Four Girls Die in Suspected School Poisoning in Uganda

Police in Uganda are investigating the deaths of four schoolgirls in the capital, Kampala, following a suspected poisoning incident involving oranges shared among pupils.

The girls, aged between nine and 11, died on Tuesday. Three died at home, while the fourth passed away while receiving emergency treatment at a hospital.

The head teacher of Ta’aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre has been arrested to assist police with their investigations.

According to the school, eight pupils ate oranges shared by another pupil. Five of them, including the four who later died, began vomiting. The fifth pupil remains in hospital.

Post-mortem examinations are being conducted to establish the exact cause of the deaths.

A police spokesperson, quoted by local media, said detectives would visit the village where the oranges were reportedly obtained as part of efforts to establish what happened.

The school premises have been cordoned off and declared a crime scene.

Videos shared by Ugandan media showed grieving parents describing their children’s final moments. Some parents also accused the school of failing to provide clear and timely information about the incident.

Police have expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the affected community, adding that further information would be released as investigations continue.

The incident has renewed concerns about health and safety standards in Ugandan schools.

Previous cases involving suspected contaminated food and exposure to harmful substances have reportedly left pupils hospitalised with symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting and breathing difficulties.

These incidents have increased calls for stronger monitoring of school feeding programmes, improved hygiene standards and measures to ensure safer learning environments for children.

Investigations are ongoing, and the cause of the four deaths has not yet been confirmed.