Two Cooks Arrested,Investigation Underway into Mass Food Poisoning at Mityana School

Mityana, Uganda - September 28, 2023 - Territorial police in Mityana are intensifying efforts to unravel the mystery behind a suspected mass food poisoning incident that left over 100 pupils at the Golden Learning Centre Nursery and Primary School in Namungo Central Village in critical condition.

The distressing incident unfolded on September 27th when scores of pupils, some as young as 6 years old, began displaying symptoms of stomach ache, headache, and vomiting shortly after partaking in their midday meal of posho and beans, which was served around 2 pm. Alarmed school staff quickly rushed the affected children to nearby medical facilities, including Namungo Health Center III and MUKJ Medical Clinic, for urgent treatment.

In response to the alarming situation, police spokesperson SP Kawala Racheal stated that detectives from Mityana swiftly arrived at the scene to gather vital evidence and record statements from witnesses. Two school cooks, identified as Kule Alfred and Mumbere Edger, were subsequently arrested to aid in the ongoing investigations. Samples of the food served during lunch have also been sent for forensic analysis to pinpoint the source of contamination.

As a precautionary measure, Golden Learning Centre Nursery and Primary School, which normally enrolls a total of 350 pupils, has been temporarily closed. Fortunately, by evening, the majority of students had been discharged from medical care, with only approximately 50 children remaining under observation at local facilities in stable condition. Miraculously, no fatalities have been reported thus far.

Preliminary findings suggest that the mass food poisoning may have been triggered by contaminated food consumed during the midday meal. However, the police continue their relentless efforts to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding this shocking incident. The two suspects, Kule Alfred and Mumbere Edger, remain in custody at the Mityana Central Police Station as detectives strive to establish the full facts of this troubling ordeal.

The community and parents of the affected pupils anxiously await further developments as the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, local authorities and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and to bring clarity to this distressing situation.