A heartbreaking incident unfolded at Rhino Company Limited in Kasenge B Village, Mbalala, Mukono District, where 19-year-old Gerald Mukisa Wasswa tragically lost his life. The young worker, a recent Senior Four graduate with dreams of pursuing Advanced Level studies, fell into a paper mill while working as a casual labourer at the factory.
Gerald Mukisa’s family, hailing from Wataayi Village in Namataba Town Council, is grappling with immense grief and frustration following his untimely demise.
His mother, Nalongo Annet Nakachwa, described him as a hardworking boy with aspirations for a bright future. The family’s plea for adequate financial support for funeral arrangements was met with disappointment as the factory offered an amount deemed insufficient, exacerbating their pain.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about poor working conditions at Rhino Company, with reports of underage workers being employed, posing serious risks to their safety.
Community leaders and officials are calling for stricter labor regulations to safeguard workers and prevent further tragedies. The lack of empathy and cooperation from the company management towards the bereaved family has deepened the sense of injustice surrounding the situation.
Amidst the grief and anger, voices demanding better oversight of workplaces and enhanced worker protection have grown louder.
Leaders, including Nama District Councilor Samuel Odongo and Namataba Town Council Mayor Douglas Namujali, are urging the government to intervene and enforce safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
The tragic loss of Gerald Mukisa has underscored the urgent need for improved workplace safety standards and heightened accountability.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, questions linger about the circumstances leading to the fatal accident.
The family’s quest for justice and closure is met with challenges as they navigate a complex situation marred by grief, financial strain, and bureaucratic hurdles.
With an investigation underway and calls for accountability echoing, the memory of Gerald Mukisa serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing worker safety and upholding human dignity in the workplace.
