Ugandan authorities have launched investigations into the deaths of four female pupils at Ta’aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre in Kampala, following suspicions that they may have consumed a poisonous substance.
The victims, aged between nine and 11, reportedly died on Tuesday, with three passing away at their homes and another losing her life while undergoing emergency medical care at a hospital.
The school’s head teacher has since been taken into police custody to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to information released by the institution, eight children had consumed oranges provided by another student. Shortly afterwards, five of them developed severe vomiting, with four subsequently dying.
The remaining pupil is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
Police have arranged for post-mortem examinations to establish the precise cause of the fatalities. Investigators are also expected to trace the source of the fruits by visiting the community from which they were reportedly obtained.
Meanwhile, the educational facility has been sealed off as investigations continue, with authorities treating the premises as a potential crime scene.
Local media reports have also featured emotional accounts from bereaved parents, some of whom have criticised the institution over what they described as inadequate communication following the emergency.
The police have expressed sympathy to the affected households and the wider community, assuring the public that further details will be communicated as inquiries progress.
The incident has renewed public attention on food safety and sanitation in Ugandan educational institutions, particularly amid previous reports of learners falling ill after suspected exposure to unsafe meals and hazardous materials.
Such occurrences have prompted renewed demands for stricter supervision of school catering arrangements, improved sanitary practices and stronger protective measures to safeguard children in learning facilities.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong