Over 40 pupils admitted over suspected food poisoning

At least 40 pupils of His Mercy Christian primary school in Buwaya sub county, Mayuge district were rushed to Pancrass medical centre over suspected food poisoning.

The pupils who were in critical condition were rushed to the health facility on Monday.

Sinani Mbubu, the school head teacher said that the children developed stomach upsets and begun vomiting Sunday night.

"At around 9:00 pm, the pupils started feeling abdominal pains and then vomited," Mbubu said adding that when their condition worsened, the pupils were rushed to the health facility for further medication.

Pancrass Onyango, a medical officer at the health facility said the children suffered from food poisoning.

"I suspect the food that the pupils ate was contaminated and that could have caused the stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhea," Onyango said adding that the pupils are recovering.

Some pupils who were put on drip said that they had improved and that the pain had reduced.

Muzafaru Musobya, a primary five pupil said "the pain was too much but now am feeling better,"

However, Mbubu refuted claims of food poisoning and said that the pupils could be tormented by demons.

"This is not food poisoning. The children could have been attacked by evil spirits causing stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhea," Mbubu said, adding that the children in the boarding section fell sick after a primary pupil was attacked by the demons.

Stephen Nyegenye, the community liaison officer (CLO) at Mayuge police station said the food samples have been picked from school and will be taken to the government chemist for clarification.