Health 8 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
26 Pupils Hospitalized in Luuka Over Suspected Food Poisoning
Twenty-six primary school pupils in Luuka District have been hospitalized following a suspected case of food poisoning after sharing a meal of white ants. The incident led to severe stomach upset among the affected students. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/26-pupils-in-luuka-hospitalised-over-suspected-food-poisoning-5551622
A concerning incident unfolded at Buwanda Primary School in Luuka District, where 26 pupils were rushed to the hospital due to suspected food poisoning. The students, all in Primary Three, began experiencing severe stomach ailments after sharing a meal.
According to police reports, the pupils had consumed white ants that were brought to school by one of their classmates. A teacher at the school noticed several pupils complaining of similar symptoms and alerted the school administration, who then contacted health workers.
The affected students were initially taken to Ikonia Health Centre III. However, their condition necessitated a referral to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for more comprehensive medical care and observation.
Busoga North Police Spokesperson, Mr. Samson Lubega, stated that while the incident is being investigated as a suspected poisoning, it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions. Medical evaluations and ongoing investigations are crucial to determine the exact cause of the illness.
Police are urging parents, teachers, and the wider community to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information as the investigation progresses. The focus remains on the well-being and recovery of the affected pupils. The exact cause of the illness is still under investigation.