The Wakiso District Environment and Natural Resources Committee, together with security officials, has launched an investigation into several stone quarrying companies over alleged mistreatment of workers and endangerment of surrounding communities.
The probe follows a series of complaints from residents who accuse the companies of exposing them to excessive dust, noise, environmental degradation, and reckless driving by Sino truck drivers.
The inspection team was led by the Chairperson Wakiso District Environment and natural resources Committee and a Woman Member of Parliament Betty Ethel Naluyima, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Yosam Kikulwe, District Environment Officer Rebecca Saabaganzi, and the District Environment Committee Chairperson Nyanzi Faizo.
Among the companies inspected were Kinglong Engineering, Gate Wall, and others operated by Chinese nationals with UPDF personnel deployed as security guards.
At Kinglong Engineering in Bumeera, Mende Sub-county, the leaders first moved to the main offices, only to find that all senior managers had allegedly gone into hiding.
“We reached their offices but none of the company heads came out,” said Nyanzi. “Only one Chinese worker was found, who claimed the supervisors had gone for lunch.”
Upon touring the quarry, the team found alarming conditions. Workers were operating in heavy clouds of dust without protective gear such as masks, boots, or helmets.
“This place is extremely dangerous,” Nyanzi warned. “These quarries sit right in the middle of communities, and that puts people’s lives at great risk.”
Residents Cry Out Over Dust and Poor Sanitation and the leaders told the lone Chinese worker that the residents had raised serious concerns, including the absence of toilets for workers, life-threatening dust emissions, and reckless driving.
“People are tired of dust that is killing them slowly,” Naluyima said. “The fact that these companies do important work does not justify endangering human life.”
In response, the Chinese worker named Li argued that some labourers refused to use protective gear, citing heat and discomfort.
“We have challenges with some workers who do not want to wear safety equipment,” he said. “But we are working on improving the dust problem.”
Environment Officer Rebecca Saabaganzi said her office would officially write to the companies, demanding immediate correction of all violations and proof of licensing.
“We are going to direct these companies to fix the issues and provide the proper permits that allow them to operate,” Saabaganzi stated.
Deputy RDC Yosam Kikulwe also vowed to continue investigating the companies until compliance is ensured.
“We are going to keep probing these firms,” he said. “Anything not working properly must be corrected.”
Hon. Naluyima instructed district leaders to return for a follow-up inspection as to save Ugandans.
“We shall come back with the relevant offices to ensure every issue is addressed,” she said firmly.