JINJA – Police Detectives in Jinja are investigating circumstances under which a log from Namavundu Forest Reserve in the Butagaya sub-county – Jinja district killed a 38-year-old woman.
The deceased identified as Susan Natwoli was walking – alongside her seven-year-old daughter – on a feeder road located about 10 metres from the forest reserve on Saturday when one of the logs hit her on the head – dying instantly.
Casual labourers on the site fled into hiding upon receiving information that a misdirected log had ended Natwoli’s life.
Sylvia Naikoba -a relative to the deceased said that Nileply – the company in charge of the reserve does not have clear precautionary signage – to safeguard neighbouring communities from accidents during harvesting seasons.
Butagaya sub-county chairperson Abdullah Suuta noted that his leadership was engaging Nileply on the need for harmonious co-existence with the surrounding communities.
“Nileply is a reliable investor, who employs casual labourers from our community. We are encouraging them to institute safety measures, which will protect local people from being involved in such accidents,” he said.
Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi said they were liaising with Nileply managers to ensure the prosecution of those who had neglected their duties – leading to the loss of life. Mubi further asked residents in the neighbouring communities to be cautious for their personal safety.
