70 people hit by suspected food poisoning in Kikuube
A man and his wife, who are said to have sold the ice cream in the three locations, are reportedly at large and are being hunted by local security.
One of the victims of suspected food poison receiving treatment at Royana medical clinic. (Photo by Ambrose Niwagaba Katoto)
NewVision Reporter
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At least 70 people are being treated for what is believed to be food poisoning after consuming ice cream from the same vendors on Christmas Day in Uganda's western district of Kikuube.
The affected people are residents of the villages of Kinogozi West, Nyakabonge and Kisenyi — all located in Buhimba sub-county.
A man and his wife, who are said to have sold the ice cream in the three locations, are reportedly at large and are being hunted by local security.
Rosemary Katusabe, a resident of Kinogozi West, said three of her children have been receiving treatment since Thursday after consuming ice cream sold by the couple.
"They came and staged near my home, so I sent my daughter to buy us ice cream since they were selling it at sh1,000."
Ruing her decision, Katusabe said consuming the ice cream has turned into "a tragedy to us".
Winnie Kyomugisa and Francis Kahwa are also dealing with the effects of the suspected food poisoning.
They said that after eating the ice cream on Wednesday, they got stomachaches and vomited. Headaches, fever and diarrhoea also hit them.
Dr Gerald Asaba, the acting Kikuube district health officer, said at least 70 affected people have been receiving treatment from various health facilities and at their homes since Thursday.
He said they are medically investigating the matter to establish what exactly caused the mass sickness.
"We have picked samples and we are now waiting for the results," said Asaba.
Hoima Regional Referral Hospital confirmed receiving 34 patients linked to the incident.
Julius Allan Hakiza, the Albertine region Police spokesperson, said they have launched a manhunt for the two people who were operating the ice cream machine in the affected areas.
"We have been told that the machine was being operated by a man called Micheal and his wife, but they have since gone into hiding, but we shall get them," he said.
Hakiza cautioned the public to avoid buying things, especially foodstuffs, that are not certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.