A file photo of a dead body
A suspected food poisoning incident has left a 10-year-old pupil dead and eight others hospitalised in Luuka District, police said, as investigations into the tragedy continue.
The deceased, identified as Shariah Namugogo, a resident of Kibuutu Village, Bulongo Sub-county, has been taken to Luuka Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Her father, Hamidu Namugogo, expressed shock and grief, urging authorities to hold those responsible to account.
“That’s how we’ve reached losing lives under unclear circumstances, to people who are really heartless,” he said.
Preliminary police investigations indicate the incident occurred on November 14, 2025, when a Primary Two pupil at Telik Junior School shared food from home with classmates, triggering severe illness.
“Shortly after eating the food, several kids got severely ill with vomiting and diarrhoea and were rushed to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for help,” said Samson Lubega, police spokesperson for Busoga North.
Eight other pupils remain under treatment, police added. The condition of the hospitalised children has not been disclosed.
Authorities have taken into custody two unnamed school management officials to assist with ongoing inquiries aimed at determining their level of responsibility.
“Let’s stay calm as police specialists, including Scene of Crime Officers and medical personnel, investigate to determine the substance and circumstances behind the poisoning,” Lubega said.
The incident has prompted calls from the community for stricter food safety measures in schools to prevent similar tragedies.
By press time on Sunday evening, Telik Junior School officials had not yet commented on the incident.
Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify the cause of the suspected poisoning and ensure accountability.