Police probe suspected food poisoning at school, one dead, 8 hospitalised

____________________

Police have launched a full-scale investigation into a suspected case of food poisoning that has left a 10-year-old girl dead and eight other pupils receiving treatment in Luuka District.

The incident occurred between 14 and 15 November 2025 at Telik Junior School, causing panic among parents and the wider community.

According to Busoga North Region Police spokesperson Samson Lubega, the tragedy began on 14 November when a Primary Two pupil shared food she had brought from home with several classmates.

Shortly after eating the meal, several children developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea, prompting teachers to rush them to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for urgent medical attention.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, one of the victims, Sharifah Namugogo, a 10-year-old pupil, died on 15 November. Her body has been taken to Kiyunga Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Lubega confirmed that eight other pupils remain admitted and are receiving treatment. Police have detained two individuals connected to the school’s management to assist with inquiries.

Their level of responsibility in the incident will be determined as investigations continue.

“We urge the public to remain calm as our specialists, including Scene of Crime Officers and medical personnel, conduct comprehensive examinations to establish what substance may have caused the poisoning and the circumstances under which this tragedy occurred,” Lubega said.

Police say findings from the postmortem and medical tests on the surviving pupils will be critical in guiding the next steps of the investigation.