.

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 ensure that all factories put safety measures in place to prevent such accidents.

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

“The rights and protection of workers must be respected in these factories. According to reports, our son did not have any protective gear. He (Tugumenawe) could have survived if he had been protected. This death is an eye-opener and the government should step up the crackdown on these factories, otherwise we will continue to lose many people to negligence,” Mr 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 go to higher education because we couldn’t pay his tuition fees, so he did odd jobs but he took care of us, especially his brothers and sisters, by paying their tuition, I don’t know what to do now,” she said. .

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

“I know my child is gone and it’s a very difficult time, but the company should compensate us. My appeal is for the government and other leaders to help us get compensation 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, there was no such thing as negligence on the part of the factory. We have security measures in place. We will work with the family to see how they can be compensated,” he said.

Ms Dianah Namatovu, head of labor at Sheema Municipal Council, said her office was also investigating whether the factory complied with labor laws and ensured workers’ safety.

“These companies should have security guards to ensure workers are protected, including providing them with protective equipment. In this particular incident, we are investigating whether it was an accident or negligence,” she said, adding that her office was working with Tugumenawe’s family to obtain compensation.