Ugandan police investigate deaths of four pupils in suspected school poisoning

A billboard with the words Ta'aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre on top of a building

Image source, Uganda Police Force/XImage caption,

The school's head teacher has been arrested to assist with investigations

BySwaibu IbrahimBBC Africa, Reporting fromKampala

Published12 minutes ago

Ugandan police are investigating the deaths of four pupils at a school in the capital Kampala which they suspect may be the result of poisoning.

The four girls, aged between nine and 11 years, died on Tuesday. Three of the pupils died at home while the fourth passed away while receiving emergency treatment at a hospital.

The head teacher at the school, Ta'aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre, has been arrested to assist with investigations.

According to the school, eight pupils had eaten oranges shared by a fellow pupil.

Five pupils, including the four who later died, started vomiting. The fifth is still in hospital.

Post-mortem examinations are being carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

A police spokesperson was quoted by local media as saying that detectives would visit the village where the oranges the pupils ate came from.

The centre has been cordoned off as a crime scene.

Ugandan media shared videos of grieving parents describing their children's final moments, with some accusing the school of failing to provide clear and timely information.

The police have offered condolences to the bereaved families and affected community and say more information will be provided in due course.

The tragedy comes at a time when concerns are mounting over health and safety conditions in schools across Uganda.

Previous cases involving suspected contaminated food and exposure to harmful substances have left pupils hospitalised with symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting and breathing difficulties.

The incidents have intensified calls for authorities to strengthen monitoring of school feeding schemes, improve hygiene standards and ensure safer learning environments for children.