Ugandan police are investigating the deaths of four pupils at a school in the capital, Kampala, in a suspected poisoning case. The four girls, aged between nine and 11 years, died on Tuesday.
School Incident and Arrests
Three of the pupils died at home while the fourth passed away while receiving emergency treatment at a hospital. The head teacher of Ta’aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre has been arrested to assist authorities with the ongoing investigation.
The school reported that eight pupils had eaten oranges shared by a fellow pupil. Five of those pupils, including the four who subsequently died, began vomiting. The fifth pupil remains hospitalized, and post-mortem examinations are underway to establish the exact cause of death.
According to local media, a police spokesperson stated that detectives plan to visit the village where the consumed oranges originated. The learning center has been cordoned off as a crime scene.
Wider Safety Concerns
Local media broadcasted footage of grieving parents sharing details of their children’s final moments, with several accusing the institution of failing to deliver clear and timely information. The police expressed condolences to the affected families and community, stating that additional details will be released in due course.
The incident unfolds amid growing anxiety regarding health and safety conditions in schools throughout Uganda. Earlier occurrences involving suspected contaminated food and exposure to hazardous substances have resulted in student hospitalizations with symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
These events have amplified demands for authorities to enhance oversight of school feeding programs, elevate hygiene standards, and guarantee safer educational environments for children.
