The Mityana Territorial Police have opened an investigation into a suspected poisoning incident that occurred at the Golden Learning Centre Nursery and Primary School on September 27, 2023, at approximately 1630 hours.
According to Racheal Kawala, the spokesperson for the Wamala region police, the incident transpired on Wednesday in Namungo Central Village, Namungo Parish, Namungo Sub-county, Mityana District. It unfolded as pupils began to complain of various health issues, including stomachaches, headaches, and vomiting, immediately after consuming their lunch, which consisted of posho (maize porridge) and beans.
Kawala went on to explain that over 100 affected students were promptly taken to different healthcare facilities, including Namungo Health Center III and MUKJ Medical Clinic, for medical attention.
The police investigation has already taken place, with detectives visiting the scene of the incident and thoroughly documenting it. Statements have been recorded from the affected students as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Two individuals, identified as Kule Alfred and Mumbere Edger, who are both employed as school cooks, have been apprehended as suspects to assist in the ongoing investigation. They are currently in custody at Mityana Central Police Station.
Furthermore, samples of the food served at the school have been collected for forensic analysis to determine if any contaminants were present.
As a precautionary measure, the school premises have been sealed off, pending further guidance. Initial findings suggest that the school has a total enrollment of 350 pupils, with the majority of them discharged to their homes by evening.
However, approximately 50 students remain under medical supervision, although they are reportedly in stable condition. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities related to this incident at this time.
The suspicion is that the affected students may have consumed food that was somehow contaminated, but investigations into the matter are still ongoing.