Ugandan police investigate deaths of four pupils in suspected school poisoning

Ugandan police are investigating the deaths of four pupils at Ta'aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre in Kawempe Division, Kampala, which they suspect may be the result of poisoning.

The four girls, aged between nine and 11 years, died on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Three of the pupils died at their respective homes while the fourth passed away while receiving emergency treatment at Kasangati Hospital.

Police identified the deceased as Mariam Nakitende, 11, a Primary Four pupil; Rwahim Kiruta, 11, a Primary Five pupil; Nusufa Nasuna, 11, a Primary Four pupil; and Failuzi Nabeta, 9, a Primary Three pupil.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala said preliminary findings indicate that the deaths occurred around 2pm under circumstances suspected to be related to poisoning. "Postmortem examinations will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death and provide further medical findings," Kawala said.

Police have not established what the children may have consumed or where the suspected poisoning could have occurred. It also remains unclear whether the four pupils developed symptoms while at school or after returning to their homes.

According to the school, eight pupils had eaten oranges shared by a fellow pupil. Five pupils, including the four who later died, started vomiting. The fifth is still in hospital.

A police spokesperson was quoted by local media as saying that detectives would visit the village where the oranges the pupils ate came from. The centre has been cordoned off as a crime scene.

Police have expressed condolences to the bereaved families, relatives and the school community. Police extended condolences to the bereaved families, relatives and the school community as investigations continue.

The authorities have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect in connection with the incident.

The tragedy comes at a time when concerns are mounting over health and safety conditions in schools across Uganda. Previous cases involving suspected contaminated food and exposure to harmful substances have left pupils hospitalised with symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting and breathing difficulties.

Sources

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