- Summary: A 29-year-old quarry worker in Iganga was tragically killed when a large stone struck him. His wife was left devastated by the loss just weeks before their wedding, raising concerns over worker safety in quarries.
29-Year-Old Quarry Worker Killed in Iganga Stone Collapse
Residents of Nampirika A village in Iganga district were left in shock after a 29-year-old quarry miner, Amuza Mutumba, was fatally crushed by a large stone on January 6, 2025. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when Mutumba was working at a quarry in Nakalama sub-county. He was attempting to remove soil beneath a stone before setting a fire beside it to weaken the stone, making it easier to break apart. Unfortunately, the stone collapsed, fatally striking him and causing severe abdominal injuries.
Zulaika Mutesi, the LC1 vice chairman of Nampirika A village, stated that residents heard a loud bang and rushed to the scene, only to find Mutumba in critical condition. His wife, Amina Kagoya, who had been bringing lunch to him at work, fainted upon learning of the tragic accident and was rushed to Fast Line Medical Center. She later discovered that her husband had passed away.
This tragic event marks the fourth fatality at the same quarry since 2024, highlighting the dangers of stone quarrying. Hakim Mukacha, the LC5 vice chairman of Iganga, has called on the government to provide essential protective equipment such as helmets and gloves for quarry workers. Many young people in the region turn to quarrying due to limited employment opportunities but work without necessary safety gear.
Mutumba was just two weeks away from his introduction ceremony, with preparations already made for the event. Regional police commander Norman Musingo confirmed that the body had been released to the family for burial. The community and local leaders are calling for greater safety measures to protect workers in the hazardous quarry industry.
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