By Robert Segawa
Police in Nateete are investigating a case of alleged negligence and unlawful confinement at GNS Industrial Ltd, a manufacturer of plastic mats located in Nalukolongo Zone, Lubaga Division, Kampala.
The investigation follows an incident in which a 27-year-old worker, identified as Oboi Ivan, reportedly lost an arm while operating machinery at the factory on September 15, 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Oboi sustained severe injuries in the incident and was initially taken to a clinic for first aid before being transferred to St. Francis Hospital Nsambya for further treatment.
He was reportedly discharged after four days.
However, police investigations have established allegations that following his discharge, Oboi was taken back to the factory premises and allegedly confined there by company management instead of being allowed to return home or seek further medical attention with the support of his relatives.
It is further alleged that security guards at the factory were instructed not to allow him to leave the premises.
Sources at the factory told police that Oboi alerted a relative living abroad, who subsequently contacted a police detective about his situation.
The detective reportedly visited the factory to establish the circumstances but was allegedly locked inside the premises and prevented from leaving.
The incident prompted the Nateete Division Police Commander to deploy officers to rescue the detective and Oboi.
The victim was subsequently taken to hospital for further medical treatment.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, police also established that the factory incident, which occurred about a week earlier, had not been reported to police.
Owoyesigyire said the victim had allegedly remained at the factory with a fresh wound, while the severed part of his arm was allegedly buried behind the factory premises.
Police, guided by the company manager, reportedly recovered the remains of the severed arm from the location where they had allegedly been buried.
Owoyesigyire said nine suspects, including the company manager, cashier, head of security, two workers and four Indian nationals, have been arrested to assist with investigations.
Police have also recorded statements from other workers and people connected to the incident.
Beyond the allegations of negligence, police are investigating claims of unlawful confinement, particularly the circumstances under which Oboi was allegedly prevented from leaving the factory, accessing further medical care or returning to his relatives.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any offences were committed.
Police said the suspects will be taken to court upon completion of investigations.
