Police have arrested the manager of GNS Industrial Ltd and eight other suspects over allegations that a worker whose hand was severed in a machine accident was confined at the company’s premises instead of being allowed to return home or seek further medical treatment.
The incident occurred at the plastic mats manufacturing factory in Nalukolongo, Kampala, on September 15, 2026, at about 3am.
The injured worker, identified as 27-year-old Ivan Oboi, was reportedly operating a machine when his hand was chopped off in the workplace accident.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Oboi was initially taken to a clinic for first aid before being transferred to St Francis Hospital Nsambya, where he received treatment for four days.
He was subsequently discharged from the hospital.
However, police allege that instead of being allowed to return home or seek further treatment near his relatives, Oboi was taken back to the factory, where he was allegedly confined.
“Police investigations have established allegations that, upon his discharge, the victim was taken back to the factory premises and confined there by the company management instead of being allowed to return home or seek further treatment near his relatives,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police further allege that security guards at the factory were instructed not to allow the injured worker to leave the premises.
Investigators also found that the workplace accident had not been reported to police for about a week.
During that period, Oboi allegedly remained at the factory with a fresh wound.
Police said the severed part of his arm had also allegedly been buried behind the factory premises.
“Police also established that the incident, which occurred about a week ago, was not reported to police during that period. Instead, the victim allegedly remained at the factory with a fresh wound, while the severed part of his arm was allegedly buried behind the factory premises,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police later visited the factory and found Oboi still at the premises.
According to Owoyesigyire, investigators, guided by the company manager, recovered the remains of the severed arm from the location where they had allegedly been buried.
The nine suspects arrested include the company manager, cashier, head of security, two other workers and four Indian nationals.
Police have since recorded statements from other employees as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the workplace accident, the alleged confinement and the handling of the injured worker after the incident.
Owoyesigyire said investigators will specifically examine allegations that company management prevented Oboi from leaving the premises to access further medical care or return to his relatives.
The case has been registered at Nateete Police Station.
Police said the suspects will be taken to court once investigations are completed.
