The Headteacher of Ta- Aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre, Mr Muzahim Ssuuna, has been arrested to aid investigations into a suspected school poisoning incident that resulted in the deaths of four female pupils. According to Racheal Kawala, Kampala Metropolitan police Spokesperson, the incident occurred on November 10, 2026, at around 1400 hours. The deceased pupils, aged between nine and eleven years, were identified as Nakitende Mariam, Kiruta Rwahim, Nasuna Nusufa, and Nabeta Failuzi.
The four pupils reportedly died under circumstances suspected to be related to poisoning. Three of the children died at their respective homes, while the fourth passed away at Kasangati Hospital. Another pupil is fighting for her life at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Ms Kawala stated that post-mortem examinations are scheduled to be conducted on the bodies of the deceased to establish the definitive medical cause of death and guide ongoing investigations.
Police detectives have commenced comprehensive inquiries to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading up to the fatalities and to determine whether chemical or food poisoning was involved. Ms Kawala confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths and determine whether poisoning was involved. Further updates will be provided as more actionable information becomes available.
This incident follows several recent high-profile cases in Uganda involving suspected poisoning of children. In August 2025, a 44-year-old man, Wilson Kiiza, was accused of poisoning himself and his four children after a domestic dispute. The children, aged 14, 12, 8, and 5, were allegedly lured to a banana plantation where they were given a poisonous mixture disguised as cough medicine.
The poisoning incident in August 2025 resulted in the deaths of three children, with the fourth remaining in critical condition alongside their father. The suspect, Wilson Kiiza, was reportedly taken into custody. The similarity in circumstances between the two incidents has raised concerns about the safety and security of children in Uganda.
The arrest of the Headteacher, Mr Muzahim Ssuuna, is part of the ongoing investigations into the suspected poisoning incident at Ta- Aliim Primary School. The police have not released further details about the investigation but have assured the public that they are working to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The Ugandan authorities have expressed concern over the rising number of suspected poisoning cases involving children. The government has promised to take measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of children in schools and at home. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Key points
- The Headteacher of Ta- Aliim Primary School has been arrested in connection with the suspected poisoning of four pupils.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of children in Uganda.
- The police are ongoing investigations to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
