Education
26 pupils rushed to hospital after eating white ants at Luuka school
Preliminary accounts indicate that the affected pupils ate white ants brought to school by a fellow pupil identified as Namukose Peace. Police said Namukose told investigators the ants had been given to her by her mother.
The pupils developed stomach pain on Friday morning, August 7, 2026, shortly after consuming the insects at the school in Buwanda Village, Bugomba Parish, Nawampiti Sub-county. (Courtesy Photo)
By: Simon Masaba, Journalist @New Vision
LUUKA - Police in Luuka District are investigating a suspected food poisoning incident in which 26 pupils of Buwanda Primary School fell ill after eating white ants brought to school by one of their colleagues.
The pupils developed stomach pain on Friday morning, August 7, 2026, shortly after consuming the insects at the school in Buwanda Village, Bugomba Parish, Nawampiti Sub-county.
Samson Lubega, the Busoga North Region Police spokesperson, said the matter was reported at Nawampiti Police Station and investigations had begun to establish the cause of the illness.
Police said the incident was first noticed by a Primary Three teacher after one pupil complained of stomach pain in class. Several others later developed similar symptoms, prompting the school to intervene.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the affected pupils ate white ants brought to school by a fellow pupil identified as Namukose Peace. Police said Namukose told investigators the ants had been given to her by her mother.
The school administration rushed the affected pupils to Ikonia Health Centre III for treatment before they were referred to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for further management.
Lubega cautioned against conclusions of poisoning, saying investigations and medical assessments were still ongoing.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the affected pupils ate white ants brought to school by a fellow pupil identified as Namukose Peace. Police said Namukose told investigators the ants had been given to her by her mother.
The school administration rushed the affected pupils to Ikonia Health Centre III for treatment before they were referred to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for further management.
Lubega cautioned against conclusions of poisoning, saying investigations and medical assessments were still ongoing.
“At this stage, it would be premature to conclude that the pupils were poisoned. We are working to establish the source and nature of the food consumed and whether there was any contamination or poisonous substance involved,” he said.
Police are examining where the white ants were obtained, how they were prepared, and whether they may have been contaminated.
Authorities have also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information as investigations continue. Lubega called on anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest police station.
He commended the school for its swift response in seeking medical attention for the pupils and notifying police.
“The school administration responded promptly by taking the affected pupils for medical attention and notifying police. We appreciate their cooperation as investigations continue,” Lubega said.
Police are examining where the white ants were obtained, how they were prepared, and whether they may have been contaminated.
Authorities have also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information as investigations continue. Lubega called on anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest police station.
He commended the school for its swift response in seeking medical attention for the pupils and notifying police.
“The school administration responded promptly by taking the affected pupils for medical attention and notifying police. We appreciate their cooperation as investigations continue,” Lubega said.