By Godfrey Muhumuza
A 25-year-old man is currently battling for his life after being knocked by a grader – a grisly accident that cost him the functions of not only his lower limbs but also bowel and bladder control.
Ibrahim Ahumuza, a former mason who was working at the pad station one, an area operated by East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Nyamasoga village, Kabaale Sub County in Hoima district, was knocked by a grader on July 26, 2024.
Ahumuza started working as a Mason contracted by NEC Works and Engineering limited at the pad station one in April this year, and was knocked down while at the construction site, but has since not received treatment to reverse the condition that has left him paralyzed.
At Kinina Village in Kitoba Sub- County, Hoima District, Ahumuza was found lying helplessly, recounting his ordeal. He says he was directing a vehicle at the pump station when a grader struck him from behind.
The company initially took him to City Medicals in Hoima but allegedly failed to pay for treatment, later abandoning him at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
He further reveals that he was later taken to City medicals by EACOP officials in Hoima City and later referred him to Nakasero Hospital where he returned home without further management.
Ahumuza disclosed to our reporter who visited him from his sickbed on Monday evening in Kitoba Sub County that he is currently in an ailing condition and demands officials and other well-wishers to support him get the required treatment in order to make it possible for him get back to work.
Florence Isingoma, Ibrahim’s mother and Jackline Kayesu his wife, say life has since become difficult at home without receiving any help from the oil companies and now want the concerned parties to step in immediately and treat their person.
While speaking to Spice FM about the matter, the Hoima district deputy RDC Michael Kyakashari says little information about the incident is available and adds that the victim requested for money instead of treatment something Ibrahim has refuted.
A response to our inquiries about the matter from EACOP management was not available by the time of filling this story.
