A fatal dispute over a Shs20,000 payment for picking coffee has claimed the life of a 47-year-old farmer, Ssengaga Vincent, in Kiboga District. The incident occurred on September 21, 2026, after Ssengaga hired two casual workers, Maniriho Baseme and Ssenteza, to pick coffee from his garden. The workers completed the job but were not paid immediately as Ssengaga did not have the money at the time.
According to Lameck Kigozi, the Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, the situation escalated when Maniriho, 27, decided to take a full tin of coffee as payment for the Shs20,000 he was owed. Ssengaga objected, leading to a verbal confrontation. The dispute quickly turned violent, with Ssengaga picking up a stick to beat Maniriho, who then allegedly produced a panga and attacked Ssengaga, cutting him on the neck and left hand.
The injured farmer was rushed to Nakasozi Health Centre II, where he received first aid, but his condition deteriorated, and he was referred to Kiboga Main Hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, Ssengaga died at around 10 pm while on the way to the hospital. The incident was reported to Nakasozi Police Station, prompting an investigation.
Police, accompanied by a canine, tracked down Maniriho, who was arrested and found with a blood-stained panga believed to have been used in the attack. Witnesses were interviewed, and statements were recorded as detectives pieced together the events surrounding the fatal confrontation. Ssengaga's body was taken to Kiboga Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
The case has raised concerns about casual labor arrangements, with police urging employers and workers to agree clearly on payment before starting work. Kigozi warned that disagreements over payment should be resolved peacefully to avoid confrontations that could result in loss of life. Maniriho remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the need for clear communication and agreements between employers and casual workers. The police investigation is ongoing, with efforts to establish the circumstances leading to the fatal attack.
The regional police spokesperson emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes, especially in casual labor arrangements. The suspect's arrest and the recovery of the panga used in the attack have provided crucial evidence for the investigation.
Key points
- A casual worker, Maniriho Baseme, has been arrested for allegedly killing his employer, Ssengaga Vincent, in a dispute over Shs20,000 payment for picking coffee.
- The incident occurred in Kiboga District on September 21, 2026.
- Police have urged employers and casual workers to agree clearly on payment before starting work to avoid similar confrontations.
