A 15-year-old boy has died following the collapse of an illegal stone quarry in Kisaikye “A” Zone, Namasagali Subcounty, Kamuli District.
The victim, Musembya Anthony, a pupil at Namasagali Primary School, was buried under a pile of debris after the quarry walls gave way around 9:20 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
According to preliminary police investigations, Musembya had informed his mother earlier that he was feeling unwell and would not be attending school. However, he later left home and joined a group of other children working in a nearby quarry — an activity that has become common among local youths in the area seeking extra income.
Tragically, while digging, the walls of the quarry collapsed, trapping the teenager underneath. Despite attempts by his peers to save him, Musembya had already suffocated by the time he was pulled from the rubble.
Police were notified of the incident, and officers from Namasagali Police Station, including homicide detectives and Scene of Crime Officers, responded promptly. The scene was documented, and statements were recorded from eyewitnesses to aid further investigation. The body was examined at the site as part of the initial post-mortem procedures.
Authorities have since confirmed that the quarry was operating illegally, with no safety regulations or oversight in place. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of unregulated mining activities — particularly those involving minors.
In a statement, the Busoga North Regional Police Spokesperson urged community members to stop engaging in such hazardous practices, especially in environments that pose significant risks to life.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and police have pledged to take appropriate action in line with the law.
