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It was a dark September 22, 2023, for Joseph Byarugaba, 60, when he lost his 18-year-old son, Chrispus T, to a factory accident at the Kinyara sugar factory in Kabango town council, Masindi district.

Byarugaba, a resident of Kabalye 1 cell in Karujubu division, Masindi municipality, told the New Vision Online that the news took him by surprise, adding that he expected a lot from his last born of seven children.

According to sources at Kinyara Sugar Ltd, Tibagwa who was buried on September 24, 2023, at his ancestral home in Kabalye 1 cell, died at about 9:00 am while he was sweeping inside the factory.

"He was working as a cleaner and he was killed by the bags conveyor. It pulled him while he was sweeping and hit him on a moving roller inside the factory. Though he had protective gear like a helmet and gumboots, he never survived. The head was seriously damaged," the source told New Vision Online.

Byarugaba, the father of the deceased, said when he heard the news, he immediately went to Kinyara Sugar Limited to ascertain what had happened but that he was blocked by the security guards from accessing the scene.

"I don't know why they blocked me. I waited outside until the Police came, picked up the body, and took it to Kitara Medical Centre where it was treated. I also followed them," explained Byarugaba.

According to Byarugaba, his son was working with Kinyara Sugar Limited under a contractor called Mark Alasani. 

"I was planning to take him to Uganda Technical College Kyema for a course. He went to work in Kinyara such that he would be able to get money to continue with his studies," he explained adding that Tibagwa had completed his 'O' level last year.

Father disappointed

Now, Byarugaba wants Kinyara Sugar and the contractor to compensate him for the death of his son.

"Kinyara contributed only shillings 400,000 while the contractor contributed shillings 200,000 towards the burial expenses. The company also bought a coffin, transported the body, and treated it and that's all. I need the company to compensate me for the life of my son. Yes, I understand he had worked with the company for only three months," he explained.

He added that mostly he used his money and also for the community members who contributed items in kind towards the burial arrangements.

"This money which was given to me by the company and the contractor was too little compared to the life of my son. When I tried to follow up, the company management told me to account for the money and also produce receipts which were given to me while purchasing the items. Not all shops or butcheries issue receipts. How can you demand receipts for onions and tomatoes," Byarugaba said as tears rolled down his cheeks.

Byarugaba says he wants the company to compensate him for the life of his son or else he seeks legal redress since the response he got was not satisfying.

Police speak out

Albertine Police region spokesperson, Julius Allan Hakiza also confirmed the incident noting that a case of industrial accident was registered.

Quoting the witness, Hakiza said the deceased accidentally rose under the conveyor which grabbed him and hit his head on a moving roller.

"He died after sustaining deep cuts," he added.

When New Vision Online reached the said contractor, Mark Alason denied being a contractor saying that the deceased was working under the company, but on a contract basis.

"I'm not the right person to give you a report about that. If you want information consult the Police or the human resource manager for the company. Those are the people who handled the issue. I'm not a contractor, but I am a worker who was doing the supervisory role.

He, however, added that everything was submitted and being handled.

"I think everything was submitted and someone is following up everything. Whenever such a thing happens procedure is followed and it's in the pipeline. They should be patient," he added.

When we reached Aldon Walukamba, the spokesperson of Kinyara Sugar, he urged the public and the family to remain calm.

“We would like to assure the public that Kinyara Sugar is fully cooperating with the responsible authorities and deceased family to unravel the circumstances that may prevail after this tragic regrettable incident while minimizing more harm," he said.