Four young pupils have died in Uganda under suspected poisoning circumstances, leaving their families and the school community devastated as police investigate what happened.
The four girls, aged between nine and 11, were pupils at Ta’aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre in Kikulu Zone, Kikaaya Parish, Kawempe Division, Kampala District.
Police investigate suspected poisoning
According to the Uganda Police Force, the children reportedly died on Tuesday, November 10, at around 2pm.
Preliminary findings indicate that three of the pupils died at their respective homes, while the fourth died at Kasangati Hospital, where she had reportedly been taken for medical attention.
The deceased were identified as 11-year-old Nakitende Mariam, a Primary Four pupil; 11-year-old Kiruta Rwahim, a Primary Five pupil; 11-year-old Nasuna Nusufa, also in Primary Four; and nine-year-old Nabeta Failuzi, a Primary Three pupil.
Police have launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether poisoning was involved.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, police said postmortem examinations would be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
Investigators are yet to establish what the pupils may have consumed or whether the suspected poisoning occurred at school or elsewhere.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged orange brought to school by a fellow pupil have also not been confirmed in the police statement.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified anyone as a suspect. Police extended their condolences to the bereaved families, relatives and the school community as investigations continue.
