The family of Gerald Mukisa Waswa, a 19-year-old student, has rejected a Shs 4 million cash compensation offer from Rhino Company Limited following his tragic death at the factory.
Waswa, a former senior four student at Namataba secondary school and resident of Wataayi village, Namataba Town Council, Mukono district, had taken up work at the Mukono-based company to raise school fees for his senior five studies according to his mother Annet Nakachwa.
According to witnesses, Waswa was working alongside colleagues, feeding a paper-crushing machine, when he accidentally slipped and fell into the rolling mechanism, which fatally crushed his head. His body was transported to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination as police investigations continue. At the accident scene, Waswa’s mother, Annet Nakachwa, was inconsolable. She recounted how her son had been determined to complete his education despite financial struggles.
“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 said she was first informed of her son’s death by his colleagues but faced difficulties accessing the company premises to meet the management. She expressed frustration that the company was only offering Shs 4 million in compensation, while the family demanded Shs 7 million to cover funeral expenses and other costs.
Unsafe working conditions
Local leaders, including area councillor Samuel Odongo and sub-county speaker Badru Kiralire, strongly condemned the unsafe working conditions at the factory. They also criticized the Mukono district labour office, saying it has conspired with the so-called investors to exploit workers.
“Many children have died in this company, but authorities remain silent. This is the third reported death here,” Odongo lamented.
Workers at the factory revealed that the same machine had previously injured two other employees, who are still nursing severe wounds.
Douglas Namujaali, the mayor of Namataba town council, also expressed disappointment over poor worker treatment, blaming some Ugandan supervisors for failing to advocate for better conditions. He pledged to support Waswa’s family in their pursuit of justice.
