The Police in Nagalama Division in Mukono district are investigating a case of suspected food poisoning which led to the death of two pupils and 20 admitted at St. Francis Naggalama Hospital.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango has identified the deceased as; Andrew Kakumba (13), a Primary Seven candidate, a son to Jackson Kakumba and Victor Bongole (10), in Primary One and a son of Vincent Bongole residing at Luvule village in Kyampisi sub-county.
The incident is reported to have happened at Nenyodde village in Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council in Mukono district.
Onyango has confirmed that the incident happened on October 12, 2023, at The Green School Makukuba also known as Trek Green School.
It is alleged that on October 11, 2023, Naggujja Norah, a teacher at TREK Green School, which operates both primary and nursery sections, brought cooked food (consisting of dressed chicken, sweet potatoes, and rice) from her home to her three children in the boarding section of the school.
“Naggujja served the same food to her children who also shared it with their friends, who are learners at the school. During the night, the children who consumed this meal complained of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness,” Onyango said.
It is reported that the school administration rushed the affected pupils to St. Francis Hospital in Naggalama to receive medical attention.
However, the day scholars who exhibited symptoms were treated at different healthcare facilities.
Onyango said the police were alerted and a team of detectives from Kampala Metropolitan Police East and the Division visited the scene.
“Three victims, Nanyonjo Catherine, Nakasi Leticia, and the teacher Naggujja Norah who took the food to her children, were transferred to Kayunga Hospital for treatment by the Police. Statements were recorded from relevant witnesses, and several pieces of evidence, such as food remnants, suspected vomit samples, faecal matter, and swabs, were collected from both the victims and the deceased individuals for further analysis,” he said.
The crime scene was meticulously examined, documented, and photographed by the scene of crime officers. The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to KCCA mortuary Mulago for post-mortem examination.
Dr. Musinguzi Julius of St. Francis Naggalama Hospital reported that the hospital received three categories of victims of suspected food poisoning from the GREEN SCHOOLS on October 12, 2023.
“a) Those admitted were five (05). b) Those under day care treatment totalled six (06). c) Those being treated as outpatients amounted to eight (08), resulting in a total of 19 victims,” Dr. Musinguzi’s report read.
The doctor’s report further explains: “The victims presented symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting, indicative of food poisoning. The admitted victims are currently stable but continue to experience diarrhoea. They are receiving treatment, including fluid therapy and pain relief.”
The owner of the school is identified as Ssenfuma David who pledged to foot the medical bills of the admitted pupils.