Ta-aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre in Kisasi, Uganda, has remained closed as police investigate the deaths of four pupils who died under unclear circumstances. The school management has stated that it will issue a comprehensive statement after receiving the postmortem findings, which are expected within a week. Some parents, however, claim they were informed that the process could take up to two weeks.
A visit to the school by Uganda Radio Network found the premises closed, with a private security guard stationed at the gate preventing anyone from entering. Residents in the area appear calm but are still trying to understand what happened at the village's only school, which also houses a community mosque. Many residents are seeking information about the source of the oranges that the pupils allegedly ate before falling ill.
The four deceased pupils have been identified 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, nine, a Primary Three pupil. They reportedly died at different locations. According to the school headteacher, Musa Muzamiru, who is currently in police custody, the pupils developed stomach pain and began vomiting on Monday night after eating oranges shared by a 12-year-old pupil, Kimera Nasuna.
A fifth child, identified as Lahimah Kiruta, who was admitted to the intensive care unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital, was reported to have died on Wednesday evening. However, Kampala Metropolitan Police had not confirmed the reported death by the time of publication. Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala stated that she needed time to verify the information with Mulago Hospital before commenting.
Parents of the deceased pupils have expressed concerns and are awaiting the postmortem reports to establish the exact cause of death. Hassan Magumba, the father of Mariam Nakitende, said the families were informed while collecting the bodies at about 8 pm that they would be contacted once the postmortem reports were ready. He stated that they were told the process could take up to two weeks.
The school's security guard, Lameka Musa, stated that the District Police Commander had directed that the school remain closed, with all activities, including prayers at the mosque, suspended until further notice. Musa added that no one is being allowed inside the school and that no activities are ongoing while investigations are still ongoing.
The incident has raised concerns about food safety in schools, with some parents calling for stricter measures to ensure that food brought into schools is inspected before pupils consume it. Rose Agaba, a parent at the school, urged the government to introduce measures requiring food to be inspected before it is consumed by pupils.
Key points
- The school remains closed as police investigate the deaths of four pupils.
- Families are awaiting postmortem reports to establish the exact cause of death.
- The incident has raised concerns about food safety in schools.
