Police in Uganda are investigating the deaths of four pupils at Ta’aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre in Kampala after they reportedly fell ill following the consumption of oranges shared by a fellow pupil. The girls, aged between nine and 11, died on Tuesday; three died at home and the fourth while receiving emergency treatment at a hospital. The school’s head teacher has been arrested to assist with investigations, while the centre has been cordoned off as a crime scene.
Key Takeaways: Four girls aged 9–11 died after eight pupils reportedly ate oranges shared by another pupil; five began vomiting and one remains hospitalised. Police are awaiting post-mortem examinations to establish the exact cause of death and plan to visit the village where the oranges came from. The head teacher is in custody as inquiries continue.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about health and safety conditions in schools across Uganda. Previous incidents involving suspected contaminated food or exposure to harmful substances have left pupils hospitalised with stomach pain, vomiting and breathing difficulties. Those cases have intensified calls for authorities to strengthen monitoring of school feeding schemes, improve hygiene standards and ensure safer learning environments for children.
Local media quoted a police spokesperson as saying detectives would visit the village that supplied the oranges. Post-mortem examinations are being carried out to determine the exact cause of death, and the police have said more information will be provided in due course. The cordoning off of the centre indicates that investigators are treating the site as a possible crime scene.
Ugandan outlets also shared videos of grieving parents describing their children’s final moments, with some accusing the school of failing to provide clear and timely information. Police offered condolences to the bereaved families and the affected community, saying the investigation is ongoing. The reaction has added to pressure on school administrators to communicate promptly with parents during emergencies.
Post-mortem results are expected to clarify whether poisoning or another cause was responsible. The arrest of the head teacher and the sealing off of the premises indicate that officials are treating the case seriously. The outcome is likely to sharpen scrutiny of school food safety, emergency response and communication with parents, as Ugandan authorities face growing pressure to prevent similar incidents.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk