East African Gazette
Kampala
Four fatalities were recorded in a mine and two separate quarries within the last week.
One incident occurred on March 19, 2024, at approximately 5am, when two casual workers, identified as Nsengiyunva, 24, and Nteziryaho, 34, entered the gold mining sites of Lujinji “B” village for their regular gold mining duties.
The unfortunate incident resulted in the tragic demise of two individuals who were unable to escape their dire situation due to a severe shortage of oxygen.
According to Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police Force spokesperson, the investigation revealed that the mining pit, which was owned by an individual named Kityo, lacked essential safety equipment, electricity, and a proper oxygen supply.
“The victims ran out of oxygen at 4pm after 16 hours in the mine. Their bodies were retrieved and examined at Kassanda Health Centre IV,” he noted.
Another incident was registered on March 22, 2024 at 0430pm at a quarry for excavating murram, in Namukekendu village, Bubago parish in Namutumba district, where a one Gawule Brian, aged 18, died after the quarry roof curved in and buried him to death.
Another victim identified as Michael Mishelo, was rescued and rushed to Bukonte Health Centre III for treatment. The site had no safety protocols.
Relatedly, on March 23, 2024, at around 4pm, a stone quarry, at Kumbugwe Hill, Kasala village, Nakifuma Naggalama Town Council in Mukono district, collapsed and buried Esther Namwanje, while mining stones. Concerned residents tried to rescue her, but found her dead.
The body was taken to Kayunga Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Enanga noted that all the registered incidents highlight the gaps within the mining sites including: no safeguards in form of rescue equipment, electricity, no constant supply of oxygen, while the walls have fractures from blasting and often collapse from weights or vibrations.
Police say there is a need for better safety protocols at mines and quarries.
“As you are all aware, we have a history where most of the people who die in mines and quarries, are trapped and suffocate to death,” he noted.
Investigations indicate that falls are the number one cause of death in mines and quarries.
“Another big risk in mines and underground quarries is asphyxiation. These mines contain dangerous gases or have low levels of oxygen. Some victims do not realise that they are inhaling dangerous air until its late,” he added.
He cited other causes of death including electrocution, passage collapse and rock falls, and drowning.
However, Enanga said some of the deaths can be prevented if citizens know the dangers and counter them with safety measures.