Ugandan authorities are investigating the sudden deaths of four girls, aged between nine and 11 years old, at a school in the capital city of Kampala. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, is suspected to be the result of poisoning. Three of the deceased 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 taken into custody to aid the investigation. According to school officials, eight students consumed oranges shared by another student, after which five pupils started vomiting. One of these students is still receiving medical care. Post-mortem examinations are being conducted to pinpoint the precise cause of death. The police have stated that detectives will visit the village where the oranges were sourced for further investigation. The school premises have been secured as a crime scene, while the media in Uganda is sharing videos of grieving parents recounting their children's final moments and criticizing the school for insufficient and delayed communication regarding the incident. The police have extended their condolences to the bereaved families and affected community, promising to provide more information as it becomes available. This tragedy comes amid growing concerns about health and safety conditions in schools across Uganda, with previous cases involving contaminated food and exposure to hazardous substances leading to pupils being hospitalized with symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. These incidents have amplified calls for authorities to step up monitoring of school feeding schemes, improve hygiene standards, and ensure safer learning environments for children.
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The police spokesperson was quoted by local media outlets as stating that detectives would visit the village where the oranges were sourced to gather more information on the incident. The centre has been cordoned off as a crime scene while investigations continue. The tragedy is garnering attention and sympathy from the Ugandan public, with many expressing their condolences to the bereaved families and calling for stricter safety measures in schools.
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Ugandan authorities are under pressure to address health and safety concerns in schools following the tragic deaths of four students due to suspected poisoning at a school in Kampala. The incident has sparked calls for improved monitoring of school feeding schemes, increased hygiene standards, and safer learning environments for children across Uganda. As investigations continue, parents and the wider community are left mourning the loss of young lives and demanding answers from authorities. Stay tuned to BBC Africa for updates on this developing story.