Ugandan police are investigating the deaths of four pupils at a school in the capital Kampala which they suspect may be the result of poisoning.<\/b><\/p>\n
The four girls, aged between nine and 11 years, died on Tuesday. Three of the pupils died at home while the fourth passed away while receiving emergency treatment at a hospital.<\/p>\n
The head teacher at the school, Ta’aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre, has been arrested to assist with investigations.<\/p>\n
According to the school, eight pupils had eaten oranges shared by a fellow pupil.<\/p>\n
Five pupils, including the four who later died, started vomiting. The fifth is still in hospital.<\/p>\n
Post-mortem examinations are being carried out to determine the exact cause of death.<\/p>\n
A police spokesperson was quoted by local media as saying that detectives would visit the village where the oranges the pupils ate came from.<\/p>\n
The centre has been cordoned off as a crime scene.<\/p>\n
Ugandan media shared videos of grieving parents describing their children’s final moments, with some accusing the school of failing to provide clear and timely information.<\/p>\n
The police have offered condolences to the bereaved families and affected community and say more information will be provided in due course.<\/p>\n
The tragedy comes at a time when concerns are mounting over health and safety conditions in schools across Uganda.<\/p>\n
Previous cases involving suspected contaminated food and exposure to harmful substances have left pupils hospitalised with symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting and breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n
The incidents have intensified calls for authorities to strengthen monitoring of school feeding schemes, improve hygiene standards and ensure safer learning environments for children.<\/p>\n
Source: bbc.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"